Suggestions on gaming keyboard and mouse?

[tolis626]

So guys,I'll be buying my PC as soon as aftermarket 290x cards hit the shelves and I want to couple it with a proper set of gaming peripherals.While I've got the screen and sound ok,I'm still torn about what keyboard and mouse I should get.

I want to say that I've always gamed either using a controller (Mostly a dualshock3) or some budget keyboard/mouse combos.I want to go to something proper this time and not feel like I'm gaming on a PoS machine.No matter how great the hardware inside the PC is,if the peripherals don't cut it,it just isn't worth the hassle.

Seeing as I've never owned gaming oriented peripherals,I'd love to hear some opinions from people who know better than me.I mean,I could always go Logitech (And Logitech have a damn good track record with me),but I don't think there aren't better alternatives.

First and foremost,I'll mostly be playing FPS games (BF3/4,CoD,etc) and RPGs like Mass Effect,Skyrim etc.Strategy games and MMOs aren't my kind of thing.For action games like DMC I think I'll stick to the Dualshock.So no 50 button mice for me.

Secondly,my budget is up to 120€ for the keyboard and mouse together.Unfortunately,that's about all that remains from the PC purchase itself.I'd love to buy a Razer Ouroboros,but 120€ for a mouse is...Well,too much.

Third,I'm very much after the gamer aesthetic.I don't want a mouse that looks like one for office work like the Logitech G500.The Ouroboros,the Mad Catz R.A.T series etc all appeal to me,but they cost too much.As for the keyboard,I'd prefer a nice looking one,but my options are more limited here,as I'll be forced to type too (For papers and stuff) and most gaming boards don't support Greek characters.I could keep my old keyboard for that though...

Finally,I'll be sitting about 2.5 meters (7-8 feet?) from the PC,so I guess the cables have to be quite long.I don't see many options for wireless gaming keyboards/mice with reasonable pricing.

Aaand that's about it.I just want some opinions and suggestions to help me reach a decision.Anything is much appreciated guys.

(PS : Sorry if the post is too confusing,but honing my English skills when caffeine is keeping me from collapsing is hard as it is.I'm surprised I managed to write everything!Or at least I think it's everything...Gotta crash! )

 

[ithehappy]

I don't think any mouse have 7-8 ft long cable. I am loving my Kone Pure however, if that's your liking, it looks pretty simple though, not like that Razer thingy you were saying.

 

[Ben90]

If noise isn't an issue, I would get the Monoprice MX Blue keyboard or alternative budget mechanical board (with NKRO). While they don't have the same build quality as a IBM Model F or Realforce, it should still last decades if you don't abuse it. Mechanical boards have come down in price that pretty much every enthusiast should have one.

Don't worry about the actual length of the cable on whatever you buy because you can always get USB extenders for like 2 dollars.

 

[tolis626]

I don't think any mouse have 7-8 ft long cable. I am loving my Kone Pure however, if that's your liking, it looks pretty simple though, not like that Razer thingy you were saying.

I do have the Kone line in mind,but as you said they look quite simple.A friend had one (I think the Kone+) and,while nothing really worth looking at,it was really well built.

If noise isn't an issue, I would get the Monoprice MX Blue keyboard or alternative budget mechanical board (with NKRO). While they don't have the same build quality as a IBM Model F or Realforce, it should still last decades if you don't abuse it. Mechanical boards have come down in price that pretty much every enthusiast should have one.

Don't worry about the actual length of the cable on whatever you buy because you can always get USB extenders for like 2 dollars.

Noise?Nah,I don't care.Although last time I used a mechanical keyboard I wasn't too impressed.It's been very long since then though.I would have to try one out.

I've been eyeing the Roccat Iksu,but I was disappointed because it doesn't have an additional USB port and headphone/mic jacks like some others do.While that in itself isn't a problem,not many mice or headphones have 7-8 feet long cables,and using multiple extensions etc isn't the best of solutions,so I would like that it had the extra ports.It looks stunning however.It ain't mechanical,but they say it's of enough quality anyway.Another problem is that it doesn't have a Greek layout,but 9 out of 10 don't either,so that's a problem anyway.

 

[NickelPlate]

I have a Deck Legend 105. Still going strong after 7 years but doesn't have any extra USB ports or programmable keys and whatnot.

http://www.deckkeyboards.com/

If I needed a keyboard today, and if it fit on my keyboard tray I'd probably buy one of these:

http://steelseries.com/us/products/keyboards/steelseries-apex-gaming-keyboard


As for mice, there's lots to choose from. I'm currently using a logitech g500s and it's great. If the cables aren't long enough you can always get USB extensions.

 

[Ben90]

If I needed a keyboard today, and if it fit on my keyboard tray I'd probably buy one of these:

http://steelseries.com/us/products/keyboards/steelseries-apex-gaming-keyboard

There doesn't seem to be very much oneness with cup rubber in that keyboard. Just a bunch of marketing hype.

 

[tolis626]

Thanks for the responses guys.Regarding the keyboard,I may have to do without the looks that I have in mind.Every keyboard that I look at and think "Hey,I like that!" is either crap or incredibly overpriced.

As for mice,the G500s is good,eh?It's in my list,although not on the top because it looks kinda like an office mouse.I do like the G700,but the price is too steep.

Finally,regarding cables,length isn't the issue.I have a couple USB extenders lying around.I just want to avoid filling my space with cables.If I can do it with a single cable as I have in mind (I want a keyboard that has a USB port to connect the mouse to,so what a single cable is practically drawn from the PC to my desk),it'd be perfect.Yeah,I know,2 cables instead of 1 isn't an issue,but I think OCD is ringing my doorbell.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

If you won't be double tapping to dodge like in the unreal series for example, any keyboard will do, otherwise the Cherry MX switches offer a wide variety of "gaming" switches.

Keyboard Switch Guide

I use to play Unreal Tournament III alot up until recently and the Cherry MX Reds were the switch to use. Blacks got tiring after an hour. Now I'm playing a Call of Duty game (World at War) and there is Zero use for the MX Reds..

 

[tolis626]

If you won't be double tapping to dodge like in the unreal series for example, any keyboard will do, otherwise the Cherry MX switches offer a wide variety of "gaming" switches.

Keyboard Switch Guide

I use to play Unreal Tournament III alot up until recently and the Cherry MX Reds were the switch to use. Blacks got tiring after an hour. Now I'm playing a Call of Duty game (World at War) and there is Zero use for the MX Reds..

Well,to be honest,I've never used a mechanical keyboard,apart from an ancient Microsoft one that my father used to have in his old office (DOS days),which I absolutely hated.I can imagine that they must have improved tremendously,but still,apart from the longevity aspect,I can't see what the deal is mechanical keyboards,especially with the premiums most companies ask for them.Plus,I don't think they'll do for long typing sessions,unlike the membrane keys I'm used to.Perhaps I just have to try one and see for myself...

Seems I'm set on the G500s on the mouse side.I just found it for 57€ down from 75 I saw at other retailers,so I'll order it tomorrow.Sadly,delivery will be next week.The keyboard remains a big question...I might as well go with a budget solution (The Sharkoon Skiller is nice) for now and then gather some money later to but something better.Unless there's a better idea by the time I decide,that is.

 

[NickelPlate]

As for mice,the G500s is good,eh?It's in my list,although not on the top because it looks kinda like an office mouse.I do like the G700,but the price is too steep.

The G500s is hardly an office mouse LOL. 10 buttons all programmable with user configurable macros, unlimited automatic game/program profile switching, adjustable dpi from 200 to 8200, braided cable, switchable click scroll or smooth scroll wheel, adjustable weights, yada yada. I had a Razer Habu and this is definitely a step up. Price wasn't an issue with me I could've bought the G700 but the 500 just felt better in my hands and I didn't need 13 buttons.

 

[Wall Street]

I would get a cm storm xornet mouse and cm storm quickfire rapid keyboard. slightly edgy look, very functional and easy on the wallet. If you like the gamer look, is there any colors you are looking for?

 

[Puffnstuff]

I currently use a Logitech g710+ mechanical kb and a G700s wireless mouse and they've been pretty good for me. I like the fact that the kb gives me media control keys instead of like my razor blackwidow which required the use of a special function key first before accessing special controls through shared keys.

 

[fastamdman]

I've been using the razer blackwidow for a decent amount of time now. I would say at least a year or two. I haven't had any issues, the keys are easy to pop off to clean the board. I have absolutely zero complaints with it.

It might be a little loud for some, but personally I don't like silent keyboards. I like the tactile feel / response when typing, the audible clicking is perfect for me. To each there own though.

My vote, razer blackwidow +1

 

[LittleTinGod]

The Microsoft Sidewinder X4 is an excellent keyboard for the money. I've had mine for almost 2 years and love it. Gives me the backlighting i need and the macro programming on the side buttons is easy to do if you need. It's a good value for the money.

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

On the subject of mice, the Logitech G500 is kinda expensive but the warranty service from logitech is so amazing you an guarantee it will be replaced if there is a problem. I wouldn't do anything else personally from my experience with the company.

 

[tolis626]

I would get a cm storm xornet mouse and cm storm quickfire rapid keyboard. slightly edgy look, very functional and easy on the wallet. If you like the gamer look, is there any colors you are looking for?

I do like the gamer look and I'm all after it this time around.I've seen the CM Storm keyboards and they don't appeal to me.They are kinda easy on the wallet though,so that's good.
I don't have a specific color set in mind.Black will do for the most part.My PC will be black and red,but I don't care if it will match the keyboard.I already ordered the blueish-greyish Logitech G500s in fact.I have fallen in love with the Roccat Iksu to be honest,but I'm a little hesitant.I'd prefer the Logitech G510s (For Logitech's sure quality and to match the mouse),but I start to go up with the price again and I'd like to avoid that,as I'm already on a too tight budget.

The Microsoft Sidewinder X4 is an excellent keyboard for the money. I've had mine for almost 2 years and love it. Gives me the backlighting i need and the macro programming on the side buttons is easy to do if you need. It's a good value for the money.

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

On the subject of mice, the Logitech G500 is kinda expensive but the warranty service from logitech is so amazing you an guarantee it will be replaced if there is a problem. I wouldn't do anything else personally from my experience with the company.

That's why I've went with Logitech.They never disappoint.
I'll look into the Sidewinder you posted,but my past bad experiences with Microsoft's keyboards tells me to look elsewhere...

I currently use a Logitech g710+ mechanical kb and a G700s wireless mouse and they've been pretty good for me. I like the fact that the kb gives me media control keys instead of like my razor blackwidow which required the use of a special function key first before accessing special controls through shared keys.

I've been using the razer blackwidow for a decent amount of time now. I would say at least a year or two. I haven't had any issues, the keys are easy to pop off to clean the board. I have absolutely zero complaints with it.

It might be a little loud for some, but personally I don't like silent keyboards. I like the tactile feel / response when typing, the audible clicking is perfect for me. To each there own though.

My vote, razer blackwidow +1

Media controls are a must in my opinion.I very often leave music playing in the background,both when I play and when I browse the internet.Having no multimedia keys on my current keyboard has been a pain.

That said,I do prefer "noisy" keyboards with good feedback too,but only as long as there's not too much of it.I've had good experiences with some membrane keyboards in the past,but I've never tried a proper mechanical,as I said.The G710+ is,unfortunately,out of my intended budget.The G700s is good and out of budget too,but I opted for the wired G500s,just for the heck of it,although I've been using wireless mice for over 8 years.

Razers,unlike most Logitechs,don't really look all that good to me.I've heard no complaints from people that own Razers,but they simply seem they aren't for me.Plus,the only Razer I would buy (For the Greek layout) is the BlackWidow 2013 that is quite expensive too.

Thanks for the input guys!Much appreciated!

 

[LittleTinGod]

This is promo'd at Newegg today, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...23436003-L018C

$25 off w/ promo code CNSUMER11172, ends 11/18

I think this would be a great keyboard for the money. I like those thumb macro keys, i'm tempted to get this myself.

 

[tolis626]

This is promo'd at Newegg today, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...23436003-L018C

$25 off w/ promo code CNSUMER11172, ends 11/18

I think this would be a great keyboard for the money. I like those thumb macro keys, i'm tempted to get this myself.

Appreciate the suggestion.It's a nice keyboard.A little "normal" for my taste,but I kinda like it.However,having it shipped from the US will cost me more than buying it from here in Greece,even with the promo code.It costs a little over 40€ here.And it just made it in my "maybe" list,although I have to admit the Roccat Iksu (Not the FX model) currently is my favorite.