Gamers around the world know that to successfully kill those gaming fiends out there, you have to become a gaming fiend. First step: get the equipment necessary. And what says, “I’m a gamer” more than a dedicated keyboard?
Ok, maybe a dedicated computer. But just short of buying a new computer solely for the purpose of terrorising the online community, a keyboard will suffice.
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Features
The Logitech G510 is one of the top contenders for gaming keyboard champ. Its biggest selling point is its LCD screen that has “Core Intel”. This displays server, player info and the notifications of the game your playing. Problem is, you need to look down for those stats — down, like away from the screen. Also, not every game has the option of using the screen. So choose wisely.
If that gets your heart going though, then the customisable colours for the light-up keys and screen will really get you amped for game play. The colour options are available presumably so you can colour code your components. You know, to show your friends. Oh yeah, you’re a gamer; you don’t have friends.
Lack of friends aside, it’s got mic and aux plug-ins so you can interact with all the nice virtual people out there. This is easier than the hassle of trying to plug your cables into the back of your box. Unfortunately though, you have to use the sound card that Logitech so generously provided in the keyboard, so to use your super expensive sound card, you’re going to have to go through the hassle of plugging it in the back of your box.
There are 18 — count them — customisable G-keys to do with what you will. Just make sure its not anything naughty. There are 54 possible functions you can program for each game. This is ideal for the super-gamer, but I found it a bit excessive. Other nice touches include a volume knob and music control buttons.
Design
The G510 isn’t the prettiest piece of hardware I’ve ever seen. Not the ugliest either, but not being ugly doesn’t give it points.
I was so bowled over by my Mac’s short, flat, well-spaced keyboard that anything with a taller stroke seems primitive. But putting that prejudice aside, the stroke is solid and precise and the smooth keys felt comfortable. It is a large creature though — not for those short of desk space.
The first time I saw the G510 I was confused as to why there was a floppy wrist-rest extender piece. It is in no way solidly attached to the keyboard and since removing it, it has not found its way back.
Use
As a mechanism purely for typing, it doesn’t fare too well. Admittedly, it’s not really meant for that, but typing all day is my job. I got continuously frustrated with the long-stroke keys and the enormous bulk of it. There’s too much of it, and too many keys that you feel like you need to use.
During game play, though, everything was easily located. There was never a time when I found myself looking down at the keys in confusion. The comfort of the keys was most apparent here and in some ways I preferred it to my short-stroke keyboard.
I never really found that I looked down at the LCD during any game play, though. But for the dedicated gamer, I’m sure it’s a necessity.
The scrolling volume knob was a nice addition, but the slightest touch would set the volume to deafening. Then, once your ears were successfully blasted, one swipe in the other direction would turn off the sound altogether. A weightier action would be welcome.
Conclusion
The questions that are at the top of my mind are: how much do you actually want your keyboard to do? How many options are too many options? Is that pink back light not hot enough for you? You can change it to army green, to match your mercenary mood. I think it’s a bit silly to give an entire colour spectrum of options.
For all these features that gamers around the world pine over, the price is fairly extraordinary. You can buy a lot for US$110. And when I told a friend the price, he asked, “Does it make coffee?” Unfortunately not. Maybe it should. I think that would be a great selling point.
How much value can you put on an LCD screen and customisable buttons? Does that keystroke action really give you that gaming edge over all those 12-year-old nerds out there?
These are key questions you have to ask yourself. That, and whether life spent inside a computer life is worth it. But if you’re out to protect your virginity at all costs, then by all means, do whatever is necessary.
