So I had a very specific use case for a keyboard - lots of custom shortcuts and executables. I have a software managed KVM switch to switch between my two computers - now that's a little tricky but a lot of keyboards fill that role. The part where it gets tough is that I don't have admin permissions on one of them, so installing the keyboard software to get it all set up can be very difficult (looking at you Corsair/iCue). I have about 30 shortcuts that I wanted on each computer and designated, programmable keys were a must (why have those gone away?) - this narrowed my choices considerably. I also wanted something that was good to type on and didn't completely shatter the bank account - ie less than $200.
I purchased a LOT of keyboards trying to get this figured out (18 to be specific) and the only other one that came close was the Razer Blackwidow Chroma V2 - which this keyboard still had beat. Steelseries Engine is FANTASTIC, especially on their older hardware, which for some reason has more functionality than their newer stuff (Apex). When you plug it in it also prompts you to install the software and does so WITHOUT admin permissions, this opens a LOT of doors for people; to be fair, Razer has this functionality as well. Making custom shortcuts is super easy, as is making layers - for me, all I have to do is hold the Steelseries key (though you can map it to whatever you want) and all my custom shortcuts illuminate and are color coded. Release the key and it is back to the normal layout - perfect. No other engine that I played with allowed this functionality as smoothly or as easily and I tried all the main players - Corsair, G.Skill, Razer, etc. You're not even limited to one layer, you can have as many as you want and tie them to specific applications. Steelseries completely crushed the software side of things.
Also, I didn't think I cared about RGB a whole lot, but individually addressable keys makes a noticeable difference since you can color code. Their custom switches really do let significantly more light through than traditional Cherry RGB switches.
One of the interesting things that I discovered is that as long as the software is loaded (you have logged in at least once since boot) the dual core processor in the keyboard loads all of the commands in the keyboard, which means that almost all of the shortcuts to executables like .bat files work in a lock-screen environment; for the KVM features I have programmed this is incredibly awesome and no other keyboard had this functionality.
A few more pros:
The M800 has a two port hub built in. This is super nice! I only have 3 ports on my KVM so with the hub I now I have 4. Not earth-shattering but for USB 2.0 devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.) this is pretty sweet.
It has a huge spacebar! Again, this wasn't necessarily a huge selling point to me but after using it I wish that it was more commonplace. It allows the thumbs to rest a little more naturally farther down. Score!
The Cons:
This keyboard isn't without its faults. Steelseries put a lot of effort into this board but there are some features that were out at the time that I wish they had included.
The biggest issue with this keyboard is the switches. It looks like Steelseries really wanted the brightest keys in the biz, so they made their own mechanical switch with a centered LED and perimeter stems - apparently the same stem as old Apple keyboards (unverified). From the reviews I have read this has lead to some problems with breakage and it is a concern that I have. This keyboard is now discontinued and replacement caps are going to be very hard to find. Having proprietary caps only made for one keyboard is a risk. Make the choice carefully. You can find them on used marketplaces (for now) but they're expensive. The reviews that I have read make it seem like they are more likely to break under heavy typing or spamming the keys - like during gaming. Not a big issue for me and I haven't had any problems yet, but if you're considering buying this as a gaming keyboard might want to think long and hard.
Speaking of the switches, and this is personal preference, they only come with red (linear) switches. Why oh why didn't they make this in brown or blue switches? I have gotten used to the reds slowly but still definitely prefer blues. Oh well. Even for reds the typing experience is only "good", not great. Definitely better than a membrane switch and not too bad to be an issue but every so often there is a little... grittiness... It probably happens once every 100 keystrokes or so. It isn't enough for me to not LOVE the keyboard, but if you are super picky about switches, these aren't the best around.
The last con (for me anyway) is the lack of a volume roller. It isn't a huge deal, but it would be nice to have.
Bottom line and recommendations:
If you are a developer or a programmer looking for a keyboard with a ton of shortcut possibilities or using a lot of commonly used .bat files - this is the keyboard for you - there is no other that I have found. If you are running a custom software controlled KVM and need to constantly switch computers than this is perfect.
If you are looking for a keyboard that doesn't require admin permissions, has macro keys and a great typing experience - get the Razer Blackwidow Chroma V2. It is very similar but has better switches, but doesn't work in the lock screen environment and Synapse isn't quite as customizable (but it is very close).
If you are looking for a great keyboard with macro keys, phenomenal switches, a volume roller and a premium look and feel and you HAVE admin permissions - I solidly recommend the Corsair K95 Platinum XT. Soooo good with Cherry Blues.
Ultimately, this isn't the keyboard for everyone. But for a specific subset - it is AWESOME. The Steelseries Apex line added some of the wishlist (like proper switches) but it also got rid of a lot of what made this keyboard great. I would love to see Steelseries revisit this keyboard. Modernize it a bit, give us multiple switch options (Kaihl White Box, anyone?), add a volume roller, and that's it. It would be an absolute beast. I doubt that they ever will but I can dream.
| Brand | SteelSeries |
|---|---|
| Item model number | 64170 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | PC; Mac |
| Item Weight | 3.06 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 6.85 x 20.08 x 1.61 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.85 x 20.08 x 1.61 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Manufacturer | SteelSeries |
| ASIN | B00SB6DO6M |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | January 23, 2015 |
