Gaming keyboards. Binding, macros, etc..

[KeithTalent]

A little while back my Logitech G15 died. It wasn't of natural causes, I spilled a full 12 fluid ounces of water on it, but it left me without what I thought was an important part of my gaming PC. While I was waiting for the new stock of G15s to come into my local store I paid about $15 for an average Joe Microsoft keyboard, with the understanding I could return it once the G15s came in, but now that I've been using this plain keyboard for a few weeks now, I'm wondering why I ever bothered with the G15.

I liked the LCD screen for when I was listening to music and I suppose the overall feel of the keyboard was nice (the lighted keys were kind of cool too), but aside from that I guess I don't see the point aymore.

My question is do any of you use a gaming keyboard and do you find it useful? Are there any specific keybinding or macros you use to aid in your gaming experience? I never really used any of those features, so maybe that is why I don't miss the keyboard very much now.

Let me know your experiences with gaming keyboards. :beer:

KT

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

I use it for everything but gaming. I have profiles on my G15 to help with doing stats for curnching in excel, as well as opening up certain files and web pages. The one game I did use the G15 'g' keys for was Titan Quest--instead of having all of the keys all over the place, I just mapped them to the bottom set of 'g' keys.

 

[CP5670]

The extra keys are very useful in a few select games that don't let you remap keys (Grim Fandango is one that comes to mind), but I don't generally use them otherwise. I use to the LCD to show the Fraps framerate graph, which can be handy in some situations, but I haven't found any real use for it otherwise. I frequently play games in the dark so the lighted keys are a nice touch, although I usually don't have trouble finding keys anyway.

The main attraction for me is that it supports a higher number of simultaneous keypresses than the basic keyboards I have used in the past, especially on the numpad. In certain games such as the Descent series, a normal keyboard will simply not perform some types of movements with the key configuration I'm used to, while the G15 has no trouble. That alone makes it worth the price as far as I'm concerned.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
I use it for everything but gaming. I have profiles on my G15 to help with doing stats for curnching in excel, as well as opening up certain files and web pages. The one game I did use the G15 'g' keys for was Titan Quest--instead of having all of the keys all over the place, I just mapped them to the bottom set of 'g' keys.

That is very interesting, I never thought of using it for non-gaming related things. I imagine it could be quite handy for some work stuff I do. I'll have to think a little more on that, thanks.

Originally posted by: CP5670
The extra keys are very useful in a few select games that don't let you remap keys (Grim Fandango is one that comes to mind), but I don't generally use them otherwise. I use to the LCD to show the Fraps framerate graph, which can be handy in some situations, but I haven't found any real use for it otherwise. I frequently play games in the dark so the lighted keys are a nice touch, although I usually don't have trouble finding keys anyway.

The main attraction for me is that it supports a higher number of simultaneous keypresses than the basic keyboards I have used in the past, especially on the numpad. In certain games such as the Descent series, a normal keyboard will simply not perform some types of movements with the key configuration I'm used to, while the G15 has no trouble. That alone makes it worth the price as far as I'm concerned.

I agree about the lighted keys, kind of nice to have in the dark, but not something I really need.

I'm not really sure I understand the second part of your post. How would a keyboard not perform the movements?

KT

 

[PeanutButter]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
I use it for everything but gaming. I have profiles on my G15 to help with doing stats for curnching in excel, as well as opening up certain files and web pages. The one game I did use the G15 'g' keys for was Titan Quest--instead of having all of the keys all over the place, I just mapped them to the bottom set of 'g' keys.

That is very interesting, I never thought of using it for non-gaming related things. I imagine it could be quite handy for some work stuff I do. I'll have to think a little more on that, thanks.

Originally posted by: CP5670
The extra keys are very useful in a few select games that don't let you remap keys (Grim Fandango is one that comes to mind), but I don't generally use them otherwise. I use to the LCD to show the Fraps framerate graph, which can be handy in some situations, but I haven't found any real use for it otherwise. I frequently play games in the dark so the lighted keys are a nice touch, although I usually don't have trouble finding keys anyway.

The main attraction for me is that it supports a higher number of simultaneous keypresses than the basic keyboards I have used in the past, especially on the numpad. In certain games such as the Descent series, a normal keyboard will simply not perform some types of movements with the key configuration I'm used to, while the G15 has no trouble. That alone makes it worth the price as far as I'm concerned.

I agree about the lighted keys, kind of nice to have in the dark, but not something I really need.

I'm not really sure I understand the second paart of your post. How would a keyboard not perform the movements?

KT

I think he's referring to things such as pressing up and right movements at the same time for diagonal movement, but only getting a right or an up movement. Correct me if I am wrong.

I've had my G11 for about 6 months and it's proved itself to be quite useful and not just for the "bling". I use it for shortcuts to programs or folders when not gaming and binds/macros for when gaming. Maybe 18 keys is overkill (multiply by three profiles), but I try to make use of it.

 

[NeoV]

I use the buttons under the LCD to skip tracks or to turn the volume up/down

don't really use the macro keys at all

backlit keys are excellent for night gaming

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: NeoV
I use the buttons under the LCD to skip tracks or to turn the volume up/down

don't really use the macro keys at all

backlit keys are excellent for night gaming

Yeah I use those buttons all the time, but those came on my el-cheapo keyboard as well and I think are pretty much standard now.

KT

 

[Aikouka]

I spilled a tiny bit of Mountain Dew on mine when some group pulled something without me being ready (hence me drinking) while on my priest (playing WoW obviously). I don't use the keys, 'cause I abhor the stupid Logitech software. I hate how it installs a ton of executables and runs them all just to handle the keyboard in a modular fashion. It doesn't hurt anything, but the idea of 5+ executables just to handle one keyboard... completely turns me off. If not, I'd try and remap the keys for my priest and a couple other classes that tend to use lots of different things as on my priest, I tend to hit Abolish Disease (7) instead of Dispel Magic (6) as I keep my fingers on keys 1-4 and shift the index finger over to hit 5 for Prayer of Mending.

EDIT:

But about the mountain dew.. my keyboard still works, but the left shift and 'Z' keys are a little sticky. I might take it apart again and try to clean it up better.

EDIT 2:

Amusingly enough, I consider my Priest key presses to be a lot like playing Guitar Hero. I could turn the keys I press during boss fights into songs... I dub this song the Morose Moroes.

 

[CP5670]

Originally posted by: PeanutButter

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: CP5670
The extra keys are very useful in a few select games that don't let you remap keys (Grim Fandango is one that comes to mind), but I don't generally use them otherwise. I use to the LCD to show the Fraps framerate graph, which can be handy in some situations, but I haven't found any real use for it otherwise. I frequently play games in the dark so the lighted keys are a nice touch, although I usually don't have trouble finding keys anyway.

The main attraction for me is that it supports a higher number of simultaneous keypresses than the basic keyboards I have used in the past, especially on the numpad. In certain games such as the Descent series, a normal keyboard will simply not perform some types of movements with the key configuration I'm used to, while the G15 has no trouble. That alone makes it worth the price as far as I'm concerned.

I agree about the lighted keys, kind of nice to have in the dark, but not something I really need.

I'm not really sure I understand the second paart of your post. How would a keyboard not perform the movements?

KT

I think he's referring to things such as pressing up and right movements at the same time for diagonal movement, but only getting a right or an up movement. Correct me if I am wrong.

Sort of. All keyboards have a limit to the number of keypresses they can register at the same time. If you press too many keys at once from the same section of the keyboard, it doesn't recognize some of them and the PC speaker may beep as well. This limit seems to be higher on the G15 than a typical keyboard, at least for the numpad keys.

A standard way to move around in the Descent games is tricording, basically the 3D equivalent of circle strafing, and on a keyboard-only setup it requires six keys if you are also firing a weapon. With the key setup I use, one example combination is 8, 6, left, down, shift and 0, with the last key for firing. On the standard Microsoft keyboard I used to have, the 0 key didn't register while everything else was pressed, so essentially I could not circle strafe and fire at the same time. Some PS/2 keyboards I used in the past were even worse and messed up after only two or three keys.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: Aikouka
I spilled a tiny bit of Mountain Dew on mine when some group pulled something without me being ready (hence me drinking) while on my priest (playing WoW obviously). I don't use the keys, 'cause I abhor the stupid Logitech software. I hate how it installs a ton of executables and runs them all just to handle the keyboard in a modular fashion. It doesn't hurt anything, but the idea of 5+ executables just to handle one keyboard... completely turns me off. If not, I'd try and remap the keys for my priest and a couple other classes that tend to use lots of different things as on my priest, I tend to hit Abolish Disease (7) instead of Dispel Magic (6) as I keep my fingers on keys 1-4 and shift the index finger over to hit 5 for Prayer of Mending.

EDIT:

But about the mountain dew.. my keyboard still works, but the left shift and 'Z' keys are a little sticky. I might take it apart again and try to clean it up better.

EDIT 2:

Amusingly enough, I consider my Priest key presses to be a lot like playing Guitar Hero. I could turn the keys I press during boss fights into songs... I dub this song the Morose Moroes.

Yeah I had previously spilled some Campari on my keyboard and it was sticky in a few spots. Funnily enough the water fixed the sticky problem, but caused other problems, like completely killing the keyboard.

KT

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: CP5670

Originally posted by: PeanutButter

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: CP5670
The extra keys are very useful in a few select games that don't let you remap keys (Grim Fandango is one that comes to mind), but I don't generally use them otherwise. I use to the LCD to show the Fraps framerate graph, which can be handy in some situations, but I haven't found any real use for it otherwise. I frequently play games in the dark so the lighted keys are a nice touch, although I usually don't have trouble finding keys anyway.

The main attraction for me is that it supports a higher number of simultaneous keypresses than the basic keyboards I have used in the past, especially on the numpad. In certain games such as the Descent series, a normal keyboard will simply not perform some types of movements with the key configuration I'm used to, while the G15 has no trouble. That alone makes it worth the price as far as I'm concerned.

I agree about the lighted keys, kind of nice to have in the dark, but not something I really need.

I'm not really sure I understand the second paart of your post. How would a keyboard not perform the movements?

KT

I think he's referring to things such as pressing up and right movements at the same time for diagonal movement, but only getting a right or an up movement. Correct me if I am wrong.

Sort of. All keyboards have a limit to the number of keypresses they can register at the same time. If you press too many keys at once from the same section of the keyboard, it doesn't recognize some of them and the PC speaker may beep as well. This limit seems to be higher on the G15 than a typical keyboard, at least for the numpad keys.

A standard way to move around in the Descent games is tricording, basically the 3D equivalent of circle strafing, and on a keyboard-only setup it requires six keys if you are also firing a weapon. With the key setup I use, one example combination is 8, 6, left, down, shift and 0, with the last key for firing. On the standard Microsoft keyboard I used to have, the 0 key didn't register while everything else was pressed, so essentially I could not circle strafe and fire at the same time. Some PS/2 keyboards I used in the past were even worse and messed up after only two or three keys.

Ok, that makes a bit more sense. I've never really encountered that, but I've also never played Descent. I imagine I'll just end up getting another gaming keyboard at some point, since the prices are not so bad anymore. I really like the idea of programming this for some work functions I need and if I can do something on the gaming side as well, then it's a bonus.

I guess the only question now would be whether to get another G15 or try something different.

KT

 

[CP5670]

I don't use the keys, 'cause I abhor the stupid Logitech software. I hate how it installs a ton of executables and runs them all just to handle the keyboard in a modular fashion. It doesn't hurt anything, but the idea of 5+ executables just to handle one keyboard... completely turns me off.

Most of those services are unnecessary and can be turned off easily. The only things you need are LGDCore and LCDMon.

 

[SuPrEIVIE]

Well i can certaintly say that the G15 (older model) best keyboard i ever owned, the layout and the size of the 18 Gkeys are good reason why its good for games, i use the middle rows for the WASD movement etc and the bottom rows for other gaming action buttons and the top for quick load n save. Its much more organized to play FPS with these keys, and because these keys are more to the left it feels more confortable since both hands are wider apart. I would never use another configuration for gaming with kb n mouse again very satisfied this way. Also its very useful for shortcutting all kinds of actions in programs as well, dont know what i would do without it lol

The LCD screen is also icing on the cake since it helps remove clutter of your monitor like hardware temp readings all on the G15 for me

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: SuPrEIVIE
Well i can certaintly say that the G15 (older model) best keyboard i ever owned, the layout and the size of the 18 Gkeys are good reason why its good for games, i use the middle rows for the WASD movement etc and the bottom rows for other gaming action buttons and the top for quick load n save. Its much more organized to play FPS with these keys, and because these keys are more to the left it feels more confortable since both hands are wider apart. I would never use another configuration for gaming with kb n mouse again very satisfied this way. Also its very useful for shortcutting all kinds of actions in programs as well, dont know what i would do without it lol

The LCD screen is also icing on the cake since it helps remove clutter of your monitor like hardware temp readings all on the G15 for me

I agree about the old G15. I hate the new one with the single row of keys. I'll be getting a G11 when my current G15 dies, just so that I can get all 18 keys again.

 

[QueBert]

own a Tarantula and love the macros, I know CS:S has a auto rebuy but I set up 5 macros for buying different sh!t. I use it for Photoshop more than anything, but I'm stuck in my ways so I still find myself forgetting about the macros more often than not.

 

[KeithTalent]

I didn't realize there was a major difference between the new G15 and the old G15, I thought they had just changed the glowy colour.

Maybe I'll have to go try one out in real life first.

KT

 

[chizow]

I've used the original G15 for years and found the G-keys can be incredibly useful provided you actually bother to program them. Typically I do not use them but in the games I have, they're pretty awesome. The ability to record some pretty complicated macros and keypresses with specific timing delays is a very powerful tool. Like others mentioned its also great for re-mapping keys in games that do not allow you to re-assign key binds. I know in some games using a G15 is considered borderline cheating.....AoC had some heated discussions about this in Beta, although that's not a huge surprise given the climate of that community.

If you're looking for something new, give this one a look:

Microsoft Sidewinder Gaming Keyboard

My main concern is software support, although MS has been traditionally good, which they should since they make Windows...lol. The Sidewinder mouse was pretty poor quality but overall I like MS product build quality. I may give it a shot even though I'm a pretty hardcore Logitech fan.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: chizow
I've used the original G15 for years and found the G-keys can be incredibly useful provided you actually bother to program them. Typically I do not use them but in the games I have, they're pretty awesome. The ability to record some pretty complicated macros and keypresses with specific timing delays is a very powerful tool. Like others mentioned its also great for re-mapping keys in games that do not allow you to re-assign key binds. I know in some games using a G15 is considered borderline cheating.....AoC had some heated discussions about this in Beta, although that's not a huge surprise given the climate of that community.

If you're looking for something new, give this one a look:

Microsoft Sidewinder Gaming Keyboard

My main concern is software support, although MS has been traditionally good, which they should since they make Windows...lol. The Sidewinder mouse was pretty poor quality but overall I like MS product build quality. I may give it a shot even though I'm a pretty hardcore Logitech fan.

Wow, that looks pretty sweet. I'll have to keep my eye out for that one.

KT

 

[Cheex]

I recently got my Ideazon Merc Stealth and I must tell you, I'm more impressed with it than I thought I would be. The gamepad on the left is amazingly comfortable. It also does very well in keeping all the major keys within a finger's reach, no need to move my hand to press a button. No macros per se but its great and the backlights make night gaming awesome.

 

[IEC]

I use a $10 Zippy keyboard which has hotkeys.

Combined with a Belkin n52 speedpad which is infinitely programmable, I can do anything...

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: Cheex
I recently got my Ideazon Merc Stealth and I must tell you, I'm more impressed with it than I thought I would be. The gamepad on the left is amazingly comfortable. It also does very well in keeping all the major keys within a finger's reach, no need to move my hand to press a button. No macros per se but its great and the backlights make night gaming awesome.

Looks pretty cool. I think that pad on the left could be very useful with the extra keys around like that. I may have to try and find one of them at a local store to try it out in real life.

Originally posted by: Spartan Niner
I use a $10 Zippy keyboard which has hotkeys.

Combined with a Belkin n52 speedpad which is infinitely programmable, I can do anything...

Those little pad things have always looked kind of awkward to me. Cool concept, but I'm not sure it would work for me.

KT

 

[pontifex]

i bought a g15 awhile back too and i never used any of the extra keys. I too spilled water on mine and i think it caused problems. Logitech is sending me a new one so I'll still use it, but i doubt i'll use them

 

[Cutthroat]

I have an Ideazon Merc Stealth, I really like the game pad on the left, very handy.

I spilled a lot of Coke in it a couple weeks ago, I just unplugged it, ran it under water to clean the Coke out and hung it to dry. It still works just as good as before.