Illuminated Keyboard -- worthwhile for a gamer?

[WhipperSnapper]

Well, the fire button on my current keyboard (Left Control Key) is getting sticky, making it hard to copy <Cntl-C> stuff, so it looks like I'm going to need a new keyboard. Should I get an illuminated keyboard for when I want to play at night in low-lighting? In general, do they have good build quality?

 

[coldmeat]

Left control for fire? wtf?

 

[Elcs]

I have to say having owned a Logitech G11 and a Logitech G15 new version, I couldnt really go back to a non-illuminated keyboard in my room. Quite often I am operating in less than optimal lighting conditions and find it most useful to have my keys illuminated.

If you are going to play in low-light/no-light conditions then I would recommend one. If you like the touches of a Gaming keyboard (macro keys etc) then I'd recommend a Logitech G-series keyboard. If it makes any difference, the G15 and most certainly the bigger G11 are pretty heavy keyboards in the scheme of things.

If not, grab your typical keyboard choice.

 

[AmberClad]

Originally posted by: WhipperSnapper

Well, the fire button on my current keyboard (Left Control Key) is getting sticky, making it hard to copy <Cntl-C> stuff, so it looks like I'm going to need a new keyboard. Should I get an illuminated keyboard for when I want to play at night in low-lighting? In general, do they have good build quality?

Saitek Eclipse II would be a good bet. Solid build quality (it's heavy enough that you could probably KO someone if you hit them over the head with it).

The lighting defaults to blue, but I prefer to switch it to red if I have my lights out because the red lighting looks more subdued.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally posted by: coldmeat
Left control for fire? wtf?

Movement on the mouse. Left mouse button forward, right mouse button backwards. Left control is primary fire, Left Shift is secondary fire.

I originally learned to play FPS way back in the day (Doom and Quake) using just the arrow keys with the fire button being Left Control. When I moved up to using the mouse, I set all movement (except strafe--my Z and X) to the mouse.

 

[KeithTalent]

It's funny, I had a G11 before and thought I'd never be able to go back to a regular keyboard. I spilled water on it and the thing completely fried, so I went to buy a replacement, but they were ni the middle of waiting for the new ones to come in from Logitech.

The guy said to just take the cheapest Microsoft keyboard for now, then bring it in as a return for credit against the new Logitech when they came in. I never bothered going back. That was at least a year ago and I haven't missed my G11 at all.

KT

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Thanks for the recommendations. I like the looks of the Saitek Eclipse II and III too, but I'm hoping to keep the price down to under $25 somehow. Perhaps I could find one on Craig's List or Ebay.

 

[GaryJohnson]

I like the aesthetics of a glowy keyboard, but you're going to be touch typing at some point. Probably, as I did, without even realizing you're doing it. So at this point, I'm looking to replace my glowy board with one with a nicer clicky sound and tacticle response. I'm thinking of a Das Keyboard, or something in Aluminuminum.

 

[Udgnim]

Originally posted by: coldmeat
Left control for fire? wtf?

some people play with unorthodox setups

I used to play with someone that moved forward and backward with their left and right mouse button in UT

 

[JaYp146]

If you're overusing a particular key (like left control for fire), OP, I'd suggest you look into getting an industrial-grade keyboard like IBM's vaunted Model M, any of SteelSeries' keyboards, or Das Keyboard. AFAIK there are no super-durable backlit keyboards on the market.

 

[AlgaeEater]

I own(ed) the Saitek Eclipse II. It's an ok keyboard, nothing spectacular. On brightest settings it's pretty bright, especially if you switch to purple/pink. (No insecurity now)

I'm not sure how gaming fits into the illumination factor unless you are constantly in dark environments. I'm sure you should remember where the keys are on the keyboard pretty much at all times, even the odd ones.

 

[2dt Drifter]

I had a friend that used an illuminated keyboard.. worked fine for him. Id consider the ones you can adjust how bright they are though.
Not uncommon to use a custom keyboard setup either. I use my mouse for all movement in FPS (left mouse forward, right mouse back). Started playing that way because when games used the arrow keys as default there was only 0-ins and Right Ctrl near by to utilize.

 

[ayabe]

I've had both a G15 and the MS Reclusa.

I actually prefer the MS, the keys feel slightly softer and don't seem to wear much.

 

[lupi]

I have the old and new g15. I like the old a bit more, but the orange with the new does a really good job. I play a lot in a dark room with nothing but monitor on and the lite from the keyboard and can shift from game playing to forum typing without a problem.

 

[pmv]

I have a cheap electroluminescent (not LED) one that actually looks quite nice though all the letters have rubbed off (I helped the last few on their way for completeness sake). Obviously without any actual letters some might argue that the illumination is slightly redundant, but heck, I can touch type, and it confuses the hell out of visitors and if anything looks even nicer now.

If you are breaking keyboards by over-using certain keys for games, why not get one of those mini-keyboard/gamepad things that just duplicate game-related keys? They can take a bit more punishment.

 

[shrumpage]

Originally posted by: WhipperSnapper

Originally posted by: coldmeat
Left control for fire? wtf?

Movement on the mouse. Left mouse button forward, right mouse button backwards. Left control is primary fire, Left Shift is secondary fire.

I originally learned to play FPS way back in the day (Doom and Quake) using just the arrow keys with the fire button being Left Control. When I moved up to using the mouse, I set all movement (except strafe--my Z and X) to the mouse.

That is exactly how i learned to play FPS. After many years of playing like that, I finally decided to switch to the standard WASD setup.

Turns out i can click faster with my right pointer, then my left pinky - made a big difference in Counter Strike.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

i have a razer lycosa. it's great for games, but i can't stand typing on it.

 

[IcePickFreak]

I have a Saitek Eclipse II for about 3 years now and about 6 months ago the buttons started wearing thru (go figure, on the W S & D). Something to take into consideration - especially when using the KB for the fire button.

I suppose I can't complain as it's been through a lot of use over the few years and I rather like it still. Keys are still firm ect.

 

[Via]

If you like to game in a darkened room it's almost a must.

I love my (old) G15.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: Elcs
I have to say having owned a Logitech G11 and a Logitech G15 new version, I couldnt really go back to a non-illuminated keyboard in my room. Quite often I am operating in less than optimal lighting conditions and find it most useful to have my keys illuminated.

If you are going to play in low-light/no-light conditions then I would recommend one. If you like the touches of a Gaming keyboard (macro keys etc) then I'd recommend a Logitech G-series keyboard. If it makes any difference, the G15 and most certainly the bigger G11 are pretty heavy keyboards in the scheme of things.

If not, grab your typical keyboard choice.

Same for me.

 

[RallyMaster]

Learn to touch type.

 

[Chronoshock]

Having used both a G15 and a Saitek Eclipse, I can definitely say the build quality of the G15 is better (with regard to the keys). With the Eclipse, the silver coating was rubbed off W,A,S,D,E,R,LShift, and half of the space bar within months. I've had my G15 for a year and there is 0 wear (either the paint is tougher or the transparent part is done differently) either way, it's a lot nicer. It also matches the LEDs in my G5 and the Klipsch control module

 

[Spike]

I looked into illuminated keyboards for a while and after reading many reviews of bad build quality I ended up doing a cheesy but effective solution. Basically since I use a keyboard tray I mounted a cheap red cold cathode on the underside of my desk above the keyboard. It came with a switch so I can turn it on when I need that extra illumination over my keyboard.

It works, and I can stick with my cheap MS keyboards I like.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Seriously this thread baffles me... If you need to look at your keyboard to do anything (especially when gaming) then you fail at computers.

 

[zerogear]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
It's funny, I had a G11 before and thought I'd never be able to go back to a regular keyboard. I spilled water on it and the thing completely fried, so I went to buy a replacement, but they were ni the middle of waiting for the new ones to come in from Logitech.

The guy said to just take the cheapest Microsoft keyboard for now, then bring it in as a return for credit against the new Logitech when they came in. I never bothered going back. That was at least a year ago and I haven't missed my G11 at all.

KT

I have MS Ergo keyboard, everyone I know hates it besides me. xD