What keyboard to get??

Chaos · Jul 9, 2009, 05:07 PM

I am currently using the Saitek Eclipse II but want a change. Back lighting is nice but not a necessity. Any thoughts would be welcomed but I dont want to spend a small fortune for something exotic.

One cheaper one I was looking at was the ABS Mechanical Keyboard for around $40 but i am sure there are better options

ABS Computer Technologies

Zardon · Jul 9, 2009, 05:14 PM

a lot of the decision should be based on what key feel you like. you like slim boards or full depth keys that "click" ?

Chaos · Jul 9, 2009, 05:20 PM

i prefer full depth keys

Judas · Jul 9, 2009, 05:26 PM

i always recommend the microsoft erganomic 4000 even if it's just to go to the local store and "feel" it....

Zardon · Jul 9, 2009, 05:36 PM

Can you stretch your budget to a Steelseries 7g? what is the limit you want to spend on this ?

Matth · Jul 9, 2009, 06:40 PM

How long have you had the Eclipse 2?

Seen conflicting reports about keytop durability on the Saiteks, some say the backlit keytops go to light blobs with wear - still not got round to upgrading.

BlueMak · Jul 9, 2009, 06:42 PM

I have the Logitech G15 (version 2 I think of the series) and I find it very good. Both in looks and feel while typing and gaming. Perhaps the best keyboard I have used so far.

procupine14 · Jul 9, 2009, 06:55 PM

I love my original G15 v1 It has lasted me forever and, quite frankly, I love all of the macros on in. (considering that I use all of them I would be lost if it ever dies)

I reccomend any Logitech keyboard. i've used them forever and have never had a problem with any of them. My brother uses a Razer Tarantula and he really likes it.

I would highly reccomend that if you are going to go with a "mechanical keyboard" go with the SteelSeries 7g hands down over the ABS one.

Also, if you are interested in the Logitech G Series keyboards and you really don't feel like shelling out all the cash for a G15 (be that the screen is handy for games but if you've never used one you won't get addicted to it) go for a G11. It has the same layout as the G15 v1 and about half the cost on avg depending on where you look. (I myself will most likely go that route if my G15 dies and just get a separate USB LCD display since no other keyboard has that many macros.)

Chaos · Jul 9, 2009, 07:12 PM

I have had this for close to 2 yrs I think, the backlighting still works fine as well. I will take a look at the SteelSeries 7g and see what I can price it for

Chaos · Jul 9, 2009, 07:19 PM

not sure I can spring $150 for a keyboard at this time. Kiss is next weekend and Chickenfoot is 2 weeks after that so I think the 7g is out for now

PH3N0M · Jul 9, 2009, 11:17 PM

I've owned a Logitech G15 v1 since 2005-2006 and I've been very happy with it. If you're looking to spend as little as possible for a good keyboard, I was looking at this one at Best Buy just the other day. It has a nice feel and looks pretty slick.

Logitech Comfort Wave 450 Black 104 Normal Keys USB Wired Ergonomics Keyboard - $39.99 on Newegg.com

Mac Daddy · Jul 10, 2009, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaos

not sure I can spring $150 for a keyboard at this time. Kiss is next weekend and Chickenfoot is 2 weeks after that so I think the 7g is out for now

Save up then Steve I think the 7g is for you

Chaos · Jul 10, 2009, 03:43 AM

ya true, it's not like I need it today or anything

Mac Daddy · Jul 10, 2009, 03:46 AM

**kris23** · Jul 10, 2009, 05:29 AM

i love my 7G.....

wish it had etched keys though.... im wrecking the paint on mine in multiplayer

buburuza76 · Jul 10, 2009, 09:09 AM

I have a Razer Arctosa in the box, sealed. Think it worth trying, or i better sell it?

Zardon · Jul 10, 2009, 10:38 AM

Sell it and get the 7g

BlueMak · Jul 10, 2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buburuza76

I have a Razer Arctosa in the box, sealed. Think it worth trying, or i better sell it?

If you have anything by Razer, sell it and get anything else.
Steelseries make good products, so the 7G is always a good choice.

buburuza76 · Jul 10, 2009, 01:37 PM

what about logitech compact keyboard k300? is it good as it is nice?

buburuza76 · Jul 15, 2009, 11:11 AM

Anyone?

Who knows something about this keyboard? It`s an office one, it`s not like my Razer. But how is it?

isaak · Jul 15, 2009, 11:19 AM

Zardon..the 7g must be very good its all you've mentioned lol!

I have the creative fatal1ty and i really love the backlighting of it. unfortunately it doesn't have macro buttons..just the standard kayboard. i think i got it for about $50.

lepel · Jul 15, 2009, 11:24 AM

I have a G11, but I wouldn't buy it again: too many macro buttons, hardly use them anyway, and usb1.1 ports slow as hell. I like it though, but it's just too out dated to be a valuable buy today. Just throwing it in there in case you were looking at it...

BlueMak · Jul 15, 2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buburuza76

what about logitech compact keyboard k300? is it good as it is nice?

I don't know if it is any good (since it is Logitech it should be above average at worst), but it looks very good IMO.

Brok3n_Halo · Jul 17, 2009, 04:05 AM

I just bought a Logitech Illuminated for $65 w/ coupon code. Just started using it yesterday. Looks sleek and feels great. Only complaints I have about it are the Home and End keys are vertical instead of horizontal now and they moved the context menu key and put FN in it's place. The Menu button is now FN+PrntScrn. Which sucks because Iuse the menu key all the time for spellcheck... The $15 off coupon code at newegg, if it still works, is EMCLVML22 if you want one.

Chaos · Jul 17, 2009, 05:35 AM

thanks for all the input, still on hold due to concert season

buburuza76 · Jul 21, 2009, 11:10 AM

7g is too expensive for me...

Zardon · Jul 21, 2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isaak

Zardon..the 7g must be very good its all you've mentioned lol!

Well I actually prefer the DAS keyboard but its even more expensive !

Chaos · Dec 11, 2009, 11:37 PM

time to resurect this thread, I finally ordered this keyboard today and will post back with my thoughts when it arrives

lepel · Dec 12, 2009, 02:45 AM

What keyboard did you choose?

I'm considering a 7g, but I qm a bit scared by a) the price and b) the click noise. How loud is it compared to a g11? I also heard stories about über bright Leds on it. Do they turn off after shutting down the pc?

I wish Steelseries would make a more affordable keyboard with the same professional looks and quality.

Lowfat · Dec 12, 2009, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lepel

What keyboard did you choose?

I'm considering a 7g, but I qm a bit scared by a) the price and b) the click noise. How loud is it compared to a g11? I also heard stories about über bright Leds on it. Do they turn off after shutting down the pc?

I wish Steelseries would make a more affordable keyboard with the same professional looks and quality.

Try to find this in your area.
Newegg.com - ABS M1 Heavy Duty Professional Gaming Mechanical Keyboard - Keyboards

For the price you will not beat this keyboard. Although I don't know if you will be able to find one in your area or not. Another good choice would be a Filco. Filco has the same OEM as the 7G. However you get a wider variation of switches used. The Cherry 'Blacks' used in the 7G aren't the greatest when they come to typing. My choice would be a keyboard w/ the Cherry 'Blues'.

Mechanical Keyboard Guide - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
This is a great guide for mechanical keyboards.

Jul 9, 2009, 05:07 PM	#1
Chaos Number Nine Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 5,269 Rep Power: 165 System Specs	What keyboard to get?? I am currently using the Saitek Eclipse II but want a change. Back lighting is nice but not a necessity. Any thoughts would be welcomed but I dont want to spend a small fortune for something exotic. One cheaper one I was looking at was the ABS Mechanical Keyboard for around $40 but i am sure there are better options ABS Computer Technologies __________________

Jul 9, 2009, 05:14 PM	#2
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	Re: What keyboard to get?? a lot of the decision should be based on what key feel you like. you like slim boards or full depth keys that "click" ?

Jul 9, 2009, 05:20 PM	Thread Starter #3
Chaos Number Nine Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 5,269 Rep Power: 165 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? i prefer full depth keys __________________

Jul 9, 2009, 05:36 PM	#5
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	Re: What keyboard to get?? Can you stretch your budget to a Steelseries 7g? what is the limit you want to spend on this ?

Jul 9, 2009, 06:40 PM	#6
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,409 Rep Power: 91 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? How long have you had the Eclipse 2? Seen conflicting reports about keytop durability on the Saiteks, some say the backlit keytops go to light blobs with wear - still not got round to upgrading. __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread

Jul 9, 2009, 06:42 PM	#7
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,241 Rep Power: 326 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? I have the Logitech G15 (version 2 I think of the series) and I find it very good. Both in looks and feel while typing and gaming. Perhaps the best keyboard I have used so far. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Jul 9, 2009, 06:55 PM	#8
procupine14 Why is it Beeping!?!?! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA, Missouri Posts: 1,400 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? I love my original G15 v1 It has lasted me forever and, quite frankly, I love all of the macros on in. (considering that I use all of them I would be lost if it ever dies) I reccomend any Logitech keyboard. i've used them forever and have never had a problem with any of them. My brother uses a Razer Tarantula and he really likes it. I would highly reccomend that if you are going to go with a "mechanical keyboard" go with the SteelSeries 7g hands down over the ABS one. Also, if you are interested in the Logitech G Series keyboards and you really don't feel like shelling out all the cash for a G15 (be that the screen is handy for games but if you've never used one you won't get addicted to it) go for a G11. It has the same layout as the G15 v1 and about half the cost on avg depending on where you look. (I myself will most likely go that route if my G15 dies and just get a separate USB LCD display since no other keyboard has that many macros.) __________________ HTPC/file server: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom x4 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 800 (2x2GB) - 1TB WD Black - 4 x 1TB Hitachi DeskStar in RAID 5 - ATi TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner - HIS Raedon 4850 512MB - ASRock N68C-S UCC mobo - OCZ ModExtreme Pro 500W PSU GF's Gaming PC: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 1066 - 500GB Western Digital GP - HIS Raedon 5770 1GB - ASUS M3A78-EM - Zalman 650W PSU Media Streamer: Win 7 Pro 64-bit - AMD Athlon x2 3200+ - 4GB SuperTalent DDR2 800 - 250GB SeaGate Barracuda - MSI K9N6PGM2-V2 - ASUS Raedon 5450 SILENT - FSP group 250W PSU

Jul 9, 2009, 07:12 PM	Thread Starter #9
Chaos Number Nine Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 5,269 Rep Power: 165 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? I have had this for close to 2 yrs I think, the backlighting still works fine as well. I will take a look at the SteelSeries 7g and see what I can price it for __________________

Jul 9, 2009, 07:19 PM	Thread Starter #10
Chaos Number Nine Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 5,269 Rep Power: 165 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? not sure I can spring $150 for a keyboard at this time. Kiss is next weekend and Chickenfoot is 2 weeks after that so I think the 7g is out for now __________________

Jul 9, 2009, 11:17 PM	#11
PH3N0M The Master of Sarcasm Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The U.S. of A Posts: 348 Rep Power: 35 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? I've owned a Logitech G15 v1 since 2005-2006 and I've been very happy with it. If you're looking to spend as little as possible for a good keyboard, I was looking at this one at Best Buy just the other day. It has a nice feel and looks pretty slick. Logitech Comfort Wave 450 Black 104 Normal Keys USB Wired Ergonomics Keyboard - $39.99 on Newegg.com __________________

Jul 10, 2009, 03:43 AM	Thread Starter #13
Chaos Number Nine Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 5,269 Rep Power: 165 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? ya true, it's not like I need it today or anything __________________

Jul 10, 2009, 03:46 AM	#14
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 78 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Jul 10, 2009, 05:29 AM	#15
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,990 Rep Power: 121 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? i love my 7G..... wish it had etched keys though.... im wrecking the paint on mine in multiplayer __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jul 10, 2009, 09:09 AM	#16
buburuza76 HH member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Where you can`t make a life Posts: 345 Rep Power: 25	Re: What keyboard to get?? I have a Razer Arctosa in the box, sealed. Think it worth trying, or i better sell it?

Jul 10, 2009, 10:38 AM	#17
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	Re: What keyboard to get?? Sell it and get the 7g

Jul 10, 2009, 01:37 PM	#19
buburuza76 HH member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Where you can`t make a life Posts: 345 Rep Power: 25	Re: What keyboard to get?? what about logitech compact keyboard k300? is it good as it is nice?

Jul 15, 2009, 11:11 AM	#20
buburuza76 HH member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Where you can`t make a life Posts: 345 Rep Power: 25	Re: What keyboard to get?? Anyone? Who knows something about this keyboard? It`s an office one, it`s not like my Razer. But how is it?

Jul 15, 2009, 11:19 AM	#21
isaak HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,253 Rep Power: 108 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? Zardon..the 7g must be very good its all you've mentioned lol! I have the creative fatal1ty and i really love the backlighting of it. unfortunately it doesn't have macro buttons..just the standard kayboard. i think i got it for about $50.

Jul 15, 2009, 11:24 AM	#22
lepel HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Belgium Posts: 552 Rep Power: 39 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? I have a G11, but I wouldn't buy it again: too many macro buttons, hardly use them anyway, and usb1.1 ports slow as hell. I like it though, but it's just too out dated to be a valuable buy today. Just throwing it in there in case you were looking at it...

Jul 17, 2009, 04:05 AM	#24
Brok3n_Halo DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Re: What keyboard to get?? I just bought a Logitech Illuminated for $65 w/ coupon code. Just started using it yesterday. Looks sleek and feels great. Only complaints I have about it are the Home and End keys are vertical instead of horizontal now and they moved the context menu key and put FN in it's place. The Menu button is now FN+PrntScrn. Which sucks because Iuse the menu key all the time for spellcheck... The $15 off coupon code at newegg, if it still works, is EMCLVML22 if you want one.

Jul 17, 2009, 05:35 AM	Thread Starter #25
Chaos Number Nine Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 5,269 Rep Power: 165 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? thanks for all the input, still on hold due to concert season __________________

Jul 21, 2009, 11:10 AM	#26
buburuza76 HH member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Where you can`t make a life Posts: 345 Rep Power: 25	Re: What keyboard to get?? 7g is too expensive for me...

Dec 11, 2009, 11:37 PM	Thread Starter #28
Chaos Number Nine Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 5,269 Rep Power: 165 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? time to resurect this thread, I finally ordered this keyboard today and will post back with my thoughts when it arrives __________________

Dec 12, 2009, 02:45 AM	#29
lepel HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Belgium Posts: 552 Rep Power: 39 System Specs	Re: What keyboard to get?? What keyboard did you choose? I'm considering a 7g, but I qm a bit scared by a) the price and b) the click noise. How loud is it compared to a g11? I also heard stories about über bright Leds on it. Do they turn off after shutting down the pc? I wish Steelseries would make a more affordable keyboard with the same professional looks and quality.