Keyboards!!!!! Need a new one ....

[Phaetos]

I'm looking for a new keyboard that isn't a $20 version from Walmart or the such, but I also don't need a $200 keyboard that will talk to me and put me to bed ;-) Even devices in the middle road range have more features than I want or need. I found this ROCCAT Arvo http://www.roccat.org/Products/Gaming-Keyboards/ROCCAT-Arvo/ that will go with my ROCCAT Kone Pure mouse, that has just enough buttons that I need. I like the form of this keyboard, but it appears to have been discontinued by ROCCAT and can barely find it online.

Are there any options like this ROCCAT for the same prince range, which I think was originally around $80? I will say upfront I despise anything with the name Logitech on it. Don't even suggest it.

 

[MTDEW]

I'm no keyboard expert, so I really have no info to give other than that Roccat keyboard you mentioned is available on Amazon for just over $41.00.
So I figured I'd at least post a link just in case you may have missed it.
ROCCAT ARVO Compact Gaming Keyboard, Black

 

[DigDog]

for that money you can buy a mechanical kb from coolermaster.

 

[Phaetos]

I'm no keyboard expert, so I really have no info to give other than that Roccat keyboard you mentioned is available on Amazon for just over $41.00.
So I figured I'd at least post a link just in case you may have missed it.
ROCCAT ARVO Compact Gaming Keyboard, Black

Yeh, I've seen it there. Microcenter actually has it for $30, I'm just not keen on buying discontinued items too much.

 

[Phaetos]

for that money you can buy a mechanical kb from coolermaster.

Ok, so what's the big deal between regular keyboards, mechanical, and dome top somethings?


I know the old mechanical's I used when I was in highschool, all loud and clickety, don't think my wife would appreciate that in the middle of the night

 

[bononos]

Ok, so what's the big deal between regular keyboards, mechanical, and dome top somethings?


I know the old mechanical's I used when I was in highschool, all loud and clickety, don't think my wife would appreciate that in the middle of the night

The old mechanical you used is probably the ibm model-m, its different from the cherry mx switches which are used in most mechanicals nowadays which aren't as loud but still louder than rubber domes. Youtube has lots of videos on loudness for the different cherry switches.

The smooth consistent feel is the biggest difference bwtn mechanicals and ordinary rubber domes which are too mushy for people used to cherry switches.

 

[Childs]

You should also consider keyboards with backlit keys.

 

[wgusler]

Corsair K70, 99.00 refurb from New egg. I have had 2 of these for the last year and they work great.

 

[bruceb]

When it comes to keyboards, I like to feel the keytops (slight depression) and I also like some sort of key feedback, sometime you do not get with membrane type keyboards. Back lit is nice and my next keyboard may very well have it. If you want an inexpensive, but usualy reliable unit, check out what Dell has to offer. The one I am typing on is a Dell from 2001 with a USB interface, media player keys and a number pad. If you have to buy it locally, I suggest at least trying the keyboard in a store to see if the ergonomics or look and feel are what you are comfortable with.

 

[Phaetos]

Update:
I had decided to go with a companion to my mouse and get the ROCCAT Arvo Compact keyboard. Much more compact than I expected. While the keys performed well, and the size isn't that bad, I just can't work with the fact that the 10-key pad and the arrow keys are on the same segment of space, and a toggle switches between modes to use them. I'm RMA'ing the Arvo. The next one up from them is the Isku line, but you can't turn off the windows keys and others based on game/windows profile. They are either on or off globally.

So I still need a new keyboard. This is more confusing than trying to find a video card

ETA:
Maybe something like the Logitech G510(s). I really hate Logitech products, always had bad experiences with them, what other brands are out there? I found a refurb'd G510S on newegg for $38. Maybe take a shot at it? I really have to keep it under $100.

 

[Blain]

ETA:
Maybe something like the Logitech G510(s). I really hate Logitech products, always had bad experiences with them, what other brands are out there? I found a refurb'd G510S on newegg for $38. Maybe take a shot at it?

No, because you "despise anything with the name Logitech on it" and "really hate Logitech products" because you "always had bad experiences with them".
I held my Logitech input because you stated "Don't even suggest it".

With so much venom towards that company, you would be preoccupied with finding a flaw... Save yourself the grief and settle on some other brand.

 

[Phaetos]

No, because you "despise anything with the name Logitech on it" and "really hate Logitech products" because you "always had bad experiences with them".
I held my Logitech input because you stated "Don't even suggest it".

With so much venom towards that company, you would be preoccupied with finding a flaw... Save yourself the grief and settle on some other brand.

I'm preoccupied with finding flaws anyway I was willing to give them another chance, but after reading reviews on the 105 and the 510S, I think I'll still stay away.

Now, any other constructive advice from others?

 

[Phaetos]

I've got it narrowed down I think:

Gigabyte GK-FORCE K7 Illuminated Stealth Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex [RAW] Gaming Keyboard
Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard
Rosewill RK-8300 Wired Gaming Keyboard, Anti-ghosting, 5 Profiles Setting, Adjustable Key Speed


For the prices, those all seem to be solid mid-range gaming keyboards. Anyone used these before?

 

[Burpo]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=23-816-018

 

[Phaetos]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...tem=23-816-018

I saw that, but I also read the reviews. People have seem to had quite a bit of QC issues with them. Are they more solid than the reviews make them out to be?

 

[Burpo]

I have no clue, just giving you alternatives.. I'm using a 7 yr old Gateway PS2 Multimedia kb..

 

[Ampersand38]

If it's not out of your budget, here's a great budget mech board CM Storm Quickfire Tk.

It won't disappoint if you really need to buy right now, but I'm sure there will be better deals this week.

 

[Phaetos]

If it's not out of your budget, here's a great budget mech board CM Storm Quickfire Tk.

It won't disappoint if you really need to buy right now, but I'm sure there will be better deals this week.

Thanks for the suggestion, but it's a compact keyboard, the 1st mistake I made with my 1st purchase 2 weeks ago.

 

[Dahak]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-007-_-Product

I have been using this one for years and I personally like it.

 

[Blain]

K800

 

[Ampersand38]

Backlit Macro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard w/2 Port USB Hub and Headset/Mic Jacks- Cherry MX Red $66.99

 

[Phaetos]

Yep, I'm reviving my own thread.

Finally got to a position where I can grab a new keyboard. The wife was out shopping with me and starts playing with the mechanical ones and says "don't they make these things quieter?" *Sigh* ........ Back to square one. I had almost narrowed it down to the Razer Ultimate @ Best Buy for $100( i think).

So now it looks like I am forced into a typical membrane keyboard but with gaming features, anti-ghosting, good key response, ten-key, blah blah ...

So here we go again .... suggestions?

 

[Childs]

You can look for a keyboard with o-rings and a quieter switch, but I don't think there is any 'quiet' mechanical keyboard. They black widows area fairly loud, even the stealth version. Razor does have the deathstalker keyboard, which is chiclet, but its still not silent. But if you will be using this in a bedroom she will hear any keyboard, even a membrane one.

 

[Phaetos]

You can look for a keyboard with o-rings and a quieter switch, but I don't think there is any 'quiet' mechanical keyboard. They black widows area fairly loud, even the stealth version. Razor does have the deathstalker keyboard, which is chiclet, but its still not silent. But if you will be using this in a bedroom she will hear any keyboard, even a membrane one.

Yeh I know. I'm beginning to wonder if it's mainly the mouse she hears clicking so much. Do they make silent mice?

 

[saratoga172]

I recently picked up the Logitech G910 Orion with the new Romer-G switches. It's much quieter than all other mechanical's I've used but has an awesome feel. Way more features than you're looking for though and the key tops may not be to your liking. Very hit or miss for most people I've seen review it. I personally love the feel.

I've also got a G710+ and like it very much. Not terribly loud and has normal keytops. Great for typing and has media controls. Looking over your revive post this one may tick off the boxes you're looking for without breaking the bank. Got mine for $90 on a BB sale, but saw one recently for $100 so price fluctuates a bit.

If the DAS keyboard falls in your price range they aren't super fancy but are very well liked. Never used one myself.