• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.

SteelSeries Introduces the Shift Gaming Keyboard

btarunr

Editor & Senior Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 9, 2007
Messages
47,233 (7.55/day)
Location
Hyderabad, India
System Name RBMK-1000
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
Motherboard ASUS ROG Strix B450-E Gaming
Cooling DeepCool Gammax L240 V2
Memory 2x 8GB G.Skill Sniper X
Video Card(s) Palit GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER GameRock
Storage Western Digital Black NVMe 512GB
Display(s) BenQ 1440p 60 Hz 27-inch
Case Corsair Carbide 100R
Audio Device(s) ASUS SupremeFX S1220A
Power Supply Cooler Master MWE Gold 650W
Mouse ASUS ROG Strix Impact
Keyboard Gamdias Hermes E2
Software Windows 11 Pro
Today, as the leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories as well as product partner to some of the world's most successful game publishers, SteelSeries announced the new SteelSeries Shift gaming keyboard. Named for the ability to alter its appearance and functionality through interchangeable keysets, the SteelSeries Shift brings gamers advanced customization capabilities that improve the way they approach, experience, and master their game.

"With the introduction of the SteelSeries Shift, we're able to bring another unique and powerful gaming tool to consumers, said SteelSeries CEO, Bruce Hawver. "The Shift greatly expands the functionality and concept of the original Zboard, which joined our product line in 2008 as a result of our acquisition of Ideazon, with new SteelSeries features that will provide gamers with a keyboard experience that can be customized for all types of games. As we bring the SteelSeries Shift to market, we are continuing to work with the best developers and publishers in the games industry to offer player's unique layouts and functionalities that will enhance their entire gaming experience."



Premium Build Quality
The interchangeable keyset design is the only common denominator between the SteelSeries Shift and Zboard. The new keyboard was constructed from ground up with high-quality, strong materials that add durability and functionality. The base of the Shift and the new Shift Keysets are all made with premium plastic and finishes for a superior look and feel. With three height levels, extra wide feet, and a wrist rest that include rubber inserts to prevent slipping, users are able to choose what feels most comfortable for their preferences. Additional hardware features include:
  • Gold plated audio-out and microphone-in 3.5mm ports
  • 2 USB 2.0 ports, including 1 powered
  • LED indicators to alert when profiles and functions are active

On board memory allows users to easily record up to 3 layers of on-the-fly macros at the top of the SteelSeries Shift base and have access to instant media controls on the left side of the keyboard. The Bar and Pad Lock keys allow additional layers of mapping on the F and NUM Pad keys that can be utilized in games or in daily applications.

Every key on the SteelSeries Shift can be customized; more than just macros, players can record a sequence of actions with delays and then map that sequence to a single key. Users can then program advanced capabilities in multiple layers per key. Players can take advantage of an endless amount of layered movements with the support of its anti-ghosting capability, which allows up to simultaneous 7 keystrokes.

Customized Gaming Terrain
Equipped with an advanced chip reader in the SteelSeries Shift base, users can easily interchange SteelSeries Shift Keysets from the Standard QWERTY Keyset, which is included, to licensed Keysets of blockbuster game titles that are each sold separately. Every keyset is uniquely designed in cooperation with game publishers and configured with input from expert players to establish an intuitive command setup and predefined game mods for games of all types.

The SteelSeries Shift and Shift Keysets are forward and backward compatible with SteelSeries Zboard and Zboard Keysets. Keysets that support backwards compatibility includes Aion, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, and StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Check out our product page for further details about compatibility.

The SteelSeries Shift has an MSRP of $89.99/ €89.99 and includes the Shift Base, and the Standard QWERTY Keyset. The SteelSeries Shift Keysets will be sold separately for $24.99 USD/ €24.99.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site
 
Joined
Oct 6, 2005
Messages
10,242 (1.47/day)
Location
Granite Bay, CA
System Name Big Devil
Processor Intel Core i5-2500K
Motherboard ECS P67H2-A2
Cooling XSPC Rasa | Black Ice GT Stealth 240 | XSPC X2O 750 | 2x ACF12PWM | PrimoChill White 7/16"
Memory 2x4GB Corsair Vengeance LP Arctic White 1600MHz CL9
Video Card(s) EVGA GTX 780 ACX SC
Storage Intel 520 Series 180GB + WD 1TB Blue
Display(s) HP ZR30W 30" 2650x1600 IPS
Case Corsair 600T SE
Audio Device(s) Xonar Essence STX | Sennheisser PC350 "Hero" Modded | Corsair SP2500
Power Supply ABS SL 1050W (Enermax Revolution Rebadge)
Software Windows 8.1 x64 Pro w/ Media Center
Benchmark Scores Ducky Year of the Snake w/ Cherry MX Browns & Year of the Tiger PBT Keycaps | Razer Deathadder Black
Sounds like a money pit to me.
 
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
3,527 (0.56/day)
Location
UK
System Name Dream Weaver
Processor Ryzen 5600
Motherboard B450 MSI Gaming Pro Carbon AC
Cooling NH-D14
Memory 16GB Flare X @ 3200MHz CL14
Video Card(s) Sapphire Vega 64 Nitro+
Storage 500GB evo 970 m.2 + 4TB HDDs
Display(s) ASUS 27" 1440p 144hz FreeSync
Case Fractal Design Define R3
Power Supply Corsair 850W
Software Windows 10 x64
SteelSeries Introduces the Shit Gaming Keyboard
 
Joined
Oct 6, 2005
Messages
10,242 (1.47/day)
Location
Granite Bay, CA
System Name Big Devil
Processor Intel Core i5-2500K
Motherboard ECS P67H2-A2
Cooling XSPC Rasa | Black Ice GT Stealth 240 | XSPC X2O 750 | 2x ACF12PWM | PrimoChill White 7/16"
Memory 2x4GB Corsair Vengeance LP Arctic White 1600MHz CL9
Video Card(s) EVGA GTX 780 ACX SC
Storage Intel 520 Series 180GB + WD 1TB Blue
Display(s) HP ZR30W 30" 2650x1600 IPS
Case Corsair 600T SE
Audio Device(s) Xonar Essence STX | Sennheisser PC350 "Hero" Modded | Corsair SP2500
Power Supply ABS SL 1050W (Enermax Revolution Rebadge)
Software Windows 8.1 x64 Pro w/ Media Center
Benchmark Scores Ducky Year of the Snake w/ Cherry MX Browns & Year of the Tiger PBT Keycaps | Razer Deathadder Black
Took me a second :laugh:
 
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
387 (0.07/day)
Processor i7 8700K
Motherboard MSI Z370 Gaming Plus
Cooling Noctua NH-D15S + NF-A12x25 PWM + 4xNF-A14 PWM
Memory 16 GB Adata XPG Dazzle DDR4 3000 MHz CL16
Video Card(s) Gigabyte GTX 1070 Ti Gaming 8G
Storage Samsung 970 EVO Plus, Samsung 850 Evo
Display(s) Samsung C24FG73 144Hz 1080p
Case Fractal Design Meshify C
Audio Device(s) Steelseries Arctis 3
Power Supply Superflower Leadex II Gold 650W
Mouse Steelseries Rival 600
Keyboard Steelseries Apex 7
Software Windows 11 Pro
Seems to be very easily cleanable - 10+ if it really is. Also is sober, dark and good looking. If the materials are that good, it might just be worth 50 USD.
Don't give a rats ass about the WoW and Aion etc. sets... stupid feature.
 
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
1,645 (0.27/day)
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
System Name Current
Processor i5 2500k @ 4.5
Motherboard ASRock Z77 Extreme4
Cooling Xigmatek Gaia
Memory 2x4G G-skill Sniper
Video Card(s) GTX 680
Storage 128 Crucial M4, 1 TB Seagate Baracuda
Display(s) Shimian Achieva 27"
Case Corsair 400R
Audio Device(s) Onboard
Power Supply Corsais HX-620
Software Windows 7
Seems to be very easily cleanable - 10+ if it really is. Also is sober, dark and good looking. If the materials are that good, it might just be worth 50 USD.
Don't give a rats ass about the WoW and Aion etc. sets... stupid feature.

The split space bar takes a little getting used to, I used to have a z-board before SteelSeries took Ideazon over. They're decent quality but it's just not a keyboard made for typing really.
 
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
107 (0.02/day)
Location
Romania
Processor intel i7 4770k @ 4.6ghz
Motherboard asus maximus vi hero
Cooling noctua nh d14
Memory 16gb gskill 2400 mhz
Video Card(s) MSI gtx 780ti
Storage 512gb samsung 840 pro + 2x 1tb WD caviar black sata 3
Display(s) 3x Benq XL2720Z 144hz surround
Case cooler master storm stryker
Audio Device(s) asus xonar dx
Power Supply corsair ax1200
Software windows 7 ultimate 64 bit
why would you buy this when you can buy the 6gv2 from SS?
I strongly recomend that keyboard, it's really a gamechanger
 
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
1,645 (0.27/day)
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
System Name Current
Processor i5 2500k @ 4.5
Motherboard ASRock Z77 Extreme4
Cooling Xigmatek Gaia
Memory 2x4G G-skill Sniper
Video Card(s) GTX 680
Storage 128 Crucial M4, 1 TB Seagate Baracuda
Display(s) Shimian Achieva 27"
Case Corsair 400R
Audio Device(s) Onboard
Power Supply Corsais HX-620
Software Windows 7
why would you buy this when you can buy the 6gv2 from SS?
I strongly recomend that keyboard, it's really a gamechanger

Well seeing as that is twice the price of this keyboard, I'm sure that's why. Not going to argue that it's worth the money, with cherry blacks at $100 a keyboard with a quality company standing behind it I may pick one up, I didn't know they did a replacement for the G7.
 
Joined
Jul 24, 2009
Messages
1,002 (0.18/day)
why would you buy this when you can buy the 6gv2 from SS?
I strongly recomend that keyboard, it's really a gamechanger

I own 7G, its my first mechanical after long years (yea I remember era, when most keyboards were mechanical :D). I agree its very good product. But first, its just rebranded. Second, there are better ones, like Das Keyboard for example. Theres couple more of them, just search them.

7G and I guess 6GV2 too, have slight issue of being bit slower than other true top mechanical keyboards. And you can really force that keyboard to miss a key.. which shouldnt happen. Also theres "rumor" about their keyboards (well, built-in controler) failing after some time.. Though, its just rumor for me now, my 7G is fine. :)

I dont think this Shifty thing is usefull for something.. Just another gaming keyboard, nothing more.
 

Kitkat

New Member
Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
768 (0.14/day)
SHIFT!

You think ppl will know its called a shift keyboard?
 
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
1,645 (0.27/day)
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
System Name Current
Processor i5 2500k @ 4.5
Motherboard ASRock Z77 Extreme4
Cooling Xigmatek Gaia
Memory 2x4G G-skill Sniper
Video Card(s) GTX 680
Storage 128 Crucial M4, 1 TB Seagate Baracuda
Display(s) Shimian Achieva 27"
Case Corsair 400R
Audio Device(s) Onboard
Power Supply Corsais HX-620
Software Windows 7
I own 7G, its my first mechanical after long years (yea I remember era, when most keyboards were mechanical :D). I agree its very good product. But first, its just rebranded. Second, there are better ones, like Das Keyboard for example. Theres couple more of them, just search them.

7G and I guess 6GV2 too, have slight issue of being bit slower than other true top mechanical keyboards. And you can really force that keyboard to miss a key.. which shouldnt happen. Also theres "rumor" about their keyboards (well, built-in controler) failing after some time.. Though, its just rumor for me now, my 7G is fine. :)

I dont think this Shifty thing is usefull for something.. Just another gaming keyboard, nothing more.

I've never heard of key transposition errors or missing keys on a 7g. I can't find anywhere of it reported either?
 
Joined
Mar 24, 2010
Messages
5,047 (0.94/day)
Location
Iberian Peninsula
just a money milking device for the 'ubergamers'.
no idea of what the quoted games are like...

I'd prefer more development effort in the joystick department, after the death of sims (no, not 'The Sims' crap), its halted, as many got caught in the consolitis syndrome and switched to gamepads, bluuuurp!

My religion is based on 3 Holy Devices: mouse, keyboard, joystick! No holy books or other shit...
 
Joined
Feb 4, 2008
Messages
700 (0.11/day)
System Name HAL9000
Processor i5 3750k @ stock
Motherboard Asus P8Z77-V LX
Cooling Corsair H80i
Memory Corsair Vengeance 8GB 1600MHz
Video Card(s) Sapphire 7970 Vapor-X GHz 3GB
Storage Samsung Evo 850 256GB
Display(s) BenQ XL2411T @ 144Hz
Case anidees AI6BW
Audio Device(s) Asus Xonar D2X
Power Supply Corsair TX650M
Software W10 64bit
imo a very good idea, however how good it truly is, is yet unknown. I honestly couldn't care less for customizability in keyboards since I'm a native FPS player but those WoW addicts could find this pretty niffy (or not, since I wouldn't know).

just a money milking device for the 'ubergamers'.
no idea of what the quoted games are like...

I'd prefer more development effort in the joystick department, after the death of sims (no, not 'The Sims' crap), its halted, as many got caught in the consolitis syndrome and switched to gamepads, bluuuurp!

My religion is based on 3 Holy Devices: mouse, keyboard, joystick! No holy books or other shit...

Pardon my trolling, but nobody uses joystick anymore. No offence and I'm not sure how long you haven't played a game but within the last 5 (maybe even 10 years) about 5% of games have required joystick (now, joystick and gamepads are 2 different things) in order to properly play and this is including things like simulators etc.
 
Joined
Oct 2, 2005
Messages
3,059 (0.44/day)
Location
Baltimore MD
Processor Ryzen 5900X
Motherboard ASUS Prime X470 Pro
Cooling Arctic liquid freezer II 240
Memory 2 x 16 Gb Gskill Trident Z 3600 Mhz
Video Card(s) MSI Ventus 3060 Ti OC
Storage Samsung 960 EVO 500 Gb / 860 EVO 1 Tb
Display(s) Dell S2719DGF
Case Lian Li Lancool II Mesh
Audio Device(s) Soundblaster Z
Power Supply Corsair RM850x
Mouse Logitech G703
Keyboard Logitech G513
Software Win 11
so this is the zboard 2.0?

Joysticks seriously there's no room for improvement there, my satiek cyborg evo worked awesome with hawx after sitting in my closet since the release of windows xp which killed Janes USAF
 
Joined
Mar 11, 2008
Messages
936 (0.15/day)
Location
Hungary / Budapest
System Name Kincsem
Processor AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
Motherboard ASUS ProArt X870E-CREATOR WIFI
Cooling Be Quiet Dark Rock Pro 5
Memory Kingston Fury KF560C32RSK2-96 (2×48GB 6GHz)
Video Card(s) Sapphire AMD RX 7900 XT Pulse
Storage Samsung 970PRO 500GB + Samsung 980PRO 2TB + FURY Renegade 2TB+ Adata 2TB + WD Ultrastar HC550 16TB
Display(s) Acer QHD 27"@144Hz 1ms + UHD 27"@60Hz
Case Cooler Master CM 690 III
Power Supply Seasonic 1300W 80+ Gold Prime
Mouse Logitech G502 Hero
Keyboard HyperX Alloy Elite RGB
Software Windows 10-64
Benchmark Scores https://valid.x86.fr/ilvewh https://valid.x86.fr/4d8n02 X570 https://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/g46uc
what is good in this?
 
Joined
Mar 24, 2010
Messages
5,047 (0.94/day)
Location
Iberian Peninsula
Saitek and Thrustmaster, and Logitech & other, make joysticks for the knowing specialists!!!
For airplanes, cars, bikes, tanks, BMPs, helos, etc... All vehicles!!!!! AND IT ROCKS, the solid feeling is unparalleled!
;)

Back to topic: hopefully the build quality is good. Gamers tend to abuse hardware :)
 
Joined
Jul 31, 2006
Messages
95 (0.01/day)
Location
Paraguay
I still cant see how that can be usefull.
It cames to my mind, a table, that is so thin, that you can Z the keyboard and put a box under the numpad to set it higher, but... to type will be like.... well nvm,
I still cant see how that can be usefull.
 
Top