Anyone used Deck keyboards?

Pr0d1gy

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Jan 30, 2005
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After seeing my Saitek Gaming Keyboard die in under 6 months it is obvious to me that I need to get something a little more durable. I am also not a touch typist so the backlighting would help a lot. I do not use the keypad at all and would welcome the portability of a smaller keyboard.

With that in mind, have any of you had any experience with the Deck keyboards ?
 

43st

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 2001
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I think the Saitek is pretty well made and fairly robust, maybe it was just a bad solder? Have you rung it out? You may also look into the SteelKeys 6G (buy.com for $50), they get a ton of good reviews and are built like tanks. They aren't backlit though, but that doesn't really help for typing as you probably already know.

The Deck keyboards look more like a marketing gimmick. Maybe they're well built but the fake diamond plate backing really gives it a "more marketing than substance" look. Go for the SteelKeys, it has a real slab of steel in it.
 

Trippytiger

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Mar 3, 2005
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I don't think so. Deck keyboards come up fairly often, but I've never seen anyone posting to say that they actually own one. Be a pioneer, order one now and tell us what you think!

And I think concerns about style over substance are unwarranted, as Deck keyboards are basically pimped-out versions of other keyboards by TG3; apparently the 82 key Deck is based on one used in police cruisers.
 

BurnItDwn

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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Wow, that Steelkeys keyboard looks pretty cool.
If I didn't have my Das Keyboard, I'd seriously consider ordering one.

Steelkeys
 

Pr0d1gy

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Jan 30, 2005
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Originally posted by: Trippytiger
I don't think so. Deck keyboards come up fairly often, but I've never seen anyone posting to say that they actually own one. Be a pioneer, order one now and tell us what you think!

And I think concerns about style over substance are unwarranted, as Deck keyboards are basically pimped-out versions of other keyboards by TG3; apparently the 82 key Deck is based on one used in police cruisers.

Yep, looks like I get to be a pioneer! lol
 

Trippytiger

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Mar 3, 2005
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Awesome! I look forward to reading what you have to say about it. Hopefully TG3/Deck has put their money where their mouth is.
 

Pr0d1gy

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Jan 30, 2005
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Originally posted by: Trippytiger
Awesome! I look forward to reading what you have to say about it. Hopefully TG3/Deck has put their money where their mouth is.

Yeah I definitely will. I ended up spending about $145 for the deck, some extra keycaps ( a full package of them to be precise), and some extra LED's.

*Oh and I opted for the ToX1c (green) version in case anyone was wondering.
 

BladeVenom

Lifer
Jun 2, 2005
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I couldn't find this on their website, but does it have n-key rollover? Even my modestly priced keyboard has that.


 

Pr0d1gy

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Jan 30, 2005
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Originally posted by: BladeVenom
I couldn't find this on their website, but does it have n-key rollover? Even my modestly priced keyboard has that.

I would say to check their forums. Since I have never heard of that term I wouldn't know if they have it obviously. All I know is my last 2 modestly priced keyboards both got tore up in less than 6 months each, so I am ready for something a lot more durable. Not to mention they look super cool :p
 

Pr0d1gy

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Jan 30, 2005
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You know, after spending $150 it would be easy for most people to come back here & say what a terrific product they got just because they were trying to make themselves believe it. Luckily, I am not one of those people. The Deck 82 key is an amazing little piece of hardware and it is so undeniably worth every penny for the discerning peripheral customer looking for the best in simplicity, design, and reliability,

When the package arrived I could not believe how small it was. I opened the box to find it was not even as big as that! The keyboard is very small and fits perfectly in my lap, as I like to work Cooller style with my k/b in my lap. There are obvious advantages and a little drawback in that a few of the keys are moved around and you will have to get used to the new layout. If this is too big a problem you could opt for the full sized Legend with the standard key layout. As for me I don't mind it all because I prefer the smaller keyboard for a number of reasons.

The feel and the look of the keyboard are second to none. It is quite simply the best typing keyboard I have ever used, by a longshot. It looks amazing with the led's all lit up as they also light up the circuitry on the pcb which runs all under the keys of the keyboard. Replacing the keys is simple and the replacement keys are perfect for any WASD layout game, but especially useful for FPS's. The replacement keys are pimp and include a sniper scope, skull & crossbones, and a hand flipping the bird...lol

All in all I am super happy with the purchase unlike most of my "overpriced" hardware purchases, and the one thing that will make it completely worth the money is if it lasts the 10-20+ years that it is supposed to last. If it is still around a couple years from now I will buy one for every computer I have, including the one at work.
 

Pr0d1gy

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Jan 30, 2005
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What do you mean fake diamond plating? It is real aluminum diamond plating and it is incredibly sturdy without making it weigh half a ton.
 

NickelPlate

Senior member
Nov 9, 2006
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I have the Deck Legend 105 key (Green), and while I initially balked at the high price tag I must say now that I wouldn't trade it for world. It truly is an amazing keyboard. Aside from the spectacular backlighting, it's built like a tank. It is a little louder than most keyboards but I got used to it pretty quick. I modded my function keys with blue leds that I purchased from the manufacturer (they actually encourage modding), so my board is two color custom. I got the custom keycap set too and changed some stuff around. It's by far my favorite piece of hardware now.

Buy one and be happy.

NP
 

Pr0d1gy

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Jan 30, 2005
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Agreed, it is definitely a tank and it is a beautiful piece of hardware. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
 

bunnyfubbles

Lifer
Sep 3, 2001
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How well do these Decks handle simultaneous key presses? Tank or not, its not worth it to me if I cannot press 4-5 keys at the same time and get responses from all...that's something keyboards like the SteelKeys and Razer Tarantula boast and can actually accomplish.