Gaming Keyboard

[The Green Bean]

I'm currently using a $5 Chinese keyboard and I don't really like it all that much. I keep missing keys and the WASD keys have become soft and squishy. I used to use cheap mice as well but I kept having the mouse skip or become unresponsive and I bought a Razer Orochi and I've never been happier.

I'm from Pakistan and choices are somewhat limited. I have about $80-$100 to spend--I wasn't looking to spend all that much initially but if it lasts me really long, it might be a worthwhile investment. like my expensive peripherals to last really long. I bought my HD555s in 2005 and I still love them. However, I bought my Mx1000 about the same time and it died within a year.

Anyhow, here are the choices with prices converted to USD. The retailers won't let me demo the keyboards since they are expensive and all seal-packed.

Razer Lycosa $73
Razer BlackWidow $75
Logitech G15 $87
Logitech G110 $83
Ideazon Merc Stealth $87
Microsoft SideWinder X-6 $100
SteelSeries SteelKeys 6G $82
SteelSeries 6Gv2 $103
SteelSeries Shift $96

What's the difference between the SteelSeries 6G and 6Gv2? I do type documents but most of my usage is going to be for gaming. My current keyboard has too many "macro" next to the Windows/Alt/Enter keys. I've taken most of them out so I don't keep pressing them accidentally. Extra keys would be cool if they're in a logical location.

I had this really old keyboard that used the AT connector. I don't where it is but I'm pretty sure it was mechanical. It made a loud clicky sound when pressed and was generally fun to type on. I don't know if I would like that for gaming though. I haven't used it for an eternity though...

Would like to order in a few hours. Any suggestions?

 

[Cerb]

The 6G is older than the 6Gv2. Here in the US, you all but can't find a 6G.

To me, the Shift seems awfully gimmicky, and not expensive enough to trust it for long-term use.

IMO, the short list should be the Razer Blackwidow, MS Sidewinder X6, and Steelseries 6Gv2, unless you really like extra macro keys.

When it comes to using the keyboard outside of gaming, do you hit your keys with force, or softly?

 

[The Green Bean]

The 6G is older than the 6Gv2. Here in the US, you all but can't find a 6G.

To me, the Shift seems awfully gimmicky, and not expensive enough to trust it for long-term use.

IMO, the short list should be the Razer Blackwidow, MS Sidewinder X6, and Steelseries 6Gv2, unless you really like extra macro keys.

When it comes to using the keyboard outside of gaming, do you hit your keys with force, or softly?

I've never really used macros. I find that there are enough keys to deal with already. BTW, I play FPS and RTS games as well as RPGs. I generally hit the keys relatively softly (softer than my fiancee anyways--I don't bang the keys hard, just press them). And on second thoughts, the sidewinder looks really expensive considering that you can get it in the USA for $60 (Newegg.)

Razer is actually cheaper here and the Steelseries seems to be on par. I too was leaning towards either of these two, but I can't decide between the blue and black cherries. I might be able to try out the Razer (it apparently allows to type outside the box). The Steelseries is only available online.

The Razer is significantly cheaper but if I'm already spending this much, I want what I'll like better.

 

[Ben90]

I would look into Ducky keyboards since you are on that side of the globe.

 

[The Green Bean]

Ducky isn't available here.

 

[darckhart]

i don't know if it will be available over there, but do check out corsair k60 and rosewill mechanical for additional cherry-based kb.

 

[The Green Bean]

None of those are available. I've listed all the ones available within my price range.

 

[The Green Bean]

I can also get a G110 for $70. How is that?

 

[bobdole369]

Logitech G15 is a longstanding companion for my keyboarding needs. I also found the macros sort of gimmicky, but I did use them for a while when I played WoW. They did help but it was difficult to remember that I had a dedicated button for "player 1 quickheal" and another for "closest target wand" etc. The screen is really neat and actually does get use. And the volume control is nice right in the middle there. I like the backlit keys too.

However the real killer here is the keyboards build quality. I have never had a keyboard besides an old XT or AT keyboard that has stood up to this level of abuse. I've had it apart and back together a couple times after beverage and (in one instance a grease mishap) food issues. The keys don't get soft or mushy and its still going strong something like 3 years later.

 

[SZLiao214]

Other then those logitech keyboards most of the other ones you posted are mechanical. Mechanical keyboards give a different feel to typing.

 

[The Green Bean]

I went ahead and ordered the Steelseries 6Gv2. Sure, it's expensive but hopefully it will be a worthwhile investment. I'll pay cash on delivery and I can cancel the order within 12-14 hours so if there are other suggestions, I'm listening.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

I love my Blackwidow but its loud when typing. The Steelseries are a bit quieter from the instore demo

 

[The Green Bean]

I love my Blackwidow but its loud when typing. The Steelseries are a bit quieter from the instore demo

Yes, that was a big factor. It would probably get quite annoying (especially for others in the room) after a little while.

 

[theattrox]

I have the steelseries 6gv2 it's still better than most normal rubber dome keyboards but the key layout is seriously stupid (big enter button "?" "\" next to each other) and it uses cherry mx blacks (personally I prefer mx browns). http://www.technobuffalo.com/files/2011/02/steelseries-6gv2-enter-key-600x337.jpg If this doesn't bother you then you will be fine.

 

[stahlhart]

The Lycosa is a really nice keyboard, as long as it remains stable. Downloading the latest drivers from Razer's site will help.

Mine would shut down once in a great while, requiring a reboot. And the touch pad is a little finicky. But Mrs. stahlhart has been using it since I got the Xarmor, and it's been working perfectly there, for a month now.

 

[The Green Bean]

I have the steelseries 6gv2 it's still better than most normal rubber dome keyboards but the key layout is seriously stupid (big enter button "?" "\" next to each other) and it uses cherry mx blacks (personally I prefer mx browns). http://www.technobuffalo.com/files/2011/02/steelseries-6gv2-enter-key-600x337.jpg If this doesn't bother you then you will be fine.

My current keyboard uses the same layout. I have removed the \ key because I kept pressing it because it was too close. I'll just remove that key if it bothers me that much. Besides, you would not use that side much for gaming. Just typing.

Now to find decent Arabic keyboard stickers.

 

[The Green Bean]

Just got the keyboard and this is the first time I'm typing on it. It looks almost identical to my previous keyboard, but definately feels different to type on. I might be able to get used to this $100 worth? I don't know yet. The keys are definately better to type on compared to my old keyboard which I'm typing on now and making quite a few typos as well. Back to the Steelseries and it seems I'll probably make fewer mistakes since the keys actually feel like they are there. It feels like those old AT keyboards without the click obviously. And it's heavy. Don't like the space key and I have already removed the \ key. Don't need it too often and I can still press it without the key cap. YAY!
Need to find where to keep the key cap without loosing it...

The key caps are replaceable right?

Taken from a crappy camera:

 

[yours truly]

lol bizarre. Why not just leave the key cap on?

The switch in the space bar is different from the others. edit: could be yours is a grey switch, not sure..

I think your keycaps are replaceable but you might want to double check. I think steelseries uses ABS plastic.

qtan (ebay) makes high quality PBT keycaps and he's recommended on geekhack.

 

[The Green Bean]

That cap bugs me. I often press the \ key and shift together. Would any keycap fit? I mean they might be different that my current one, but technically would they fit?

 

[yours truly]

I don't rightly know. My instinct says no, as you will probably need a Cherry MX keycap. Don't quote me on that though.

A quick google search on "how to disable keys on keyboard" will give you quite a few answers. Try putting the keycap back on and disable the key instead, if it bothers you too much.

 

[Clinkster]

I know this isn't on your list, but I went with a nice mechanical keyboard myself: Thermaltake Meka G1

http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Me.../dp/B004HPTHE4

Very solid kb.

EDIT: The only shitty thing about this keyboard is the "Esport" bullshit written on the wristpad. And the LEDs on the "Num Lock" and "Caps Lock" can be blinding if you look directly at it.

EDIT 2: If the TT Meka G1 isn't available to you, I'd advise for either the Blackwidow of the Steelseries v2. Haven't tried them personally, but I've heard those ones are pretty nice.

 

[Throckmorton]

Forget all this gaming keyboard nonsense. Buy a Logteich K360. Full size keyboards space out your mouse hand too far to the side.

 

[jellowiggler]

I'm pretty sure the Tt mekka g1 and the steelseries g6v2 are the same unit with different stickers.

I went blackwidow ultimate with a long replacement plan. I wanted mechanical, macros and backlighting without looking like a toy.

 

[The Green Bean]

My dad was a software engineer back in the 80s. He loves the new keyboard

 

[GoStumpy]

I bought this, waiting for it to arrive Been using cheap old keyboards my entire life, reallllyyy looking forward to a new one that will be MINE ALL MINE!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823109191