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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Crackensan on Sun, 11 March 2012, 15:59:54

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: Crackensan on Sun, 11 March 2012, 15:59:54

Hi!

First time post, but I figured that this would be the spot to ask.

I ordered a Steelseries 6gv2, and I heard it supports NKRO with the ps/2 adapter.  I bought it because I am a typist (Legal Admin. Assistant, so I type... a LOT, both in the office and at home.) and I'm a Starcrafter.  

Is NKRO really that important, or is it just nice feature to have.  I don't really think I need it for Starcraft.

Also, a few other questions:

I've never used a mechanical keyboard before, except in the old days with the old IBM machines when I was in grade school.  How long does it usually take to get used to the mechanical keys?

Does anyone have any experience with the Steelseries 6gv2?  How is the keyboard's feel, response, ect when typing?

How does the keyboard perform when gaming?  I know Evil Geniuses (CS, LoL, Starcraft II) Pro Gaming uses them, but mostly because of their sponsership from Steelseries.  Anyone have any non-biased opinions from a gaming stand point?

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: chel- on Sun, 11 March 2012, 16:09:49

The 6gv2 has black switches which can be hit or miss for a lot of people. I personally like the keyboard other than the fact that its huge (and it weighs a ton). Be warned that the keycaps are crap and the lettering will likely turn a beige/yellow color. I like it for gaming but its completely subjective. I'm not sure how well black switches perform for sc2 but for fps games I find them to be pretty nice.

Also for the nkro question: http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=NKey+Rollover+-+Overview+Testing+Methodology+and+Results

I've never run into any issues with any of the boards I've ever owned.

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: Crackensan on Sun, 11 March 2012, 16:20:42

How large is the keyboard?  From what I've been able to dig up it's roughly 17.5 inches long, which is about the size of the keyboard i'm typing on right now.

Also, thank you for your reply!

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: chel- on Sun, 11 March 2012, 16:35:48

Its just a full size keyboard. I was being subjective (and exaggerating :p) since I prefer smaller boards like the ones in my sig.

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: keyboardnoob on Sun, 11 March 2012, 17:38:02

Did you try black switches before ? If not you might regret it.. And yes, you're right on pros using SS in tournaments mostly because they are their sponsor. I know a lot of people who use browns for gaming, but not everyone have the same taste.

Usually browns are good for people getting into mech. keyboards because they're good all-around switches.

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: Crackensan on Sun, 11 March 2012, 17:49:54

I've played SC2 on a Das at a local lan.  It was nice, but that's my only experience with a Mechanical in recent memory.

I heard that you have to bottom them out to register a key stroke, but I don't see how that's different from the rubber keyboards I've grown up on.  If there is a difference, let me know. :D

And yes, this is my first Mechanical keyboard. :D

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: Kamikaze K on Sun, 11 March 2012, 18:14:28

It's the exact opposite... You don't have to bottom out for it to register.  The actuation point is about 2mm... I don't mind the cherry blacks at all but it's one of the switches that has people divided about.  If you're a light typer you may initially encounter finger fatigue due to the higher actuation force needed (60g).  The benefits of having a high actuation force are that it has a faster spring back for double tapping, and that it's more forgiving with typing errors... Oh and I find that for me, it's the quietest switch 'cause I don't bottom out as much!

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: Crackensan on Mon, 12 March 2012, 00:09:00

Thanks for the replies guys. Appreciate it!

Anything I have to do differently for maintenance?  And for a SteelSeries 6gv2, how would you get replacement keycaps if necessary?

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: Roguemaster8 on Mon, 12 March 2012, 02:19:57

Not really, just pop off the caps every few months to keep it clean. KBC, WASD Keyboards, Geekhack classifieds is where I normally go hunting for a set.

I hope you like the black switches for typing, I don't know of many people who prefer them over blues or browns. Don't take my word for it though, there are a few who enjoy them.

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: shogrran on Mon, 12 March 2012, 05:25:03

Hmmm... good question. Is NKRO really necessary? Or is it just a placebo?

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: mickd on Mon, 12 March 2012, 05:56:24

It's definitely a nice extra to have but to be honest I don't think I've ever needed more than the 6KRO that USB offers. I've switched recently from using PS/2 for NKRO to just the USB on my Filco and have had no issues.

Title: Getting a mechanical keyboard.... how important is NKRO? (And some other Q's)
Post by: Crackensan on Mon, 12 March 2012, 23:14:40

Again, thank you for the replies.  I hope to have the keyboard in my hands later this week. :D