Recommend me a gaming keyboard

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So after three years of loyal service, my trusty Microsoft keyboard is looking to retire into my hardware junkyard/closet. I've been looking at the Saitek eclipse and the Logitech G1X models because of the backlighting capability, but the reviews are mostly hit or miss.

G15.

I'm a big fan of the Zboard Merc that I bought for $15.

Now, of course, they have a glowy version that's probably more than $15.

The left hand pad is just so nice.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/4740&cl=us,en

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3498&cl=us,en
I used this one for awhile but I find that I like the low profile keys better and never much used the LCD when all the data was shown on the monitor.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/285&cl=us,en

http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/cykeyv2.htm
This one looks cool and useful for around $80.00.

http://www.razerzone.com/c-3-gaming-keyboards.aspx#
Any of the Razer keyboards are also good. I'm using the razer lycosa know and I find that the touch panel will work sometimes. I don't know if I got a bad keyboard or if another program is interfering.

I've been through several. A couple of Saitek Eclipses, a Razor Tarantula, and the Logitech G15.

The Saitek boards were good. I only switched because I wanted all the fiddly bit features on the more gaming oriented keyboards.

I hated the Tarantula. It was a nice keyboard for just typing and stuff but the Razor software was utter sh*t. Just like the Razor mice I've had... surprise surprise I guess. I sold it and got the G15. Haven't looked at another keyboard since.

I have the G15 refresh after having an original G15.

Best keyboard I have ever used.

Two thumbs Up!

I too have the G15. It is a nice keyboard, and the LCD on it can be very useful. As an example I use it when on vent to see who is talking.

I am considering getting the G19 when it comes out but it is retailing at $200.

I've heard good things about the MS X6. The movable NumPad is supposedly more useful than it may seem.

I'm not one for specialised gaming equipment, but the long throw G15 keys would get to me. I would look closely at the X6 if I was in the market.

I like the Ideazon Merc Stealth. The left-hand pad, as Legion said, is pretty nice. The backlight is excellent as well and since I almost always play at night in the dark it is a great benefit.
It's not the best keyboard for everyday use because the standard keyboard is a bit cramped to make room for the gaming pad. If you're left handed it might not work out very well either.

I also tried the Razer Lycosa and while it had a really nice key feel it was marginally usable in the daylight since the characters on the keys were really not visible. The backlight itself was also kind of uneven. It's a shame because I really,really liked the feel of the keyboard. I ended up returning it in favor of the Merc Stealth.

Never tried the G15, though it's by far the most popular gaming keyboard.

I am a big fan of the Eclipse 1. Nothing fancy on it other than the lighting and volume controls. But it is quiet, and parts are dishwasher safe even. It is just a really good Keyboard.

I suggest to wait just a bit. Logitech is putting out a refreshed "G" line of gaming peripherals in March. This includes the new G19 keyboard.

IMAGE(http://www.logitech.com/repository/1268/jpg/11107.1.0.jpg)

Some of us take it old school. I rock an old school G15 and a worn to crap MX518. Both have bare spots on the plastic from use. I'm not saying they're cheap, I just use them a ton. Also the mouse has withstood several mouse---->wall incidents.

boogle wrote:

Some of us take it old school.

Out of context theatre, now featuring Boogle!

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far, guys. I'll probably wait for the Logitech refresh and see what I can shake down.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/ga...

Got mine from Circuit City on discount. Love it so far.

Hey that MS keyboard looks pretty nice. Personally, I'd go to a Best Buy or Fry's or whatever and see what there is to play with. My choice of keyboard tends to have as much to do with the key action as layout. But my personal pick would be between the MS keyboard and the Logitech G11. There's no reason to pay an extra $30 for an LCD screen you'll never look at.

complexmath wrote:

There's no reason to pay an extra $30 for an LCD screen you'll never look at.

Maybe you won't look at it, but I use mine all the time. The volume display on it's own was worth the extra money to me. Factor in stuff like the Ventrilo and Teamspeak apps and it's well worth it.

I had one for a while that kept my CPU/GPU/Chipset temperatures on there but it got lost in a reinstall of a lot of programs and I haven't been able to find it again

Thin_J wrote:
complexmath wrote:

There's no reason to pay an extra $30 for an LCD screen you'll never look at.

Maybe you won't look at it, but I use mine all the time. The volume display on it's own was worth the extra money to me. Factor in stuff like the Ventrilo and Teamspeak apps and it's well worth it.

I had one for a while that kept my CPU/GPU/Chipset temperatures on there but it got lost in a reinstall of a lot of programs and I haven't been able to find it again :|

Yeah, there are a ton of apps that use it and to be honest, its nothing a second monitor couldn't do, but I like being able to pump all my gpu power into one display.

I have a :
IMAGE(http://www.tweakpc.de/gallery/data/500/saitek_cyborg_keyboard_sv_fi_-1800790506_0_Big.jpg)

And I love it.

Newegg Link: here

I'm still using a Microsoft Natural Elite from 11 years ago... I consider that my gaming keyboard. The new ones still being made look the same but are crap.

I have a first gen G15 and like it, but as soon as the G19 drops in price I'm gonna get it. I am such a sucker for customizable backlighting. Plus having powered USB 2.0 ports on the keyboard FINALLY will be nice.

I use my current LCD a lot, I just hope having a full color LCD won't screw existing apps too much.

General Crespin wrote:

Plus having powered USB 2.0 ports on the keyboard FINALLY will be nice.

Google it. You can hack that.

General Crespin wrote:

I have a first gen G15 and like it, but as soon as the G19 drops in price I'm gonna get it. I am such a sucker for customizable backlighting. Plus having powered USB 2.0 ports on the keyboard FINALLY will be nice.

I use my current LCD a lot, I just hope having a full color LCD won't screw existing apps too much.

Note that this comes at a price -- the keyboard now requires its own power supply.

I know, you can see it in the pictures. :p

G-19 KB / G-13 Game Pad / G-9x Mouse. Just wish the KB and Game Pad were out now.

(Currently using G-15 / N-52 Nostromo / G-5 Mouse).

I'm a logitech fan for sure.

Personally, I use the Saitek Cyborg. Love it. The key action is great, it's comfortable to type on, it looks good, and the metal-plated gaming keys (WASD,[space] and the arrow keys) feel great. I have it partnered with a Cyborg mouse, which also comes highly recommended.

Nyxs Optare wrote:

G-19 KB / G-13 Game Pad / G-9x Mouse. Just wish the KB and Game Pad were out now.

(Currently using G-15 / N-52 Nostromo / G-5 Mouse).

I'm a logitech fan for sure.

I like the design of Logitech's new G-35 headphones, although I am uncertain in technical merits of simulating 7.1 acoustics with just two physical speakers.

I adore Logitech's hardware designs very much, but the thing that prevents me from being their fan is the utterly horrible software part of the equation.

Gorilla.800.lbs wrote:

I like the design of Logitech's new G-35 headphones, although I am uncertain in technical merits of simulating 7.1 acoustics with just two physical speakers.

I adore Logitech's hardware designs very much, but the thing that prevents me from being their fan is the utterly horrible software part of the equation.

I'm also liking the look of the G-35 headset too, as now I'm finding myself using my headset most of the time instead of my speakers. Is there any word on when the G-35 is coming out?

What's so horrible about Logitech's software?

Saitek Has an Eclipse III out now. (and it adds Pink as a color choice)... Embrace the pink... EMBRACE IT!

Edit: Cheaper ($60) at Gogamer.com

@General Crespin. Logitech likes to include bloatware like that Jukebox BS, and an auto downloader in addition to their drivers on disc. I do not have a real issue. Also their Vista Drivers have been a tale of woe and conflict, mostly Microsoft's fault as far as I can tell as it is widespread among many devices, even Microsoft's own peripherals. The MS controller-Wireless Logitec driver conflict rages on to this day.

Has any of this escalated after the buyout?

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