Gaming keypads for PC ... experiences?

[Lucas Ayde]

I just upgraded my PC to a spec that can handle modern games (OK, totally rebuilt it apart from the case and optical drives) originally to do some playing about with VMs on .. but now I'm also looking to get back into some PC gaming thanks to discovering how cheaply you can get game downloads for, compared with Playstation store prices (even the sales).

However, although I have a really nice Logitech Wireless keyboard which is fantastic to do regular typing on, I don't think it'll cut it (or hold up) to heavy gaming. Therefore I was thinking about getting one of those dedicated gaming keypads that basically offer the keys that would normally be under your left hand (WASD and rows above and below) plus a few other things like a small joypad under the thumb and whatnot.

Anyone here have such a device and regularly use it? The Razor Orbweaver looks good with its mechanical switches instead of membrane but it's bloody expensive and things like the cheaper Tartarus of the Logitech G13 might also do the trick.

I don't really want an extra (and generally ugly looking) full-size gaming keyboard.

[Foliage]

You just need a mechanical keyboard, you can make your own from parts but they are expensive, I wouldn't bother with the dedicated left hand devices, all the ones ive tried are rubbish. I always end up going back to a £10 Logitech membrane keyboard.

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/me...

[Tycho]

I had a Razer Nostromo and really liked it.

https://www.razerzone.com/gb-en/gaming-keyboards-k...

It allowed easy thumb control and complete remapping even with macros.

cex.co.uk have a couple in stock online.

Edited by Tycho on Friday 17th February 15:23

[vonuber]

I'd spend the money replacing the optical drives if I were you.

[Tycho]

vonuber said:

I'd spend the money replacing the optical drives if I were you.

Does anyone use optical drives these days? I've not used mine in years. Gaming uses Steam and all other software is downloaded.

[vonuber]

Sorry being stupid, I read that as hard drive as opposed to optical drive.

[Bullett]

I have a Logitech G110 and personally I'd not bother with anything with too many gimmicks.
Any decent keyboard should be fine unless you are l33t.
I do recommend a good mouse though, a good size with some extra thumb buttons, mouse wheel etc.

[Lucas Ayde]

vonuber said:

Sorry being stupid, I read that as hard drive as opposed to optical drive.

Currently using an old 120gig SSD and 2TB HDD ... I'll upgrade that to an M.2 nvme for the OSes and add a large cheap regular SSD for the VMs, whenever I see them at good prices. I still get use out of the optical drives for ripping CDs and burning the occasional DVD. Plus, they just fill a couple of 5.25" bays nicely and make it look like my idea of a 'proper' mid-tower box

[Tycho]

vonuber said:

Sorry being stupid, I read that as hard drive as opposed to optical drive.