[Mayo]

Hey all,

Tt eSPORTS has a new Keyboard that has just hit our shores and it's something a little different... This gem is named the "Knucker". We are once again creating a community test and feedback competition with our product.

What is so different about this magical creature you ask? Let me explain to you.. gather around children.
The Knucker uses something we have named "Plunger Technology", this doesn't mean that it's good at cleaning your toilet (and it's not a sexist product aimed only at women), what this keyboard does is provides you with a mechanical feel in a membrane keyboard. This also means that it comes with a membrane keyboard price. Can't afford $120 for your favourite Cherry Brown? The Knucker comes in at $49!

This is open to members of SC2SEA ONLY and we are looking for FIVE of you to test our new keyboard and provide public feedback via the forums.

If you are chosen to test this keyboard, you must:

• Test the keyboard through your general activities for at least one week (gaming, photo shop, school work etc.)
• Provide feedback in the form of a forum post, minimum of two paragraphs (We will make a thread in this forum section and link in this thread)
• Provide a list of pro's and con's of the product and rate it out of 10
• Be a resident of Australia or New Zealand (Not citizen, resident)

How do you apply?

Please fill out the following form and submit it to TtKnuckerTester@gmail.com

• Name/Gamer Tag: (First + last name and online name)
• Address: (including post code - Cannot be PO box)
• Why should you review this Keyboard?: (Long term gamer, tech enthusiast, can't find the right keyboard for you etc)
• Previous Gaming Experience: (What have you played mostly? Any competitive experience?)
• Current Gaming Experience: (What are you currently playing? Any competitions you are in)
• Previous Reviews Conducted: (This isn't necessary)

The top 5 submissions will be chosen by us to participate in this event!

Note: You get to keep the Keyboard, do what you want with it after this is over.

Happy submitting!

Update 08AUG2012: Winners announced!

xGKing.Pokerface
IrisAnother
TADivinity
ToRSpartaz
Joel D. (No gamer name supplied)

Thread will be made on the 16th of August for the winners to start putting in their responses!

Quick Comments

	Asrathiel:	Looking forward to reading the reviews! I need a new keyboard soon!
	ZiggyD:	Amazing! I threw my name in
	Trinion:	Great initiative :D I see lots of the SEA community are jumping at the chance already!

[FaDeBadger]

Originally Posted by Mayo

If you are chosen to test this mouse, you must:
Test the keyboard through your general activities for at least one week (gaming, photo shop, school work etc.)
Provide feedback in the form of a forum post, minimum of two paragraphs (We will make a thread in this forum section and link in this thread)
Provide a list of pro's and con's of the mouse and rate the mouse in a score out of 10
Be a resident of Australia or New Zealand (Not citizen, resident)

Typo's yo, it's a keyboard

[Mayo]

Already fixed sir

[NDG.Stitch]

mehhhhh another giveaway only for aus and nz

Quick Comments

	MooZfY:	i feel your pain :<
	TCPKiaSu:	^ same

[ETL.ViTaL]

sounds gud, just looking at the keyboard i don't like the blue keys with the red and black clashes imo, looks good though

[Mayo]

Originally Posted by ZiggyD

Wow, I love Tt's work in the SEA region. So much more involved with the little guys.

I threw my name in, keen to see how good a membrane can be. I'm currently on a dodgi Logi(tech) and it's not enjoying my eight hours a day bottoming out as I write and game. My fingers aren't either. :S

Edit: Wow I just looked on the product description page. This might be the perfect keyboard for casting/recording videos since it is going to be much quieter than mechanical ones.

You won't go back to a membrane after a mechanical. I used to have an old model G15 and my mrs had a new model. We both use MEKA G1's now.

Originally Posted by sRluvtaeyeon

I was about to say you wouldn't want to touch the keyboard after it's had a week with me.

LOL.

[quote=cR.ChadMann;111504Mayo (I believe) had this at ACL Melbourne and showed me.. Really a great idea for an affordable keyboard with a mech feeling.. it actually feels like a mech keyboard and has really nice touch to it. Will be great to hear some feed back about it after more extensive use..[/QUOTE]

Yessir, I wanted to see SC2 peoples opinions.

Originally Posted by VB_Bandit

Tt eSports is #1, looks like a sick product

Creator and BboongBboong pointed at this keyboard at Computex and said "This good, me want", so I want to see how you guys like it!

Quick Comments

VB_Blake:

this good, me want. :P

[Malice]

Keyboard looks pretty good!

[nirvAnA]

whoa 5 free keyboards! nice!

[Another]

looks awesome, sent an email ^_^

[ZiggyD]

Wow, I love Tt's work in the SEA region. So much more involved with the little guys.

I threw my name in, keen to see how good a membrane can be. I'm currently on a dodgi Logi(tech) and it's not enjoying my eight hours a day bottoming out as I write and game. My fingers aren't either. :S

Edit: Wow I just looked on the product description page. This might be the perfect keyboard for casting/recording videos since it is going to be much quieter than mechanical ones.

[DarKcS]

I was about to say you wouldn't want to touch the keyboard after it's had a week with me.

[NOM]

This would be interesting to try out. It reminds me allot about the sc2 razer keyboard which I used for awhile, also mocks mecs whilst still being a dome keyboard.

[syfChadMann]

As much as I'm sponsored by Razer.. Putting that aside for a moment, Mayo (I believe) had this at ACL Melbourne and showed me.. Really a great idea for an affordable keyboard with a mech feeling.. it actually feels like a mech keyboard and has really nice touch to it. Will be great to hear some feed back about it after more extensive use..

[VB_Blake]

Tt eSports is #1, looks like a sick product

[DarKcS]

Never really needed to switch to TTE products as I've always gone with Razer but $150 keyboards are pricey for almost about any gamer so a good keyboard in the $50 range would be awesome.

[Hydroid]

A keyboard review! Of all the peripherals out there I can get most excited about a keyboard. Application sent!

[demzy]

Very nice looking keyboard, can't wait to see some of the reviews posted. I'm sure all recipients will be very thankful Mayo.

[Trinion]

Looks awesome :O
Applied If the reviews are good, I'd probably get the keyboard!

[Shieldz]

nice giveaway

[Jaywalk]

application sent thanks for the opportunity mayo.

[ZiggyD]

Originally Posted by Mayo

Quote:
Originally Posted by ZiggyD
Wow, I love Tt's work in the SEA region. So much more involved with the little guys.

I threw my name in, keen to see how good a membrane can be. I'm currently on a dodgi Logi(tech) and it's not enjoying my eight hours a day bottoming out as I write and game. My fingers aren't either. :S

Edit: Wow I just looked on the product description page. This might be the perfect keyboard for casting/recording videos since it is going to be much quieter than mechanical ones.

You won't go back to a membrane after a mechanical. I used to have an old model G15 and my mrs had a new model. We both use MEKA G1's now.

I don't actually own a mechanical so this would still be a great step up I'm still excited about the quietness that a keyboard like this could offer, I was a bit worried about how loud even a Das Silent would be.

[Jaywalk]

Originally Posted by ZiggyD

I don't actually own a mechanical so this would still be a great step up I'm still excited about the quietness that a keyboard like this could offer, I was a bit worried about how loud even a Das Silent would be.

Das silent is still pretty loud, its just a normal mech keyboard with brown switches. If you want a quiet mechanical keyboard grab something with brown/red/black switches and add o ring dampeners to each key. Perhaps the knucker will be a new viable option. We shall see after the reviews :P

Quick Comments

ZiggyD:

Thanks for the tip!

[Junho]

had a dream about this keyboard the other day (dunno why) i tried to press the keys but they were rock hard D:

Quick Comments

IcedTea:

LOL. ANDY. xD

[Bugalugs McScruffin]

Mayo, why does Tt keep breaking my heart? I need a Windows key between my left Ctrl and Alt keys and I do not need a Fn key anywhere on my keyboard. It's why I won't buy a Steelseries keyboard either.

Hope the reviews are great regardless.

Quick Comments

	breadfan:	I agree, it seems every gaming keyboard skips the windows key. There's money to be made in having a toggle switch for it
	NOM:	my ducky shine has a windows key on the left side :)

[TAminimat]

Originally Posted by Bugalugs McScruffin

Mayo, why does Tt keep breaking my heart? I need a Windows key between my left Ctrl and Alt keys and I do not need a Fn key anywhere on my keyboard. It's why I won't buy a Steelseries keyboard either.

Hope the reviews are great regardless.

Why do you need it there?

[Bugalugs McScruffin]

Originally Posted by TAminimat

Why do you need it there?

Because I use my keyboard for things other than gaming?

As for the hitting the Windows key during gameplay... I can't remember the last time I did that.

Yeah, I know that there is another one, but that is the one you can replace with a key I don't need. I use the one on the left.

[TAminimat]

Originally Posted by Bugalugs McScruffin

Because I use my keyboard for things other than gaming?

As for the hitting the Windows key during gameplay... I can't remember the last time I did that.

Yeah, I know that there is another one, but that is the one you can replace with a key I don't need. I use the one on the left.

How hard is it to use your right hand for pressing a windows key?

Quick Comments

breadfan:

About as difficult as pressing any other key in a different location than you're used to. Tried a Dvorak keyboard?

[AvPoker]

Originally Posted by Bugalugs McScruffin

Mayo, why does Tt keep breaking my heart? I need a Windows key between my left Ctrl and Alt keys and I do not need a Fn key anywhere on my keyboard.

Why? So you can't see the screen in the middle of a game?
Although if you persist, there IS a windows key at the bottom right side of the keyboard.

Quick Comments

TAminimat:

^

[ToRMaverick]

Would love to try it but just got a new Razor BlackWidow Ultimate and it really screws with your game trying new keyboards out, GL to everyone else and is a great initiative by Tt eSports to bring in an low cost keyboard like this. Cant wait for the reviews to see if it still has the squishy feel or mech feel.

See it being added to a few Christmas / Bday lists!

[AssyrianKing]

That's a nice looking keyboard

[Dragmah]

Keyboard looks nice, seems priced well too. The only way to know how well it works is by testing it, but seriously you have to be a top end gamer to really be affected by your keyboard (unless you are not on the keyboard you usually use, that sucks the big one)

[x5_Potter]

Have sent my app in, keyboard looks schweet

[Dumbledore]

Looks nice!

Why can't Sweden residents apply T_T

[Paroxysm]

Chucked my name in Love these comps and I look forward to seeing all the reviews! Keep up the good work Mayo!

[FvRelimzkE]

As a hardcore keyboard enthusiast, this sounds awfully intriguing. Sent my application in.

[Mayo]

Pressing the windows key on the left is easier (for me anyway).

I used to heavily use:
Windows + E = File Explorer
Windows + D = Desktop

Quick Comments

breadfan:

same, plus Win+ Left,Right,Up,Down (as well as shift variants of those),P,L,numbers, etc

[chaC]

Application sent, look forward to seeing all the reviews!

[TAminimat]

@breadfan: So not hard at all? If you think pressing a key that is like less than 10cm away is hard then you are just very very lazy lol.

Quick Comments

breadfan:

I don't think about every keystroke, it's automatic. 2 months of a keyboard without one and I still haven't adjusted.

[Mayo]

Congratulations to the winners!

Keyboards will be mailed out this week and I will make the feedback thread in 7 days for your responses!

xGKing.Pokerface
IrisAnother
TADivinity
ToRSpartaz
Joel D. (No gamer name supplied)

Quick Comments

	asdfSchnitzel:	Since pokerface got this one, i think he should give his to me when he wins HSL :>
	Trinion:	Grats to the 5 people! Gogo write reviews so I know whether I should pick this or this mech keyboard my friend told me!
	x5_Potter:	Grats to the winners! :D
	mGGAequitas:	damn :(
	syfSoundwave:	T_T

[Mayo]

2 days left until feedback time!

[Oshiego]

Will there be anymore of this kind ? Just curious

[FaMe]

- Put this together a couple of day's ago as a bit of a first impression, overall rating still stands.

Sadly I missed the package arriving on the Friday, so had to wait till Monday to get it!
It's a very nice box, haha. Although I can't comment on Racing Game's (Preferring to use a Racing Wheel), Hermes' review of the keyboard was well written and only made me want to test the keyboard out more.

I also liked the fact that upon opening the first fold of the box you were greeted with a relatively large sized keyboard overlay with functions of the keyboard pointed out. Another fold, and the keyboard is unveiled. Packaged with the keyboard include's a booklet regarding the installation of the keyboard (More on this later), a booklet regarding the warranty information, two TT Dragon stickers and two very nice extra's: Red WASD and Arrow key's (& a Key Remover), and a PS/2 adaptor.
Everything was very neatly packaged, another thing I was glad to see was that the Keyboard's cable (which was tucked away at the top of the box) was braided and had a small strap (detailed with the TT logo) to cleanly wrap away any excess cord.

The overall design for the keyboard is very nice and simple, nothing fancy regarding LED's, backlighting or macro/media keys which for the price is pretty standard.

On to the keyboard usage!
I plugged the keyboard in, and it worked immediately without the need to install any driver's etc. which was a nice change (though making the installation booklet relatively useless for anyone aware of a USB port?).
The 'plunger technology' regarding the key press action wasn't too noticeable, however that may have simply been me (Personally I found the key's very similar to the Roccat Isku).
Sadly I can't comment on the switchable repeat rate due to not using the PS/2 adapter, and i'm not entirely sure on what it would do for game's such as SC2/Dota2/LoL, though that's assuming it work's the way I think it does.
I'd also like to point out that the keyboard sat very stable in both the flat and the up-right position, and it was nice to see the tab's on the back had a rubber grip for extra hold.

One annoyance I did have was the lack of a left Window's key, though I understand a number of gamer's prefer to remove it or not have it entirely, i'm just very accustomed to using it. Obviously that's a minor gripe though, and seeing as this is a gaming keyboard it's understandable to not have it.

Outside of gaming usage I had another minor annoyance in having no macro key's as I use them relatively often in some design software for automated actions, again just personal preference.

Pro's:

Extremely affordable at only $49!
Very solid, without being heavy.
Simple, compact design.
Very comfy to use, the key's don't require a lot of force enabling you to make quick keystroke's.

Con's:

No backlighting, which made it somewhat annoying to use late at night by comparison.

Rating:

I'd have to give it a 7/10, regarding gaming outside of MMO's the keyboard has everything you need and it really is such a great price at $49.

[Another]

Got a letter saying it was at some post shop in upper hut (a long way from where i live, but they redirect to a post office near me, so will be delayed picking it up, but should get it on monday (2 days from this post).

Thanks mayo

[ToRSpartaz]

I just had it delivered today Mayo towards my dads place. So I will post my review up Monday night, after using it for a couple of days.

Thanks mate, I really appreciate the opportunity and I am looking forward to using it immensely

[AvPoker]

Disclaimer: This is my first review of anything in life, so please excuse the possible unreviewlike nature of my review. Thank you for your understanding.

+ [Review] +

The first thing that caught my attention was the artwork of the box. Most notably that handsome man in red pointing at the knucker keyboard, which I can rightfully claim. If I were to see this box somewhere in some store, there’s no way I could resist escaping the gravitational pull of the sexiness of the keyboard and Hermes. Onto the review:

As with most keyboards, the Knucker keyboard comes with a PS/2 adapter allowing it to be compatible with most computers. It also comes with eight red keys for the direction and WASD keys, provided for visual convenience for first person shooter, platform or other games that require direction keys. I did not find the need to use these keys as I mostly play Starcraft (its pretty good and you should try it). Nevertheless it’s a handy little feature.

The black ring in the picture with two hooks hanging out of it is key puller, presumably used to replace the black keys with the red ones, or to remove them in order to clean out any dust hiding beneath the keys. The key puller is surprisingly effective at pulling out the keys just by simply pushing the hooks into one of the key, then pulling it out. Above that is some installation guide, warranty etc etc etc. Now onto the keyboard itself:

Compared to the TteSPORTs challenger which I’ve been using for the past months or so, the Knucker keyboard was aesthetically pleasing to look at, at least in my opinion. The blue ink in contrast with the black colours of the keyboard match the colours of my blue razer copperhead with the TteSPORTs Dasher mousepad, which I thought was nice. Of course, not everyone owns the convenience of having matching coloured attire at their disposal.

What I also found was interesting was the size of the cord. Again, in comparison with the TteSPORTs Challenger, the cord is around twice as thin in diameter whilst being around the same length (for practical purposes ofc). Although I have only experienced this keyboard for less than a week, the cord seems sturdy enough to prevent me from worrying about it breaking off. But that’s fine, because I heard warranty is pretty good.

In terms of the keyboard’s features, it is similar to its early predecessors, replacing the windows key on the bottom left with the function key. This may be off-putting for some users that prefer to use the windows key in conjunction with others for easier maneuverability, but as a gaming keyboard this feature is justifiable. Instead of having the function hotkeys from the f1 to f12 keys being shortcuts to media players (such as pause, play, rewind, fast forward etc), only four shortcuts from f1 to f4 remain, which is used for some sort of repeat rate adjustment. I had no real use for these keys (nor do I know how they even work), so as a Starcraft player, don’t pay attention to them.

Also, there is a function key on f12 that controls whether it lights up the ‘dragon’ on the bottom of the keyboard. That was pretty cute.

"Is a dragon?

Onto the feel of the keyboard. Unfortunately I have not experienced mechanical keyboards for long enough for me to remember how it feels. However, I can say this plunger technology is a great improvement of keyboards such as the TteSPORTs Challenger. It is easier to type, more responsive, quieter and overall impressive. If I had to choose between a mechanical keyboard and this one, I’d go for the Knucker keyboard just because it gives me everything I need and at a much cheaper price.

Overall the TteSPORTs Knucker keyboard is a very worthwhile purchase, resembling the mechanics of a mechanical keyboard while being much more affordable at $49. It is by far the best keyboard I have experienced and I am glad to be able to experience such a treat for years to come.

Herme's Seal of Approval

+ [Overall] +

Pros:
- Hermes
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Easy to type
- Quiet
- Dragon

Cons:
- Replacing windows key may be unsettling for some
- Blue and red may not be the favourite colours for some
- Repeat rate functions have limited practical use (at least for starcraft)
- Is a dragon?

Overall score: 9/10

Quick Comments

	ROOTPetraeus:	damn fine review.
	asdfSchnitzel:	i would buy this keyboard if it didn't have function key >.>

[Shieldz]

wow poker i love ur review

[DarKcS]

Razer gaming keyboards use the function key (right side next to alt on Blackwidow) as well, but they keep the Windows key...so don't see why that would be a nobuy. But is the lack of a windows key (for minimize, start menu etc) annoying for general windows usage?

[Jaywalk]

Cool reviews guys! However, the main thing I personally am interested in is how the keyboard compares to the various types of mechanical switches and mechanical keyboards in general, so hopefully someone can provide this information in one of the reviews to come Nice job so far though.

note - A higher repeat rate can be pretty useful as zerg as you can spam our units faster if you have a lot of larvae saved up, also you can make banes a lot faster if you need to make a large amount really quickly. You may then want to switch your repeat rate back to a normal speed to play another game or race =)

Quick Comments

UHF:

Hopefully someone puts some photos up

[Mayo]

Oh no!

I'm making a new thread for you guys to put your reviews in, sorry I am a little late in making it.

[Mayo]

Here you go, glhf!

http://www.sc2sea.com/showthread.php...281#post116281