Verdict and Conclusion
The Steelseries SHIFT is one serious gaming keyboard that can only be described as “mental” … in a good way. If you’re after a gaming keyboard that can be custom programmed specifically to suit your needs for a particular game or any game for that matter … then the Steelseries SHIFT is your answer. It’s one of the most feature-rich keyboards we’ve tested, and the interchangeable keysets are fun to use.
Extra features include the media controls, gold plated microphone-in and audio-out ports, as well as two 2.0 USB ports (one powered). I liked the overall build quality and the solid construction of the keyboard. This is evident from the feel of the keys, it’s both tactile and responsive. I also like the way the keysets can be folded away and stored, which is ideal for LAN party goers.
I have to say … given the opportunity I would probably give the Steelseries SHIFT gaming keyboard 10/10 for originality, as it’s totally unique and it’s the first keyboard I’ve come across with an interchangeable keyset. There’s one feature which I thought was very interesting. Steelseries have included what they call “fine-tune heatspots” on the SHIFT gaming keyboard. Basicsally, they are keys that are used the most (e.g. WASD for First Person Shooters), and require less force than the keys you don’t use as often. This makes the “fine-tune heatspots” keys super sensitive for fast response … ideal for quick headshot kills 😉
As I’ve mentioned earlier, we gave the Steelseries SHIFT keyboard, along with the WoW:Cataclsym keyset to a friend for a full-on 3 day session of WoW gaming. The verdict … he loved it. The keys can be configured, customized and personalized to do pretty much anything he wants. He said he managed to record loads of macros, and each key was custom programmable. He also liked the quick access to all the chat commands as well as some of the useful raid functions. Everything about this keyset, he said was WoW related, which is pretty much what he wanted.
For me, I’m not a WoW gamer, so I did a quick test playing Counterstrike and a couple FPS games using the original keyset that came with the SHIFT. I found the SHIFT keyboard easy and fun to use. I do like the extra USB ports, the mic-in and audio-out connectors, as well as the media funtion keys. All-in-all, I think Steelseris have produced a great gaming keyboard, but there are some concerns which I need to point out.
The Steeleries SHIFT keyboard is fairly large measuring 490mm x 190mm x 40mm in dimensions, and weighs in at around 1.75kg. This may not suit all users as some may find it too bulky, while others might find the interchangeable keysets a little cumbersome to use. Those are only minor issues compared to the real killer, and that’s the price … costing around USD $99.00 (GBP 80), it’s one of the most expensive gaming keyboard we’ve come accross. It’s quite an investment to make … no point getting one if you’re casual gamer. However, for the enthusiast and professional gamer, the Steelseries SHIFT could be an essential tool and a good
investment in the long run.
Final words. Steelseries might have produced a feature-rich keyboard that’s catered for a very niche market … slightly out of reach to a lot of ordinary gamers. But having said that, I believe the Steelries SHIFT is one hell of a gaming keyboard. It’s totally programmable with tons of great features … the only concern is price.
SCORE
8.5/10
“A great gaming keyboard for the enthusiast and professional gamer”
