Gaming keyboard and related methods

A gaming keyboard having a user initiated key response system, comprising:

• a keyboard without a display comprising a plurality of keys;
• the keyboard being configured to communicate with an external host computer system to provide gaming controls;
• a trigger mechanism within the keyboard, the trigger mechanism configured to receive user initiated input and configured to output a signal when a predetermined user input is received during gaming, the trigger mechanism comprising one or more sensors located within the keyboard to detect the user initiated input;
• and
• a key state change mechanism associated with the keyboard, the key state change mechanism being configured to operate in response to the output signal from the trigger mechanism to cause a change in state with respect to a predetermined set of one or more keys, the change in state providing key identification feedback to facilitate registration of a user's hand with respect to the predetermined set of one or more keys, and the change in state comprising a tactile change in state, and the trigger mechanism being separate from the predetermined set of one or more keys;
• wherein the predetermined set of keys change state for a period of time before returning to their initial state.