Typing Speed
In order to evaluate the typing speed, I will benchmark the ARCTIC K381 keyboard by using the website Type Racer (Link). My average words per minute speed (WPM) for 50 races was 78. This is in-line with other keyboards I have used in the past, such as the Microsoft Optical Desktop 4000 and the Logitech Internet Pro.
One thing that surprised me with the ARCTIC K381 was the maximum WPM speed that I was able to attain. With this keyboard, I was able to reach 100 WPM. My typing speed is very low compared to top typists on Type Racer, but that was a personal best. With other keyboards, the most I was ever able to reach, by memory, was 84 WPM.
I suspect that the low profile keys and the strong positive feedback from the keys allowed me to type much faster than usually. These low profile keys provide a very low travel distance, so very little time is needed to push these keys down for it to register. In a way, the ARCTIC K381 reminds me of a keyboard laptop.
The low profile keys of the ARCTIC K381 provide a very short travel distance
It would have been nice if the tilt of the keyboard was adjustable. By design, the ARCTIC K381 has a tilt of around 10 degrees. I found the keyboard’s tilt quite comfortable, but I know other might want to change it. ARCTIC should have been it possible.
Gaming Performance
Four simultaneous keys can be pressed on the ARCTIC K381. This should be more than enough for the common person.
Playing Counter-Strike 1.6, I found the keyboard very responsive. The keys provided a strong tactile feedback so I knew when I had hit the key or not. Furthermore, low-profile keys did not require me to lift my fingers or push the keys downwards too much, making it possible for me to switch between WASD keys quickly.
I found that the ARCTIC K381 was more than adequate as a gaming keyboard. Obviously, for those that would like dedicated gaming keys or to customize the keys on the keyboard for in-game actions, you will need to look elsewhere. The ARCTIC K381 does not come with additional keys or software to allow this.
Four keys can be pressed on the ARCTIC K381. In a gaming situation such as Counter-Strike 1.6, those keys could be W (Move forward), D (Turn right), Shift (Walk) and R (Reload).
