Hardware makers have released plenty of keyboards targeted at gamers in the past, but MadCatz' newly unveiled S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 gaming keyboard is probably the most over-the-top example of the form yet. That's speaking in terms of customizability, features, and price.

The most intriguing feature is probably the small touchscreen that can be attached to the top of the keyboard. Aside from being able to program macros and launch apps with a few taps, the screen can be used to control a TeamSpeak session without having to leave the game or bring up an overlay on the main monitor (which seems like an incredibly useful feature).

We're also particularly interested in MadCatz's decision to separate the number pad and arrow keys into a separate module that can be rearranged to a more convenient location (like, say, the left side of the keyboard) or removed entirely to allow for more space for a mouse. The removable strip of four macro buttons that hangs off the left side of the keyboard looks less functional, but we'll wait for some hands on time before deciding how much left-pinky-stretching we'd need to actually use it effectively.

At a suggested price of $299.99, even serious gamers are going to have to think hard about whether this keyboard or, say, a decent mid-level graphics card provides more bang for the gaming buck. Then again, a new graphics card doesn't come with three highly adjustable wrist rests, interchangeable rubber-edged WASD keys, 16 million backlight colors, or the ability to make all your friends ask "What the heck is THAT?" at your next LAN party.