Best Keyboard for ~$100?

[thm1223]

Hey folks,

So I'm creating a potential build on Newegg, and am torn between these two keyboards:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823126100

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823126043

While I much prefer the second product due to its aesthetics and slim profile, reviews suggest that certain key combinations frequently used in gaming do not work due to design limitations. So would the G510 be the best bet, despite the fact that I would prefer a black keyboard?

Too bad the G19 is $150. I just feel that for the extra $50 you're really paying for fluff. As a matter of fact, how useful are extra the extra macro keys/LCD screen on both it and the G510 in the first place?

 

[Broheim]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823129008

for gaming I'd rather have something like this with a budget around 100$, if I had to shop at the egg.

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold these are better though. You should read up on the different cherry switches before you make your decision, it's very individual what switch you prefer, though the reds are a pretty good bet for gaming.

 

[ripster55]

See the panel on the right for half a dozen good Cherry MX guides.
http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/

 

[Ben90]

Too bad the G19 is $150. I just feel that for the extra $50 you're really paying for fluff. As a matter of fact, how useful are extra the extra macro keys/LCD screen on both it and the G510 in the first place?

I personally don't see a point in either the macro keys or LCD screen aside from being a clock. For all your keyboard scripting needs, spend the time and learn AutoHotKey. It is nearly infinitely more powerful than what you are going to get from the logitec driver.

When it comes to keyboards, the best metric to search by is how good they feel to type on. If you game a lot, add a high key rollover checkbox as well. So often does a "Best keyboard for Gaming" thread or question pop up on these forums. We nitpick and theorycraft each switch type, but realistically none are going to detract or add all that much to your experience. I went from arguably the worst gaming MX switch: Blues, to arguably the best: Blacks. I absolutely hated it. While gaming was more or less the same, the actual typing experience sucked pretty hard.

 

[Childs]

The LCD on the G series is actually kinda neat. Can tell you fps, ping, server, map, etc. I wish all keyboards it, or Logitech made a mechanical keyboard with it.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Check out the Cooler Master Quickfire Rapid series. Available in the switch type of your choice for $80. You get nice quality Cherry-MX boards with no numpad for superior ergonomics (your mouse and keyboard hands are in a more natural position).

Most importantly, mechanical switches feel so much better to type on. There's really no good reason to spend that kind of money on rubber domes.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...+rapid&x=0&y=0

 

[moonbogg]

Korsair K90 or BUST!

 

[Remobz]

Korsair K90 or BUST!

Well said....not bad for the money

 

[cmdrdredd]

Corsair cheaped out and doesn't use all mechanical switches. For $100 unless you have 100% mechanical switches it's a waste.

 

[Remobz]

Corsair cheaped out and doesn't use all mechanical switches. For $100 unless you have 100% mechanical switches it's a waste.

what do you recommend for gaming with backlit as well?

 

[Ben90]

The LCD on the G series is actually kinda neat. Can tell you fps, ping, server, map, etc. I wish all keyboards it, or Logitech made a mechanical keyboard with it.

I've personally never had any problems getting this information from my monitor. In addition I get access to high definition netgraphs which relay helpful information not really meant to be exploited.

 

[Childs]

I've personally never had any problems getting this information from my monitor. In addition I get access to high definition netgraphs which relay helpful information not really meant to be exploited.

You mean a second monitor? hahah, well obviously that would be better, but if you dont have one the LCD on the keyboard is nice.

 

[thm1223]

The LCD on the G series is actually kinda neat. Can tell you fps, ping, server, map, etc. I wish all keyboards it, or Logitech made a mechanical keyboard with it.

Is it useful/compatible with most games? I always assumed it wasn't, but if that's not the case then I may go with it.

 

[Childs]

Is it useful/compatible with most games? I always assumed it wasn't, but if that's not the case then I may go with it.

I used a G15 when the only thing I played was BF (BC2 and BF3), and I would record the games with Fraps. I also used s system monitoring applet. So it was useful, but I think only the major games have support. There is an SDK, so people write their own utilities and applets, but I think games need to be written by the devs. You can find out what game has support by googling it. I wouldnt buy a keyboard just for the LCD screen, but its nice to have.

 

[Ben90]

Do you feel the screen on the G15 was worth it enough to make it cost as much as a keyboard of similar quality plus a lowend full size LCD monitor? I would argue that if you are going to spend that kind of money on something as non-essential as a keyboard, it should at least do one thing well. I feel the G15 doesn't type well enough to justify the cost, and certainly doesn't be a monitor well enough for the cost.

 

[Childs]

Do you feel the screen on the G15 was worth it enough to make it cost as much as a keyboard of similar quality plus a lowend full size LCD monitor? I would argue that if you are going to spend that kind of money on something as non-essential as a keyboard, it should at least do one thing well. I feel the G15 doesn't type well enough to justify the cost, and certainly doesn't be a monitor well enough for the cost.

I got mine for $50 from Logitech as a dented box special. As a keyboard its fine, and it had macro keys and music controls and what not. Typing, its kinda soft, but most membrane keyboards are the same in that regard. I dont know of any low end LCD monitor that I'm going to get for $50. And the LCD on the G15 can still provide game specific information that you cant get from having another full screen running. Like I said in a previous post, I wouldnt buy a G15 just for it, but its a nice to have feature. If comparing two equal priced keyboards, and one has an LCD, I'd probably get the LCD one, assuming all other features roughly being equal.

 

[cmdrdredd]

what do you recommend for gaming with backlit as well?

I don't personally use backlighting on my keyboards. I don't look down when I play games or type so I don't require any kind of lighting. However, these are what I'd use if I was looking for that setup.

Not cheap, but red backlighting with Cherry MX Red switches. $150
http://www.amazon.com/Max-Keyboard-N.../dp/B007F9B0BW

or this one for $130 http://www.amazon.com/Tesoro-Duranda...ref=pd_cp_pc_2

However in my opinion the absolute best is the Ducky Shine. http://www.tankguys.com/mechnical-k...overclock-net-edition-red-abs-whilte-led.html

 

[tinmann]

I was looking for a keyboard with back lights and was torn between the Roccat Isku
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823436002
and the Corsair K90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823816002
I went with the Corsair K90 because even though it's not 100% mechanical it is drop dead sexy. I use a Filco Majestic TenKeyLess now and I prefer the mechanical keys over the membrane any day.

 

[Remobz]

I don't personally use backlighting on my keyboards. I don't look down when I play games or type so I don't require any kind of lighting. However, these are what I'd use if I was looking for that setup.

Not cheap, but red backlighting with Cherry MX Red switches. $150
http://www.amazon.com/Max-Keyboard-N.../dp/B007F9B0BW

or this one for $130 http://www.amazon.com/Tesoro-Duranda...ref=pd_cp_pc_2

However in my opinion the absolute best is the Ducky Shine. http://www.tankguys.com/mechnical-k...overclock-net-edition-red-abs-whilte-led.html

Option 2 looks good to me

Thanks.

 

[nitromullet]

Definitely for that kind of cash go for something with Cherry switches. I have a Deck Legend at home for gaming, but at work I'm old school with an IBM Model M from 1992 I picked up on eBay for like $40. The Model M is big, loud, beige, heavy, and requires a ps/2-to-USB adapter. The newer keyboards with Cherry switches offer a good mix of mechanical keys and "modern" conveniences, like USB and a Windows key.

 

[shurato]

Just got my Corsair K60 today from Amazon. Replacing a Razer Arctosa. Can't see myself going back to a normal keyboard after trying out this mechnical Corsair. btw the Razer Arctosa is a piece of garbage for the price.

 

[ericloewe]

While it may sound trivial, the difference between the mechanical and crap keys is pretty annoying on the Corsair keyboards, especially Esc and F1-F12

 

[ensign_lee]

razer blackwidow?

 

[Pr0d1gy]

Option 2 looks good to me

Thanks.

If you're willing to go up to that 130-150 range I would highly recommend a Deck. Nice mech switches, sweet backlighting, interchangable keys, and they are near bulletproof.


http://www.deckkeyboards.com/

 

[Ben90]

The full sized Deck's are awfully close to Realforce territory. Are they PBT keys?