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Mechanical Keyboards: BlackWidow, Osmium, G710+

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  • Keyboards
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Anonymous
September 12, 2013 11:20:08 PM

Today we review three of the most popular mechanical keyboards around: the Gigabyte Aivia Osmium, Logitech G710+, and Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013. Which these three $130-$150 premium gaming peripherals is the best bet? We'll find out!

Mechanical Keyboards: BlackWidow, Osmium, G710+ : Read more

More about : mechanical keyboards blackwidow osmium g710

September 13, 2013 1:01:52 AM

I don't understand how you included "actuation force" into the overall keyboard score, it's personal preference.
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September 13, 2013 1:10:17 AM

umm, why does it say that lower actuation force is better on the graph? Right above the graph it says
Quote:
Keys that are too easy to press can be easy to accidentally trigger, while keys that are too stiff can be particularly exhausting after long typing sessions.
Using that as a scoring metric is somewhat absurd.
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September 13, 2013 1:16:07 AM

On another note, razer. I really wish I could endorse their products. They have neat designs and features and sell at a decent price point. But I've had 5 razer products and only one of them is still in use, the rest are broken or returned for not working correctly.

I had the non-ultimate black widow and it worked excellently for a year and a half and then just crapped out randomly (sent out a random key sequence whenever plugged in). There was no physical damage and I treat my peripherals very well.

Every time I had a problem with a razer product I kept thinking, "this must just be an outlier and not representative of Razer", but I can't really say that anymore. Mostly I use logitech now. And for keyboards (since logitech just started mechanicals) I use daskeyboard.
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September 13, 2013 1:54:28 AM

Personally i prefer old school. Using an Unicomp keyboard, a clone of the classic IBM Model M. It is really loud, but built like a tank.
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September 13, 2013 2:06:58 AM

retrac1324 said:
I don't understand how you included "actuation force" into the overall keyboard score, it's personal preference.


Carpal tunnel. The harder you have to press and the more you type, the faster this can get you. I'd have to imagine that the lower actuation point on the Blue switches would make them the worst for that - though Razer makes gaming peripherals, not keyboards for typists, so their choice does make sense if you're going for a "trigger" effect. In any event, I seriously doubt any of these top-end keyboards have a too low actuation force issue. They should all be quite solid feeling, and unless you have incredibly heavy hands, that's typically not an issue in this class of product. The preference is probably more between switch types and the different ways they go about providing tactile feedback than any leanings toward a certain amount of force needed to depress a key.
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September 13, 2013 2:39:03 AM

There's nothing that stops mechanical keyboards from being in a grid layout - it's less common, but possible.

Also, conventional/cheap boards still use individual switches (one per key). It's the type of those switches that make it mechanical (spring-loaded contacts instead of a conductive dome on PCB traces), and rollover etc. is all because of how it's wired to a microcontroller.
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September 13, 2013 4:17:34 AM

Had my fair share of TOTR Logitech and Razer Keyboards and to be honest, all of them have either failed prematurely, had the symbols "rub off" the keys through use (unacceptable for kb's in that price range) or just fit into the "look nice, but cheap tat with crap feel" category. In fact i have been pretty underwhelmed, disappointed, cheated by everything until i bought a Corsair Vengeance K90. That K90 was expensive when i bought it but i soon realised that it was money well spent. It is simply awesome, it was so good i bought a second one for my partner and recommended that my friends also buy one, some of whom have and are equally ecstatic. I will admit to owning the Logitech DiNovo Edge - thats used in the lounge with the media center and whilst not very rugged and not mechanical is better than any of the wireless keyboards ive had for media center use, although the software is prone to freezing sometimes. Im still very happy with my Razer Deathadder Mouse (without the Cloud Driver nonsense).

My advice would be to check out the corsair K90 or the newer K95 before you throw money at the others.
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September 13, 2013 5:04:29 AM

I like the feel of the browns and blues. They feel mechanical. The blacks and reds to me feel like non-mechanical keys.

Keyboards aren't pretty, but the 710+ is just plain ugly. Who thought pairing orange with black and gray would be a good idea? Also, it only has white lighting.

Anyhow, I was able to pick up a 710+ for $99 new on sale. While it's ugly, it's a great keyboard from a practicality/usability standpoint. I like how you can change the lighting level of the wasd cluster independent of the rest of the keys. The tactile and audible feedback of the browns has got to be my favorite of the bunch. I'm constantly using the roller-style volume control too. I wouldn't pay $150 for it though.
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September 13, 2013 5:07:21 AM

I find it sad that Corsair was not included and the CM storm peripherals considering the fact that those keyboards seem to be more customizable based on macros/switches and these "high end" keyboards are synonymous with overpriced and over marketed.
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September 13, 2013 6:35:40 AM

I have owned both the Gigabyte and Logitech keyboards from this review, and I must say the G710+ hands down is the better keyboard for me. The only problem I have had out of the G710 is some of the led's went out after I got it(twice RMA'd the first one for the same thing) I also had the LED's go out in the Gigabyte keyboard as well, but the Macro keys where in such a bad place I just could never get comfortable using them, so I returned it and got the G710+, I would like for them to make a G720+ with a LCD screen like the old G15 I would buy one in a flash!
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September 13, 2013 6:37:48 AM

Nice article and I actually like the clickety-clack like my old Compaq keyboard from the 90's that still works. Gone through a plethora of other keyboards since then that get stuck keys or keys that do not register at all.
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September 13, 2013 7:35:11 AM

adamovera said:
retrac1324 said:
I don't understand how you included "actuation force" into the overall keyboard score, it's personal preference.


Carpal tunnel. The harder you have to press and the more you type, the faster this can get you. I'd have to imagine that the lower actuation point on the Blue switches would make them the worst for that - though Razer makes gaming peripherals, not keyboards for typists, so their choice does make sense if you're going for a "trigger" effect. In any event, I seriously doubt any of these top-end keyboards have a too low actuation force issue. They should all be quite solid feeling, and unless you have incredibly heavy hands, that's typically not an issue in this class of product. The preference is probably more between switch types and the different ways they go about providing tactile feedback than any leanings toward a certain amount of force needed to depress a key.


The amount of force does make a difference for many users. If you ever get a chance to try out keyboard with non-"common" switches (MX Black, Red, Brown, and Blue being the common switches) you will certainly notice a difference. MX Greens are a clicky/tactile switch that are basically stiffer Blues and have noticeably stronger switches which some people prefer. I use a CODE keyboard from WASD with MX Clears and I very much prefer the stiffer springs and heavier actuation point over the lighter-but-similar MX Brown switches. The switch types are so different and individual preference is so varied that companies like Cooler Master are offering their mechanical keyboard models with multiple switch types because they know one switch isn't inherently "better" than another. It's absolutely a personal preference and shouldn't be taken into account when objectively comparing different keyboards.
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September 13, 2013 8:14:07 AM

retrac1324 said:
I don't understand how you included "actuation force" into the overall keyboard score, it's personal preference.


from a gaming keyboard perspective, the lower the actuation force, the easier it is to 'quickly tap a key', and the easier it is to 'double tap', or 'key mash' for repeated attacks, combos, etc. from a purely gaming perspective, the lower the actuation force, the better a mechanical keyboard is (as long as every hit registers, which is clearly true here). if you can't mash a key fast enough to take advantage of this, have no fear, it's perfectly normal. but don't try to become a pro gamer :p 
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September 13, 2013 9:04:59 AM

I totally agree on the "lower actuation force is better" benchmark, that's bullshit. I use MX blacks at home and a Unicomp M (Buckling Springs) at work. I defy you to show me an experienced typist that would choose to move from an M to cherry reds or a dome board given the option and with sufficient experience on the M.
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September 13, 2013 9:16:18 AM

I agree with other posts. Mechanical keyboard preference is such a subjective topic. Some people prefer the audible feedback of a clicky keyboard over a quiet one. Some like heavier keys vs. light.

What I would like to have seen in this article is a challenge to the keys themselves. Rub some of the keys with an abrasive to simulate a couple years' worth of use and see how they stand up. Some backlit mechanical keyboards are plagued by the letters rubbing off and having the light shine right through the keys.
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September 13, 2013 10:33:39 AM

As a keyboard snob, I am inclined to say that my Ducky 9008G2 with plate mounted Cherry MX Greens is far superior. Great article though!
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September 13, 2013 11:40:56 AM

The Gigabyte Aivia Osmium macro keys cannot be easily hit from the WASD key position. Deal killer IMO.
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September 13, 2013 12:36:04 PM

I must add that my brother's black widow only lasted for about a year so what looks good on paper does not have to be good in practice. In addition to that it did not always work in bios so I would say watch out with these things.

Razer has a reputation of some of their products failing fast.
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September 13, 2013 1:01:14 PM

qlum said:
I must add that my brother's black widow only lasted for about a year so what looks good on paper does not have to be good in practice. In addition to that it did not always work in bios so I would say watch out with these things.

Razer has a reputation of some of their products failing fast.


I think it depends on usage and how one uses a keyboard. I don't treat my electronics like a newborn baby, but I take care of them. and I can tell you that between gaming, writing articles, and replying to work emails/spreadsheets etc etc. I am on my computer and pounding away at my black widow ultimate close to 10 hr per day (that's on average). after 1.5 years of use, aside from some dirt etc build up that I've had to clean once in a while, I've seen ZERO degradation to the quality o the keys, and only some minimal damage to the surface of the keys, where they become a bit 'shiny' after being touched/tapped so many times.

your brother either have a defective product, or he pounds the keys a lot harder than I do. Additionally, I cannot attest for the ability of the keyboard to withstand traveling on the road, since I simply leave mine at home.
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September 13, 2013 1:14:18 PM

vmem said:
qlum said:
I must add that my brother's black widow only lasted for about a year so what looks good on paper does not have to be good in practice. In addition to that it did not always work in bios so I would say watch out with these things.

Razer has a reputation of some of their products failing fast.


I think it depends on usage and how one uses a keyboard. I don't treat my electronics like a newborn baby, but I take care of them. and I can tell you that between gaming, writing articles, and replying to work emails/spreadsheets etc etc. I am on my computer and pounding away at my black widow ultimate close to 10 hr per day (that's on average). after 1.5 years of use, aside from some dirt etc build up that I've had to clean once in a while, I've seen ZERO degradation to the quality o the keys, and only some minimal damage to the surface of the keys, where they become a bit 'shiny' after being touched/tapped so many times.

your brother either have a defective product, or he pounds the keys a lot harder than I do. Additionally, I cannot attest for the ability of the keyboard to withstand traveling on the road, since I simply leave mine at home.


Knowing my brother he did not mistreat it, it is however the problem with razer that the build quality is inconsistent so one may last for ages where the other dies really soon.

I must also say that his keyboard did not die on the keys but rather on the elextronics around it, the keycaps generally don't die and the switches below it are chery ones like on any other mechanical keyboard or rather the vast majority of them. so its what goes after that where it fails and razer tends to fail there quite often.

Another thing to take in mind is where usually this would have been covered by warranty razer lets the warranty go only through the store where the product has been bought and in his case it was a webshop that went bankrupt leaving him with no replacement. Most other manufacturers have a more direct lane of rma.

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September 13, 2013 2:31:55 PM

I've always been the proponent of MX Red, it's vastly superior for anyone who doesn't fatfinger the keys.
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September 13, 2013 3:18:53 PM

If I was to get one of those I think I'd get the Logitech. I've owned quite a few Logitech peripherals over the years and I've never had any problems with any of them, the Logitech keyboard has the 2nd best aesthetics of the 3 (imo), it's the quietest (noise is my most important factor when it comes to mechanical keyboards) and actuation force is right in the middle, not so soft that you cause accidental key presses and not so hard that your fingers tire over a long gaming session. Logitech wins for me.
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September 13, 2013 4:23:58 PM

I've got money ready for any manufacturer that wants to make an ergonomic, mechanical, backlit keyboard without getting weird ( like the Kinesis and TECK. ) Don't need any LCD screens or macros. Take a Comfort Curve 2000 layout, use MX Red switches, and I'll give you $100.
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September 13, 2013 7:28:54 PM

I grew up, i no longer need a clacker on my bike or keyboard.
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September 13, 2013 8:14:18 PM

Well... I'll just stick to a ducky, das, or steelseries. Been working forever and has great design while being simple. Guess it doesn't have G keys and some other functionality but it works.
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September 13, 2013 10:21:37 PM

I bought a ducky for significantly less, and couldn't be happier about it.
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September 14, 2013 4:06:04 AM

I'm surprised they did not include the new corsair keyboards (K70 and K95) the K70 is arguably the best mechanical keyboard at the moment. Cherry MX Red Switches, full Aluminum design, laser itched letters, and at less than 150$ its pretty good. (the GB Keyboard is actually comparable to it but I have more faith in Corsair from a production and quality control point of view)
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September 14, 2013 4:07:25 AM

Edit: The silver version of the K70 is at 109.99 at amazon so that's actually a steal.
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September 14, 2013 9:12:55 AM

Mechanical keyboards, let me make this easy for you. They are all meh, what makes one great is the software they come with. IMO the CM storm trigger is the best board, you can get it it any key switch and it has the best keyboard software ive used. I currently have a blackwidow ultimate 2013, software is garbage, settings like to not be applied often when waking from sleep. Settings are not saved on the keyboard, so if you do somthing like disable a key, if you hit that key before your computer boots up, if one of the disabled keys is numlock or capslock (both keys I disabled), they will be stuck ON or OFF. Unfortunatly I don't think CM makes the trigger anymore, at least when I tried to get a new one with different switches it was unavailable.
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September 14, 2013 7:07:00 PM

I went Filco and never went back. If you want the best money can buy that's where it's at.

Enough said.
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September 14, 2013 8:23:44 PM

Razer lost my business with the Synapse "cloud driver" garbage. It should be optional, not forced!
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September 15, 2013 3:11:20 AM

The Giganyte has an MX Brown version too. Which would be my choice if you could not decide between the Logitech and Gigabyte...
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September 15, 2013 8:29:15 AM

I use a ducky shine, cherry brown. Feels amazing.
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September 15, 2013 1:02:06 PM

Was thinking about the Osmium because it's one of the shorter mechanical boards. USB port and audio ports right next to where the mouse typically goes seems like bad design though. Good thing hardly anyone uses that stuff.
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September 15, 2013 6:30:26 PM

LOL! Gigabyte won because of 60+ key rollover?
Who uses / presses 60 keys at a time? LOL.

Should've included Corsair KBs too.
'M-Y O-P-I-N-I-O-N'
Looks: Razer (Green backlight, I'm a fan of the colour green)
Feel: Gigabyte (Red switches)
Noise: Logitech (Brown switches with included O-rings)
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September 16, 2013 12:11:27 AM

I actually own a Logitech G710+, I've had it for about 4 months now. After 4 months of use I can say the keys have gotten a lot quieter than they were brand new. Yet their actuation has stayed about the same as they were when new. All in all I'd say the Logitech is a very good choice if you can get it at the price of the gigabyte board.
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September 16, 2013 12:25:08 AM

demonhorde665 said:
I actually own a Logitech G710+, I've had it for about 4 months now. After 4 months of use I can say the keys have gotten a lot quieter than they were brand new. Yet their actuation has stayed about the same as they were when new. All in all I'd say the Logitech is a very good choice if you can get it at the price of the gigabyte board.


Thanks! That is actually good to know! :D 
I am in the market for a new keyboard...

My current membrane keyboard is dying, overuse...
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September 16, 2013 12:28:44 AM

as for razor products failing fast id say no kidding. my razor naga hex mouse has already had its scroll press stop working. (I got it 4 months ago to) , really every mouse I have owned in the past 3 years have had their scroll press buttons fail. I don't think I'm laying on them that heavy (in games I use that button for reload) at least the naga hex had enough buttons on it that I swapped that function to different button on the mouse. but still miss my old Logitech 518 MX optical mouse, sure it wasn't laser only offered 2 extra side buttons no extra top buttons but at least its scroll press worked up to the day my freind's kid killed the whole mouse with a soda (I had that mouse for 4 years). today companies just don't make scroll press buttons as durable as they used to be.
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September 16, 2013 12:31:29 AM

demonhorde665 said:
as for razor products failing fast id say no kidding. my razor naga hex mouse has already had its scroll press stop working. (I got it 4 months ago to) , really every mouse I have owned in the past 3 years have had their scroll press buttons fail. I don't think I'm laying on them that heavy (in games I use that button for reload) at least the naga hex had enough buttons on it that I swapped that function to different button on the mouse. but still miss my old Logitech 518 MX optical mouse, sure it wasn't laser only offered 2 extra side buttons no extra top buttons but at least its scroll press worked up to the day my freind's kid killed the whole mouse with a soda (I had that mouse for 4 years). today companies just don't make scroll press buttons as durable as they used to be.


LOL tell me about it, my M90 Corsair scroll wheel failed too. At least RMA was successful..
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September 16, 2013 6:50:59 AM

I have never used anything but Logitech for anything so i cant say much for the others, but all i, family, or friends use is logitech and i never hear a complaint, and with my rigorous play of SC2, WoW, D3 and other games that demand consistent button slamming, i have never had a peripheral fail from Logitch.
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September 16, 2013 12:59:21 PM

why would this matter "Unfortunately, the G710+ doesn’t have any audio jacks on the board" If you had a mechanical keyboard like the G710+ you wouldn't waste your time placing a 3.5mm headphone into a POS integrated keyboard jack you'd have it connected to a decent audio solution whether a good high end onboard or even a basic xonar card DX for example.
Furthermore, its hard to include the g710+ when its more business like then the flashy light shows you get from the razer and gigabyte offering. And razer and logitech as well have probably a couple of the best flushed out software suites for their software out their.
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September 16, 2013 3:01:25 PM

demonhorde665 said:
as for razor products failing fast id say no kidding. my razor naga hex mouse has already had its scroll press stop working. (I got it 4 months ago to) , really every mouse I have owned in the past 3 years have had their scroll press buttons fail. I don't think I'm laying on them that heavy (in games I use that button for reload) at least the naga hex had enough buttons on it that I swapped that function to different button on the mouse. but still miss my old Logitech 518 MX optical mouse, sure it wasn't laser only offered 2 extra side buttons no extra top buttons but at least its scroll press worked up to the day my freind's kid killed the whole mouse with a soda (I had that mouse for 4 years). today companies just don't make scroll press buttons as durable as they used to be.


It seems I am just uber lucky with my razer products...

again, I'm not trying to be biased, and I'm fully aware that my one data point might be a far outlier vs the majority. but I've had my black widow for nearly 2 years now, and my deathadder mouse for far longer. neither has any type of significant damage, and functions like new... which as made me into a pretty big razer fan. I guess that'll only last until I hit a defective product :D 
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September 17, 2013 8:12:08 PM

My G15v2 has never died and been through multiple coke spills, Most higher end logitech products are real quality. Razor I hate there software however i've only owned 2 of there products the deathadder original and the mac version which is exactly like the original but white led. I like the deathadder but on the first one, one of the buttons kept double clicking. So i bought the mac version because it used the same sensor and i couldn't find the original anywhere and heard but things about the second version. Lucky that i don't have to use there new internet connected drivers because there's old ones for my device. I don't see why any keyboard of mouse drivers need to be connected to the net. I much prefer logitech software. Just bought a ducky and it's a good keyboard but miss the G keys on the logitech
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September 18, 2013 5:01:10 AM

I have a Rosewill RK-9100 with cmx blues. It was less expensive that all of the ones listed, and it has a great feel to it, is really responsive, and is a good weight. Just my 2 cents. Ohh also, each key has its own LED in a lovely blue.
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September 18, 2013 6:41:59 PM

I have a Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013. I wish the name was shorter... Other then that, I like that Gigabyte... I wish I knew about it 4 months ago when I bought this.
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September 19, 2013 10:15:45 AM

One major thing your article didn't discuss was the software for each. The Logitech software only allows you to program the macro keys. The Razer software allows you to reprogram almost every key on the keyboard. This was huge for me. I have the Razer and love it for the most part. My biggest complaint would be is that I don't like the the alternate
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September 24, 2013 4:28:07 AM

ive owned all three of these keyboards but the Corsair K95 destroys them all in both efficiency and kickassedness. bit out of the price range though..
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September 24, 2013 12:39:58 PM

themellowtiger said:
ive owned all three of these keyboards but the Corsair K95 destroys them all in both efficiency and kickassedness. bit out of the price range though..


The corsair keyboard is nice. I tried it out in a store however its not a very comfortable keyboard without something external wrist wise for me so I passed on it. The G710+ was fairly comfortable no strain what so ever over long use.
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September 26, 2013 11:17:06 PM

"Keyboard selection was skewed, as it pitted consumer-grade pieces against gaming boards."

When did "gaming" automatically come to mean "better than consumer grade"? I thought that gaming often meant putting some slick black paint and fancy graphics on something cheap, and then selling it for twice the price.

After buying a Razer product, and trying some of their others, I concluded that 'gaming' is just a tax for people who fall for slick marketing.

(Writing this as the owner of a a 1986 IBM Model M keyboard and a similar vintage Northgate Omnikey 101)

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