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Yesterday I posted one of the first reviews of the Razer Tarantula gaming keyboard to hit the net. The article was posted on Digg and got some really great comments, most of which had to deal with reader’s sentiments about their keyboard preference as well as comparisons between the Tarantula and its competition.

Here is a list of some of the other gaming keyboards on the market. It’s not complete, but its the ones that are worth comparing to the Tarantula:

• Logitech G15
• Logitech G11
• Ideazon Merc
• Saitek Eclipse II
• Wolf Claw Type II Keyboard

Out of all these I really think the prime competition for the Razer is the G15. They had the same price, lots of similar features, and both have things not found on other keyboards in their segment. It should be noted that what I say about the G15 generally goes for the G11 as well, since they are about the same save for the LCD on the G15 and about $30.

Breaking down the choice-

Connection: Both are wired, but the Razer has the option to route mic/headphones through the keyboard. Both have a 2 port USB hub built in.

Lighting: The G15 has backlit keys while the Tarantula has backlighting only on the macro keys and profile key, though an accessory lamp will be able to plug into the BattleDock (not included, will cost extra)

Ergonomics: Not much, though the Razer has a built-in palm rest (even if it sticks to your hands and always looks dirty)
Layout: Both keyboards use a relatively standard layout. The Razer uses a vertical Delete/Home/PgUp section while the G15’s is horizontal. The Razer has 10 macro keys (five on each side) while the G15 has 18 G keys for macros and three M keys to switch the function of the G keys (so 18*3=54 total macros). The Razer has an array of media controls for both pictures and music.

Key Feel: This is subjective, but I prefer the G15 to the Tarantula. Logitech keyboards tend to have very good tactile response, while Razer’s membrane is only suited for gaming. Also Razer’s F keys are extremely stiff.

Software/Drivers: Both are excellent, but I like Razer’s better, even if it i overly complex. Razer’s allows for up to 100 profiles and for every key to be reprogammed. The keyboard can store up to 5 profiles on its internal memory.

Selling point: The G15’s LCD vs. the Tarantula’s BattleDock. The BattleDock has nothing available right now, but soon a lamp and webcam should be coming out. I would imagine that a small speaker/microphone would be released as well, but there is no word from Razer. They told me that the Tarantula would not have an iPod dock like the Razer Pro|Type keyboard. In my opinion the G15 wins here. The LCD can be used to view macros, see game information (bullets left, etc), and it does not cost extra like the BattleDock accessories. The only problem with the LCD is that it is not nearly as functional as it could be. The LCD is programmable if you want to play around with some code and the support for it should continue to get better.
Cool Features Not Yet Mentioned:
- G15 can disable the Windows key when in Gaming mode
- G15 has built in cable routing to but down on clutter
- Tarantula’s keys be physically swapped out and replaced

If I had to buy a gaming keyboard right now, between these two I would go with the G15. It is readily available, can be bought for less, has its own backlighting, and the LCD is just plain cool. Since I mainly play FPS games macros are not that important and I don’t really feel the need to reprogram the keys, etc. so for the time being I will be gaming with one of the best keyboards currently available- Key Tronic’s Lifetime Designer.

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