Need a New Keyboard

[Lil Frier]

I've actually been in-need of a keyboard for probably 6-12 months now. My Microsoft Sidewinder X4 broke some time ago, and I've been using a $13 Logitech K120 in its stead, figuring I would get something else down the road. Now, it's to the point this stand-in is worn down (the space bar creaks annoyingly, and I make a lot of general typos on this keyboard).

I've been primarily considering either another Sidewinder X4, or possibly a Steelseries Apex (or Apex Raw). I though I would ask if anyone has a comparable/superior suggestion to those. I am wanting to keep it under $75 (meaning I'd have to catch the regular Apex on-sale). I am looking for a reasonably-thin, membrane keyboard.

There are not any bells and whistles I am dying to get with the keyboard. However, backlighting is a plus, as are media keys.

 

[Hugh Jass]

Logitech Illuminated...best damn keyboard I have ever owned.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Illum.../dp/B001F51G16

 

[Lil Frier]

My sister and dad have both owned that. My sister has and likes it, my dad liked it until my little brother broke it.

I personally felt like its base it a bit too far on the heavy side. I have a tendency to want the thing on my lap while typing, which it's not great for (not that any keyboard IS great for it). It's one I've considered, but I think I prefer the Sidewinder over it. The SW's build quality's not quite as good, but I love the media and shortcut keys it has enough to make up for it.

 

[moonbogg]

Corsair K series. Amazing.

 

[MoJoSoDOPE]

Corsair K series. Amazing.

i also think CM storm is pretty good for its price as well. well built and simple

 

[Lil Frier]

The K40 seems like a possibility. The K50's G keys are excessive, as I don't need them. I'm not a fan of the ugly color scheme on the things, but I could probably live with it. I'll have to look into them a bit, because I like the customizable backlighting and the fact it has media keys (though in a bit of an awkward location).

 

[Lil Frier]

i also think CM storm is pretty good for its price as well. well built and simple

Isn't that a mechanical series? I'm not wanting mechanical, as they're usually too big, bulky, and expensive for my liking.

 

[Cerb]

Given that you can get a new Sidewinder X4 for $30-40, and want multimedia keys, why not? IME, the Lenovo Preferred Pro would be the dome board to look at for a good value, but it's straight PC104.

CM's Storm series includes both dome and mechanical KBs. I haven't used the dome ones, but they get less than stellar reviews, so I wouldn't go out of my way to try, either.

 

[Lil Frier]

Well, the Sidewinder's $50 everywhere I look, and there are a lot of keyboards in that price range, so I figured I'd see what else people used. My Sidewinder X4 only lasted a year before the cable broke inside the keyboard (if you open it, they have it bend sharply inside the keyboard, and it eventually broke on that bend), so I'm a bit hesitant to get another.

 

[Cerb]

You're right--that'll teach me to trust Google. Those were used.

 

[Lil Frier]

Ahh, I just figured you meant their occasional sale prices. I've seen them at $40, and I'd get one if it got back down there.

 

[Lil Frier]

I know it was said the Storm dome stuff's not great, but anyone got an opinion on (or experience with) this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=3938566&SID=

It seems to be a $30, blue version of the Sidewinder X4, in a way (media keys in a similar spot, though no memory bank or macro keys). It's got a mouse I could save as a backup as well. I can't say I have a high level of faith in its quality, but it's almost too good of a deal to worry about for $30.

 

[MongGrel]

Have had several of em now, I like em.

*shrug*

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823109148

 

[Lil Frier]

It's missing the backlighting, and I'm really unsure of the ergonomic setup--is it usable in gaming? I would think it too awkward (though I guess that would change after an adjustment period).

 

[guskline]

Just installed a CM Storm Quick-Fire Rapid Brown mechanical keyboard on my rig below and really like it.