Gaming Keyboards: Worth it?

[Rusty_M]

I did a quick search, and didn't really find much. I'm thinking of paying a bit over my usual GBP15 for a keyboard and maybe going for a GBP50-60 gaming keyboard. Are these worth it in general? I'm thinking at the moment of the Microsoft X6, the Razer Lycosa, a Cyborg Keyboard, or a used Logitech G15. Does anyone have any recommendation?

 

Although I'm not usually into aesthetics too much, I'd quite like a backlit one.

[Revvin]

I'd be interested if anyone has a Razer Blackwidow keyboard as thats what takes my fancy at the moment because it has mechanical keys instead of a membrane.

[DTWD]

I happened across a website selling G11 keyboards for just over £20 a few months ago, so I got myself one.

 

I don't use any of the "game" bits, and I struggle to see why anyone really would, but it was cheap for a good keyboard. But the biggest advantage for me is that it lights up, it means you can have the room lights off, be playing a game that's in the dark and still see the keys.

 

EDIT: That's 20 pounds.

[S77th-konkussion]

I agree- about the backlighting. Requirement for me.

 

I can't speak for the quality of this thing-

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-002232-Gaming-Keyboard-G110/dp/B002RRLQIO

 

but it does appear to have a lot of custom programming space available. This could be handy for plugging in handy little items like

 

"tab"+"R"+"T"+"F"+"M"+"enter" --- A handy little macro for those annoying people who won't get on teamspeak, but want to be trained via the chat in multiplayer.. :D

 

 

Among many other items.. For $60 it needs to have some customizable ability. I would think that a regular backlit keyboard should be somewhat less... Yeah--- just with this one result- anywhere from $25 to $55.

 

http://www.google.com/search?q=backlit+keyboards&hl=en&tbs=shop:1&aq=f

 

 

Unless something has changed- I wouldn't pay any mind to descriptions crowing about USB ports on a USB powered keyboard. You'll be lucky if it can run your 3 yr old Thumb drive. If I'm wrong about this- I'm sure someone will let me know..

[Total]

Saitek Eclipse is what I use. I've had mine since 2005 and still going strong.

 

It's dang near spill proof and very easy to disassemble in the event it needs cleaning.

[159th_Viper]

......Unless something has changed- I wouldn't pay any mind to descriptions crowing about USB ports on a USB powered keyboard. You'll be lucky if it can run your 3 yr old Thumb drive. If I'm wrong about this- I'm sure someone will let me know.....

 

 

Logitech G15 USB #1: HOTAS Warthog Flightstick

 

Logitech G15 USB#2: HOTAS Warthog Throttle

 

Works for me :D

[S77th-konkussion]

And there you go... :D

[Cali]

I have a G15 and G11 KB, I use the G15 for Lock on/DCS and the G11 for Arma. They work great, but I don't use the G keys in Arma. I just got me some cougar MFD's a month ago, so I'll have basically use the G key to say stuff like "RTB", Blue turn off jammers please".

[Rusty_M]

I think I'll probably get the G15. It looks like a decent keyboard. That or the Lycosa. Would've got it this weekend, but it looks like i've misjudged this month's money :( Doesn't help that my car has been written off! Even if I was only doing about 15MPH or less when I hit that wall!

Edited March 8, 2011 by Rusty_M

[MTFDarkEagle]

I use a logitech g19. The display I use for system monitoring (temps etc). The G-keys I'm setting up for various macro's to be used (i.e. refuel door..).

[bumfire]

Logitech G15 USB #1: HOTAS Warthog Flightstick

 

Logitech G15 USB#2: HOTAS Warthog Throttle

 

Works for me :D

 

No shit ?

 

you have your WH plugged into the usb ports on the g15 ?

 

I have a g15 v2 and the amount of shit I have plugged into the usb ports on it, only to be told that it needs more power and to try a different usb port is unreal.

 

The WH is the last thing on earth that I would of thought would of been ok attached to the g15's.

[Revvin]

Yeah the old G15 keyboard I had was pretty much useless for conencting USB devices to it because they lacked power. The other thing that annoyed me was the way the top of some of the keys wore away leaving me with nicely lit smudges on the key caps instead of letters. I'm torn between the standard Black Widow and the Ultimate version which is backlit because of this poor track record with keyboards as I do play FPS games.

[S77th-konkussion]

LOL Bumfire- that's exactly what I was thinking.. Keyboard USB have been laughable for so long- I figured that was still a safe assumption since I was not aware of any of these guys pushing an AC powered keyboard..

[Slammin]

Rev, Logitech will most likely give you a new one. They are excellent when it comes to things like that. Some G-15's had that issue and it was corrected. Mine never had that problem and it's still as good as the day I bought it several years ago.

[bumfire]

My G15 wouldnt power my X52, a 512mb memory stick, yup a memory stick, a mouse, 4 port boeing usb hub and a few other things. The memory stick gives me a warning about performing faster etc.

 

This is with the G15 V2 mind you, I have no idea what the actual Original G15 is like, but my G15 V2 is pretty useless when it comes to the 2 usb ports at the back of it.

 

I like the rest of the board cause I can make macros etc which help ingame, but to me the usb ports on this board do not exists due to them being useless.

 

I wouldnt have the balls to plug my warthog into it, knowing my luck the keyboard would kill the stick if I plugged it in.

[celticcoho]

I use a logitech g19. The display I use for system monitoring (temps etc). The G-keys I'm setting up for various macro's to be used (i.e. refuel door..).

+1 for me also!!!!:) The Display will monitor Fraps too..lol

[celticcoho]

 

I like the rest of the board cause I can make macros etc which help ingame, but to me the usb ports on this board do not exists due to them being useless.

 

I wouldnt have the balls to plug my warthog into it, knowing my luck the keyboard would kill the stick if I plugged it in.

 

YES, I agree, lol I never use USBS on keyboard or monitor!!! I must be a Wimp.....:megalol:

[Revvin]

Rev, Logitech will most likely give you a new one. They are excellent when it comes to things like that. Some G-15's had that issue and it was corrected. Mine never had that problem and it's still as good as the day I bought it several years ago.

 

Really? well its a little late for that I moved on, the keyboard was just over a year old so figured I was stuck with it so didn't bother contacting them. I kept using it for a little while longer until more keys began to wear off. Good to hear they fixed that problem, though maybe my fingers are toxic as the 'A' has worn off this standard Logitech wireless keyboard and half the 'S' is gone too along with part of the 'C' and corner off the 'D' :) This keyboard is about 2 - 3 years old though but I've had keyboards last longer.

[159th_Viper]

No shit ?

 

you have your WH plugged into the usb ports on the g15 ?

 

I have a g15 v2 and the amount of shit I have plugged into the usb ports on it, only to be told that it needs more power and to try a different usb port is unreal.

 

The WH is the last thing on earth that I would of thought would of been ok attached to the g15's.

 

 

Honest-to-Gawd!

 

 

Since day-1: Amazon Pre-Order to Door, out of Box and straight into G15.

[celticcoho]

Honest-to-Gawd!

 

 

Since day-1: Amazon Pre-Order to Door, out of Box and straight into G15.

You ARE the MAN" Viper".. I could never bring myself to trust them, I may need to reconsider????:doh:

[topdog]

I could do with a cursor and numeric key block part of the keyboard, but in a separate unit (I want to position it to the left side of the desk for use with some games, cos I'm not really a WASD type even though I've played through full games in that mode).

 

I'd want it to be fairly traditional keyboard layout though, and not some claw-shaped abomination thing they like to do with some of the devices (the belkin one pic'd a few times on this site for example).

 

Haven't started looking yet really, but that's what I'd like to track down soon.

 

Regarding full gaming keyboards, I don't know about the Arvo, but the Roccat Valo keyboard is pants - looks great, but very problematic and a burden. If any were considering it, I'd lookup the problems it can have, chances are you'll have them all.

Edited March 8, 2011 by topdog

[Cali]

Yeah the old G15 keyboard I had was pretty much useless for conencting USB devices to it because they lacked power. The other thing that annoyed me was the way the top of some of the keys wore away leaving me with nicely lit smudges on the key caps instead of letters. I'm torn between the standard Black Widow and the Ultimate version which is backlit because of this poor track record with keyboards as I do play FPS games.

 

I've had mine G15 for about 3-4 years and no wore keys yet. I game and use the computer a lot. The only problem I have is the backlights flicker and aren't that bright. The only think I plug into the USB ports is the cord to get pictures off my digital camera.

[celticcoho]

I've had mine G15 for about 3-4 years and no wore keys yet. I game and use the computer a lot. The only problem I have is the backlights flicker and aren't that bright. The only think I plug into the USB ports is the cord to get pictures off my digital camera.

I upgraded to the G19, but my G15 is going strong still on an office PC, No worn keys..But lighting may seem Dimmer, but they changed Color, so maybe thats what I see Different..I like Both!!!:) But still hard for me to trust USB's.. But Viper shows it works well for him...

Edited March 8, 2011 by celticcoho

[bumfire]

Honest-to-Gawd!

 

 

Since day-1: Amazon Pre-Order to Door, out of Box and straight into G15.

 

 

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam :surprise:

 

And your's is a V2 just like mine also, WTF.

 

My one's a piece of shit, the usb ports I mean, the rest of the board is decent enough, but those USB ports wouldnt take hardly any of my usb stuff and if it did, it would force it to run slower than normal due to them being usb1 ports.

 

You have serious Bawlz Viper, as no way on earth would I trust those ports with my Warthog, seriously.

 

BTW, if you are selling the legs on your board, gimme a shout as my ones broke, I didnt even touch them and they magically snapped, so I am trying to find 2 new ones, so if you are not using yours, I will buy em off you if you want ?

[celticcoho]

UMMM , BUMFIRE, are you talking about the Flip out Legs?? Plastic ones? If So, I could send the G15 legs to you in a Letter...I know we both claim our own Country, lol, But it is easy to send..PM ME. If you Choose..;)