Cant decide between these 2 keyboards.

[Gizmo j]

I'm mostly going to be playing competitive FPS.

I'm hesitent about the Azio because the keys don't "pop out" like regular keyboards and I'm worried that it might be uncomfortable.

I got bills to pay so I don't want to spend too much money.

http://www.amazon.com/Azio-Tri-Color...aming+keyboard
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00292OW1U/...I35VXW6YDGL3E6

 

[NickelPlate]

Don't know anything about Azio but with 4 stars and 801 reviews it's probably a safe bet. Steelseries supposedly makes good peripherals but man that particular kb is just fugly. Is that any help?

 

[ZombieRitual]

I don't know how deep into competitive FPS you plan on going when you're looking at fairly cheap keyboards such as these. From what I understand, a mechanical keyboard is the way to go, and I haven't seen one that's under $80-$90 because of the difference in build quality. Competitive gaming doesn't pay much, so I understand the frugality, but from what I know, following e-Sports, a cheap keyboard won't serve you well.

 

[Ben90]

I don't know how deep into competitive FPS you plan on going when you're looking at fairly cheap keyboards such as these. From what I understand, a mechanical keyboard is the way to go, and I haven't seen one that's under $80-$90 because of the difference in build quality. Competitive gaming doesn't pay much, so I understand the frugality, but from what I know, following e-Sports, a cheap keyboard won't serve you well.

Keyboards don't matter in competitive gaming. Take a look at how few FPS professionals use the PS2 interface even though it has less latency than even 1000Hz USB boards or SC2 APM gods not using Topre's capacitive switch despite it not needing to debounce. Instead we have a bunch of people on MX Blues which have a messed up reset point and are prone to chattering if a "gaming" manufacture tries to get too aggressive with switching latency.

People in the know don't buy a keyboard for supah l33t gaming, they buy a keyboard because it is a luxury. $400 Model F boards don't give you an edge over a $4 dell keyboard as long as the latter isn't completely worn out to hell. I feel bad for people who bought MX Reds and Blacks because they are the "best" MX switch for gaming.

 

[Agenesis]

You'll definitely have a competitive edge if you're using a mechanical.

Here's the cheapest one I can find: http://www.amazon.com/Azio-Levetron-...nical+keyboard

If not then just buy the cheapest keyboard you can find. A $10 rubber dome is no different from a $100 one.

 

[Gizmo j]

I did some research on mechanical keyboards and it doesn't seem to me that it is an advantage.

I think most pros use it not because it "performs" better, but because its more durable.

You see, I remember back when quake was starting out, most competitive players would buy the cheapest keyboard they can find because there keyboards would constantly wear out, and when it does they replace it with another keyboard, and they would do this over and over again.

But playing on a new keyboard that your not used to can "throw you off" which is why nowadays they would buy a mechanical keyboard so they can use it for a very long time and would feel less "thrown off"....

 

[Puffnstuff]

You can find a quality unlit mechanical kb on amazon for a good price. I got my ione scorpius m10 from amazon and it's a great kb just unlit.

 

[Davidjohn]

You'll definitely have a competitive edge if you're using a mechanical.

Here's the cheapest one I can find: http://www.amazon.com/Azio-Levetron-...nical+keyboard

If not then just buy the cheapest keyboard you can find. A $10 rubber dome is no different from a $100 one.

Ya that's the cheapest and quality computer i/o device. The mechanical Keyboard built with the rubber coated arrow keys are really nice and comfortable for game players to use. Mostly Silicone rubber is used in manufacturing keyboard keys.

 

[bononos]

You'll definitely have a competitive edge if you're using a mechanical.
......
If not then just buy the cheapest keyboard you can find. A $10 rubber dome is no different from a $100 one.

There are good rubber dome keyboards out there like scissor switched or the ones with better designed stems with larger silicone domes which give a lighter feel to avoid the stiffness when pressed off center, usually marketed as gaming keyboards. The really cheap rubber domes may not even have stabilizers for large keys, so there is a difference between rubber dome keyboards.