Does a keyboard need to have a processor?

[Scionyde]

I'm still debating about whether I want to buy one of the RGB mechanical keyboards on the market. As part of my research, I was looking at Amazon reviews for the K95 RGB, and I noticed the most helpful review was a two-star one (http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Gaming-Mechanical-Keyboard-CH-9000062-NA/dp/B00N4OBCT2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419443500&sr=8-2&keywords=corsair+k95+rgb+keyboard#customerReviews). It seems the main reason that he's dissatisfied is that there is no processor or on-board memory. His reasons why they are necessary is quoted below.

 

I suppose the item I'm most curious/concerned about is the implication that by not having a processor, there will be some degree of lag/delay. He mentions his Roccat Ryos is an example of a keyboard that has a processor and on-board memory.

 

Is there really such a benefit? Is it common for keyboards to have it?

 

 

⁽ⁿ¹⁾ WHY THE PROCESSOR AND ON-BOARD MEMORY IS NECESSARY

With a "real" processor and on-board memory, the macro and key-strokes you save are stored INSIDE the keyboard, and are executed there too. It does NOT need Windows to be running to execute them. It has its own processors to do it. What are the benefits of this function?

▶ There will be no lag/delay since it will not be dependent on Windows software.
▶ You can use it anywhere. Even in the lock screen, before "running" Windows.
▶ Keyboard remapping is keyboard dependent, not PC dependent.
▶ Need to change computers? No re-installing of drivers and software required.

The K95 RGB and most of Corsair's hardware only stores profile settings. It saves the profile to the keyboard, but needs Windows to process it and execute commands. This technology is not terribly expensive to not be implemented here. My Roccat keyboard is cheaper than Corsair, and they are imported from Germany. Even my Logitech G700S has that feature. Suddenly, I could not justify the price of this keyboard knowing it does not have appropriate hardware.

This is a misleading marketing gimmick. If I just want to save the "settings", I'd use a dedicated USB flash drive. It shouldn't even be called an "on-board memory"; rather, it should be called "on-board storage" as it is more apt.

 

 

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

I'm still debating about whether I want to buy one of the RGB mechanical keyboards on the market. As part of my research, I was looking at Amazon reviews for the K95 RGB, and I noticed the most helpful review was a two-star one (http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Gaming-Mechanical-Keyboard-CH-9000062-NA/dp/B00N4OBCT2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419443500&sr=8-2&keywords=corsair+k95+rgb+keyboard#customerReviews). It seems the main reason that he's dissatisfied is that there is no processor or on-board memory. His reasons why they are necessary is quoted below.

 

I suppose the item I'm most curious/concerned about is the implication that by not having a processor, there will be some degree of lag/delay. He mentions his Roccat Ryos is an example of a keyboard that has a processor and on-board memory.

 

Is there really such a benefit? Is it common for keyboards to have it?

 

I am fine with using software from the computer. So I mean, if you want what the guy says, then you need a CPU.

[jayctech]

Surprised that it isn't onboard. My guess is they don't need it if it's just a regular keyboard. Even the person you quoted emphasizes its need on a LED based keyboard that uses software for its lighting system.

[Flyguygamer]

I thought it does have on board memory. 

 

*edit*

It does. And it has a Panasonic lighting controller on board as well.

 

http://www.corsair.com/en-us/corsair-gaming-k95-rgb-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-cherry-mx-blue

 

Edited December 24, 2014 by Flyguygamer

[othertomperson]

If it's on the keyboard then if you move PCs a lot and take your keyboard with you then you have your profiles and everything wherever you go, without needing stuff like Razer Synapse (which I've found to be a bit crap).

 

If you always use your keyboard with the same PC, though, it'll make no difference.

[Mujteba]

It does have onboard memory because you can take your profiles with you on the go.

[Scouten]

it stores One lighting profile and 3 macros profiles source i have the K70 RGB and K90

[Scionyde]

Hm, thanks for the responses guys. Nice to know that it does in fact have on-board memory. As for the processor thing, I suppose if I haven't noticed any lag on my current keyboard (which I'm pretty sure wouldn't have one) then I might not have anything to worry about. I suppose for a keyboard of this price, however, it would've been nice.

 

Thanks!

[Guest]

It has on board < k70 rgb owner