What kind of keyboard do you use for gaming?

[finbarqs]

I have to say, not all "blues" are created equal. For example, I have the Maxkeyboard X8 Blues... and recently, I've tried the Razer Ultimate which also uses blue. That keyboard was so much easier to type on than my Max Keyboard. They both use blue. Except my blue, has more resistance per key stroke, making it somewhat a completely different feel. I wonder how does DAS blues feel like... But I really wanted the media keys and the white backlit LED. I also have a Deck Keyboard, which uses MX Clears, and that just gets tiring...

 

[BrightCandle]

My G15 original is still trucking along perfectly. Not a single fault with it. It looks kind of well used now but its a one of the better membrane keyboards. I have been considering a move to a modern mechanical keyboard and I got a key pack of the various keys to try and determined I don't want a clicky or tactical bump key. A cherry red however probably isn't worth it. I don't really use the macro keys very often and its mainly the volume and media keys I use on this keyboard from the extra features. So in the end I think a very basic keyboard is all you really need, isn't much point going fancy and expensive for gaming.

 

[slpnshot]

Um... I'm guessing it's a typo but if you truly have the Nighthawk X8, it's a brown switch.

 

[blastingcap]

Cheapest possible ones. I know mechanicals are supposed to be better, etc. etc. but they are less common and I want to have a relatively consistent typing experience across all my computers that have keyboards. Plus I do not plan to go pro or something, so I don't mind if I don't play quite as well with a standard cheap keyboard.

 

[CPA]

The illuminated keys are also the main reason I choose a "gaming" keyboard. I like to shut all the lights off, and I don't think I could ever live without it now.

I can't handle the clicking of mechanicals, so that rules those out for me. They do feel very nice!

Been pretty happy with the Microsoft Sidewinder X4. Pretty affordable as well.

The keys feel slightly smaller and with less travel than the typical keyboard, which I've grown a bit fond of, but I can see how some people wouldn't get along with it.

Got the Sidewinder for my son for Christmas. Will have to check it out and see how it feels.

As for the mechanicals, I have no idea what you guys are talking about when you refer to brown, blue, red, etc. Can you clue me in?

 

[cbrunny]

This thread is helpful, but would be more helpful if users would post what kind of games they play most often.

I'm looking for something that is good for FFXIV in particular. I'm not crazy about my current keyboard & feel I would benefit from an upgrade.

 

[Mr. Pedantic]

Some kind of Ducky parallel imported from China with MX Blues.

I love the sound. Amazing.

Got the Sidewinder for my son for Christmas. Will have to check it out and see how it feels.

As for the mechanicals, I have no idea what you guys are talking about when you refer to brown, blue, red, etc. Can you clue me in?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_MX#Cherry_switches
http://www.keyboardco.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/an-introduction-to-cherry-mx-mechanical-switches/

Each colour switch has slightly different properties, and it's mostly personal preference. There are other mechanical switches out there, but the Cherry MX ones are the most popular AFAIK.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Logitech G13 Keypad. Also have a Logitech G15 keyboard but don't use it for fps gaming.

 

[Childs]

I have a g15. Its nice to have the little display for things like ventrilo chat without the overlay. Having a clock up while gaming, etc. Macro functions are useful on occasion too.

Yeah, that LCD window was nice. I used to use it to show system stats, BF game stats as well as Fraps info.

 

[IGemini]

I also use the Logitech G105. Toggle backlighting was the only thing I was looking for, and the price was right. Haven't had that problem of bumping the Windows key in a long time, though.

 

[biostud]

Got the Sidewinder for my son for Christmas. Will have to check it out and see how it feels.

As for the mechanicals, I have no idea what you guys are talking about when you refer to brown, blue, red, etc. Can you clue me in?

I can post it a 2nd time specially for you

http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

 

[Snock514]

cm storm quickfire rapid w/ blue switches

 

[KeithTalent]

Yeah, now I can't imagine having a keyboard with keys that do not light up.

Once you go backlit, you never go back.

KT

 

[Snock514]

Yeah, now I can't imagine having a keyboard with keys that do not light up.

Once you go backlit, you never go back.

KT

Only casuals look at their keyboards

 

[smackababy]

Yeah, now I can't imagine having a keyboard with keys that do not light up.

Once you go backlit, you never go back.

KT

Every keyboard with keys that light up that has had the option to turn that off, I exercise that option. The amount of time I spend looking at the keyboard is so low. I wish the DAS Ultimate was as cheap as the DAS professional when I purchased it, because I would have went with nothing on the keys.

 

[trillock]

Have an original Logitech G15, but it has been starting to act up here and there, can't complain it is like 15 years old now. For Christmas I asked for the Steelseries Apex.

Hah...me too. Still works ok, but I don't bother with the little 'apps' running on the orange screen now.

 

[CPA]

Only casuals look at their keyboards

I type well enough, but I admit there are times I need to look at my keyboard when I'm playing. This is insta-death on BF4. :$

 

[CPA]

I can post it a 2nd time specially for you

http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

You are a scholar and a gentleman...twice over.:wub:

 

[KeithTalent]

Only casuals look at their keyboards

I don't know what that means, but I'm not the best typist in the world, so it helps when I am typing messages or whatever.

KT

 

[Via]

I like gaming in a darkened room, so the backlighting is invaluable.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I like gaming in a darkened room, so the backlighting is invaluable.

Me too but once my hand is in position for wsad I dont even look.

 

[mjd]

Cherry Red Ninja Filco:
http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard/usa-filco-ninja-majestouch-2-nkr-soft-linear-action-keyboard.asp

Doesn't help my gaming - I still suck.

I used to use a Saitek Eclipse II. And that was great too, but not mechanical.
-M

 

[smackababy]

I like gaming in a darkened room, so the backlighting is invaluable.

What does the ambient light availability have to do with being able to properly navigate a keyboard without looking? There are two bumps on every keyboard on the 'F' and 'J' keys signifying where you are. If you can't find your position around that, I can only assume you hunt and peck when you type and breathe primarily out of your mouth.

I am probably a bit bias because I essentially type for a living.

 

[Faljukin]

Been using a razer lycosa for at least 5 years now but might get a nice mechanical keyboard in the near future.
The black coating on the wasd keys has completely worn off so they are now just blue lid up keys...

 

[Midwayman]

What does the ambient light availability have to do with being able to properly navigate a keyboard without looking? There are two bumps on every keyboard on the 'F' and 'J' keys signifying where you are. If you can't find your position around that, I can only assume you hunt and peck when you type and breathe primarily out of your mouth.

I am probably a bit bias because I essentially type for a living.

Touch typing and gaming are different. I can touch type, but I occasionally have to look for keys while gaming as the hand position is different and some keys like the function keys I don't usually use by touch. I like a backlit keyboard too as it makes hitting those less used keys a lot easier.