{"id":27721,"date":"2011-11-23T19:06:57","date_gmt":"2011-11-23T19:06:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=27721"},"modified":"2011-11-25T02:23:27","modified_gmt":"2011-11-25T02:23:27","slug":"gaming-with-the-thermaltake-esports-meka-compact-gaming-keyboard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/gaming-with-the-thermaltake-esports-meka-compact-gaming-keyboard\/","title":{"rendered":"Gaming with the Thermaltake eSports MEKA Compact Gaming Keyboard"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n<span id=\"__mce\"><\/span><span id=\"__caret\">_<\/span>\/\/ <![CDATA[\n                              google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\"><\/script><br \/>\nMany PC users think of their keyboards as cheap and disposable or don&#8217;t think of them at all unless there are issues. However, we received a MEKA Compact Gaming keyboard (KB-MEK007US) from Thermaltake eSports that has got us completely rethinking keyboards. Gamers demand much more from their keyboards than casual users and are willing to pay well over a hundred dollars for high quality. The MEKA Compact Gaming Keyboard is currently at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162015\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162015', 'Newegg.com for $81 with free shipping']);\" >Newegg.com for $81 with free shipping<\/a> after a 20 mail in rebate.\u00a0 Naturally we want to determine if it is a good value.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-side.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-27765\" title=\"KB-compact-side\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-side.jpg?resize=300%2C180\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-side.jpg?resize=300%2C180 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-side.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Thermaltake sSports has brought back the MEKA &#8211; mechanical keyboard, using Cherry Black MX switches &#8211; for gamers, and some will love it and some will not. We feel that we can give the reader a thorough evaluation as we received our keyboard from Thermaltake just over a month ago and we have put it to good use in daily tasks, including playing <em>Battlefield 3 <\/em>and<em> Left 4 Dead 2<\/em> &#8211; and typing.<\/p>\n<p>First of all, the MEKA keyboard that we are reviewing is the compact version of Thermaltake&#8217;s MEKA-G.\u00a0 Really <strong><em>compact<\/em><\/strong>. This keyboard is the same size as the keyboard in this editor&#8217;s <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/the-notebook-makeover-kingston-ssdram-upgrade-and-clean-os-install\">15&#8243; Compaq notebook<\/a>!\u00a0 This editor had no trouble transitioning from typing on the notebook&#8217;s keyboard, where we do most of our work, to the MEKA keyboard. \u00a0 However, there were just a few exceptions as a couple of the MEKA&#8217;s keys are placed strangely for touch-typists.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why a Mechanical Keyboard?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The best keyboards feature mechanical key switches and usually are constructed of high-quality materials.\u00a0 Thus they are more reliable and will last longer.\u00a0 Best of all, once you are used to one, a mechanical key switch keyboard will probably make you a better typist &#8211; or gamer.\u00a0 You will be able to get things done faster and with less fatigue.<\/p>\n<p>Most keyboards that are mass produced are rubber dome or membrane keyboards. Their main feature is that they are inexpensive and that they get the job done.\u00a0\u00a0 Not long ago we needed a USB keyboard in a hurry and paid $11 for a Logitech K-120 at a brick and mortar WalMart.\u00a0 It looks nice and it works for basic PC functions.\u00a0 But it is a world apart from the MEKA keyboard for typing or for gaming.<\/p>\n<p>These cheap keyboards usually don&#8217;t provide users with any tactile feedback.\u00a0 The keys themselves feel mushy when they are brand new and they get worse as the rubber underneath them degrades over time.\u00a0 And with a lot of cheap keyboards including notebooks, the keys may not all actuate at the same point and they often stick when dust gets trapped inside.\u00a0 Cheap keyboards also tend to flex and move around, especially when used for gaming.\u00a0 Not so with a quality mechanical keyboard.<\/p>\n<p>The main advantage the mechanical key switch offers to the user is tactile feedback.\u00a0\u00a0 Other than by a letter appearing on screen as with a cheap keyboard, you will know by touch that a key has been pressed on a mechanical switch. In the case of the MEKA, the Cherry Black MX switches are built to much stricter tolerances than rubber domes and all key presses are consistent across all of the keys on the board. In the case of the MEKA, it is about 3 time heavier and much more rigid than the $11 Logitech keyboard.\u00a0\u00a0 There is no comparison between the two products in terms of quality &#8211; just contrast.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Cherry Black MX Switch<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We made our typing transition easily from our notebook and we now make fewer typing errors on the MEKA than we did before due to the nature of the mechanical keyboard&#8217;s keys. The keys on the MEKA are less prone to being accidentally pressed as there is some resistance and each key&#8217;s surface is concave and cradles the fingertips.\u00a0 In addition, the surface the fingers contact is a bit smaller and slightly more isolated from the other keys than most notebook or other compact keyboards. This is a superb feature for typists although some might like even less resistance from the keys than the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cherrycorp.com\/english\/switches\/key\/mx.htm\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.cherrycorp.com\/english\/switches\/key\/mx.htm', 'Cherry Black MX switches']);\" >Cherry Black MX switches<\/a> provide.<\/p>\n<p>The MEKA and mechanical keyboards are mildly to moderately noisy with distinct clicks as you type or frag.\u00a0 If you or your roommates love total silence, bypass any regular mechanical keyboard that uses loud mechanical\u00a0 switches. The MEKA uses Cherry Black MX switches which are well-recognized in the industry as having some of the best characteristics for gamers. In fact,\u00a0 the Cherry Black MX switch is reported to be relatively quiet compared to many switches used in other mechanical keyboards.<\/p>\n<p>As used in the MEKA compact keyboard, Cherry MX-Black switches are non-tactile (linear) switches.\u00a0 Gamers do not need a tactile bump as touch-typists do since you will bottom out the switch in all cases and it gives a very smooth feel.\u00a0\u00a0 Cherry Black actuation and release points are at the same position and games that require a lot of double tapping become easier than on the other types of Cherry switches.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>About Tt eSPORTS <\/strong><br \/>\nThermaltake is a well known brand for gaming &amp; DIY in Case, Cooler, and PSU for years. Due to the constant requests for keyboards and mice from gamers and end users, Thermaltake decided to create a series of gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets with the Tt eSPORTS brand. By using Tt eSPORTS, we want to extend our product lines into the gaming industry, and provide more &#8221;personalized gaming&#8221; gears to gamers and enthusiasts worldwide. With years of experience in gaming industry, Tt eSPORTS is committed to bring the most personalized and the highest quality weapons for the most competitive cyber battles. For more information, please visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ttesports.com\/index.aspx\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.ttesports.com\/index.aspx', 'www.ttesports.com']);\" >www.ttesports.com<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Let head for the next page for the unboxing, features and specifications.<\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle: Introduction--><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong>Unboxing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-11.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27807\" title=\"KB-compact-box-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-11.jpg?resize=480%2C210\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-11.jpg?resize=480%2C210 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-11-300x131.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We see the outside of the box which also describes the MEKA Keyboard&#8217;s features.\u00a0 We see &#8220;8X Quicker&#8221; for gaming speed. 1000Hz polling rate, 50,000,000 keystrokes and 2 USB ports featured.\u00a0 Indeed, the Challenge is the Game.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-reverse.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27764\" title=\"KB-compact-box-reverse\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-reverse.jpg?resize=480%2C212\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-reverse.jpg?resize=480%2C212 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-reverse-300x132.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The other side of the box is written in 15 languages and mentions the gold-plated USB connectors and heavy-duty braided cable.\u00a0 Cherry black switches are mentioned as ideal for gaming.\u00a0 Strangely when you open the box, you get another picture of the keyboard and more advertising of its features.\u00a0\u00a0 This is rather a duplication waste in our opinion as you already bought the product.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-contents.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27762\" title=\"KB-compact-box-contents\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-contents.jpg?resize=480%2C207\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-contents.jpg?resize=480%2C207 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-contents-300x129.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s get the contents out of the box.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-contents-ope.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27763\" title=\"KB-compact-box-contents-ope\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-contents-ope.jpg?resize=480%2C407\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-contents-ope.jpg?resize=480%2C407 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-box-contents-ope-300x254.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>You get a couple of manuals in several languages and you can see the braided USB cable is extraordinarily stiff.\u00a0 A nice touch is the gold-plated USB connector.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-top-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27766\" title=\"KB-compact-top-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-top-1.jpg?resize=480%2C239\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-top-1.jpg?resize=480%2C239 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-top-1-300x149.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Three keys will light up &#8211; the Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and Num Lock.\u00a0 In a bright room, they are noticeable but in a dark rook they stand out perhaps too much.\u00a0 As you can see they keys are not jammed next to each other as on many compact keyboards.\u00a0 You have a full-size typing keyboard including a Num pad and the MEKA compact keyboard is quite decent for typing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-bottom-11.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27806\" title=\"KB-compact-bottom-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-bottom-11.jpg?resize=480%2C138\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-bottom-11.jpg?resize=480%2C138 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-bottom-11-300x86.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Turning the keyboard around, we can see that it is quite thick and very solidly built.\u00a0 We can also see the USB connectors &#8211; one on the right and one on the left for a wired-mouse, depending on which hand one uses &#8211; and for a very convenient place to plug another peripheral into.\u00a0 The rubber feet are also extended, raising the back of the keyboard a bit and giving a very solid and secure non-slip surface to game on.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-bottom12.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27808\" title=\"KB-compact-bottom1\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-bottom12.jpg?resize=480%2C204\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-bottom12.jpg?resize=480%2C204 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-bottom12-300x127.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Turning over the MEKA compact keyboard we see the rubber feet and the channels which give you a choice of where the braided cable will go.\u00a0 The bottom of the keyboard has rubber grips which secure it to the desk even in the heaviest gaming situations.\u00a0 Typists need not worry at all.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-side.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27765\" title=\"KB-compact-side\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-side.jpg?resize=480%2C289\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-side.jpg?resize=480%2C289 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-side-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The red accents look great on the sides and complement the 3 red LEDs.\u00a0 Here it is from another angle.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-usb-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27767\" title=\"KB-compact-usb-1\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-usb-1.jpg?resize=480%2C351\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-usb-1.jpg?resize=480%2C351 1000w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/KB-compact-usb-1-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Thermaltake eSports MEKA Compact Gaming Keyboard is a rugged and solid keyboard with great aesthetic appeal for gamers.<\/p>\n<p>On the next page are Thermaltake&#8217;s published product features which we will examine one-by-one followed by our conclusion.<br \/>\n<!--pagetitle: Unboxing--><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle: Specifications &#038; Conclusion--><\/p>\n<div>\n<h3>Product Features<\/h3>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>Up to 1000Hz polling rate 8x quicker than regular gaming keyboard &#8211; Never lag for action performing<\/li>\n<li>Cherry Black Mechanical Switch Enables an excellent gaming elastic capability with life expectancy for up to 50 million keystrokes<\/li>\n<li>USB hubs for installation of other USB gaming device<\/li>\n<li>Anti ghosting for up to 16 keys anywhere on the keyboard without any interference via USB<\/li>\n<li>Gold-plated USB connectors provide reliable data or signal transmission<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Checking the product features<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s look at the product features, one by one.\u00a0 First, &#8220;up to 1000Hz polling rate 8x quicker than regular gaming keyboard &#8211; Never lag for action performing&#8221; is more hype than a special feature considering that the Cherry Black MX switches have a debouncing speed of 5ms.\u00a0 That means that anything over 200MHz is pretty meaningless.\u00a0 It&#8217;s fast enough for a superhuman gamer or typist is what we need to take away from this.\u00a0 Polling speeds have meaning for the mouse &#8211; not so much for the keyboard.<\/p>\n<p>We have seen how the Cherry Black MX mechanical switch is an excellent choice &#8211; although some gamers preferring the red or the brown.\u00a0 The main thing we need to realize is that you will never wear out your keyboard switches &#8211; unlike the cheaper dome switches of the standard keyboards.<\/p>\n<p>Another feature are the two USB hubs on the top of the MEKA keyboard &#8211; one on the right and one on the left.\u00a0 They serve an excellent purpose for connecting a mouse, for left or right handed gamers.\u00a0 And of course, a headset or another USB peripheral is really handy to plug into a keyboard.<\/p>\n<p>Anti-Ghosting for 16 keys is quite decent for a gamer.\u00a0 Most keyboards only allow perhaps two or 3 simultaneous key presses.\u00a0 Ghosting occurs when you press two keys on the keyboard, and a 3rd key &#8211; which you didn&#8217;t press &#8211; gets sent to the PC as well. This is very rarely seen on even the cheapest modern boards, because manufacturers have the habit of limiting the rollover so that ghost keys are always blocked.<\/p>\n<p>Key Blocking is experienced when you reach your maximum key roll over.\u00a0 When two keys are pressed and the third key is blocked as it is on this editor&#8217;s Compaq notebook, that is Key Blocking in action, and the keyboard is 2KRO.\u00a0 In the case of the MEKA Compact keyboard, it is rated 6KRO which is good for most gamers.<\/p>\n<p>The gold plating is a nice touch ensuring good contact with the USB connectors and longevity for something that will soon become one of a gamers most prized possessions &#8211; for years.\u00a0 And of course, Thermaltake eSports backs it with a 2-year warranty.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This editor has a much higher regard for keyboards now than formerly.\u00a0 A quality keyboard makes a significant improvement in productivity and enjoyment for any user.\u00a0 The only warning is to match the keyboard to the use and to the user and to determine the amount of resistance you want from the keys and what kind of tactile feedback will suits you best and what amount of noise is tolerable.<\/p>\n<p>The Tt eSports MEKA Compact Gaming Keyboard is a good value for a no-frills compact keyboard that can be easily taken to LAN parties.\u00a0 It is ideal for a gamer who wants a compact keyboard and also a good choice for a typist.\u00a0 You will make less errors and have less fatigue than using ordinary keyboards.\u00a0 And everyone will appreciate the two USB ports built into the top of the keyboard.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Getting Used to it<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is important. It may take a week or two to get used to a mechanical key keyboard if you are used to a standard rubber dome variety.\u00a0 Stay with it.\u00a0 You will never go back.\u00a0 And you will game or type with more accuracy and less fatigue on a great keyboard that will remain of the same high quality for years of dependable service.<\/p>\n<p>One thing to note that you may never get used to unless this is your exclusive keyboard, is that some keys are placed strangely.\u00a0 You need to decide if the arrow keys and &#8216;?&#8217; placing and the small backspace key will annoy you or not.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cherry Black MX switches are a great choice for a gamer.\u00a0 They are fast and provide good feedback.<\/li>\n<li>Compact size is one of the important features of this board, it takes up less space but loses nothing compared to a full size keyboard and it even has a numpad.<\/li>\n<li>The MEKA compact keyboard is heavy, *solid* and built to last.<\/li>\n<li>Numlock and Caps lock light up red LEDs\u00a0 &#8211;\u00a0 together with the red accents on the sides, it is a handsome and good looking black keyboard that will go with just about any PC.\u00a0 There is no Windows key on the left side to deactivate for gamers.<\/li>\n<li>The tilt-up is OK and the rubber feet keep the keyboard from moving even during heavy gaming.<\/li>\n<li>The 6 foot USB braided cable is heavy and very durable (although possibly too stiff for some; it may be a con)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The screening on the keycaps looks to be impermanent and they will probably wear off in time<\/li>\n<li>No PS\/2 connector.\u00a0 They do have advantages over USB although less motherboards offer the connector.<\/li>\n<li>Some of the keys are placed in a non-standard way for touch typists &#8211; especially the &#8220;?&#8221; &#8211; and the backspace key is unfortunately regular-sized.\u00a0 This is a better keyboard for a gamer than a typist although it is much better than any rubber domed keyboard for typing.\u00a0 There are no programmable keys for macros.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We give the Tt eSports MEKA Compact Gaming Keyboard our highest recommendation and our ABT Editor&#8217;s Award.\u00a0\u00a0 It is our favorite keyboard and we will be using it for many years to come.\u00a0 Recommended.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/10\/editorschoice-png.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/10\/editorschoice-png.png?resize=150%2C251\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Please join us in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Forums<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Become a Fan on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142', 'Facebook']);\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Follow us on <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech', 'Twitter']);\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the latest updates from ABT, please <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?feed=rss2\" target=\"_blank\">join our RSS News Feed<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join our Distributed Computing teams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Folding@Home &#8211; 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