Steel Series 7G Keyboard Review
by Tim Miller
First Impressions
The Steel Series 7G has at first the appearance of any ordinary keyboard. Upon closer look you will notice that there is only one windows key on which is placed on the right side. On the left is a Steel Series symbol which is a special function key used with F1-F6 keys for useful functions such as controlling the volume, muting, and other audio controls.
The keyboard is black with thick braided cord with gold plated connectors to hook up to your PC. I also really liked the solid cover/extension that comes with the keyboard (specially since my regular gel wristpad gave way and leaked all over right before receiving this keyboard for review)
The Good
I put in over 20 hours of CounterStrike: Source online comparing the 7G to a couple of its competitors keyboards and found the keys to be very, very responsive compared to even the Logitech G15 keyboard which has been my favorite keyboard. Steel Series has designed the keyboard with 18k gold plated mechanical switches to lead the industry in advanced key combinations and actions per minute which are supposed to lead to quicker response time. I noticed a slightly more fluid feel to the combined crouch and spinning around to fire off a shot while playing CS:S. Steel Series claim:
The SteelSeries 7G keyboard sets a new industry standard for gaming keyboards by allowing users to perform at new levels with advanced key combinations. Utilizing a powerful PS/2 buffer-system created specifically for gaming, the SteelSeries 7G keyboard eliminates “anti-ghosting" by supporting as many simultaneous key press commands as there are keys on the keyboard. What this does, for example, is allow users in a first person shooter game to walk, crouch, aim, fire and check the scoreboard simultaneously. Traditional keyboards do not allow this much functionality all at once.
From my gameplay I can say this appears to be a sound claim from the company.
I wanted to put the keyboard through some abuse, but since it is going to be part of a prize package offered by The Gamer’s Hub and Steel Series I decided this was not a good idea and instead flipped the keyboard around and noted the sturdy make of the keyboard. Other keyboards sometimes feel "cheap and flimsy" but the 7G feels and looks very solid. Also, the extension is a nice touch as it is solid compared to other companies who use plastic tabs to hold them on that often break or feel flimsy.
The Bad
Not much to say negative about this keyboard. It has a steep price, but any audio or videophile will tell you how much better the Monster Cables with gold plated connectors are worth. This keyboard is designed for the gameaphile if there is such a word who is into serious competition and is looking for a slight edge over other gamers at LAN’s and other competitions. I would have liked to have seen back lit keys or maybe some added macros keys, but then that would be asking Steel Series to change from a winning formula that is geared toward the serious gamer who likes a slim solid keyboard that can take a pounding.
The Conclusion
I have to say I was quite impressed with the feel of the 7G and gave it equal time during the week with a second generation G15 that I am also reviewing at the same time. I am a huge FPS fan and have been playing them for years. I can get by with a lower priced keyboard, but would recommend this keyboard to any competitive gamer looking for an edge against the competition. This will not be news to many out there who already use Steel Series products, but for those who are not familiar, take notice... there is a new Sheriff in town.
Specifications for SteelSeries 7G:
- Switches: Gold plated no-click
- Switch lifetime: 50,000,000 cycles
- Assembly: Face plate mounted keyset
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 9.8 in
- Cable length: 6.6 feet
- Connectivity: PS/2 + USB
Price: $149.99
89 days ago
Monster Cables? As in the brand that BestBuy, Circuit City and other brick and mortar retailers try to push on poeple all the time?