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SteelSeries 6Gv2 mechanical keyboard review
Jason Tsay
For those who constantly game or write “mechanical keyboards” are one of the most popular options. In terms of gaming, you’ll be able to input your commands more rapidly and precisely. Or even if you’re just typing, you’ll be getting that glorious tactile feedback from the days of the typewriter. We’ve looked at other mechanical keyboards in the past but today, we’ll be reviewing the SteelSeries 6Gv2.
Features
- Gold plated switches
- Extreme anti-ghosting
- Features SteelSeries Media Controls
- 18K-Gold plated mechanical switches and USB connectors
Our Impressions
The SteelSeries 6Gv2 comes packaged in a cardboard box containing the keyboard, some manuals, and a USB to PS/2 adapter.
The keyboard looks very hardcore in the sense that it is very simple and has no frills whatsoever. For example, the caps lock, num lock, and scroll lock keys are large indented lights. There isn’t much “design” to speak of but the keyboard doesn’t exactly look minimalistic either. We’d probably settle on “hardcore” if we had to design the looks in one sentence. Made in Taiwan, the build quality on this keyboard is amazing. We said this about the SteelSeries 7H USB but it only applies more so here - this thing is built to withstand some serious abuse. Even the cable is fairly heavy duty. There is no use of glossy plastic at all so both the keys and surface between the keys are textured.
Text on the keys are easily read and the keys are mostly pretty standard, with the hint of a curve on each keycap. The key layout might actually be our greatest complaint though. Although this is a matter of personal preference, the enter key is shaped in a large L, thus shifting the keys around it. In fact, the right shift key is shrunken down to accomodate the extra punctuation key. We’re sure some people like this layout but we sure found it tough to adjust to. Aside from the enter key region, everything is mostly typical and fine. Where you would normally find the left Windows key is a SteelSeries key instead which let’s you activate the media control keys which are located on the F keys 1-6. The mute, volume down, volume up, play/pause, previous track, next track keys are fairly useful since they are near the WASD area. The SteelSeries key being there also prevents an accidental press of the Windows key.
So how is the mechanical key switch action on this keyboard? Quite impressive actually. The Cherry MX Blacks provide a smooth key press rather than a clicky tactile one. For this reason, the Blacks are considered one of the best mechanical switch types for gaming. It’s easier to double tap keys and there is a good amount of key travel as well.
Overall
The $100 price point is a good one. Since mechanical keyboards are such a niche market, they are typically costly and hard to find. The $100 price point makes the 6Gv2 much more accessible than its $150 brother, the SteelSeries 7G. With the differences being only a removable wristrest as well as audio and USB ports. If you’re looking for a gaming mechanical keyboard but don’t want the extra frills, the 6Gv2 is a solid contender.
Pro’s
- Solidly built
- Smooth keypresses
Con’s
- Enter key design
- Large and clunky
- A little loud
Where to buy
SteelSeries / Amazon — MSRP: $99.99
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This review was done by Jason Tsay, who was provided the 6Gv2 by SteelSeries.
