keyboards

[tterris]

what kind do you like:

the keys that are stiffer and harder to press down or

the soft granny, buttery keys that are easier to press down

how many of you have used and like the z board and

what is a good gaming keyboard out there on the market now for less than $50

 

[beatle]

I have the Logitech Ultra X and I love it. It has a laptop feel and a proper full size layout. I game with it and it performs well. It's quiet, but the keys have a nice feel - just like a laptop.

 

[KoolDrew]

Logitech Elite is pretty good.

 

[Azndude51]

I generally like keys that are a bit harder than the logitech elite boards.

 

[Peter]

Light actuation force, separate switches. No rubber mats for me please. Yes that means I pay $70 for a keyboard. It's worth it.

 

[LordPhoenix]

Logitech Elite.

Lighter.

 

[Insomniak]

Logitech's new Media Keyboard is quite nice.

 

[bassoprofundo]

I like the good old IBM Model M keyboards (the "clicky" kind that drive your neighbors nuts). You just cannot beat the feel of real switches as opposed to a cheap rubber mat. The membranes on most new keyboards give you almost no tactile feedback whatsoever. I do also have an MS Natural Keyboard Pro (note the Pro model... All of the others (original Natural, Elite, Natural Multimedia) are mushy) that is pretty responsive as well.

 

[tterris]

basso: i love the feel of those old models too.. do you know if you can still buy from a retailer?

 

[LtPage1]

i LOVE the old, well used smooth keyed keyboard you find on really old systems. ill stick with my logitech for gaming, but for typing, old keyboards cant be beat.

 

[konakona]

i am losing my faith in logitechs. the new corded elite i got from overstock has that problem of not accepting input when 3 or more keys are pressed simultaneously. so much for dash-cancel-ducking jabs. the older logitech internet keyboard i used to own at home did not exhibit the same problem; instead it was rather irresponsive, repeatedly lagging on moves that require precisely timed input. in the end i ended up going back to micro innovations IBM keyboard. a bit stiffer and needs cleaning, but at least it works. logitechs have the aesthetic appeal and all, not very well suited for gaming however.

EDIT : this is strictly about the keyboards, logitech mice are still unbeatable in my book

 

[BW86]

Ive had this keyboard for months -- Can't beat $4.05 rofl

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=23-131-114&depa=0

 

[Dethfrumbelo]

Gaming keyboards really aren't worth it.

I'd rather go with the Nostromo n52.

 

[Azndude51]

Originally posted by: Dethfrumbelo
Gaming keyboards really aren't worth it.

I'd rather go with the Nostromo n52.

oh man, i hate the Nostromo n52. someone brought it to a lan party i was at and i tried it, its just too uncomfortable for me.

 

[dracan]

I've got this one at work, and am gonna order the same one for home. Really nice feel to it. Although the drivers for the special keys are a bit poor. I quite often find that when I load a program with it, the program will go behind all the other windows.

http://www.logitech.co.uk/inde...ID=2166,CONTENTID=8655

 

[bassoprofundo]

tterris,

I don't know of any major retailers(online or b&m) that still carry these keyboards, as they've been out of production for some time. You mostly have to stick to ebay or enthusiast sites. Try clickykeyboards.com for a great selection. They aren't cheap, but IMHO, they're worth it. I believe there are also a couple of manufacturers that make newer knock-offs of these, but I don't know for sure.

Shawn

 

[biostud]

I have a Microsoft Internet keyboard Pro which is a really nice one. I guess it fall in the harder category although not like the old IBM ones.

 

[Neuroanatomist]

I think the prices are reasonable for something that will last forever...

$30 - $40 for a vintage keyboard that you can use for another 20+ years.. priceless

$30 1995 IBM model M keyboard

$40 1988 IBM model M keyboard

Granted.. the newer ones are more expensive (rare)

.. but where else can you buy a brand new IBM model M (made in USA)??

The last time I checked all the keyboards for sale at best buy/compusa/staples were made in China and were made to be disposable.

 

[tterris]

hmm.. im seriously considering getting one.. do they make good gaming keyboards though? i mean, are the response times equal or up to par with the newer keyboards?

 

[Neuroanatomist]

I never had a problem with the response times.

.. in fact, I know that model M keyboards are known for their great ability to handle n-key rollover (ability to hold down say 4 keys at once, and have keyboard register them as simultaneous input and having all four keys appear as output)

(e.g., move left with "A" key, shoot with "enter" key, jump with "space bar" and block with "/" key).. or some other combination)

Great to play ThinkTanks with (
thinktanks demo)

 

[joecool]

i love my zboard. keyboard response is good, all the right options, 2 usb ports (unpowered) and the default game keyset is excellent. i got the doom3 keyset too but only 'cause it was a freebie. my only wish for the zboard is that they should have included some key backlighting - the game keysets could really be made to look sweet.

 

[konakona]

Originally posted by: tterris
hmm.. im seriously considering getting one.. do they make good gaming keyboards though? i mean, are the response times equal or up to par with the newer keyboards?

judgeing by what i heard about older IBM keyboards, they are the ones to beat in that regard. i did have on back in 95, too bad i threw it way if response time and n-key rollover is one of your primary concerns, i strongly suggest you rule out logitechs. as much as i like their mice, their keyboards are nothing to write home about (for gaming that is)

 

[pennylane]

I use this.

Soft, quiet keys. Slim. Doesn't take up much space (keeps mouse close to home row so hands aren't in stressed positions). Cheap. It's very nice. Keys aren't any smaller than normal keyboards.

 

[grifter12]

I need a decent new keyboard too. What's a good one that's full-sized and reads n-keys well? Any recommendations for the Saitek Gaming Keyboard?

 

[itrfuzzylogic]

I have a ViewSonic keyboard, it was only $15 at CompUSA. I think its great the keys arent too hard to push down or too soft, they're just right! It's a nice silver color also!