QPad launches an affordable gaming
keyboard
Serious gaming
requires a keyboard with a high degree of durability that eliminates multi-key
read issuers, and is often well served by a twist of visual flair. The QPad Pro
MK-50 offers two of those things, but in a package that comes in noticeably
cheaper than I was expecting.
QPad Pro MK-50 Gaming Keyboard
My initial examination
of this design, revealed a number of blanked off ports on the rear of the case,
confirming to me that this design is a cut-down version of QPad’s Pro MK-80/85
keyboard. Gone are the integral USB ports, audio distribution and the keyboard
backlighting, but retained is the excellent mechanical switch keyboard
mechanism provided by Cherry MX Red switches, which give the very positive and
quiet action that most gamers like.
My initial examination of this design,
revealed a number of blanked off ports on the rear of the case, confirming to
me that this design is a cut-down version of QPad’s Pro MK-80/85 keyboard.
These switches are
rated to 50 million actions, while the overall high level of engineering
compliments that to provide a design that looks like it could handle some
serious and prolonged key bashing. QPad provide a two-year warranty on this
model, but as you can remove both the key tops and replace switches, repairing
it for a longer lifespan isn’t impractical. This is also useful for cleaning
using a provided tool; while four unmarked orange key tops are also available
as replacements for those who like to clearly delineate the WASD sequence (for
example). A detachable wrist rest completes the extras, for those who like them
Standard connection to
the PC is via USB, but a PS/2 adapter is also included for those who are
serious about their gaming and wish to have full N-Key follower. Without this
feature the key polling system used by USB allows presses to be missed, which
can prove fatal to gaming avatars when the action really heats up.
Standard connection to the PC is via
USB, but a PS/2 adapter is also included for those who are serious about their
gaming and wish to have full N-Key follower
The QPad Pro MK-50 is
a well-made piece of kit, cleverly designed for the job and reasonably priced.
Which begs the only reasonable question, how could it be better?
Well, the action of
Cherry MX Red switches is certainly great for gamers, though it’s not ideal for
typists. I don’t have a problem with it, but the action is somewhat soft at the
full travel of the key, making it easy to unintentionally produce double key
presses on occasion.
It might lack the design frills that
higher and alternative designs include, but the Pro MK-50 retains all the
critical functionality that gaming enthusiasts will find highly desirable.
Because of that
aspect, I’d be reticent to purchase this as the one-and-only keyboard on a
system that’s used for work as well as play. However, for gamers it’s an
entirely different story- one where the positives outweigh any drawbacks, and
the price is adds up to be extremely competitive.
It might lack the
design frills that higher and alternative designs include, but the Pro MK-50
retains all the critical functionality that gaming enthusiasts will find highly
desirable.
A fine, abuse-resistant, gaming keyboard
with mechanical switches
|
Details
·
Price: $90.57 (Dabs)
·
Manufacturer: QPad
·
Website: www.qpad.com
·
Requited Spec: PC with PS/2 keyboard or USD
port free.
Specifications
·
Key switch: Cherry MX mechanical switch
technology
·
N Key Roll over: Full N-Key roll over via PS/2
·
Connectors: PS/2 or USB (PS/2 to USB adapter
included)
·
Media keys: Media keys for volume control,
play, pause and skip tracks
·
Cable: 1.8m extra thick cable.
·
Extras: 4 extra orange key caps and key cap
puller
·
Warranty: two years
·
Keycaps: Removable
Dimensions:
·
Keyboard: 44.8 x 14.9 x 3.5 cm (17.6 x 5.8 x
1.37”)
·
Wrist pad: 44.8 x 6.6 x 1.7 cm (17.6 x 2.48 x
0.66”)
·
Weight: 1.27 Kg (2.8 LBS)
Ratings
·
Quality: 7/10
·
Value: 8/10
·
Overall: 8/10
|
