subject: Steelseries Merc Stealth Gaming Keyboard Review [print this page] The Merc Stealth is of solid build quality and is really an out and out gamers keyboard, and many people have picked up on this, if you intend to do a lot of normal PC work in addition to gaming then this model is probably not for you as they key layout does perform well for this mode of operation.
The layout and key placings will also take some getting used to, so your game performance may dip slightly whist you are learning this, but that is only to be expected, and once mastered it is likely your play will improve, according to various other reports it is particularly suitable for WoW.
This unit has non-mechanical keys but a heavy duty membrane which according to the makers should be good for about ten million key depressions, give superb tactility, and there are thirty four dedicated gaming terrain keys on this unit making in-game character movement easier, these keys have an eleven degree tilt and these have been ergonomically positioned for optimum gaming results, and making it comfortable to use over extended periods.
Such is their design and operation there is no need to worry about ghosting with multiple key presses, a maximum of seven simultaneous presses are allowed which should be adequate for most situations. The Merc uses Z engine industry standard software, which allows for easy drag and drop macro edits and there are 125 pre-determined profile layouts. All keys can be individually programmed.
Main Features of the Merc Stealth
Non-mechanical HD keys
34 dedicated game op keys
125 preset software profiles
Drag and drop software macro editing
Backlit keys with color/intensity options
Twin USB 2.0
Twin Microphone/headphone sockets
Single touch multimedia controls
Windows Operating Systems recommended, It may work with your Mac, but there seems to be little support, dont risk it.
This keyboard has excellent back lighting to the keys with three different colors red, blue and purple, and four brightness levels which can be set to suit the light conditions.
Twin USB 2.0 ports are provided along with twin sockets for your microphone and headset, the makers have gone for gold-plating to ensure signal quality. The Merc also comes with single touch multimedia controls as standard.
There have been quite a few negative comments passed about this keyboard, but a lot of these concerned damage and loose keys on delivery of the item and so objectively these have been disregarded here as it does not relate to the products direct operation, others have commented on the customer support received, sadly this is widespread in every industry, answering these emails costs money and a lot of companies only seem to do it grudgingly, bad practice and a very short-sighted policy perhaps in light of the present state of the economy.
A good majority of gamers gave this keyboard top marks but were quick to point out it really is for gamers and not of much use in the office because of awkward key layout. It scores well in all departments and has many fans throughout the gaming fraternity.
For the undecided there are a few more models to take a look at in this price bracket. Within a few dollars either way you have the Steelseries Shift, which was their latest model to be launched, and it takes its name from being able to change the keysets for particular games like WoW or COD etc there are quite a few different sets available. Then there is the excellent Logitech G510 the follow up to the legendary G15, and of course you get the mono LCD screen with the G510, so you get a bigger bang for your buck. At this price you are in the realms of mechanical keyboards too so if you want to have a look at a couple of those then there is Themaltake MEKA G1 or the iOne XArmor.
