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Active: 7122 users

60% Keyboards Viable for Starcraft?

Forum Index > BW General
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Cheesefome
Profile Joined May 2016
314 Posts
September 06 2021 13:14 GMT
#1
Guessing you can't play starcraft with these keyboards because of the location of the F keys.

Also, while im at it, does anyone know of a good website where I can buy a ducky keyboard or any decent keyboard with silver switches. Ive been going through amazon but a lot of their stuff is 60% keybaords which I dont think are compatible with starcraft. F keys in starcraft and MOST games ive played are so insanely impportant. I find it odd that they would make gaming keyboards without quick access to the F keys.
outscar
Profile Joined September 2014
2832 Posts
September 06 2021 13:28 GMT
#2
Why location of F keys matter so much? I just rip off F1 and it doesn't matter cause I know the first key I hit is going to be F2 then F3 then F4. And most keyboards have same layout of those keys.

In SC2 you can assign more than 3 locations so maybe F keys are more important but in SCBW it doesn't matter that much.
sunbeams are never made like me...
Cheesefome
Profile Joined May 2016
314 Posts
September 06 2021 13:33 GMT
#3
On September 06 2021 22:28 outscar wrote:
Why location of F keys matter so much? I just rip off F1 and it doesn't matter cause I know the first key I hit is going to be F2 then F3 then F4. And most keyboards have same layout of those keys.

In SC2 you can assign more than 3 locations so maybe F keys are more important but in SCBW it doesn't matter that much.


did you even read?
IntoTheWow
Profile Blog Joined May 2004
is awesome32278 Posts
September 06 2021 14:19 GMT
#4
On September 06 2021 22:14 Cheesefome wrote:
Guessing you can't play starcraft with these keyboards because of the location of the F keys.

Also, while im at it, does anyone know of a good website where I can buy a ducky keyboard or any decent keyboard with silver switches. Ive been going through amazon but a lot of their stuff is 60% keybaords which I dont think are compatible with starcraft. F keys in starcraft and MOST games ive played are so insanely impportant. I find it odd that they would make gaming keyboards without quick access to the F keys.


You could go for a 75%, since it's not much different in width, but height.

Some games don't care about Fkeys. RTS is a dying genre. Maybe important in some mobas, but keys can be easily reassigned in modern games, even assigned to mouse buttons.

First person shooters dont even care.
Moderator<:3-/-<
MeSaber
Profile Joined December 2009
Sweden1235 Posts
Last Edited: 2021-09-06 15:17:59
September 06 2021 14:50 GMT
#5
Buy the Silver switches and add it to this keyboard: https://www.drevo.net/product/keyboard/gramr

Been using it for years now (without silver switches, i didnt know they exist).
-.-
outscar
Profile Joined September 2014
2832 Posts
Last Edited: 2021-09-06 15:28:24
September 06 2021 15:27 GMT
#6
On September 06 2021 22:33 Cheesefome wrote:
Show nested quote +
On September 06 2021 22:28 outscar wrote:
Why location of F keys matter so much? I just rip off F1 and it doesn't matter cause I know the first key I hit is going to be F2 then F3 then F4. And most keyboards have same layout of those keys.

In SC2 you can assign more than 3 locations so maybe F keys are more important but in SCBW it doesn't matter that much.


did you even read?


Ah so you meant about "60% keyboard" which don't have F keys while I thought your title was about 60 percent of keybards viable for SC? xD
Idk man, I would only use those tiny keyboards for work, they're not designed for gaming.
sunbeams are never made like me...
Cheesefome
Profile Joined May 2016
314 Posts
September 06 2021 16:22 GMT
#7
On September 06 2021 23:50 MeSaber wrote:
Buy the Silver switches and add it to this keyboard: https://www.drevo.net/product/keyboard/gramr

Been using it for years now (without silver switches, i didnt know they exist).


Beautiful keyboard. I ended up buying Womier/XVX K87 with silver switches. That site is fully out of stock but if I dont like this keyboard i'll return it and get the one you linked. I had a very similar keyboard a very long time ago where the F keys were close together like that and honestly loved it for starcraft but they are rare to find. I'll have to book mark that bad boy.
Cheesefome
Profile Joined May 2016
314 Posts
September 06 2021 16:30 GMT
#8
On September 07 2021 00:27 outscar wrote:
Show nested quote +
On September 06 2021 22:33 Cheesefome wrote:
On September 06 2021 22:28 outscar wrote:
Why location of F keys matter so much? I just rip off F1 and it doesn't matter cause I know the first key I hit is going to be F2 then F3 then F4. And most keyboards have same layout of those keys.

In SC2 you can assign more than 3 locations so maybe F keys are more important but in SCBW it doesn't matter that much.


did you even read?


Ah so you meant about "60% keyboard" which don't have F keys while I thought your title was about 60 percent of keybards viable for SC? xD
Idk man, I would only use those tiny keyboards for work, they're not designed for gaming.


Yea lol. They are becoming extremely popular in the gaming community, I don't think i'll ever transition to it though. I love my F keys for gaming, not only Starcraft but for role playing games. Easy access to fingers makes for more eficient gaming.

Person above me linked a keyboard where the F keys are directly above the 1234567890 which is an amazing for someone with small hands like myself. Need that keyboard in my life ASAP 😁
Cheesefome
Profile Joined May 2016
314 Posts
September 06 2021 16:32 GMT
#9
On September 06 2021 23:19 IntoTheWow wrote:
Show nested quote +
On September 06 2021 22:14 Cheesefome wrote:
Guessing you can't play starcraft with these keyboards because of the location of the F keys.

Also, while im at it, does anyone know of a good website where I can buy a ducky keyboard or any decent keyboard with silver switches. Ive been going through amazon but a lot of their stuff is 60% keybaords which I dont think are compatible with starcraft. F keys in starcraft and MOST games ive played are so insanely impportant. I find it odd that they would make gaming keyboards without quick access to the F keys.


You could go for a 75%, since it's not much different in width, but height.

Some games don't care about Fkeys. RTS is a dying genre. Maybe important in some mobas, but keys can be easily reassigned in modern games, even assigned to mouse buttons.

First person shooters dont even care.


True, I tend to change my bindings to my F keys a lot of the times, hard to imagine myself gaming without them.

Saddens me every time someone reminds me RTS is dying breed. =[ It's literally what got me into PC gaming.
iFU.pauline
Profile Joined September 2009
France1728 Posts
Last Edited: 2021-09-07 06:09:54
September 07 2021 05:53 GMT
#10
I am gonna ask for advice on this topic, I am looking for a 82 keys (I mean no numpad) keyboard SILENT switches, something similar to this:

https://www.amazon.fr/Mechanical-Keyboard-Multimédia-ergonomique-rétroéclairage/dp/B075XHTT1D/ref=sr_1_8?__mk_fr_FR=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&dchild=1&keywords=gaming keyboard qwerty&qid=1630993830&sr=8-8

But I need like dope quality, price doesn't matter, do you guys know a good one?

Thanks in advance.
No coward soul is mine, No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere, I see Heaven's glories shine, And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear
Ghostclaws
Profile Blog Joined October 2006
114 Posts
September 07 2021 07:55 GMT
#11
It's not quite 60%, but the "75% exploded" layout is popular recently. Having physical separation between the arrow keys and the other keys helps a lot.

This one's been getting good reviews:

Keychron Q1: https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-q1

If you're really intent on specific switches, you can buy a set and swap them in as people have said.
hhjkkjhgffghhgg, hhjkkjhgffghgff
Cheesefome
Profile Joined May 2016
314 Posts
Last Edited: 2021-09-07 18:52:54
September 07 2021 18:48 GMT
#12
On September 07 2021 14:53 iFU.pauline wrote:
I am gonna ask for advice on this topic, I am looking for a 82 keys (I mean no numpad) keyboard SILENT switches, something similar to this:

https://www.amazon.fr/Mechanical-Keyboard-Multimédia-ergonomique-rétroéclairage/dp/B075XHTT1D/ref=sr_1_8?__mk_fr_FR=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&dchild=1&keywords=gaming keyboard qwerty&qid=1630993830&sr=8-8

But I need like dope quality, price doesn't matter, do you guys know a good one?

Thanks in advance.


Look into the ducky series. They are pricey pieces but Ive never once heard a bad thing about them. Nothing but positive ratings. I probably could have bought one but ended up just going with one i really liked from amazon with a ton of positive reviews from a previous version of this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094V1YVFM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details.

Ducky boards seem very bulky and boxy to me. Idk... the boxiness doesn't really attract me but they sound of pure quality, hardly any rattle in those boards if at all. Ducky with yellow switches will most likely be my next buy.

Edit: Also if starcraft is your main game I would seriously advice against going blue switches. If you do prefer a tactical feeling just go with brown switches. If someone asked me for advice i'd definitely suggest red switches though. Good luck!
Cheesefome
Profile Joined May 2016
314 Posts
September 07 2021 18:53 GMT
#13
On September 07 2021 16:55 Ghostclaws wrote:
It's not quite 60%, but the "75% exploded" layout is popular recently. Having physical separation between the arrow keys and the other keys helps a lot.

This one's been getting good reviews:

Keychron Q1: https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-q1

If you're really intent on specific switches, you can buy a set and swap them in as people have said.


Thats an amazing keyboard too. So many good options to choose from!
SamirDuran
Profile Joined May 2012
Philippines895 Posts
September 07 2021 20:14 GMT
#14
You can also get a Niz Plum 82. Really good keyboard and Artosis uses it. I also think some of the Korean pros use it
Don't practice until you can get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong.
Master of DalK
Profile Blog Joined June 2012
Canada1803 Posts
September 07 2021 21:15 GMT
#15
On September 06 2021 23:50 MeSaber wrote:
Buy the Silver switches and add it to this keyboard: https://www.drevo.net/product/keyboard/gramr

Been using it for years now (without silver switches, i didnt know they exist).

Seconding the gramr, I've had it in the office for 2 years now and its fuckin sick!
@MasterDalK | Maelstrom Entertainment | Streaming Every Esport Under the Sun
Cheesefome
Profile Joined May 2016
314 Posts
September 08 2021 03:52 GMT
#16
On September 08 2021 06:15 Master of DalK wrote:
Show nested quote +
On September 06 2021 23:50 MeSaber wrote:
Buy the Silver switches and add it to this keyboard: https://www.drevo.net/product/keyboard/gramr

Been using it for years now (without silver switches, i didnt know they exist).

Seconding the gramr, I've had it in the office for 2 years now and its fuckin sick!


ill be dammed, they have a numb pad on them. Bro... I never knew these existed. Need one in my life ASAP.
iFU.pauline
Profile Joined September 2009
France1728 Posts
September 08 2021 05:52 GMT
#17
On September 08 2021 03:48 Cheesefome wrote:
Show nested quote +
On September 07 2021 14:53 iFU.pauline wrote:
I am gonna ask for advice on this topic, I am looking for a 82 keys (I mean no numpad) keyboard SILENT switches, something similar to this:

https://www.amazon.fr/Mechanical-Keyboard-Multimédia-ergonomique-rétroéclairage/dp/B075XHTT1D/ref=sr_1_8?__mk_fr_FR=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&dchild=1&keywords=gaming keyboard qwerty&qid=1630993830&sr=8-8

But I need like dope quality, price doesn't matter, do you guys know a good one?

Thanks in advance.


Look into the ducky series. They are pricey pieces but Ive never once heard a bad thing about them. Nothing but positive ratings. I probably could have bought one but ended up just going with one i really liked from amazon with a ton of positive reviews from a previous version of this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094V1YVFM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details.

Ducky boards seem very bulky and boxy to me. Idk... the boxiness doesn't really attract me but they sound of pure quality, hardly any rattle in those boards if at all. Ducky with yellow switches will most likely be my next buy.

Edit: Also if starcraft is your main game I would seriously advice against going blue switches. If you do prefer a tactical feeling just go with brown switches. If someone asked me for advice i'd definitely suggest red switches though. Good luck!


Thanks for your input, yes I did have blue switches before, not to do it again, I am going for red switches this time.
No coward soul is mine, No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere, I see Heaven's glories shine, And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear
MeSaber
Profile Joined December 2009
Sweden1235 Posts
September 08 2021 07:33 GMT
#18
By silent you mean non-tactile. The keys wont be silent once you start bashing em with 400 APM 😂

There are also optical keys that exist i just found out. Same for mouse buttons. Might be worth a look.
-.-
LUCKY_NOOB
Profile Blog Joined June 2013
Bulgaria1546 Posts
September 08 2021 13:43 GMT
#19
I only need a mouse.. I know a guy who wins with his foot. And a guy who wins using controller.
ko-fi.com/luckynoob
MeSaber
Profile Joined December 2009
Sweden1235 Posts
September 08 2021 15:55 GMT
#20
On September 08 2021 22:43 LUCKY_NOOB wrote:
I only need a mouse.. I know a guy who wins with his foot. And a guy who wins using controller.






-.-
LUCKY_NOOB
Profile Blog Joined June 2013
Bulgaria1546 Posts
September 08 2021 18:50 GMT
#21
On September 09 2021 00:55 MeSaber wrote:
Show nested quote +
On September 08 2021 22:43 LUCKY_NOOB wrote:
I only need a mouse.. I know a guy who wins with his foot. And a guy who wins using controller.


https://youtu.be/yy0xmcBg_IY

https://youtu.be/0flc3AOgooMs

https://youtu.be/FGcO8O4johc


I HATE razer! Never buy their products. Also mice that have "web" structure are disgusting. IDK how u would ever keep that clean.
ko-fi.com/luckynoob
MeSaber
Profile Joined December 2009
Sweden1235 Posts
September 09 2021 04:14 GMT
#22
Why would it need to be clean? Are you dirty by default?
-.-
iFU.pauline
Profile Joined September 2009
France1728 Posts
Last Edited: 2021-09-09 06:07:45
September 09 2021 06:06 GMT
#23
Just bought this keyboard from my local store, was so lazy to wait delivery, I am very happy with this one, took a couple of games only to get used to it, logitech always on point it seems. Don't know the use of the first button starting left I ain't going to read a fucking manual for a keyboard -__-

[image loading]
No coward soul is mine, No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere, I see Heaven's glories shine, And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear
QuadroX
Profile Joined August 2017
386 Posts
September 09 2021 20:24 GMT
#24
The thread title is funny, you already know the answer is NO they are not viable. Just get Plum 82 or any other 87 TKL keyboard like Leopold FC750R or Plum 87 or that Keychron Q1 mentioned.
kidze73
Profile Joined June 2026
2 Posts
19 hours ago
#25
I use ASDFGH as my camera hotkeys, so F keys are unnecessary.
iopq
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
United States1130 Posts
Last Edited: 2026-07-10 07:13:02
19 hours ago
#26
I bought a 75% hall effect keyboard from drunkdeer

[image loading]


the annoying part is I had to rebind the menu key to Ctrl for starcraft, but after that it's fine

the F keys are even closer to hit
Normal
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