Recommend a gaming keyboard to me

[nsafreak]

Technically this could go in three different forums really. It could go in General Hardware, or it could go in Peripherals or it could go in here. Since I'm most concerned about the gaming aspect of this keyboard I've decided to post it in here. I currently have a Saitek Gamer's Keyboard with the Command Pad. And while I do like the idea of the command pad I just really never have gotten to put it to much use. It's pretty awkward having it separate from the regular keyboard. So I've got a short list of requirements:

1) Has multiple macro keys available to program. Would like 18 or more if possible
2) Works well for regular typing. I've seen a few gaming keyboards that just do not look comfortable at all for regular use
3) It must be durable. The Saitek has held up well and still works fine. I just want something that I'll use the macro functionality that I want
4) The software to program it must interact well with the majority of games out there and be easy to use. Current primary games are EvE Online, Dragon Age: Origins, Team Fortress 2, with some occasional World of Warcraft and a few other games
5) Budget. As slick as the G19 looks it's way out of my price range. I'm looking at around $70-100 for this keyboard. I wouldn't mind going lower either. Right now my main candidates are the G11 and Razer Lycosa.

 

[EarthwormJim]

I don't know of any good typing keyboards that also have those extra macro buttons. If you care about how a keyboard feels typing wise, you'd only buy a mechanical keyboard. Not the garbage membrane keyboards that Logitech or Razer put out.

Filco makes good keyboards that use cherry switches. You can get three different versions of the same basic keyboard with Cherry black, brown or blue switches (with n-key roll over too).
Cherry black switches have a linear amount of pressure needed to actuate, Cherry blue have a slight click to them. Cherry brown have an even larger click.
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=filco_keyboards

There's also the ABS M1 keyboard, I believe it uses Alps switches which are linear force.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-001-_-Product

Here's a good site to read up on more keyboards: http://geekhack.org/index.php
It's a whole forum devoted to just keyboards

 

[Schadenfroh]

Nice find with that ABS M1, it looks like a real (non-mush) keyboard. I thought Unicomp was the only one that still made those.

 

[CurseTheSky]

First of all, if you want a really GOOD keyboard, stay away from anything with a rubber membrane / domes. The key action is very squishy and unsatisfying. However, it's sort of like having a system with a slow hard drive or network connection - it doesn't feel like a problem until you upgrade to something better and use it for a while.

For anyone buying more than a basic keyboard today, I'd highly recommend getting something with mechanical switches. Take a look here:

http://hothardware.com/cs/blogs/mrt...hanical-key-switch-keyboards-demystified.aspx

The Gigabyte GK-K8000 will be my next keyboard if I can find it somewhere that I trust.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

I like the Microsoft Sidewinder X6 illuminated keyboard.

 

[ZzZGuy]

-edit- Wrong post. Woops. -edit-

 

[Nebor]

What about the G110? I've been thinking about getting one.

 

[Elcs]

I loved my old G11 but they no longer make them. I got a new style G15 as a replacement and it's really not much of a patch on the G11 imo.

My dad is busy fiddling around with the G11 to see if he can jury rig it to work again or if not, just have some fun pulling out the insides.

 

[guy93]

G15

 

[QueBert]

Razer Tarantula, a bit old but still awesome. Definitely the best gaming keyboard I've ever owned. And regardless what type of keys it uses, typing on this thing is wonderful. Not mushy, not clicky, not hard or soft. I can type 4 page word documents on it no sweat. If Razer releases a Trantula 2, I'll pre-order it without knowing shit about it.

 

[cecco]

I use the G15. I play in the dark most of the time since the computer is in the bedroom, so the lighted keys were a welcomed feature. I have had no problems with it and and I like having the extra usb ports to attach a mouse as well as the cable management grooves underneath the keyboard.

 

[pontifex]

I use and like my G15

 

[Schadenfroh]

For anyone buying more than a basic keyboard today, I'd highly recommend getting something with mechanical switches. Take a look here:

Well, I would go with Unicomp for any buckling-spring ("clicky key") keyboard. They have the original patents and equipment that went in to the original IBM Model M. My Unicomp Model M clone (with a differing color scheme, windows key and USB) has been great and I am glad that I purchased it. It was even manufactured in the USA (AFAIK, they still are made here).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicomp

Unicomp is a manufacturer of computer keyboards and keyboard accessories based in Lexington, Kentucky. The company was founded in April, 1996 when they purchased the license to the buckling-spring keyboard technology (the technology behind the famous IBM Model M and many other keyboards) from Lexmark International, Inc.

Unicomp's product line consists mostly of old IBM/Lexmark designs, or slight modifications of those designs. For example, Unicomp's Customizer 101 is an exact copy of the 42H1292 (later variant of Model M, non-detachable cable, drain holes in case of beverage spillage, built on the same machines as the original), with the only changes being color (black instead of white) and availability in USB. They do, however, have many other products, such as a 104-key variant with Windows keys, custom keyboards, and keyboards with built in trackballs or TrackPoints (like those found on IBM ThinkPad notebooks).

 

[TBSN]

I've got a Unicomp Model M clone too. It takes a bit to get used to, what with all the clicking, but after you do its hard to go back.

I don't know the difference between alps, cherry brown/red or whatever, but the keyboard someone linked to at newegg is a good price for $50. this unicomp was $70.

 

[nitromullet]

My gamer brother-in-law gave me a Deck. It doesn't exactly fit the gaming keyboard description with all the macros and stuff, but it's an awesome keyboard.