ASUS ROG CLAYMORE

$319

The Asus ROG Claymore is the world's first backlit mechanical keyboard to have a detachable number pad, according to its maker.

This detachable number pad can be attached to the left or right side of the Claymore. The number pad has a roller volume control on its top. Attach the number pad to the keyboard, and you can instantly control your computer's volume.

You can also just use the Claymore as a portable "tenkeyless" gaming keyboard without the numeric keypad.

The keyboard features anti-ghosting and full N-Key rollover technologies to make sure all key presses will be registered, no matter how many keys are pressed simultaneously.

Each key of the Claymore is individually backlit (with up to 16.8 million colours to choose from) and fully programmable.

We reviewed the version with the tactile and clicky Cherry MX Blue switches and found both the typing and gaming experience to be fantastic. It better be, as the Claymore costs over $300.

Yet, despite its hefty price tag, it does not have a USB pass-through port or audio jack. If you can afford it, the Asus ROG Claymore is one versatile and superb mechanical gaming keyboard to have.

LOGITECH G910 ORION SPECTRUM

$299

The Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum uses its very own Romer-G mechanical switches. These switches are said to have a longer lifespan of around 80 million keystrokes, but have the same 45g actuation force as Cherry MX Red.

The Spectrum comes with individually backlit RGB keys, customisable from over 16.8 million colours. In addition, there are five programmable macro keys on the left side of the keyboard and four more programmable macro keys sited above the F1 to F4 keys.

An array of media keys at the top right, along with a volume roller, allows for easy media playback. It also has a small dock on its back for you to put your smartphone.

While the Romer-G switches are supposed to have less travel distance of 1.5mm compared with MX Red's 2mm, the keys feel stiffer than the specification suggests when you type on them.

The built-in wrist rest has great ergonomics and makes for a good typing and gaming experience. In addition, if you prefer quieter keys with great tactile response, this keyboard will certainly suit you.

It's a tad pricey, but this is a feature-packed gaming keyboard that is great in looks and performance.

RAZER BLACKWIDOW CHROMA V2

$289.90

As its name implies, this is the second version of Razer's flagship gaming keyboard.

The V2 looks exactly like the original Blackwidow Chroma. It still has the 10-key rollover anti-ghosting feature, fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording, and customisable backlighting with up to 16.8 million colour options.

There are still no dedicated media keys. Instead, you have to press the Function key and some of the F keys to change volume or play media.

There is a USB 2.0 pass-through port as well as a 3.5mm four-pole audio pass-through jack on the right side of the keyboard. That's convenient, as you don't need to stretch to your desktop to plug in cables.

The review unit uses the tactile-clicky Razer Green switches. It just feels like typing on an old typewriter. The keys are very responsive to my presses and there was no ghosting when I was gaming.

Furthermore, it comes with a magnetic cushioned wrist rest. You can easily attach it to - or detach it from - the bottom edge of the keyboard. This makes typing so much more comfortable as it puts your hands slightly higher above the keys. Conversely, when gaming, this position will strain your wrist a little.

Overall, this is one great keyboard for both gaming and work.

Trevor Tan