Conclusion:

Many may argue that the Rosewill RK-800G isn't really a gaming keyboard. Features found on gaming keyboards like the Logitech G15/G19, Razer Lycosa, or Saitek Cyborg for example, are definitely lacking here... No backlit keys, no LCD screens, no programmable keys. But, all of these keyboards cost at least four times as much as the RK-800G, so they better offer plenty of additional frills.

In the end I am more impressed by the RK-800G as a "classic" keyboard, as the packaging promotes it. It looks and works much like your typical keyboard, but with a few features that Rosewill has chosen to highlight in order to appeal to gamers. I do like this keyboard, and could see using it comfortably for daily tasks, as well as some gaming where I didn't need some of the features that other, more advanced, gaming keyboards might offer.



The most concrete downside to this keyboard is that it has a PS/2 connector. While plenty of computers still offer these ports, a USB plug would have been a much modern choice. Even if a PS/2 connector was determined to be the way to go, throwing in a PS/2 to USB adapter would have been nice.

Whether or not you agree with this keyboard being tagged with the term "gaming" doesn't really matter when you get down to the price. At just $14.99 from Newegg.com, we're talking about the kind of money you would spend for some basic, generic keyboards. What makes the $14.99 even more appealing is that shipping is free, and Newegg.com will also throw in a Rosewill brand mouse for free, too.

The respectable performance and handful of fairly novel features help the Rosewill RK-800G earn the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" award for use by non-gamers, as well as gamers on a budget. And at just $14.99 with free shipping and a free mouse, it just about has to earn the Bigbruin.com "Good Value" award.



Pros:

» Decent feel and key response
» Simple, but attractively styled
» Second set of W, A, S, and D keys in silver make them stand out for easy location
» You can mash 11 keys at once for in-game combo moves without conflict
» Extremely low price: $14.99 with free shipping and a free mouse at Newegg.com

Cons:

» PS/2 connector (and no USB adapter included)
» None of the frills you might expect when you hear the phrase "gaming keyboard"
» You can press 11 specific keys at once, and you're not likely to need all of them at once anyway

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