I was really close to considering buying this - it was my 2nd choice, after the one I currently own (Tesoro Durandal). Both keyboards are almost identical in features, the only difference is the Trigger-Z has dedicated macro keys and is considerably more expensive. I really don't understand the reason behind gold plating for USB, it's such a stupid investment.

I was really close to considering buying this - it was my 2nd choice, after the one I currently own (Tesoro Durandal). Both keyboards are almost identical in features, the only difference is the Trigger-Z has dedicated macro keys and is considerably more expensive. I really don't understand the reason behind gold plating for USB, it's such a stupid investment.

Well if they had two versions same price one has regular usb and one has gold plating which one will you get? :P But yeah I know what you mean, doesnt really make much difference. Anyway I went away from full size keyboard, prior I had a full sized G15 and barely used the macros so I downsized to CM Storm QuickFire TK reds and love it! I lose the middle part but they integrated it to the numpad and I love using the numpad and couldnt see myself using one without. Kinda want a hand rest though lol.

The point of the gold plating is to prevent corrosion of the connector, just as it is with gold plated headphone jacks. It doesn't have to do with making the signal better. That being said, if it actually costs more for that specific feature, then yeah it's not worth it.

The point of the gold plating is to prevent corrosion of the connector, just as it is with gold plated headphone jacks. It doesn't have to do with making the signal better. That being said, if it actually costs more for that specific feature, then yeah it's not worth it.

I have yet to see a USB device that has ever had corroded ports. I've seen trashed USB devices left outside that just simply got dirty but not rusty. Also, the headphone jack is an analog signal, so gold plating actually does make a difference there, though not a significant one. For analog devices, the signal quality is as good as the cheapest metal carrying the signal, so if your speakers/headphones use something "impure", the gold won't do much for you.

I have yet to see a USB device that has ever had corroded ports. I've seen trashed USB devices left outside that just simply got dirty but not rusty. Also, the headphone jack is an analog signal, so gold plating actually does make a difference there, though not a significant one. For analog devices, the signal quality is as good as the cheapest metal carrying the signal, so if your speakers/headphones use something "impure", the gold won't do much for you.

I live in a humid environment and plenty of my old USB and headphone jacks have corrosion on them. The gold plated ones don't though.