need recs for a "gaming" keyboard

[gorcorps]

I have a Saitek Eclipse 2 and I've never really liked it. I bought it when I built my rig and it never felt that impressive. As of right now my "n" key is starting to stick and/or not register. I'm not picky with the feel, but when keys start to not work right it's time to move on.

So I'm just trying to get a feel on what people use, and more importantly WHY they pick it. I don't really have a set budget, but since I'm not too picky I doubt I'll need to spend more than $75... and really don't see a need for 100+ keyboards.

You can either give me recs or just share what you like about yours. The only "extra" things I need are volume/music controls at least. Some other programmable bonus keys might be useful as well. I don't care about back lighting, and to be honest I even like the thin laptop style keyboards so there's really no limit. I doubt I need one with an LCD, but if the price is right and the games these days use it then it might be cool to have.

 

[KingLou]

I use a Logitech G11 and love it. I'm like you....didn't need frills. There's no LCD, just volume control, some programmable / macro-able keys (nice to have for certain games). I didn't think I needed backlighting either....but now that I have it I definitely like that it's there.

However, the G11 isn't available anymore. Seems like the G110 is kinda the updated version.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-0...8819467&sr=1-1

If I'd destroyed my G11 in a fit of rage....I'd probably be picking up a G110.

 

[cmdrdredd]

What is your budget? I am going to recommend a mechanical keyboard like a leopold from elitekeyboards.com or something similar. If $100+ is too much for a keyboard then I'd say Logitech.

 

[gorcorps]

What is your budget? I am going to recommend a mechanical keyboard like a leopold from elitekeyboards.com or something similar. If $100+ is too much for a keyboard then I'd say Logitech.

Again, I don't really have a set budget. I don't want to spend over $100 on something I can't try out in a store though, especially when I know I'm not picky about feel.

I use a Logitech G11 and love it. I'm like you....didn't need frills. There's no LCD, just volume control, some programmable / macro-able keys (nice to have for certain games). I didn't think I needed backlighting either....but now that I have it I definitely like that it's there.

However, the G11 isn't available anymore. Seems like the G110 is kinda the updated version.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-0...8819467&sr=1-1

If I'd destroyed my G11 in a fit of rage....I'd probably be picking up a G110.

Looks pretty solid. Another one I saw is the Sidewinder X6. I like that it has a volume knob and not buttons, and the number of programmable launcher and macro keys is good. I don't play MMOs so the number of macros is that important but it's nice to have. I also like the thought of having a removeable numpad.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Well, know this. Mechanical keyboards are rated for 50,000,000 keystrokes on each key. Rubber dome are rated at 5,000,000. Ten times the lifespan and they respond faster for gaming. How you ask? Well, simply because with a rubber dome keyboard you have to bottom out the key for it to register your input. A mechanical keyboard will register before it bottoms out so you don't have to press the key so far. Further, you can customize the feel of mechanical keyboards by ordering it with a different switch type. For example you can have tactile feedback at the point of actuation with Cherry MX Brown switches. While Cherry MX Blacks are linear and have no tactile feedback but are heavier to press so you won't accidentally press the wrong key while gaming. Cherry MX Red keys are lighter than Blacks and also have a linear feel with no tactile bump at the actuation point, but being lighter offer fast response.

To me it's worth the $109 cost because it will outlast 10 keyboards that are $50 each. $50 x 10 = $500.

 

[gorcorps]

Well, know this. Mechanical keyboards are rated for 50,000,000 keystrokes on each key. Rubber dome are rated at 5,000,000. Ten times the lifespan and they respond faster for gaming. How you ask? Well, simply because with a rubber dome keyboard you have to bottom out the key for it to register your input. A mechanical keyboard will register before it bottoms out so you don't have to press the key so far. Further, you can customize the feel of mechanical keyboards by ordering it with a different switch type. For example you can have tactile feedback at the point of actuation with Cherry MX Brown switches. While Cherry MX Blacks are linear and have no tactile feedback but are heavier to press so you won't accidentally press the wrong key while gaming. Cherry MX Red keys are lighter than Blacks and also have a linear feel with no tactile bump at the actuation point, but being lighter offer fast response.

To me it's worth the $109 cost because it will outlast 10 keyboards that are $50 each. $50 x 10 = $500.

I see the point... but is there any way I can try out all of this so I know which switches are best to me? If I knew ahead of time just how much difference the reds and blacks are I may find it worth the money, but since I don't I'd be gambling over $100. Is there a "it still works but I just didn't like it" warranty?

 

[Pia]

Microsoft Sidewinder X4. This is the board I'd personally pick up to tide me over if the keyboard fairy confiscated my existing keyboards for a month. It's the cheapest keyboard with NKRO (full anti-ghosting). Looks very decent compared to the bulk of gaming boards, too.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I see the point... but is there any way I can try out all of this so I know which switches are best to me? If I knew ahead of time just how much difference the reds and blacks are I may find it worth the money, but since I don't I'd be gambling over $100. Is there a "it still works but I just didn't like it" warranty?

Hrm, is there a Fry's near you? Maybe Microcenter? Go checkout the Steelseries g6v2 which uses Cherry MX Blacks. A Razer Black Widow Ultimate uses Cherry MX Brown, and the regular Razer Black Widow uses Cherry MX Blue. The Corsair Vengeance K60 and K90 will be using Cherry MX Red for their keys and should be available soon. You should be able to find a Steelseries and a Razer Black Widow locally.

Other than that...usually no returns unless the item is DOA from specialty retailers. You could try ordering a mechanical off of Amazon because they don't have any specific policy against returns if you decide you don't like it (they do not ask).

Elitekeyboards.com for example will only accept a return on a DOA keyboard due to a couple reasons. First it's a health issue to some people. Who knows what is now on the keyboard (MRSA and other bacteria for example) after it is used. The second is that many of their customers are enthusiasts, power users, aficionados etc. They are usually pretty picky about their hardware to buy a mechanical keyboard in the first place. So generally they cannot resell an opened keyboard, they don't do open box items or used items. They are also not big enough and deal in enough volume to eat the cost like amazon or newegg may.

All I can say is that once you go mechanical, using anything else is like pressing on a wet sponge. It's a great typing experience. Good luck whatever way you go.

 

[stahlhart]

Well, know this. Mechanical keyboards are rated for 50,000,000 keystrokes on each key. Rubber dome are rated at 5,000,000. Ten times the lifespan and they respond faster for gaming. How you ask? Well, simply because with a rubber dome keyboard you have to bottom out the key for it to register your input. A mechanical keyboard will register before it bottoms out so you don't have to press the key so far. Further, you can customize the feel of mechanical keyboards by ordering it with a different switch type. For example you can have tactile feedback at the point of actuation with Cherry MX Brown switches. While Cherry MX Blacks are linear and have no tactile feedback but are heavier to press so you won't accidentally press the wrong key while gaming. Cherry MX Red keys are lighter than Blacks and also have a linear feel with no tactile bump at the actuation point, but being lighter offer fast response.

To me it's worth the $109 cost because it will outlast 10 keyboards that are $50 each. $50 x 10 = $500.

That's kind of what I was thinking, too. I just ordered an iOne Xarmor U9BL.

I had a hard time deciding between blue and brown from the research I did, and just rolled the dice on blue. There's an o-ring mod that's supposed to help with the bottoming out that I'll probably try.

 

[cmdrdredd]

That's kind of what I was thinking, too. I just ordered an iOne Xarmor U9BL.

I had a hard time deciding between blue and brown from the research I did, and just rolled the dice on blue. There's an o-ring mod that's supposed to help with the bottoming out that I'll probably try.

It's not the bottoming out that people dislike about Blue MX. It's the click at the tactile activation point. Also the reset point is above the activation point. So double tapping for some people is problematic. For me it's not an issue.

 

[stahlhart]

It's not the bottoming out that people dislike about Blue MX. It's the click at the tactile activation point. Also the reset point is above the activation point. So double tapping for some people is problematic. For me it's not an issue.

I don't think that it will be for me either. I listened to sound recordings of both, and the blues sounded slightly less obtrusive. The rest of it I'll adapt to at some point, I'm pretty sure.

 

[bononos]

......

To me it's worth the $109 cost because it will outlast 10 keyboards that are $50 each. $50 x 10 = $500.

Ah but I myself won't last long enough to need 10 keyboards..

 

[gorcorps]

I don't think that it will be for me either. I listened to sound recordings of both, and the blues sounded slightly less obtrusive. The rest of it I'll adapt to at some point, I'm pretty sure.

Listened to sound recordings... of a keyboard?



I'm certainly not in the demographic mechanical keyboards are meant for if what it SOUNDS like bears any sort of importance.

Sidewinder X6 it is

 

[cmdrdredd]

Listened to sound recordings... of a keyboard?



I'm certainly not in the demographic mechanical keyboards are meant for if what it SOUNDS like bears any sort of importance.

Sidewinder X6 it is

Uh...yeah because the Cherry Blues click and the others do not. There are also dampeners to prevent bottoming out that change it yet again. It's like any other part of your PC, customization.

 

[stahlhart]

Listened to sound recordings... of a keyboard?



I'm certainly not in the demographic mechanical keyboards are meant for if what it SOUNDS like bears any sort of importance.

http://geekhack.org/forumdisplay.php?36-audio-clips&

I didn't think it mattered much either, until I started delving into it. I never realized that there was so much ergonomic science to the whole thing.

But once it became clear that this new one was going to last through a few builds (if not the rest of my life), it seemed appropriate to make sure it wouldn't eventually get on my nerves.

Sidewinder X6 it is

Enjoy! :thumbsup:

 

[gorcorps]

I may not get the X6, I may also get the G510. I know somebody was complaining about it elsewhere but I think it'll be fine. I'm mostly interested in the headphone and mic ports being on the keyboard itself.

 

[lehtv]

http://geekhack.org/forumdisplay.php?36-audio-clips&

holy cow...

I wonder if there's a similar forum for mouse click sounds?

 

[gorcorps]

Let's throw another wrench into things... I'm considering hooking my PC up to my TV. What's a decent WIRELESS keyboard, regardless of price?

 

[Vdubchaos]

Currently using G110 and I really like it.

Dell used to make great keyboards, I have 2 Dellsk-8135s and let me tell you they not only feel great but they take HELL of a beating.

Both of mine are over 5 years old and I spilled so much crap on them....they just keep going. Letter printings are not worn out + it has mutimedia controls.

Unfortunately Dell doesn't make them anymore. I'm pretty sure Logitech used to make it for dell....I might be wrong.

 

[vbuggy]

What is it with every moron recommending mechanical keyboards these days? It's like every faker leet discovered $100+ keyboards at once and decided it's what must be bragworthy.

They're fine for typing. For gaming? 6KRO is fine, especially if it works properly all the time - unlike many PS/2 connected mechanicals with many mobos once you get into needing that multiple keypress feature.

Sure, a rubber dome doesn't have that toy-like action of especially a blue but these are no more effective than a good RD for gaming.

I'll throw the Sidewinder X4 and X6 in the ring, as with Pia. Short-throw, bind-resistant action (unlike the POS Logitechs). Good feel, good features. Zero issues in normal use. X4 has full NKRO over USB if you really need it. X6 has swappable num-macropad / tenkeyless-running flexibility. Both reasonably priced for spec.

 

[vbuggy]

Let's throw another wrench into things... I'm considering hooking my PC up to my TV. What's a decent WIRELESS keyboard, regardless of price?

Google "Lenovo 57Y6678"

 

[gorcorps]

I'm currently torn between the X6 to have the most cost effective choice for my needs, or waiting for the Corsair K60 if I want to dabble in mechanical switches. At almost double the price it's a tough pill to swallow, but I do enough typing here to consider it. I do like the feel of mechanical boards... they're just always so expensive.

 

[yours truly]

What is it with every moron recommending mechanical keyboards these days? It's like every faker leet discovered $100+ keyboards at once and decided it's what must be bragworthy.

They're fine for typing. For gaming? 6KRO is fine, especially if it works properly all the time - unlike many PS/2 connected mechanicals with many mobos once you get into needing that multiple keypress feature.

I go along with this. I got swept up in the hype for mechanical keyboards. Got a Filco Majestouch 2 tenkeyless with brown switches. It's lovely to type on and if you do a lot of typing I 100% recommend getting one. It feels..lush and expensive But for gaming (BF3) it hasn't done done much for me - even with blue WASD keys!

Typing - they're great
Gaming - not so much (I prefer the G13)

 

[BHetrick]

I go along with this. I got swept up in the hype for mechanical keyboards. Got a Filco Majestouch 2 tenkeyless with brown switches. It's lovely to type on and if you do a lot of typing I 100% recommend getting one. It feels..lush and expensive But for gaming (BF3) it hasn't done done much for me - even with blue WASD keys!

Typing - they're great
Gaming - not so much (I prefer the G13)

I use a g13 myself and absolutely love it. I'd recommend it to anyone.

It's very comfortable on the wrist and having so many keys right at my thumb (19, 22, thumb = 9 keys alone for thumb) means less movement. And I do use my screen. Mainly with Afterburner and SirReal's panel.

The past couple of days I've been feeling the itch to burn some cash. So just today I pre ordered Corsair's Vengence K60 keyboard and M60 mouse (use a g9x right now).

I know, I know... absolutely unnecessary purchases. Like I said, I just needed to waste some money. And my pre order is through Amazon, so if I don't like either than I can return them without any hassle.

 

[gorcorps]

I broke down and ordered a mechanical keyboard:
http://us.ncix.com/products/?usaffil...n&promoid=1368

It was on sale and it's a new type of board. While I'm not THAT big on the whole mechanical thing, I wanted blacks or red switches if I did as it'd be the better gaming choice. What I really like is the modular numpad, extra USB ports/hub, and HUGE volume knob. Regardless of how weird it looks it has all the features I wanted with the possible added bonus of me liking mechanical keys. Expensive but should be a good buy.