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SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset comes optimized for online questing
Outside of Word documents and IM clients, one of the most intensive uses of keyboards nowadays is in massively multiplayer online games. But, gaze upon the button array before you and you'll notice that there's nary a single concession to your ten-hours-a-day WoW habit. SteelSeries is today looking to rectify that situation with its all-new MMO Keyset, which you can see above, attached to the company's already available Shift gaming keyboard. This assortment of oddly titled keys comes with an exhaustive set of customization and macro options, so even the most hardcore of online raiders should be able to extract some added value from it. We're not sure that utility will ever add up to the $25 (€25 in Europe) asking price, but then we've never managed to get our Night Elf Mohawk to Level 80, either.
Steelseries introduces new SHIFT key set for MMOs
Steelseries, creators of the SHIFT keyboard (the next generation of the ZBoard), has just announced that it will soon offer a key set specifically for MMO players. We have already seen the Cataclysm-specific licensed product; my impressions from BlizzCon of that keyboard are here. Everything on the keyboard is customizable, which is great and might be a better alternative to the Cataclysm keyboard for people who play multiple MMOs. When I was at BlizzCon, I asked myself a couple of times why Steelseries doesn't actually have a generic MMO key set for the SHIFT -- but then I quickly remembered we were at BlizzCon, mecca for all things Blizzard, and I realized it might not be the ideal place to show it off. Now, however, it is here, and it looks pretty neat. We don't have a date on its availability yet, but the price of the key set should run around $24.99 (SHIFT keyboard sold separately, natch). Check out Steelseries' website for more details. Also, for those curious readers sending me emails about the mechanical Steelseries 6Gv2 that I picked up after BlizzCon, wanting my impressions after using the keyboard for a few weeks? Love it.
BlizzCon 2010: Steelseries shows off Cataclysm MMO mouse, pro gamer products, Page 2
What is so great about mechanical keyboards, though, and why would I fall so head over heels in love with one? Kudos to Kim for punching the keyboard in front of me, ripping off keys that I wanted to see and showing me how awesome old concepts can be when updated with today's design and innovation.
BlizzCon 2010: Steelseries shows off Cataclysm MMO mouse, pro gamer products
Not only is BlizzCon a great place to get the latest news straight from Blizzard's mouth about Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo, but all of the exhibitors and vendors are showing off their official merchandise and some of the new stuff coming out soon. Being the interface guy around here, the powers that be thought it would be nice if I checked out some of the vendors showcasing their interface products -- mice, keyboards and more. There is a lot of exciting stuff to show. On Day 1 of BlizzCon 2010, I got to run over to the Steelseries booth and meet with Philippe and Kim, both awesome designers who gave me the grand tour and showed off their products -- and, to my great interest, their design philosophies for their hardware.
SteelSeries debuts customizable Shift gaming keyboard
Looking for some more customization options than your standard gaming keyboard offers? Then you might want to consider the new SteelSeries Shift, which can accommodate various Zboard keysets to tailor the keyboard for specific games. Those looking to take things even further can also record macros (including timed delays) directly on the keyboard itself, and you'll naturally get plenty of gamer-friendly touches all around, including some improved rubber domes that promise a lifecycle of 15 million keystrokes per key, and even some "fine-tuned heat spots" centered around commonly used keys like WASD. Look for the keyboard itself to set you back $89.99, while individual keysets will run you $24.99 apiece.
