Illuminated Keyboard - what to buy

[nefariouscaine]

I'm not a hater on the company (own their mouse) but honestly can't stand how their keyboard feels. I'd love some suggestions and I'm "trying" to keep costs down to $50-$75 range. Extra keys not super important - just like a volume adjust and maybe forward/rewind. Needs to have good tactile sensation and be illuminated

Thanks

 

[AmberClad]

Logitech, Razer, Ideazon, and Everglide all make illuminated gaming keyboards.
- Logitech G11 and G15
- Razer Tarantula and Lycosa
- Razer/Microsoft Reclusa
- Ideazon Merc
- Everglide DKTBoard

If you're on a budget, then you may want to look at Logisys and Sunbeam instead.

 

[nefariouscaine]

Budget isn't the main issue on this - really don't wish to spend a hundred bucks on a keyboard. I'm happy with the generic one i have now but the 2 illuminated ones I've had my hands on (Saitek and MS Reclusa) had something lacking. There are many non illuminated boards that feel great but really am trying to get my hands on a good illuminated one. Thanks for the "cheap-o" suggestion as I'd rather not "waste" 60 bucks on a board I don't like. I'm gonna see about getting my hands on a G11 to see if they feel better.

I like how that Everglide looks but feel is my main concern here.

 

[AmberClad]

Yeah, sorry, I wish I could offer an opinion as to the feel of any of those. I...don't actually own a gaming or illuminated keyboard . I just use either my Ideazon Fang or my Nostromo SpeedPad. I don't really like having my arms spread-eagled around a full keyboard + mouse combo. For everything else non-gaming related, I have my good old Microsoft keyboard.

I just remembered one more keyboard - the Creative Fatal1ty keyboard. Not really my type of thing, but I figured I'd mention it anyway.

 

[Rottie]

How about BTC Full-Size Ultra Slim Luminescent Keyboard?

 

[JustaGeek]

I really like my Logitech G15, but the keys are rather stiff compared to ex. Cordless Desktop MX 3000 Laser Keyboard+Mouse combo.

And this little LCD is just great - I can display the temperatures, fans' RPM's, frequencies etc. while gaming, using Everest.

If you are considering G11, why don't you add a few bucks for the G15 - you won't be disappointed.

I paid ~$40 AR for mine, so there are deals to be made out there.

Good luck!

 

[Skott]

This is a late reply but THG has a review up of four backlit keyboards today.

 

[Piano Man]

I have the new version of the G15, and I like it. I just came from a Microsoft Natural, which had very heavy action, so the G15 is super fast in comparison.

 

[Griffinhart]

Originally posted by: Piano Man
I have the new version of the G15, and I like it. I just came from a Microsoft Natural, which had very heavy action, so the G15 is super fast in comparison.

I was using the original g15 up until Sunday. That's when it lost an argument to a glass of soda.

I ended up replacing it with the newer g15, and overall I think I like it a little better than the original. There are some features I liked better on the old one, but over all it leaves the new one in the lead.

Both keyboards feel pretty decent to type on for me. I'm a touch typist, and the action feels pretty good on both.

I liked the originals volume and media controls better. The new one isn't bad, but I liked the spinnning wheel for volume better.

The new one has 1/3 of the programable G keys but, to be honest, I never used them anyway. For me the smaller footprint is a little better.

The new g15's screen is a little smaller but seems to be the same resolution. On the other hand, it also works as a Windows Sideshow device, the original did not.

While I loved the blue back lighting of the original, I have to admit, the amber lighting of the new model is just easier to see at all levels of ambient light.

I think anyone getting either of the G15's will be very happy. I just wish they were cheaper. Of course there is the G11 keyboard, but I can't live without the LCD at this point. I have grown to used to it. I use it to monitor Ventrilo every day, and I use it to watch my parser program while playing EQ2.