Canon Puts Efficiency On Press
The SteelSeries Merc Stealth gaming keyboard is nearly identical to one we looked at back in 2007, the Ideazon Merc Gaming Keyboard. SteelSeries has since updated the product--rebranding it as the Merc Stealth--and added tricolor LEDs and a handy two-port USB hub.
The keyboard features a separate game key cluster that essentially doubles standard QWERTY keys to the left of the board. However, since the bunched-up key layout impedes accuracy, it may require an adjustment period and with enough time we'd imagine getting used to the layout. The downloadable software allows for complete customization of the board, so if all you're interested in is tailoring your keyboard to your favorite titles, the Merc Stealth is probably worth a try.
Rather than forcing you to hunt and peck your way through a typical QWERTY layout, the idea of the Merc Stealth is to isolate an additional set of game keys in a more user-friendly design. We mostly found this setup to accommodate first-person-shooter titles, but some may find success with other genres as well.
