Whats the best Illuminated keyboard for typing

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Hoegaarden White

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Hi, I do a lot of typing intensive work and do not need to look at the keys while I type, however, there are times when I do and the light from my triple 24" monitor setup, combined with the angle I sit makes the white numbering on the black keys virtually invisible.

I am looking for a very nice keyboard that will be like sex on the hands and I do not want cordless or wireless, I want something that plugs in so I can handle bios changes when my computer fails to boot, etc.

Also I would like to note that I need a precise keyboard, no ghosting, and also an extension cord for it because the standard 6' cords are not enough. Oh and it cannot be USB, I dont have anymore usb hubs left :(
 
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Hoegaarden White said:
Hi, I do a lot of typing intensive work and do not need to look at the keys while I type, however, there are times when I do and the light from my triple 24" monitor setup, combined with the angle I sit makes the white numbering on the black keys virtually invisible.

I am looking for a very nice keyboard that will be like sex on the hands and I do not want cordless or wireless, I want something that plugs in so I can handle bios changes when my computer fails to boot, etc.
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I will once again pimp my Microsoft X4 for its ease of typing and gaming. It is red backlight so preference may clash there. The backlight has 3 intensity settings with a total off option. The keys are smaller than normal but I find that better for the way I type. If you have used any of the G series Logitechs, it is like those but better in my opinion.
 
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Hoegaarden White said:
Hi, I do a lot of typing intensive work and do not need to look at the keys while I type, however, there are times when I do and the light from my triple 24" monitor setup, combined with the angle I sit makes the white numbering on the black keys virtually invisible.

I am looking for a very nice keyboard that will be like sex on the hands and I do not want cordless or wireless, I want something that plugs in so I can handle bios changes when my computer fails to boot, etc.

Also I would like to note that I need a precise keyboard, no ghosting, and also an extension cord for it because the standard 6' cords are not enough. Oh and it cannot be USB, I dont have anymore usb hubs left :(
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To my knowledge.. Not gonna happen. I Dont think there is a back lit kbd made that is not usb. You need a powered usb port to provide the power for the lights.. Once you get over that & Decide that you are going to go USB afterall the Razor Lycosa is the Freeking Shiznit.. Keystrokes are awesome. & Its backlit blue. The only 2 complaints I have is that you cant read the keys with the backlight off as its like a dark grey on black keys. The other issue is that I occasionally hit the key to turn off the backlight on accident (its not a physical key, just like a little flat spot above the 9 keys "-")
 
bastage said:
To my knowledge.. Not gonna happen. I Dont think there is a back lit kbd made that is not usb. You need a powered usb port to provide the power for the lights.. Once you get over that & Decide that you are going to go USB afterall the Razor Lycosa is the Freeking Shiznit.. Keystrokes are awesome. & Its backlit blue. The only 2 complaints I have is that you cant read the keys with the backlight off as its like a dark grey on black keys. The other issue is that I occasionally hit the key to turn off the backlight on accident (its not a physical key, just like a little flat spot above the 9 keys "-")
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I used the Lycosa for a good amount of time and then every keyboard after than felt like there was less than half the resistance that Lycosa gave with each keystroke. I used 2 different ones and they both felt like I was working to get it to register a key.
 
Kenworth said:
I used the Lycosa for a good amount of time and then every keyboard after than felt like there was less than half the resistance that Lycosa gave with each keystroke. I used 2 different ones and they both felt like I was working to get it to register a key.
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I have experienced absolutely nothing like that. It may be though that I am a big guy, but these keys are no harder to press then either of my old keyboards I have laying around here (an old IBM & a Logitech), my wifes netbook or the new dell I have at work. Difference is that the keystrokes are shorter then all but the netbooks.
 
Actually you would want the DECK LEGEND ICE for that. The the keys are cut so the light comes through the keys instead of solid keys where the light goes around them.
 
well, a quality mechanical keyboard like one of those should last you pretty much forever, so it's worth it :)
 
To echo sirsnits post, I too have been a Saitek fan for years. Their Eclipse keyboards have lasted around four years each, before the constant pounding of certain WSAD keys have cause them to begin to fail, and they are not overly expensive. I personally prefer the blue LED's but that is up to the user.
 
I wish these keyboard were smaller. I don't want to compromise on my keys, but I don't want to lop off too many keys or have them in weird places or undersized either. My current keyboard is 18x7 inches and I wouldn't want to go any bigger than that.

Has anyone tried out the I-rock illuminated keyboards?

I've seen this model sell for under $50. Orange illumination backlight.
http://www.i-rocksusa.com/products/KR-6820E-BK.html

Too bad even the cheapest full size Deck keyboard is $150. The blue led ones are apparently even more expensive, over $200.
http://www.gamereplays.org/portals.php?show=page&name=deck_kb_review

The 82 keyboard looks kinda cool, but there are LOTS of keys appear to be missing.
http://www.overclock.net/computer-peripherals/708843-review-deck-legend-82-ice.html

And then there's the Luxeed U5 that looks cool as hell, although perhaps a bit TOO colorful. Wonder how well it types though?
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/keyboards-mice/cb22/?cpg=froogle
 
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I hope you like it.

I've had my Deck 82 Fire for over a year now and I really like it. It's a very solid board and I enjoy typing out it and wouldn't trade it for any of the other fancy "gaming" keyboards out. I know they have the fancy LCDs, multi-coloured LED lighting (pretty sure DECK is the only company making boards with individual LEDs for each key, so no one can match the lighting effect).

I previously had the first Logitech G15 with the blue backlight and the LCD. I found that the LED back lighting seemed to get dimmer over time to the point where I found that it wasn't bright enough and the board kept on disconnecting randomly and then re-connecting (not a loose connection, something wrong with the USB controller on the board or something).

Once I got my second monitor, the LCD pretty much became a gimmick which I didn't use anymore.

As you discovered, the DECK boards are available with PS/2 or USB interfaces.
 
Hoegaarden White said:
So I finally broke down and bought the Deck Tactile Ice keyboard! I will post pictures and let you know how I like it when it arrives. Thanks Gorb! And thank you everyone else for helping me pick something new.
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I'm sure you'll enjoy it :D
 
I just got my Frost Tactile a couple days ago. While waiting for the keyboard to arrive I was tormented by the fact that I just spent $200 on a silly keyboard. After an hour of use, I definitely don't regret the purchase. Sturdy, sexy, bright, and feels so good + the skull and crossbones key for my Esc goes along with my room. Now if it only had boobs...
 
I just got my tactile ICE and it is AMAZING! This is exactly what I was looking for, Gorb I owe you a beer, hell an entire 12 pack!

While I was waiting for the deck keyboard I bought a microsoft X6 for cheap and to see what I would like better and I must say the X6 is pure CRAP!

The reason why I wanted a backlit keyboard was because my eyefinity setup emit light at such an angle that it made the white keys on my standard clickety clack keyboard invisible... well the backlit is so weak on the X6 that they too were invisible with the light from my triple dell U2410s! But this deck keyboard is simply WOW! I am using it now and even though I am no hunt and peck typer, it is really a joy to be able to see the keys when I need to. I LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!! Worth every penny gents, and if anybody wants a x6 let me know, lol. Here are some pics:

0504201016837.jpg

0504201016836.jpg

0504201016835.jpg
 
Ahh, now I just need to find a new computer case that is as beautiful as this keyboard! You would not happen to have any suggestions would you Gorb! I need an atx case that also supports Eatx and some 5870's in crossfire.
 
I have an FT02 which looks great and can fit the Classified and Rampage boards. My Deck Keyboard should be delivered soon also. I post a picture with them together when I can.
 
If I didn't have to pay a stupid speeding ticket, I'd have a Deck Legends Ice Tactile as well... grumble
 
Hoegaarden White said:
Ahh, now I just need to find a new computer case that is as beautiful as this keyboard! You would not happen to have any suggestions would you Gorb! I need an atx case that also supports Eatx and some 5870's in crossfire.
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Perhaps a corsair obsidian? They've got two versions now, and they're both very nice looking and huge.
 
Hoegaarden White said:
lOL THAT computer case linked in my last post is SOOOO NOT HAAAARRRRD...I need a HAAARD case!
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Hard and beatiful is too different styles. My two favorite cases right now is the Corsair 800D and Silverstone FT02.
You can get the 800D but I'm waiting for for another haaard case to be released later this year.
The 800D is a little to tall for me.
 
Yea I got my eye on that Corsair 800D too, actually had it in my cart at TigerDirect, but I decided not to get it because the case is bigger than China! I was considering a Mountain Mod, case but they are just too ugly for me to handle lol

EDIT: I broke down and got the 800D!
 
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Getting hard to find but the Everglide DKTpro keyboard is pretty nice.
 
Hoegaarden White said:
Yea I got my eye on that Corsair 800D too, actually had it in my cart at TigerDirect, but I decided not to get it because the case is bigger than China! I was considering a Mountain Mod, case but they are just too ugly for me to handle lol

EDIT: I broke down and got the 800D!
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I've been waiting for the rumored TJ11, which may be shown in June. The 800D is a great choice.
 
My only problem with the deck legends is the industrial design.

It's a bit stuck in the 90s, could use a sleeker look and the font is too artsy.
 
They should print off a few different styles of keycap sets, sell em for like $20-$35 or something. I know they essentially last forever, but if there is one thing I didn't immediately love about my Toxic Legend when I got it like 5 years ago, it was that weird font.

It was my understanding back then that they had a plan to develop and market keycap sets.... but I never really saw any follow up on that. I kind of feel like TG3 had this whole plan to market and develop these awesome keyboards as gaming/typing/generally awesome computer peripherals, but then abandoned it by the wayside. Back then they had a "cool" website all in black with a pretty slick design iirc, a lot more marketing information, more "showing off" of the products, and a whole big thing about "Mod your keyboards!" replete with a section selling a line of parts to help you mod it however you wanted. (Replacements, custom parts, etc) The whole shebang made them look like they were passionate about their products. Now they have a boring, white, barebones website with few graphics and not too much info on it. They've cut a bunch of old products and accessories they used to make, and the whole thing strikes me as fairly apathetic; like they're just doing it just to do it or something. It's cool that they decided to make a couple tactile versions since then.... but I think that's pretty much the only "new" thing they've done in years besides cut products from their lineup. Their Accessories section is nearly empty compared to what it was.

Maybe they fell victim to the "Stride" effect? Can't make money because no one is buying them anymore after they get their first one? Don't know, but it makes me sad to see their shift in attitude. They're still great keyboards.
 
The Stride effect, lol. I'm just glad that an American company makes quality stuff. That's why I buy it over cheaper Asian made keyboards.
 
I just bought a DeCK Legend tactile in "Frost" color b/c of this thread.

It gets here today!
 
I love it!

It brings back childhood memories of learning to type at school.

Though I do wish that they made a keyset with the proper indentations for Dvorak, I'm teaching myself to type with that.
 
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