What keyboard do you use for playing games?

D

dredune

n00b
Joined
Oct 7, 2017
Messages
1
I play WoW most of my free time and I need a special keyboard. Which one do you recommend? Thanks
 
Ducky One tenkeyless. If you need lots of macro/function type keys, Corsair makes some mechanical boards that fit the bill.
 
I have a Razer Deathstalker. It has software to run macros and bind them to the key combos you want. Has some game mode to prevent the Windows and other special keys from activating.

I don't use these functions, but they are there.
 
I don't use Macros so the keyboard I have now is the Corsair K65.
 
For FPS games I use my G13 keypad, for games like Diablo 3 I use my G910 Spectrum.
IMG_1042.JPG
 
I tried many different keyboards, but I settled with Corsair K70 rapidfire. It is very good keyboard. Only thing I dont like is it has 3 non-standard keys, so I cant use my custom keycaps.
 
I'm a sucker for gaming keyboards. I like the backlighting and the extra features that keyboard purists turn their noses up at.

Biggest thing will come down to which switch you like best. I kinda like them all for the most part but Cherry Reds are my favorite. I have a few keyboards and go back and forth between them every few weeks to switch things up. The Corsair K70 best of all. I wish I'd opted for the RGB version though because the red backlighting is a little hard to read sometimes. I'm currently using the Logitech G710+ and really like it. As much hate as it gets, the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate with Cherry Blues is my 2nd favorite keyboard.
 
I tried the new Silver Speed switches on my new Ducky. Best I've ever used.
 
For some reason, Black widow feels off when I switched off to it. It has a different spacing or something, I was not able to get used to. For gaming, Cherry MX blues are the best in my experience. Especially if you are playing games like Starcraft 2 or any macro/micro oriented game. The clicky noise puts you in the zone, and your fingers glide thru the keys in a harmony. Cherry MX red is the second best for gaming. I use MX black at work. I used to have the blues, but a couple of coworkers complained due to noise, so I had to switch to MX black. If you put a silencer o-rings with MX blacks, it is almost quite.
 
I use a Logitech G510s. I actually like it a lot, but for what I paid for it I could have got a mid-range mechanical. When this one dies I will definitely get a tenkeyless mechanical. I've come to realize that I just don't need a huge "gaming" keyboard.
 
For going on 3~yrs now... Filco MT2 TKL (mx-reds, dampers and Vortex PBT double shot keycaps) not cheap but flawless for years now...I don't play and mmorpg games however .. pretty much only FPS. The TKL form factor works well for me as it put less distance to mouse which has caused less wrist strain / pain. No gamer nonsense, no LEDs , no macros... just well built TKL w/ costar stabs (makes sense as Costar is the OEM).. perfect for me.. the stock Filco key caps are garbage however and that is worth noting as it does make the value proposition of the Filco's worse. In my case I didn't care this is what I wanted, and I bought it... all in (keyboard , key caps , o-rings near about $200~ on this set up..

filcoTKL.jpg
 
I am a Logitech fan boy, I admit it. (Admission is the 1st step). At home I use a Logitech G910 Orion Spark and when at LANs or meetups I use the Logitech G Pro. I am mostly playing Ghost Recon Wildlands right now, but I am also playing Hellbound and Fortnite Battle Royal. Pictured is my home setup.

Untitled by Shap, on Flickr
 
I use a Razer Blackwidow Chroma V2 with Green Switches (Cherry Blues). But I'd like to go ahead and get a Razer Chroma X with Yellow Switches (Cherry Speed/Silver).

I like being able to pull the keys off and more easily keep the damn thing clean.

Although, I really like not having to use a function key to do simple things like Mute Volume... so Corsair K95 might be in my future. I don't know. My OCD might take over and since everything else (except headphones) is a Razer product (See Signature) I might stay with them.
 
Last edited:
I highly recommend the Cherry Silver switches. They're so easy and responsive for gaming. Even a terrible typist like me does pretty well typing with Silvers.
 
I've used ducky, das, corsair, etc. Also have used blue, green, black, brown, and red switches

My favorite brand is Ducky, favorite caps are Blue

Favorite overall keyboard is the Ducky Shine 4 w/ MX Blues
 
Corsair K95 with 18 macro keys. The only game I play is an MMO and I can't imagine ever going back to a keyboard with 6 or fewer dedicated macro buttons.

corsair-vengeance-k95-m95-keyboard-mouse-review-3.jpg
(not my picture, just illustrating the layout and awesomeness)
 
I still use the original Logitech G15 keyboard. While it may not look as nice as this, but it has held up perfectly over the last 13 or so years!
Logitech_Gaming-Keyboard_G15.jpg
 
standard MS keyboard...the most important thing for me is that the arrow keys are on the bottom right (I prefer arrow keys over WSAD for movement), keys are fairly silent and it's black...fancy $300 'gaming' cough keyboards with flashing lights and extra screens and 'features' are totally useless...would rather put that $$ towards a new GPU or even monitor...

here's my keyboard...love it and bought a few extra ones as backup in case my current one gets too dusty/dirty or breaks...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007SXGJW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
Did it really take this long for the "I don't even own a TV" post?
 
I was using an IBM Model M but just built a new system and can't seem to get it working with a PS/2 to USB adapter and Windows 10. I picked up a Corsair K65 with MX Reds and I think I'm going to return it. The feature set is pretty nice but I don't like how small the board feels and the red switches aren't tactile enough.

At work I use a G610 Brown with o rings and it's pretty nice, so I may pick up another to replace my Model M.
 
I was also using an IBM Model M for many years until very recently, when my Kinesis Freestyle Edge arrived a few months back.

I can't go back now. Split keyboards are awesome in terms of ergonomic freedom, and this one actually saved me a bunch over an ErgoDox while still having extra keys. It's awesome when I can map those extra keys on the left to F13-F24 for extra bindings in games that support those scancodes, and when they don't, reprogramming the keyboard profiles is trivial. MMORPG players can easily use them as macro keys, and the Fn key effectively makes the keyboard double-layered within each profile.

The downside is that the Freestyle Edge still hasn't hit the general availability stage yet, and when it does, it's not exactly a cheap piece of kit. We're going from $140 shipped for a First Edition board like mine to $200+ for general availability, squarely within ErgoDox and VE.A territory. (And don't get me started on how much a Model M15 will cost you if you ever find one for sale...)

Also, if you're like me, you kinda like Blues, but really want Clears instead and don't find Browns to be an adequate substitute (with Reds being the remaining option if you like linear switches). I guess I'll just have to batch-order a bunch of keyswitches and break out the soldering iron one day.
 
I just picked up a G810 from Amazon ($80 after twitchcon coupon), and I think I'm in love. I actually really like the Romer-G switches, and the RGB backlighting is easily the best implementation I've ever seen on a KB. The LEDs are centered in the switches, so there is basically zero bleed around the keys. The 810 is basically the same as the 910 minus the macro keys.
 
I've been curious about the Romer-G switches and the feel. Surprising to see people using the Model M for gaming. I've always loved it (and am using one right now), but never really thought it had any place in the gaming world until now.
 
SamirD said:
I've been curious about the Romer-G switches and the feel. Surprising to see people using the Model M for gaming. I've always loved it (and am using one right now), but never really thought it had any place in the gaming world until now.
Click to expand...

Your local Best Buy (assuming you're in the US) should have the Logitech keyboards on display if you want to go see how you like the Romer-Gs before you buy anything.
 
SamirD said:
Surprising to see people using the Model M for gaming. I've always loved it (and am using one right now), but never really thought it had any place in the gaming world until now.
Click to expand...
Model Ms may only have 2KRO (unlike their capacitive Model F predecessors with full-fledged NKRO), but that buckling-spring tactile feel is unbeatable. It delivers a reassurance that every key you struck has electrically gone through - the lack of which I simply cannot stand on linear switches, which either ought to be short-throw like a Sanwa arcade pushbutton, or analog like on the Wooting One.

The only keyswitch I've tried that came close to that ideal of buckling spring tactility was the Cherry MX Clear, and finding a board decked out with those is difficult, to say the least.

I may end up modifying my Kinesis Freestyle Edge and DSI Modular Mac boards with those switches, seeing as neither had a Clear option from the manufacturer, and while Blues have a nice sense of tactility, the release point is far higher than the actuation point (something Clears don't suffer from because their stem doesn't slide).
 
bpizzle1 said:
Your local Best Buy (assuming you're in the US) should have the Logitech keyboards on display if you want to go see how you like the Romer-Gs before you buy anything.
Click to expand...
Good idea! That's where I first heard and tried the Razor switches.
 
NamelessPFG said:
Model Ms may only have 2KRO (unlike their capacitive Model F predecessors with full-fledged NKRO), but that buckling-spring tactile feel is unbeatable. It delivers a reassurance that every key you struck has electrically gone through - the lack of which I simply cannot stand on linear switches, which either ought to be short-throw like a Sanwa arcade pushbutton, or analog like on the Wooting One.

The only keyswitch I've tried that came close to that ideal of buckling spring tactility was the Cherry MX Clear, and finding a board decked out with those is difficult, to say the least.

I may end up modifying my Kinesis Freestyle Edge and DSI Modular Mac boards with those switches, seeing as neither had a Clear option from the manufacturer, and while Blues have a nice sense of tactility, the release point is far higher than the actuation point (something Clears don't suffer from because their stem doesn't slide).
Click to expand...
I feel you on the buckling spring and actuation. If you even press in a key very slowly...the second you hear that 'snap', the letter is on the screen. I can fool blues easily with this. But I'd love to try clears at some point. I ran into a site earlier today that would custom make a board with clears, but can't remember where now. :(
 
deaedius said:
I still use the original Logitech G15 keyboard. While it may not look as nice as this, but it has held up perfectly over the last 13 or so years!
Logitech_Gaming-Keyboard_G15.jpg
Click to expand...

Me too! I thought I Was the only one. one of the little legs broke off the back left of the keyboard, and my paint is a bit more...worn down than yours. But its been going strong for 11 years.
 
greyboxer said:
Me too! I thought I Was the only one. one of the little legs broke off the back left of the keyboard, and my paint is a bit more...worn down than yours. But its been going strong for 11 years.
Click to expand...
I need to take a picture of my actual unit but yes mine is heavily aged, the wrist rest is now glued on and I did a poor job gluing it.. Other than that it has been rock solid. Love how the buttons feels and all.
 
I actually got one of those first-gen Logitech G15s for real cheap at a thrift store a while back. (I hoard a lot of keyboards acquired from such places, actually.) I thought it was a G11 at first, but when I saw that screen, I knew I had to take it home.

G15v1.jpg


As you can see, it's not exactly in the most flawless of condition. Palmrest paint aside, what's not visible in the photo is that the back of the screen has its rubberized coating deteriorated into a sticky, nasty mess. On top of that, the USB cable has a fault somewhere that will cause the keyboard to disconnect if bent the wrong way.

Still, it works, and it gives me an idea of what that LCD panel is capable of.

Alas, it's also not a board I really use unless I have to. The keys are mushy rubber dome crap. Maybe if someone could figure out how to refit the whole thing with mechanical switches while still preserving the LCD, I'd reconsider.
 
I still have my launch day G15. Works just fine. The LED's are a little faded and some of the caps are a little worn but the rest looks great. I swapped it out a year ago for the G910 Spark. Love the Roamer G Switches. I miss the hell out of that LCD though :( The phone app is not bad, wish it was more versatile to sync with games better and the "dock" was an actual dock that could mount charging cables to the phone (USB A to whatever you need).
 
NamelessPFG said:
I actually got one of those first-gen Logitech G15s for real cheap at a thrift store a while back. (I hoard a lot of keyboards acquired from such places, actually.) I thought it was a G11 at first, but when I saw that screen, I knew I had to take it home.

G15v1.jpg


As you can see, it's not exactly in the most flawless of condition. Palmrest paint aside, what's not visible in the photo is that the back of the screen has its rubberized coating deteriorated into a sticky, nasty mess. On top of that, the USB cable has a fault somewhere that will cause the keyboard to disconnect if bent the wrong way.

Still, it works, and it gives me an idea of what that LCD panel is capable of.

Alas, it's also not a board I really use unless I have to. The keys are mushy rubber dome crap. Maybe if someone could figure out how to refit the whole thing with mechanical switches while still preserving the LCD, I'd reconsider.
Click to expand...

The G910 has a phone stand and software that uses your phone screen to display all that stuff.
 
sharknice said:
The G910 has a phone stand and software that uses your phone screen to display all that stuff.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I'm aware. https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/articles/arx-control

There's also the 3Dconnexion SpacePilot Pro, which has the enhanced color LCD and controls of the Logitech G19. Haven't snagged one of those to replace my original SpacePilot yet, though, especially seeing as I still haven't bothered to sit down and learn how to use Blender or other 3D modeling software. (I originally bought it as a gaming peripheral - the modern alternative to the old SpaceOrb 360, as it were - but there's a litany of software-related issues that kept getting in the way.)

In any case, it's no big deal. I'd consider just plopping my Note 8 on my wireless charging stand and using it that way, but having largely static displays on an OLED panel is just asking for burn-in. I'd need a cheap LCD-based phone instead, maybe my bro's LG G3. And even then, it's not really worth going that far when I already have two monitors.
 
I am using Corsair K70. It is great. It hjas all the latest features and RGB version as well. I also have mionix Zibal at work that I retired from my old gaming days. It is still ticking almost 9 years later. Only changed the key caps.
 
MacLeod said:
I'm a sucker for gaming keyboards. I like the backlighting and the extra features that keyboard purists turn their noses up at.

Biggest thing will come down to which switch you like best. I kinda like them all for the most part but Cherry Reds are my favorite. I have a few keyboards and go back and forth between them every few weeks to switch things up. The Corsair K70 best of all. I wish I'd opted for the RGB version though because the red backlighting is a little hard to read sometimes. I'm currently using the Logitech G710+ and really like it. As much hate as it gets, the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate with Cherry Blues is my 2nd favorite keyboard.
Click to expand...

I like the back lighting, but I turn my nose up at the other features. I do not want or need them. Currently, I'm using the Glorious PC Gaming Race modular keyboard with Gateron Blue switches.

TurK-FX said:
For some reason, Black widow feels off when I switched off to it. It has a different spacing or something, I was not able to get used to. For gaming, Cherry MX blues are the best in my experience. Especially if you are playing games like Starcraft 2 or any macro/micro oriented game. The clicky noise puts you in the zone, and your fingers glide thru the keys in a harmony. Cherry MX red is the second best for gaming. I use MX black at work. I used to have the blues, but a couple of coworkers complained due to noise, so I had to switch to MX black. If you put a silencer o-rings with MX blacks, it is almost quite.
Click to expand...

The key caps have an odd shape to them which takes getting used to. No switch is really "best" or "better" for gaming than any other. It's a matter of preference as they all provide the same function. What's best is entirely subjective. Technically, a membrane keyboard should work about as well as a mechanical keyboard for gaming. Personally, I like the feel of blues, but would probably feel Reds or Blacks are better for gaming due to not having the audible click. However, I type more than I game and Blues are where it's at for me.

deaedius said:
I still use the original Logitech G15 keyboard. While it may not look as nice as this, but it has held up perfectly over the last 13 or so years!
Logitech_Gaming-Keyboard_G15.jpg
Click to expand...

After a year, my key caps were worn to the point where light came through everywhere and the lettering was gone from most of the keys. For a membrane keyboard it felt nice for the first few months but it didn't take that much time for it to feel creaky and as awful as any other membrane keyboard.
 
I totally forgot I still have a Razer Tartarus I could sub in for my aged G15...wonder if that would be an upgrade for Destiny 2
 
I stopped usoing gaming keyboards years ago. I use my keyboard for typing so I have the faux-ergonomic K350. For gaming I use the G13 gameboard, I was skeptical but it is way better then a keyboard for gaming.
 
deaedius said:
I still use the original Logitech G15 keyboard. While it may not look as nice as this, but it has held up perfectly over the last 13 or so years!
Click to expand...

I can't seem to throw mine away because it worked so well, but half my keys have gone transparent, and the rubber paint became sticky after a few years. How do you keep the paint from degrading?
 
Miikun said:
I can't seem to throw mine away because it worked so well, but half my keys have gone transparent, and the rubber paint became sticky after a few years. How do you keep the paint from degrading?
Click to expand...
Huh I have not had that problem at all. No buttons are worn out yet. It has some wear on the bottom below the space bar and the wrist extension broke and is now glued in place. Other wise the keyboard is in great condition, very similar to the picture above with the wear spots and look. I haven't had the lcd software loaded for many years, I will be sad when it dies. It is like the old Microsoft intelimouse, it has its place on my desk!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top