I've been using a saitek eclipse II for quite some time but mine has gotten a bit beat up and the spacebar has a large crack in it. I was looking to purchase a new one but before I did that I wanted to see if there were any other keyboards in the same pricerange (~45$) that are worth picking up. Ideally it would be backlit and have some volume controls.
There are a bunch of threads about keyboards, just search on the forums "Keyboards"(or something like that).
From my experience, since the keyboard section is so large, it really doesn't need to have a "gaming" tag next to it to make it a good keyboard, you can buy a 20$ Microsoft keyboard, and it'll be ok, as long as you like the way it feels, and it doesn't break after a 2 weeks, it's a good keyboard.
If you do want to get a gaming keyboard, I would say a Noppoo Choc Mini, Microsoft Sidewinder X6, ThermalTake Meka, Razer Blackwidow (really expensive), I'm pretty sure all of them are over your price range, so just ignore what I wrote and look at what I wrote above.
Also, just the Sidewinder X6 has actually a volume control.
From my experience, since the keyboard section is so large, it really doesn't need to have a "gaming" tag next to it to make it a good keyboard, you can buy a 20$ Microsoft keyboard, and it'll be ok, as long as you like the way it feels, and it doesn't break after a 2 weeks, it's a good keyboard.
If you do want to get a gaming keyboard, I would say a Noppoo Choc Mini, Microsoft Sidewinder X6, ThermalTake Meka, Razer Blackwidow (really expensive), I'm pretty sure all of them are over your price range, so just ignore what I wrote and look at what I wrote above.
Also, just the Sidewinder X6 has actually a volume control.
If you're looking for mechanical the best board for your buck is going to be Quick Fire Rapid. Production quality is better then all of the ones JackyLegs listed.
If the Saitek has serverd you so well then just get another one if that's what you're looking for.
If the Saitek has serverd you so well then just get another one if that's what you're looking for.
JackyLegsIf you do want to get a gaming keyboard, I would say a Noppoo Choc Mini, Microsoft Sidewinder X6, ThermalTake Meka, Razer Blackwidow (really expensive), I'm pretty sure all of them are over your price range, so just ignore what I wrote and look at what I wrote above.
Also, just the Sidewinder X6 has actually a volume control.
Why would you want to get a >gaming< keyboard? They're overpriced and mostly shitty
If you do want to get a gaming keyboard, I would say a Noppoo Choc Mini, Microsoft Sidewinder X6, ThermalTake Meka, Razer Blackwidow (really expensive), I'm pretty sure all of them are over your price range, so just ignore what I wrote and look at what I wrote above.
Also, just the Sidewinder X6 has actually a volume control.[/quote]
Why would you want to get a >gaming< keyboard? They're overpriced and mostly shitty
if you arent getting a mechanical keyboard you shouldnt spend more than 10 bucks
SolidSpeerlaiyeJackyLegsIf you do want to get a gaming keyboardWhy would you want to get a >gaming< keyboard? They're overpriced and mostly shitty
Did I say you SHOULD get?, I said IF.
Most of them are overpriced, but not most of them are shitty, only some Mechanichal keyboards are bad, most of 'em are very comfortable and lovely to type on.
And did you even read what I wrote at the 1st lines of what I wrote?
From my experience, since the keyboard section is so large, it really doesn't need to have a "gaming" tag next to it to make it a good keyboard, you can buy a 20$ Microsoft keyboard, and it'll be ok, as long as you like the way it feels, and it doesn't break after a 2 weeks, it's a good keyboard.
I know that when I buy a keyboard, I think of stuff that I need.
Space, comfort, won't break easily, have some usb ports on it, etc'.
I don't know about you, but those things don't come in a normal keyboard.
It may be overpriced, but some of 'em, are actually worth the price you pay.
Did I say you SHOULD get?, I said [b]IF[/b].
Most of them are overpriced, but not most of them are shitty, only some Mechanichal keyboards are bad, most of 'em are very comfortable and lovely to type on.
And did you even read what I wrote at the 1st lines of what I wrote?
[quote]From my experience, since the keyboard section is so large, it really doesn't need to have a "gaming" tag next to it to make it a good keyboard, you can buy a 20$ Microsoft keyboard, and it'll be ok, as long as you like the way it feels, and it doesn't break after a 2 weeks, it's a good keyboard.[/quote]
I know that when I buy a keyboard, I think of stuff that I need.
Space, comfort, won't break easily, have some usb ports on it, etc'.
I don't know about you, but those things don't come in a normal keyboard.
It may be overpriced, but some of 'em, are actually worth the price you pay.
I have the daskeyboard, blue switches. It works SO well for my hand size.
I've been using a Saitek Cyborg for at least 2 years now. It hasn't given me any problems and it is holding up well.
I used to use that same keyboard for a long time, went mechanical and never looked back. Save some money and get a proper keyboard.
It might be my limited experience with mechanical keyboards but I've never understood the hype around them. They didn't feel much nicer to type on and were far louder than what I was used to. Also the price on the ones i've tried (Razer blackwidow) was pretty obnoxious.
Are there any stores where you can actually try out the different types of switches out? I tried micro center but they didn't have any on display
bearodactylAre there any stores where you can actually try out the different types of switches out? I tried micro center but they didn't have any on display
Yeah theres a microcenter like ~10 minutes from me and they didn't have any "gaming" keyboards on display to try out.
Yeah theres a microcenter like ~10 minutes from me and they didn't have any "gaming" keyboards on display to try out.
BenroadsIt might be my limited experience with mechanical keyboards but I've never understood the hype around them. They didn't feel much nicer to type on and were far louder than what I was used to. Also the price on the ones i've tried (Razer blackwidow) was pretty obnoxious.
I haven't heard of a store where you can compare them, but there are a bunch of different types. I couldn't stand the noise on the Razer BlackWidow (which use Cherry MX Blues), so I went to a Noppoo Choc Mini with Cherry MX Reds. Love them. I imagine Browns or Blacks would also be a good idea to get/test (if you can do so).
I haven't heard of a store where you can compare them, but there are a bunch of different types. I couldn't stand the noise on the Razer BlackWidow (which use Cherry MX Blues), so I went to a Noppoo Choc Mini with Cherry MX Reds. Love them. I imagine Browns or Blacks would also be a good idea to get/test (if you can do so).
I really dislike loud keyboards so that would be my main aversion to a mechanical keyboard. I don't know anything about switches so I don't know what ones would be good and not overly loud.
BenroadsI really dislike loud keyboards so that would be my main aversion to a mechanical keyboard. I don't know anything about switches so I don't know what ones would be good and not overly loud.
Different mechanical keyboards use different switches and thus have different feelings and noise levels. Reds, browns, and blacks are the quieter ones (and they're pretty freakin' quiet), so I highly recommend trying those out (if you can). I use reds and I'm VERY particular about sound, but I don't notice them unless I'm intentionally trying to hear it and/or bottom it out really hard (press it all the way).
Different mechanical keyboards use different switches and thus have different feelings and noise levels. Reds, browns, and blacks are the quieter ones (and they're pretty freakin' quiet), so I highly recommend trying those out (if you can). I use reds and I'm VERY particular about sound, but I don't notice them unless I'm intentionally trying to hear it and/or bottom it out really hard (press it all the way).
BenroadsI really dislike loud keyboards so that would be my main aversion to a mechanical keyboard. I don't know anything about switches so I don't know what ones would be good and not overly loud.
Most of the noise comes from bottoming out the keys (they register as being pressed around halfway down), which you can avoid by not pressing the keys all the way down, or buying o-rings which go underneath the key caps and make them quieter when you bottom out.
If you just google cherry mx switches you can read about all the different types. If you get reds with o-rings they'd be pretty damn quiet, iirc browns and blacks are quiet too.
Most of the noise comes from bottoming out the keys (they register as being pressed around halfway down), which you can avoid by not pressing the keys all the way down, or buying o-rings which go underneath the key caps and make them quieter when you bottom out.
If you just google cherry mx switches you can read about all the different types. If you get reds with o-rings they'd be pretty damn quiet, iirc browns and blacks are quiet too.
I'm a sucker for hardware/input devices, here's my experiences:
1. Started with my laptop keyboard, wasn't happy with it but it worked.
2. Got a Typematrix Dvorak, which is great for typing on (using it now), but not what I would recommend for gaming purposes (especially the dvorak part).
3. Was interested in the whole mechanical bandwagon, so purchased a Razer Blackwidow from my local BestBuy, greatly enjoyed the mechanical part but the blues were too loud for me.
4. Ordered a Gigabyte Aivia Osmium off NewEgg with red switches, has nice backlighting and volume controls (though i still mostly use my typematrix for that), very nice keys but the keyboard is a bit on the large side (first world problems).
5. Bought a Filco Majestouch-2 Ninja TKL with red switches, a very nice small keyboard that sounds and types excellent (and looks really cool with the ninja caps, keys are marked on the front), but has no backlighting. Its what I use now, unless I can find a Ducky that isn't sold out...
This is my experience with keyboards, don't get me started on mice and headsets :<
1. Started with my laptop keyboard, wasn't happy with it but it worked.
2. Got a Typematrix Dvorak, which is great for typing on (using it now), but not what I would recommend for gaming purposes (especially the dvorak part).
3. Was interested in the whole mechanical bandwagon, so purchased a Razer Blackwidow from my local BestBuy, greatly enjoyed the mechanical part but the blues were too loud for me.
4. Ordered a Gigabyte Aivia Osmium off NewEgg with red switches, has nice backlighting and volume controls (though i still mostly use my typematrix for that), very nice keys but the keyboard is a bit on the large side (first world problems).
5. Bought a Filco Majestouch-2 Ninja TKL with red switches, a very nice small keyboard that sounds and types excellent (and looks really cool with the ninja caps, keys are marked on the front), but has no backlighting. Its what I use now, unless I can find a Ducky that isn't sold out...
This is my experience with keyboards, don't get me started on mice and headsets :<
if you can find a store that has all of the types of switches in a mech. keyboard that you can actually test, then you have no need for the recommendations of idiot nerds like me, welcome to heaven.
I believe the most quiet ones are either red or brown? correct me if I'm wrong on that
I believe the most quiet ones are either red or brown? correct me if I'm wrong on that
i got this about 2 weeks ago and i love it great buy a bit higher than your price range but its a mechanical and works like a charm
edit i forgot the link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162015
edit i forgot the link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162015
d0m3ri got this about 2 weeks ago and i love it great buy a bit higher than your price range but its a mechanical and works like a charm
edit i forgot the link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162015
This was my first mechanical keyboard, and for gaming its great, but if you type a lot I would look elsewhere. The keyboard has a shortened backspace button (it's shortened to the size of a regular key) it may seem like a small thing but I used the keyboard for months and couldn't get used to it. There is other small changes as well but that was really the main one that threw me off. Also its more of a preference thing but blacks wore out my fingers pretty quickly when I had to write essays and stuff. I upgraded to a Daskeyboard Model S Ultimate with browns and I'm really enjoying it. As for a suggestion, I can't really give much as I'm not too familiar with keyboards in your price range. If you are really strapped for cash and want a mechanical keyboard monoprice has the cheapest one I've seen: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=114&cp_id=11401&cs_id=1140102&p_id=9433&seq=1&format=2
Its not back-lit or whatever but its still mechanical which is nice.
edit: this seems to fit your wishlist, although somebody has probably already suggested it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=6146836&SID=bhtxjqdnu4nu
edit i forgot the link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162015[/quote]
This was my first mechanical keyboard, and for gaming its great, but if you type a lot I would look elsewhere. The keyboard has a shortened backspace button (it's shortened to the size of a regular key) it may seem like a small thing but I used the keyboard for months and couldn't get used to it. There is other small changes as well but that was really the main one that threw me off. Also its more of a preference thing but blacks wore out my fingers pretty quickly when I had to write essays and stuff. I upgraded to a Daskeyboard Model S Ultimate with browns and I'm really enjoying it. As for a suggestion, I can't really give much as I'm not too familiar with keyboards in your price range. If you are really strapped for cash and want a mechanical keyboard monoprice has the cheapest one I've seen: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=114&cp_id=11401&cs_id=1140102&p_id=9433&seq=1&format=2
Its not back-lit or whatever but its still mechanical which is nice.
edit: this seems to fit your wishlist, although somebody has probably already suggested it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=6146836&SID=bhtxjqdnu4nu
Limbod0m3ri got this about 2 weeks ago and i love it great buy a bit higher than your price range but its a mechanical and works like a charm
edit i forgot the link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162015
This was my first mechanical keyboard, and for gaming its great, but if you type a lot I would look elsewhere. The keyboard has a shortened backspace button (it's shortened to the size of a regular key) it may seem like a small thing but I used the keyboard for months and couldn't get used to it. There is other small changes as well but that was really the main one that threw me off. Also its more of a preference thing but blacks wore out my fingers pretty quickly when I had to write essays and stuff. I upgraded to a Daskeyboard Model S Ultimate with browns and I'm really enjoying it. As for a suggestion, I can't really give much as I'm not too familiar with keyboards in your price range. If you are really strapped for cash and want a mechanical keyboard monoprice has the cheapest one I've seen: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=114&cp_id=11401&cs_id=1140102&p_id=9433&seq=1&format=2
Its not back-lit or whatever but its still mechanical which is nice.
edit: this seems to fit your wishlist, although somebody has probably already suggested it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=6146836&SID=bhtxjqdnu4nu
ive gotten pretty used to it at this point i really enjoy the blacks ive gotten 0 finger fatigue but as you said its all preference
edit i forgot the link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162015[/quote]
This was my first mechanical keyboard, and for gaming its great, but if you type a lot I would look elsewhere. The keyboard has a shortened backspace button (it's shortened to the size of a regular key) it may seem like a small thing but I used the keyboard for months and couldn't get used to it. There is other small changes as well but that was really the main one that threw me off. Also its more of a preference thing but blacks wore out my fingers pretty quickly when I had to write essays and stuff. I upgraded to a Daskeyboard Model S Ultimate with browns and I'm really enjoying it. As for a suggestion, I can't really give much as I'm not too familiar with keyboards in your price range. If you are really strapped for cash and want a mechanical keyboard monoprice has the cheapest one I've seen: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=114&cp_id=11401&cs_id=1140102&p_id=9433&seq=1&format=2
Its not back-lit or whatever but its still mechanical which is nice.
edit: this seems to fit your wishlist, although somebody has probably already suggested it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=6146836&SID=bhtxjqdnu4nu[/quote]
ive gotten pretty used to it at this point i really enjoy the blacks ive gotten 0 finger fatigue but as you said its all preference
Slight update
Turns out I had a broken version of the same keyboard i'm using and I just poppped off the old non broken spacebar and fixed it up. So I should be able to hold myself over for atleast a little bit. I did end up trying out a razer blackwidow tournament edition and I really liked the whole tenkeyless thing but the switches were a bit too loud for me. Granted I only got to mess with it for about 2 minutes while I was waiting on some other things. If I could get it in less responcive switches I'd consider picking one up. I was a bit curious how the volume control works since it was on all of the f keys. Would it just be a press f1-4 to mute, increase volume, decrease volume, stop play ect ect because I have already bound quite a few things to those keys in games and it could be a pain having it change stuff when im just trying to mute sound.
Turns out I had a broken version of the same keyboard i'm using and I just poppped off the old non broken spacebar and fixed it up. So I should be able to hold myself over for atleast a little bit. I did end up trying out a razer blackwidow tournament edition and I really liked the whole tenkeyless thing but the switches were a bit too loud for me. Granted I only got to mess with it for about 2 minutes while I was waiting on some other things. If I could get it in less responcive switches I'd consider picking one up. I was a bit curious how the volume control works since it was on all of the f keys. Would it just be a press f1-4 to mute, increase volume, decrease volume, stop play ect ect because I have already bound quite a few things to those keys in games and it could be a pain having it change stuff when im just trying to mute sound.
There's and Fn key on the board which has to be pressed at the same time to use those, so you'll be fine.
Hm that looks kinda weird, I guess it'd be something i'd need to get used to but wouldn't be too bad. Looking on the razer website it looks like the "stealth" version uses quiter switches. Would like to see if I could try them out before I picked one up but other than that the keyboard does look fairly nice.
Going to hijack your thread, so I don't have to create a new one.
I am thinking of getting the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid Black Switch keyboard. What are your thoughts?
I am thinking of getting the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid Black Switch keyboard. What are your thoughts?
Great keyboard. Switch preference is personal, so you might end up buying more then one. My personal favorite is Brown, ymmv.
huhyGoing to hijack your thread, so I don't have to create a new one.
I am thinking of getting the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid Black Switch keyboard. What are your thoughts?
i personally love black switches people said they tire your hands out but i havent had any problems with finger fatigue they are a stiffer switch but that makes double tapping and such much easier cause they keys are very elastic
I am thinking of getting the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid Black Switch keyboard. What are your thoughts?[/quote]
i personally love black switches people said they tire your hands out but i havent had any problems with finger fatigue they are a stiffer switch but that makes double tapping and such much easier cause they keys are very elastic