After much deliberation, i have come to a decision on a keyboard... It's going to be one of the following three: Saitek Eclipse 2 (£30inc) - advantage: Backlit, Basic, Not Too Long. Disadvantage: uglyish, no programable media keys Logitech G11 is (£38inc) - advantage: All the above. Disadvantage: longer than a very long thing Logitech Basic Media thingy (£13inc) - advantage: media keys, cheap. Disadvantage: no backlight, nothing fancy, not 1337... So... Which would you go for?!?
I have an original Eclipse and I love it. Just the right size, no pointless buttons I never use and I can see what I'm doing in the dark.
Depends on the game. When I played WoW, I had about 24 keys that I would use once a minute. Or something crazy. Playing RTS, I use them a bit. FPS games can benefit from them a little (rapidly fire - make pistols more effective, quickly switch to nade, throw and change back to main weapon etc.) and of course you've got to devote a few keys to "<button to say to all> BOOM HEADSHOT!<enter>" and the like! All in all, I use them quite a bit. But it really depends on personal preference and playing style. I do use them more than I expected though. oh, and it's great to be able to type out in a milisecond phrases which i can never remember, such as my mobile number etc.
That last use i never thought of actually... My biggest worry is that it's not going to fit on my desk properly! Even with my standard sized one there isnt that much room for my mouse! Is it really as long as it looks?!?! How about the layout of the insert/delete/home etc - are they normal?
Oh dear, i've just discovered another nice looking keyboard... The Microsoft Reclusa - fits the same category as the logitech i guess! Can anybody tell me actually how long the logitech is (in cm)?! Thanks EDIT: After reading a couple of reviews, scrap the Reclusa...
I know this isn't quite what you're after, but I love my MS Internet Keyboard - it's got 8 programmable buttons on the top (nothing too fancy), and for most games you can just bind whatever taunt you want to a normal unused key with a bit of effort. It doesn't take much room up either, which is nice.
Wow - that IS huge... What I dont understand is that the reclusa is the same size: http://img5.pcpop.com/ArticleImages/500x375/0/474/000474897.jpg but it seems to have less keys!? And neither appear to be sacrificing key size or anything...
I very nearly just bought a G11 from Scan's today only... Managed to stop myself tho - i'm too worried about the length... I've really pursuaded myself that i need a backlight now Wish there was a guide on modding your keyboard to add backlighting!!
Well, it probably is way more want than need, however the number of times i've found myself struggling to find a key in the dark, i think it'd be dead useful!
I use a Saitek 'Gaming Keyboard', which is essentially the same as an Eclipse, but has a silver body, black keys and blue backlighting, and comes with a programmable command pad. Personally, I find programmable keys useless, but look this keyboard up if you want those features.
The Microsoft Reclusa is a pretty good keyboard contrary to what some reviews say. I'm biased because I spent a ridiculous amount on getting it along with the Habu mouse. Build quality is good, blue backlight isn't harsh in the dark and keys are fully customisable (some fixes with the latest software, version 1.02). You also get two USB ports, which is rather handy. Some reviews I saw before buying the keyboard has mentioned that if the keyboard is raised, there is virtually no grip on the keyboard... one must question what material they were testing the keyboard on as I've tested mine on laminated wood, glass and metal surfaces and there is plentiful grip. You also get a comfy keyboard rest and your typical Microsoft silent key press. That said, we come to the bad points. The two knobs included (I'm the third knob... for buying it ) are rather useless. The volume knob is fine but offers no mute function. Whenever you want to use the numpad, you will find it gets rather easy to press the CD eject button by accident when hitting the Enter key and the backlight cannot be turned off. The transparent plastic bit at the top with Microsoft written on and fancy glowing LEDs for num/caps/scroll lock is a dust magnet. Other than that, the keyboard is just another keyboard with a premium price, you pay £30 more over a standard keyboard to have two knobs, 10 extra keys and backlight, or whatever features the other keyboards include. You need to justify the costs. For £5.86, you could get this, which is a very good Microsoft keyboard. Good build quality and media keys. In fact, it's a great keyboard considering the price. [EDIT] The keyboard I listed above only comes in PS/2 though
The one above is basically what I have now - it's the newest version in fact, and it rocks. I don't need a backlight, because it's lame. I don't need millions of keys, I just want to start Winamp, WMP, Thunderbird, Firefox and Azureus without using the start menu. The keys are nice, it's well built, and if I break it, it doesn't cost the earth. Oh, and it's PS2, which means the lameness of USB keyboards doesn't worry me.
