Lovely lovely keyboards!

There are so many... @_@

Ok So I'm just about fed up with my Saitek which is slowly dying on me when keystrokes are not recognized. It hasn't affected my gaming yet too much since it seems to be emerging from the right side of the keyboard.

I don't know if its just because it hates me, its only liking the color blue, or I'm still haunted by hardware problems but I type ALOT and it gets very annoying whe I type something ad it looks like I had a seizure while I was typing.

So
Im looking at the lycosa for a replacement but I want the opinion on a few people for a good, sturdy replacement that happens to be backlit or something similar.

So lets hear it!

Keyboard errors while typing this single post: 8.
ltgvb;aivj; erkjgbva;k Dx

G15 here and love it. So far so good.

i use the razer tarantula, i really like it, but i know that some people complain about it being too big or whatever.

Wolf claw V2 > all of the above, its wat i have always used

http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/wolfclaw/

Pernicious wrote:Wolf claw V2 > all of the above, its wat i have always used

http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/wolfclaw/

false

The greater then part i am assuming?

Its much more comfortable, the butons are placed so much better, etc
I have used the g15 b4, infact it sits on teh table next to me every night, its just a normal keyboard only it looks fancy and has macros, and probably more responsive though i have never had response problems with generic ps2 keyboards. I do like the light behind the keys though, good in teh dark.

WOLF CLAW ROXORS MY SOXORZ!!

ok maybe im just jealous

Ok, I'll share my secret. I also am unconventional. I don't use a keyboard either. I use a Fang Gamepad made by Ideazon/zboard.
That said, my movement keys/fingers are basically the same as with a keyboad. The only thing that differs is the placement of the weaps keys. It has 11 keys above the movement keys in a double row. Also, it has different feel to the different keys (flat,concave or raised) depending on what class they are (weap, move, other). The reason I tried it was its small enough to go on my keyboard shelf next to the mouse which is much more comfortable than having one device on top of the desk and the other on the shelf.

Ive used game pads before, and i dont like them as much as using the keyboard, oddly enough.

I've been using the Ideazon Zboard Merc II keyboard for a few years now. Hardly any complains except that it will take awhile to get familiar to if you're used to a normal WASD setup. Much more comfortable as far as finger placement and spacing goes. It's meant for gaming. Period.


http://www.ideazon.com/us/


If you want something that's backlit, there's the Stealth Zboard as well.

http://www.ideazon.com/us/products/mercstealth.asp

I had to change keyboard, i might get that Zboard and give it a try.

Thing is, I dont want one thats made specifically for gaming, the wolfclaw one looks very nice and I would get it if i could find a place that sells it. But I also want one thats backlit. I would get a purely gaming board but I use my keyboard for a lot of other things.

7 errors while typing this. I'm just having fun with this right now. Dx

backlit is crap if its just behind the keys (had some of those boards) the light just dazzle you and you cant see the keys better because they arent lighted. You need one where the light shines thrue the keys so the letters are glowing. The Tarantula doesnt have backlight only on the macro keys on the sides. So the lycosa seems to be a good choice. To the g15.. its for wow players not for bunny hoppers :roll:

My Saitek is dying as well, my "e" is only picking up 1/4 presses which sucks seen as I use a ESDF configuration fear not!! it's still under warranty so it's getting sent back with a lovely complaint

The Razer Lycosa (<- link) looks like a lovely keyboard, even nicer than the Tarantula and cheaper too, I like the fact that the keys are backlit instead of having to fork out even more money for a stupid BattleLight...pah!

That Fang gamepad looks pretty cool as well http://www.ideazon.com/us/products/fanggamepad.asp

I use a Hp keyboard and mouse

Jelly Fox wrote: I like the fact that the keys are backlit instead of having to fork out even more money for a stupid BattleLight...pah!

I love how they tried to make it sound cool....Battle Light hahahaha please, call it a flashlight.

i have been using a saitek II eclipse for about 1 year and i don't like it.

MeekMeekle wrote:i have been using a saitek II eclipse for about 1 year and i don't like it.

I had one too. The one that illuminates(OOoooOOO), right?

Got a Zboard and never looked back.

Saitek eclipse 1 still goin strong, minus a small patch on my spacebar ive worn out from bhopping.

The fang is basically the left end of the merc cut off, and the space/jump button is on the side instead of where the space is on a normal keyboard so you have to learn somewhat different muscle movement/timing there. It does take some getting used to but imo not any more than learning the correct spacing of weaps settups on a keyboard. I agree that the finger placement is more comfy as well which is why I tried it. The different shapes and feel of the keys helps too.

http://www.ideazon.com/us/products/fanggamepad.asp

MeekMeekle wrote:i have been using a saitek II eclipse for about 1 year and i don't like it.

Yup thats what I have... Around six months and I hate it now. Dx

I had an eclipse for 3 days and i gave it to my sister right away. Couldn't stand it.

"Im the opposite, I'm hoping Wolf Claw makes a standalone hand pad without the keyboard lol."

Yea, they have one, its aparently easier to get too, luckily for me though i have 2 wolf claw v2's, bought one second hand

Just google wolf claw an u will find the smaller version of teh wolf claw.

@Pernicious: How many keys can you press simultaneously?

Grape wrote:Wow, I want one of those wolf claw boards. Manufacturer's website seems dead

Company name change....maybe? http://www.wolfkingusa.net

Wolf Claw........Wolf King........hmmm, products look the same!

Im the opposite, I'm hoping Wolf Claw makes a standalone hand pad without the keyboard lol.

Wolf King Warrior http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1 ... 424,00.asp

Grape wrote:

nade maeggs wrote:backlit is crap if its just behind the keys (had some of those boards) the light just dazzle you and you cant see the keys better because they arent lighted. You need one where the light shines thrue the keys so the letters are glowing.

Yes that's true, but for gaming I don't find backlighting that necessary anyways, since if I have to look for a key there is something wrong with my layout. I don't have the backlight on when I'm gaming in the dark (and mine has light coming through the letters).

Well for gaming I really know where all my keys are almost by memory so backlighting really isn't necessary. But I type, ALOT, and I cant memorize a full keyboard in the dark so thats why I want one. Makes meh life easier.

Hmm simultaneously huh?
Well, ppl have allways told me that im alot more natural then anyone else they have seen(others just accuse of scripts ), 2 good reasons for that are good keyboard and good key mappings. The reason i say this is because i am able to perform anything in hl2dm, while bunnyhoping and i dont suffer any discomfort watso ever, and my fingers dont get sore, not even after like literaly 24 hours + straight gaming(my mousehand does though ). The most button intensive thign i used to do though was prolly bak wen u could double tap with grav gun, in Australia we considered it to be over the top (lame) to use mouse wheel so we did it manually, i was known for jumping around and constantly double tapping, meaning, sprint jump duck + taping 2 keys twice fast plus movement + wateva else, but then again wat i do in hl2dm pro could be more button intensive then that, the advantage gained from being able to smash through all your weapons fast puts it over most players.
Wow does pern like to talk about himself or wat?
Anyways, if ur curious about my cfg, even though u have never played me, here is wat i use, compare it to the claw layout an u will see the logic in it

Perns controls...ass sleevers!

//Freezer
alias freezer "ent_setname freeze; ent_fire freeze disablemotion"
alias unfreezer "ent_setname unfreeze; ent_fire unfreeze enablemotion"

//zoom sensitivity
//alias +zoomsens "+zoom; sensitivity 4.0"
//alias -zoomsens "-zoom; sensitivity 4.2"

//Stunstick & Crowbar Toggler
alias mtog "mtog1"
alias mtog1 "use weapon_stunstick; use weapon_crowbar; alias mtog mtog2"
alias mtog2 "use weapon_crowbar; use weapon_stunstick; alias mtog mtog1"

//Timeleft + scores bind
alias +scoretime "timeleft; +showscores"
alias -scoretime "-showscores"

alias gravsw "use weapon_physcannon"
alias shotty1 "use weapon_shotgun"

//Controls
unbindall
bind "TAB" "use weapon_smg1"
bind "ESCAPE" "cancelselect"
bind "SPACE" "+speed"
bind "0" "impulse 100"
bind "5" "impulse 203"
bind "'" "messagemode"
bind ";" "messagemode2"
bind "`" "toggleconsole"
bind "a" "+moveleft"
bind "b" "use weapon_ar2"
bind "c" "use weapon_pistol"
bind "d" "+moveright"
bind "e" "+reload"
bind "f" "use weapon_357"
bind "k" "+scoretime"
bind "n" "toggle_zoom"
bind "o" "shotty1"
bind "p" "+use"
bind "q" "mtog"
bind "r" "gravsw"
bind "s" "+back"
bind "t" "impulse 201"
bind "u" "slot5"
bind "w" "+forward"
bind "z" "use weapon_shotgun"
bind "CTRL" "use weapon_crossbow"
bind "SHIFT" "+duck"
bind "F5" "jpeg"
bind "MOUSE1" "+attack"
bind "MOUSE2" "+jump"
bind "MOUSE3" "+attack2"
bind "MOUSE4" "use weapon_physcannon"
bind "MOUSE5" "use weapon_rpg"
bind "-" "spectate"
bind "=" "jointeam 0"
bind "PgDn" "jointeam"
bind "." "freezer"

Only put the zoom toggle in there last night, wat i have been using though is the zoomsens alias up top.
bind "MOUSE4" "use weapon_physcannon" isnt being used, i used to use the botum dpi buton on G5 for grav switch but u cant do that with g9, i tried it, an the option is still there but it was crap, should remove it sometime .

I have a G11 keyboard its really sturdy i have dropped it at least like 50 times and it still works.

HA, im thinking, i might try to mod my wolf claw and add lights to it so its backlit like a g15, it would be a tad handy me thinks, its the only thing missing really, eccept macros, which i have no use for.
One thing i am curious about is...why did all u guys buy a G15, i never saw the point/appeal =\

I got the G15 because I'm lazy and the store I happened to be in when I had the urge to get a gaming keyboard only had that and the saitek. I need the backlight because despite typing fairly fast, I don't touch type and it's annoying hunting for keys n the dark when I hit the forums.

I like it enough that I am not looking for another one right now. I need a new PC so bad, upgrading my keyboard wont do anything anyway.

I have a G15 that I got before I tried the Fang. I got it because Logitech is a well known brand, I was already using their mice, I liked the feel of the keys over the Saitek next to it and I prefer blue backlit keys to red ones.

Paradox wrote: I liked the feel of the keys over the Saitek

They are both like crap really dude the g15 keys are horrible like the saitek keys. The way you need to push down the buttons is immense hence its bad if you need to press buttons fast in a row like when you bhop.

Maybe, I dont remember because I dont actually use the G15 now to game, only to type. I use the Fang for gaming.

nade maeggs wrote:

Paradox wrote: I liked the feel of the keys over the Saitek

They are both like crap really dude the g15 keys are horrible like the saitek keys. The way you need to push down the buttons is immense hence its bad if you need to press buttons fast in a row like when you bhop.

Maybe I have nothing to compare it to. I bhop just fine with it.

"I got the G15 because I'm lazy and the store I happened to be in when I had the urge to get a gaming keyboard only had that and the saitek"

Haha, thats where they get you, they know there is little choice

Most stores don't cater for gamers. All of the GPUs you can buy are low end crap for the most part also, and you will probably find one razer and one or two logitech mice at any given time.

For the record. Best Buy Has a whole small section for Razer stuff. Thats where I got the Lycosa and I really like it., also they seem to be having more and more stuff for gamers. This may not apply to all Best Buy stores tho.

{Rx}Crowbar Ninja DJ Z3R0 wrote:For the record. Best Buy Has a whole small section for Razer stuff. Thats where I got the Lycosa and I really like it., also they seem to be having more and more stuff for gamers. This may not apply to all Best Buy stores tho.

Not the Best Buy by my house, and I live in the greater Los Angeles area too, where there should be a market for it.

Well, I wore out my previous standard 101 keyboard and conned the squaw into letting me get a G15 at Best Buy (on sale for $79).

The G15 is gonna take me some getting used to. The keys are just a bit smaller surface wise than my previous kb. And I've noticed the control key is raised a bit higher than the shift key. Shift is my sprint and control is my zoom. I'm having trouble keeping from accidently zooming while trying to bhop.

logitech elite ftw baby! ($20 of pure pwnage)

Wow im in a gaming wasteland here but as much as people hate it, Best Buy saves us. If it werent for best buy Id have to do everything via mail order. Our best buys have a pretty good gaming selection of mice, keyboards, headsets.

Paradox wrote:Wow im in a gaming wasteland here but as much as people hate it, Best Buy saves us. If it werent for best buy Id have to do everything via mail order. Our best buys have a pretty good gaming selection of mice, keyboards, headsets.

Our best buy gaming mice and keyboards: mx518, razor diamondback, G15, and Sateik 2.

Like I said this best buy has a wide selection of Razer stuff. At least 3 different mice, 2 keyboards and 2 headsets. they got all the logitec stuff as well. and its In a relatively normal town in Georgia

when i lived in GA, our best buy had a great selection of gaming stuff. maybe its just a georgia thing.

I just went to Best Buy today. Best Nvidia card they carried was an 8600/256MB for $250.00 D:

1 Death adder and no logitech gaming mice in stock. I looked for a new mouse pad and they had one that called itself a gaming surface, but it was not made by any company I have heard of.

Bleh...

two snails wrote:when i lived in GA, our best buy had a great selection of gaming stuff. maybe its just a georgia thing.

Maybe its because no one buys it and theyre always fully stocked. >__>;;

you are probably right. i lived in athens and they had the entire razer line. i have the diamondback and the keyboard. the mouse rules. ive had it for 2+ years with no problems. i am on my second keyboard b/c the keys on the first one started to get stuck in the down position. they have a 1 year warranty though so its cool.

Now that I think of it, with the exception of my mouse, keyboard, fang and monitors, I had to build my computer mail order because most of the stuff and Best Buy were out of date components and were not going to build the computer that I wanted.

Like mice, I've been thru many a keyboard. Since I've spent a good 20 years on my keyboards daily, I started to get carpal tunnels and some type of tendinitis in my wrists. I seriously HAD to take a break from gaming once for like 6months to heal, Don't let this happen to you! Pay attention to your ergos or else!

I used to use only flat keyboards like the saitek, logitechs and what not. They all seemed ok,. I even tried the one Joule has and couldn't get used to it although I liked the idea of it, the keypresses felt too soft and not very positive to me.

On my doctors advice I switched to a Microsoft natural 4000 ergo keyboard with a split offset layout. This keyboard might take a few days to get used too, but the button action is great and very positive. The thing some might not like is that with your left hand its harder to reach the keys right of center, but you've basically got 30 keys to use on the left side.

If anyone has had any wrist problems, I would highly recommend it as I have not had any problem with my left wrist since. This keyboard works for me mainly I think because I keep my keyboard on my desktop and not a tray (on a tray it would be hard I think). With a good adjustable chair you can get your arm positioning perfect and rest your forearms on the top of the desk comfortably, while keeping your wrist in the right ergonomic position's. I know this thing looks funny but it works great and I love it for both typing and gaming.

Walking Target wrote:I just went to Best Buy today. Best Nvidia card they carried was an 8600/256MB for $250.00 D:

1 Death adder and no logitech gaming mice in stock. I looked for a new mouse pad and they had one that called itself a gaming surface, but it was not made by any company I have heard of.

Bleh...

Find your closest Fry's Electronics, Im pretty sure theres one in your area.

Arg I was planning on getter the Saitek Eclipse but now from what you guys have said im not so sure anymore lol. I really want short, responsive keypresses, with a back light because I'm a chicken pecker typist and you peck at what you can't see . Well, back to the Lycosa, I was weary about the keys because they are flat and people have said they feel like laptop keys. But Newegg allows full refunds within 30 days of purchase so its worth a try I guess.

Nice post L2K thats really sometihing to consider. I have been getting some terrible pain in my left wrist after 3-4hrs gaming which I never used to get. I bought a gel wrist wrest and this seems to make a large improvement becasue it keeps my wrist straight and keeps the palm of my hand above the keyboard a little bit. It also might just have something to do with not gaming for 7 months and then logging 90hrs on hl2dm in the past 2 weeks, but I'm not convinced. 8)

We have the same problem with Best Buy in NY. Everything as far as components is low end or the best stuff that was out 2+ years ago. If you want to get the latest or better components go with Newegg or Tiger Direct. Everything in my computer except the case came from Tiger Direct. I found them to be fast on shipping, good on price and they have a pretty good selection of items to choose from.

However they do carry most of the current logitech gaming mice and both logitech and saitek keyboards as well as the Fang game pad.

Ive found that Newegg has a larger selection on just about all of their components when compaired to tiger direct, and thier site is easier to navigate. Tiger Direct used to be better imo, but Newegg has stepped it up in the past year. Both sites though are top notch, definately two of the best places to start when doing component research.

On the subject of BB, I was totally surprised when I moved out to Bozeman MT and there was no Best Buy!! No BB or Circuit City. I coudn't believe it, there must be NO gamers in this town or something. I guess they are building a BB this coming spring but until then I have to rely on Newegg for just about all of my computer needs. The staples and Office Depots in the area don't even carry the few gaming mice they have on the main websites! I just want a mouse and a keyboard and i want them NOW lol.

Walking Target wrote:I just went to Best Buy today. Best Nvidia card they carried was an 8600/256MB for $250.00 D:

Bleh...

LOL

i was in bestbuy canada yesterday night.. and there was some guy pushing the 8600GTS 512 for $219 canadian. It was funny.. the sales man was around 60 years old and was giving a lot of weird info .. not on purpose .. but he just didn't know his stuff. I ended up telling the cx to go down the street to get a 8800GT for $220 LOL!