Trouble with keyboard layout sizes. (Size DOES matter!)

[epilf]

I'm in the market for a new keyboard. I only need one because my new motherboard (P8Z68/Gen3) only supports USB and my old trusty keyboard of 10 years is ps2. I made the hasty mistake of buying the BlackWidow Ultimate, returned it because the keys were way too clacky. The other problem was the rollover was for the WASD area. I'm a competitive FPS gamer who uses arrows to move. The domes just seem better, mechanical just isn't for me.

Now the size trouble I'm having is I ordered a G110 and while the keys are a dream for me to type on, my hands are cramped due to the smaller size keys. My hands are large and I require a standard layout. I thought the x4 would be perfect but I happened upon a review that said how the keys were small also. Either I don't know where to look, or key sizes simply aren't really mentioned in product descriptions. I haven't bought a keyboard in a decade, I didn't even realize they sold shrunken gimped size keyboards. D:

Basically what I'm looking for:

• USB Connectivity

• Backlit keys (NOT blue, red is great) This isn't a must, a white keyboard with black lettering would do me just fine. I just think it looks cool. The blue lights of the BlackWidow seemed to flicker in my peripherals when looking at the screen but the red of the G110 is perfect.

• Standard size keys a must!

• Anti-ghosting

• Rollover is important to me. It needs to cover the entire keyboard, not just WASD. I game with arrow keys.

• Rubber Domes (or mechanical but ONLY if the switch is quiet and acts like a dome, I have no experience with the different switches, nor do I have a store locally to test different ones.)

• Wired! No wireless!

I'd like to not spend over 60-75 dollars unless it is worth it.

I don't really care about macro keys. I've never used the ones on my current in a decade.

Anyone know of a good keyboard that fits most if not all of my hopes and dreams?

 

[epilf]

bump, anyone?

 

[greenhawk]

A ps/2 to USB adapter is not a option then?

only other recommendation is to try out a few local computer stores and try out their keyboards on offer, then see about where to get them at a reasonable price.

 

[epilf]

A ps/2 to USB adapter is not a option then?

only other recommendation is to try out a few local computer stores and try out their keyboards on offer, then see about where to get them at a reasonable price.

I've got two ps/2->usb adapters and neither one works, so I'm basically forced into buying a new one.

The only store within 400 miles is a best buy. I live in Florida, we don't have a microcenter, frys, or anything like that. Best buy only has 4 keyboards that aren't el-cheapo crap ones and none of them are any good.

Hence this thread.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I've got two ps/2->usb adapters and neither one works, so I'm basically forced into buying a new one.

That seems strange to me. I've used several REAL PS/2 to USB adaptors, and they worked just fine.

Are the ones that you are trying to use, just short green stubby adaptors, that came with keyboards or mice? Those don't actually have any active signal conversion in them, they are just cable adaptors, and send a signal back to the main device to switch output modes.

What you need, are explicit PS/2 to USB adaptors, that have a chip in the middle to do the conversion.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812226044

 

[Pia]

Your only choice is Microsoft Sidewinder X4. Unlike every bullshit "gaming" keyboard in its price class, it has actual N-key rollover. And it has red backlight.

 

[epilf]

That seems strange to me. I've used several REAL PS/2 to USB adaptors, and they worked just fine.

Are the ones that you are trying to use, just short green stubby adaptors, that came with keyboards or mice? Those don't actually have any active signal conversion in them, they are just cable adaptors, and send a signal back to the main device to switch output modes.

What you need, are explicit PS/2 to USB adaptors, that have a chip in the middle to do the conversion.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812226044

Short and stubby. I may try one of those, but I may as well get a new keyboard. As I said its been 10 years with my old one. Its time has got to be almost up anyhow.

Pia: I read a review that said it had smaller keys than a standard size. That's really the ONLY issue I have with this G110. The keys are too small and everything is squeezed in. My left hand is constantly pushing one key left of what I intended. I don't think I can "make due" nor "get used" to the smaller size as I work in the networking field and all of our work computers use standard keyboards. Does the X4 in fact use standard size keys, or are they slightly shrunken?

I wish there were stats for keyboards regarding actual key dimensions.

 

[greenhawk]

Short and stubby.

The short ones are generally for mice as it appears mice and USB talk the same protocol.

Keyboards on the other hand use a different wiring on the PS/2 connector so the adaports will not work for them. Definitly need ones with some brains in the adaptor if not having it state "for keyboards".

quick google, some links to items and a bit about they why cheap ones do not work.
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/124184

 

[Pia]

Pia: I read a review that said it had smaller keys than a standard size. That's really the ONLY issue I have with this G110. The keys are too small and everything is squeezed in. My left hand is constantly pushing one key left of what I intended. I don't think I can "make due" nor "get used" to the smaller size as I work in the networking field and all of our work computers use standard keyboards. Does the X4 in fact use standard size keys, or are they slightly shrunken?

Sorry, I waste my money on high-end mechanical boards and haven't actually used the Sidewinder. You should definitely look for one, though, and try it out because it's the only board that has a chance of filling all your criteria. Maybe a net shop with a good return policy...?

Looking at the X4 it seems likely the review was talking about the function keys, which are shorter than normal. That probably isn't a concern for you?

Sidewinder X6 also seems like really nice board you could look into. It has a very slight design mistake where one particular key is only 2KRO, but the rest of the board is N-key so you almost certainly wouldn't have a problem with it. Again, other players in this price class are full of fail in comparison. And the X6 has a very cool keypad-swapping feature.

edit: Microsoft says the board length is L=482mm. So just open up a high-res photo in MS Paint, measure the length of the board in pixels (BP), measure one of the key rows (only standard size buttons) in pixels (RP), get the true length of that row with L*RP/BP and divide by number of keys in that row to get button size.

 

[Jakeisbest]

Consider getting a WASD keyboard, with brown switches. Except for the back lighting it has everything you want.