Personally I love low profile keyboards, I have a whole suite of nerve issues and I find they aggravate them far less than conventional keyboards. For your budget you could get a Logitech DiNovo Edge keyboard and an MX Revolution mouse, which are my two favourite input devices ever. You said you want backlit and numpad though, so the Edge might not be a good choice for you. The MX Rev is lovely however - very comfortable (as long as you're right handed), plenty of buttons for mapping in games, and I haven't had any latency issues.
As long as you don't have a 2.4GHz router or working microwave between your mouse and mouse receiver, it will work perfectly. I mean for the price it is sold at... it better be!. In fact, I do I have a 2.4GHz router (wireless N), and a 2.4GHz wireless phone on my desk, and my laptop with the wireless turn on, and the mouse doesn't get show any sign of problem. Of course, it all depends where you place everything on the desk and the strength of these devices. Unlike the first wireless mouse generation that exists or the inexpensive ones, it has absolutely no lag. Oh, about battery recharge of the mouse, for me 15 sec put on the recharge = ~15min of usage (5min of gaming). Battery never ran out as you have Logitech SetPoint that pop-up a small box at the corner of a window once you move the mouse that was not moved in a while and at log-in saying that your battery is very low. And you have the light indicator level that show "very low" battery levels. I already games (FPS) on the very low battery status, for several hours with no problem. If you want a more gaming oriented mouse, check out the Logitech G7 mouse. It has the same technical specs as the MX revolution, has less buttons and no fast and easy scroll wheel, but has an interchangeable battery (2 are provided) and you can change the DPI. I think it got discontinued thought. On both mouses, the battery are the same, it's a lithium ion battery. The reason why I like I wireless mouse, is that the wire is not on your way... it doesn't pull or push your mouse and gets on the way. And you can be anywhere. What I do, is (my computer is in my room), is I use it on my bed (which I transform in a couch with some pillows) as a remote to control my computer when I play movies.
I have a Saitec Eclipse III and I love it, its got amazing back lights, looooots of hotlink keys, built in audio ports and has a generally good layout. (did I mention teh groooovey colours?)
I have a G7 as well (I have.. quite a few mice) and after about a year of usage, the battery life became very poor. I've seen degradation on all my Logitech devices, but the G7 is by far the worst - I pretty much have to charge it every day! This isn't too bad, because it has swappable batteries so there is no down time, but I definitely prefer the MX Rev (also owned for over a year, charge it about once a week).
Microsoft Ergonomic 4000. If you have any affection whatsoever towards your hands, this is the keyboard you will buy. That combined with an MX revolution is a great combo. I find it just fine for gaming but YMMV.
I think i am veering towards the Razer lycosa as my keyboard. Mouse wise it seems to be between the Razer lachesis, Mionix saiph, Logitech MX Revolution and the Roccat cone.
The Logitech G11/G13/G15/G19 keyboards are all pretty amazing. Check out reviews online if you want to confirm Also, I would stay away from the Razer Lycosa after reading this: http://www.trustedreviews.com/peripherals/review/2008/05/13/Razer-Lycosa-Gaming-Keyboard/p1
Cherry Keyboard, and a Razer Mouse (can't remember which one I have) I have had no problems with my Cherry Keyboard, and its very very comfy, and does quite well for gaming.. plus its wireless. It also looks a bit like the keyboards you see in Portal, but more wavey.
The problem with battery on keyboard is that there is no recharge station so you battle with rechargeable batteries which are in NiMH and are not as good as Lithium-Ion battery.
Thanks for all the info. I Still wish to keep the keyboard as diminutive as possible. I dont wish it to take up all my workspace or to light up like a vegas casino. Im also inherrently lazy so cant be bothered with switching out batteries, so my options need to remain tethered.
Ashi - I may be slightly biased (admitted Razer fan) but that isn't a bad review ... certainly not a 'stay away' type review. The Lycosa (as with all Razer gear) is an acquired taste and I've found over the years that people either fall into the Logitech or Razer camps in terms of look. Personally I find the Logitech gear to feel 'over-engineered' whereas the Razer has a more simplistic and defined look. I find that I get drawn to the consistent look of the Razer kit and it looks awesome when ganged up. Keyboards and mice are a difficult area to recommend as they aren't purely stat based like most PC hardware. They are more about interaction, situation and personal preference ... also something that's really tough to 'try before buy'. Generally most of the keyboards and mice mentioned on this thread are excellent and will do a sterling job ... whether they are the 'right' ones for you ... well ... only you will know.
I agree with GoodBytes, this sounds to me like you've specced yourself a Logitech Illuminated. Small, slim, very smart, good backlighting (but not flashy), wired, great keys. The only downside is it's not great for loads of complex macros, which you don't need. I tried a Lycosa Mirror but gave up on it: key visibility is poor and the shiny surfaces are not great for typing with. The normal non-Mirror rubberised keys may be better, but I don't think they are much more visible. And the Logitech seems to be much more the size and shape you are after.
+1 for the roccat kone, it does need to be coupled with a decent mat (i ended up buying the roccat one for a tenner). but in years of using logitech (MX510) and razer (diamondback) i can honestly say i've found my mouse. great for everyday, 3d work, gaming and sooooo comfortable for those with big hands.
Fair enough... I have never tried that particular Razer keyboard so I can't comment from first hand experience. I was more recommending the Logitech keyboards, because I actually have a G15 myself and I love it. I guess it just comes down to personal perference. For this reason, I suggest to the OP that you try to try out the keyboard before you buy, if at all possible. A keyboard is probably the most personal choice in a whole setup, so what one reviewer likes, you may not, and vice versa.
Thanks for all the advice guys. Finally opted for a Razer Lycosa standard keyboard and a Razer lachesis mouse.
I'm using a Saitek Eclipse 3 and a Razer Deathadder (Blue). The Saitek has 4 different backlight colours and a nice feel to the keys. I have it set to blue and it looks pretty sweet couple with the Deathadder in a dark room. Can pick up the pair for around 80 quid.
