Looking for gaming keyboard suggestions

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BarkingPumpkin86

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So I posted yesterday to get some upgrade options for the insides of my computer. I've really been thinking about upgrading my keyboard now too, since I've been playing on a $7 Logitech for so long, its gotten the job done but I'd really like to change things up. I really don't want to go for one of the $140-150 ones, that's a bit much for me. I've heard good things about mechanical and just wanted to see what people think for gaming is a good deal and what you have liked so far.
 
I love my mechanical. Reduced my finger fatigue alot. Most people probably don't realize it until they try a mechanical for a bit. Keys are so much nicer and easier to press. Also may be a placebo effect for me but the response times seem to be a lot better as well. May just be justifying the high cost though..... :p
 
If you don't need the bells and whistles like wrist rest and led lighting, I would suggest getting the coolermaster Quickfire Red keyboard they just announced. Price is going for $89 which is not bad. Sure beats the logitech G510, and G15 I've owned for years.
 
In all honesty, just find a keyboard with nice keypresses, and doesn't hurt your wrists.

As far as I have ever experienced, the "gaming" keys or "macro" keys are completely useless in most situations. When gaming you want to be able to hit keys as quickly and precisely as possible, and it just isn't possible with say the logitech gaming boards that have the "G" keys off to the left of the tab and caps-lock buttons. It's just not possible.

In my opinion, go with a nice mechanical. I have heard good reviews on the new Corsair K60/K90. Even though the K90 has the idiotic gaming/macro keys, I choose it over the K60 just because of the back-lighting. Also, with the Corsair KBs they are REALLY easy to clean because there is no cheap molding around the keys its all open.

Check it here. http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-ga...rformance-mmo-mechanical-gaming-keyboard.html
 
CallMeCooper said:
In all honesty, just find a keyboard with nice keypresses, and doesn't hurt your wrists.

As far as I have ever experienced, the "gaming" keys or "macro" keys are completely useless in most situations. When gaming you want to be able to hit keys as quickly and precisely as possible, and it just isn't possible with say the logitech gaming boards that have the "G" keys off to the left of the tab and caps-lock buttons. It's just not possible.

In my opinion, go with a nice mechanical. I have heard good reviews on the new Corsair K60/K90. Even though the K90 has the idiotic gaming/macro keys, I choose it over the K60 just because of the back-lighting. Also, with the Corsair KBs they are REALLY easy to clean because there is no cheap molding around the keys its all open.

Check it here. http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-ga...rformance-mmo-mechanical-gaming-keyboard.html
Click to expand...

+1

Same reasons why I picked up the K90 as well.
 
Just some advice. Don't go for a "gaming" keyboard that isn't mechanical. I'd rather have a standard mechanical keyboard than a "gaming" keyboard that doesn't have mechanical switches.

Stay away from cherry blue switches if you don't like a loud keyboard. I would suggest brown or red.
 
I really like my Logitech G510. Itll never pass with the keyboard purists because it has backlit keys and an LCD screen. So what? I like the LCD screen as I can use it to monitor my CPU temps while gaming. I like the backlights because they look cool and since I game in a dimly lit room, they come in handy.

I love the macros and although I dont really use them a lot, I will use them on some games like Batman AC where I record the quickfire of something like the freeze grenades that requires a quick double click of the 5 key. I can record that onto a macro instead for a little quicker firing.

The keypress is different from all the other membrane keyboards Ive used. Its actually my favorite part of it as its nice and smooth. I also like the volume control, the mute button and the software is superb as is all Logitech software.

So yeah, itll get shit on by the keyboard snobs that only like loud clicky mechanicals but I like all the bells and whistles on the G510 and I dont mind the cool toys and looks of it either. I also have a BlackWidow Ultimate and I switch out every couple weeks just for a change of things, but I am on this G510 a lot more.
 
CallMeCooper said:
In all honesty, just find a keyboard with nice keypresses, and doesn't hurt your wrists.

As far as I have ever experienced, the "gaming" keys or "macro" keys are completely useless in most situations. When gaming you want to be able to hit keys as quickly and precisely as possible, and it just isn't possible with say the logitech gaming boards that have the "G" keys off to the left of the tab and caps-lock buttons. It's just not possible.

In my opinion, go with a nice mechanical. I have heard good reviews on the new Corsair K60/K90. Even though the K90 has the idiotic gaming/macro keys, I choose it over the K60 just because of the back-lighting. Also, with the Corsair KBs they are REALLY easy to clean because there is no cheap molding around the keys its all open.

Check it here. http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-ga...rformance-mmo-mechanical-gaming-keyboard.html
Click to expand...

i just went from a G15v2 to a K60. this being my first mechanical keyboard im loving it and wondering why it took me so long to get a mech. i think what sold me was that about a week ago i went into frys and was just looking around. i saw the razer blackwidow and the box has a cutout so you can feel the keys. they felt so much better than my g15. this k60 feels amazing. my only gripe is the lack of back lighting. im thinking about exchanging it for the k90 but i dont need the gkeys and think they look ugly. debating whether or not the gkeys are a good trade off for the back lighting.
 
JRizEJ6 said:
i just went from a G15v2 to a K60. this being my first mechanical keyboard im loving it and wondering why it took me so long to get a mech. i think what sold me was that about a week ago i went into frys and was just looking around. i saw the razer blackwidow and the box has a cutout so you can feel the keys. they felt so much better than my g15. this k60 feels amazing. my only gripe is the lack of back lighting. im thinking about exchanging it for the k90 but i dont need the gkeys and think they look ugly. debating whether or not the gkeys are a good trade off for the back lighting.
Click to expand...

It does make the keyboard a bit wider, but the backlighting is worth it IMO. Also, it's not like you don't have to use the g keys. You can bind them to apps, and other things.

Also, if you read, NOT ALL the keys on the K60 have mechanical keyswitches. I believe the F keys and other misc. keys are NOT mechanical. However, every single key on the K90 is mech.
 
I've had Logitech keyboards forever, the last was a G15 I owned for like 5 years. It finally died the other day. I picked up a Razer Black Widow Ultimate, like it so far.
 
I went with a Corsair K90 also. It was the only keyboard I could find that had a) backlighting, b) a wrist rest, c) wasn't ABSURDLY clicky. I didn't like the look/feel of the Razer keyboards.

Haven't used it much yet (still building the system - damned 3930Ks are IMPOSSIBLE to get!) except to make sure it worked; but so far I'm very happy with the choice.
 
CallMeCooper said:
Also, if you read, NOT ALL the keys on the K60 have mechanical keyswitches. I believe the F keys and other misc. keys are NOT mechanical. However, every single key on the K90 is mech.
Click to expand...
Every other review i've read mentions the fact that not all keys on the k90 are mechanical. I don't own the keyboard so I guess I can't tell you you're wrong, but...
 
I think the same is true about the K90. The heavy-use keys are mechanical, but the function keys aren't.

I don't have mine with me to test, but I don't recall thinking it was a big deal when I bought. Not the best advertising/specs on Corsair/Newegg's part, I'll agree.

If 100% mechanical is required, including stuff like the number pad or media keys, you'll need to look elsewhere.

I don't know the specs, but it might just be a different kind of key (as opposed to the Cherry MX or whatever they use) vs. non-mechanical.
 
Redaction:

Ok, that was a mistake on my part. The k60 and k90 both have mech/not mech keys. All of the keys are mechanical except the G-keys/home,delete,page-up, etc../and the F-keys. The typing keys/numpad/arrow keys are mech. Corsair says it used dome keys on the select few to prevent accidental multiple presses.
 
Although I don't know about newegg, Corsair has been VERY up front about not being fully mechanical, and there's a reason. It's the only smart move. It gives them spin control as can be seen by CallMeCooper repeating the "to prevent accidental presses" line. It's pretty clearly not true though, the cost must have caught up with them. I mean, who would intentionally make a key less pressable on a gaming board? ANY key?

And with the macro keys not being mechanical, I'd think auto hotkeying macros on an actual maker's board would always be the better choice. Also, I really didn't like the key spacing on the k90.
 
Just a heads up: Avoid the Saitek Eclipse II if it comes up in your research--decent price but it has problems with keys not being recognized. Lots of 1 star reviews on Amazon.

I've been using the Eclipse I for a long time and it's held up pretty well. Pretty much a plain jane keyboard with illuminated keys.
 
@PhantmShado It's just what was posted in a review that I read. Aside from that, I can easily see why they would do that.


  1. Those keys aren't the ones that you actually care about for keypresses. Your main typing keys are the ones that are going to get the most use out of, therefore they used mechanical key switches for longevity of life.
  2. Since you have obviously never used "g keys" for macros, you wouldn't know that if you double tap keys with macros bound to them it can interrupt the macro and make it completely not work how intended. All depending on what engine the macros are running off of, whether it be in game macro, or manufacturer KB software.
  3. And lastly, yes, I'm sure it also had to do with cutting some costs to make the product actually affordable to a wider audience. Not just 1%'ers. id much rather pay $130 for a KB with the right keys being mechanical, and the not so often used ones dome-PCB, than end up with a $200 dollar keyboard.

I agree with the way they handled the design of this KB. JMHO

Also, I agree with you PhantmShado, I rock a Dell SK-8135 and have no need for special macro keys. I just bind everything around my left hand. 1-5, Alt+1-5, Shift+1-5, F, G, V, and so on. TBH there is no need for macro keys as they are usually too far away.
 
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Both your 1 and 3 seem to agree with me that it was a price thing. For 2 I really hope you can use those keys for single presses as well as macros if you would like and think it should still be possible to spam if you do.

So long as we're agreed it's not for accidental presses, I'm happy. If you like the look and just really want those 18 macro keys on the board, then go for it. I can't deny there's not many others doing it, and especially no fully mechanical options anyway.
 
CallMeCooper said:
Redaction:

Ok, that was a mistake on my part. The k60 and k90 both have mech/not mech keys. All of the keys are mechanical except the G-keys/home,delete,page-up, etc../and the F-keys. The typing keys/numpad/arrow keys are mech. Corsair says it used dome keys on the select few to prevent accidental multiple presses.
Click to expand...

No they didn't. They did it as a cost cutting measure and because they didn't think it would make a difference to most people. They quickly learned that many of us found the idea unacceptable in the thread about the Keyboard started by Readbeard as I recall.

CallMeCooper said:
@PhantmShado It's just what was posted in a review that I read. Aside from that, I can easily see why they would do that.


  1. Those keys aren't the ones that you actually care about for keypresses. Your main typing keys are the ones that are going to get the most use out of, therefore they used mechanical key switches for longevity of life.
  2. Since you have obviously never used "g keys" for macros, you wouldn't know that if you double tap keys with macros bound to them it can interrupt the macro and make it completely not work how intended. All depending on what engine the macros are running off of, whether it be in game macro, or manufacturer KB software.
  3. And lastly, yes, I'm sure it also had to do with cutting some costs to make the product actually affordable to a wider audience. Not just 1%'ers. id much rather pay $130 for a KB with the right keys being mechanical, and the not so often used ones dome-PCB, than end up with a $200 dollar keyboard.

I agree with the way they handled the design of this KB. JMHO

Also, I agree with you PhantmShado, I rock a Dell SK-8135 and have no need for special macro keys. I just bind everything around my left hand. 1-5, Alt+1-5, Shift+1-5, F, G, V, and so on. TBH there is no need for macro keys as they are usually too far away.
Click to expand...

Umm there are many mechanical keyboards without shitty membrane / domes. These do NOT cost $200.
 
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Dan_D said:
No they didn't. They did it as a cost cutting measure and because they didn't think it would make a difference to most people. They quickly learned that many of us found the idea unacceptable in the thread about the Keyboard started by Readbeard as I recall.



Umm there are many mechanical keyboards without shitty membrane / domes. These do NOT cost $200.
Click to expand...

Umm they are right under/at when you have backlightiing, aluminum chasis, macro keys, multimedia key and knob/wheel. So yeah, they do.
 
CallMeCooper said:
Umm they are right under/at when you have backlightiing, aluminum chasis, macro keys, multimedia key and knob/wheel. So yeah, they do.
Click to expand...

I don't look at keyboards with multimedia keys, knobs wheels, macro keys or other BS. I just want a simple mechanical keyboard that works. The aluminum chassis is nice, but not a deal maker / breaker for me.
 
Dan_D said:
I don't look at keyboards with multimedia keys, knobs wheels, macro keys or other BS. I just want a simple mechanical keyboard that works. The aluminum chassis is nice, but not a deal maker / breaker for me.
Click to expand...

Because that matters. You are not the OP.
 
Dan_D said:
I don't look at keyboards with multimedia keys, knobs wheels, macro keys or other BS. I just want a simple mechanical keyboard that works. The aluminum chassis is nice, but not a deal maker / breaker for me.
Click to expand...
I respect your opinion, and for you there are lots of keyboards out there. But for those of us who want some of those features there isn't one keyboard that has all of it, so you have to make a trade. Its tough to make the mental leap from a $40 membrane keyboard that has all of that stuff on it to a $150+ keyboard where you have to sacrifice some of it. I don't think we're being too unreasonable asking for a few of those features when the market for mechs without them is so well served
 
CallMeCooper said:
Because that matters. You are not the OP.
Click to expand...

Just an opinion. Nothing more.

Activate: AMD said:
I respect your opinion, and for you there are lots of keyboards out there. But for those of us who want some of those features there isn't one keyboard that has all of it, so you have to make a trade. Its tough to make the mental leap from a $40 membrane keyboard that has all of that stuff on it to a $150+ keyboard where you have to sacrifice some of it. I don't think we're being too unreasonable asking for a few of those features when the market for mechs without them is so well served
Click to expand...

Honestly, for the most part, I don't think any of the options out there are perfect. If you want back lighting, you have fewer choices. If you want key caps which last longer, you have few options or you have to buy key caps after the fact. If you want media keys etc. your options are agani limited. Hell even the basic keyboards I like are few and far between. There is almost always some kind of trade off. I don't like the casing on the Das Keyboard and I couldn't care less about having the USB port hub on it. Some I like such as the Deck Legend are pretty good, but they may not offer the switch type. I actually liked the Razer Black Widow, outside of one thing. Plate mounted switches felt like crap to me.
 
BarkingPumpkin86 said:
So I posted yesterday to get some upgrade options for the insides of my computer. I've really been thinking about upgrading my keyboard now too, since I've been playing on a $7 Logitech for so long, its gotten the job done but I'd really like to change things up. I really don't want to go for one of the $140-150 ones, that's a bit much for me. I've heard good things about mechanical and just wanted to see what people think for gaming is a good deal and what you have liked so far.
Click to expand...

What is your budget? I would recommend Mechanical, personally I have a Leopold with cherry red mx switches. Wonderful, feels so light to type on, linear swtiches. Give them a consideration.
 
I found that the Ducky Shine keyboard is probably the best best if you want backlighting, fuilly mechanical, and multimedia options on it. The multimedia buttons aren't as good, but the backlighting and options on that keyboard are insane. I also have the K90 and have to say I'm very impressed by it. Coming from a Logitech G15v1 I have to say I do not miss it at all!!!
 
hdgamer said:
I found that the Ducky Shine keyboard is probably the best best if you want backlighting, fuilly mechanical, and multimedia options on it. The multimedia buttons aren't as good, but the backlighting and options on that keyboard are insane. I also have the K90 and have to say I'm very impressed by it. Coming from a Logitech G15v1 I have to say I do not miss it at all!!!
Click to expand...
Yeah, the more I use the K90 the less I miss the G11.
 
Dan_D said:
Honestly, for the most part, I don't think any of the options out there are perfect. If you want back lighting, you have fewer choices. If you want key caps which last longer, you have few options or you have to buy key caps after the fact. If you want media keys etc. your options are agani limited. Hell even the basic keyboards I like are few and far between. There is almost always some kind of trade off. I don't like the casing on the Das Keyboard and I couldn't care less about having the USB port hub on it. Some I like such as the Deck Legend are pretty good, but they may not offer the switch type. I actually liked the Razer Black Widow, outside of one thing. Plate mounted switches felt like crap to me.
Click to expand...

Considering the wide range of preferences from different users, its going to be hard to find one keyboard to rule them all, I get that. I just find it very surprising the percentage of keyboards that all look very similar and have similar feature-sets. Just look at the Das, Deck, Ducky, WASD and they all *look* the same: basically a standard keyboard, maybe with backlighting. Yes there are differences, but fundamentally very similar. If thats your thing you're better served than those who want a few extra bells and whistles attached. I don't understand why none of the mechanical keyboards out there have replicated anything like the G15v2: media keys, maybe a single row of macro keys, ten-key, backlit, wrist-rest. I don't really care about the silly screen
 
Activate: AMD said:
Anybody have any word on why the k90 is out of stock everywhere worth shopping (amazon, NE)?
Click to expand...
would also like to know. i took my k60 back to frys last night to exchange it for a k90. OOS. their website has it in stock as well as best buy, but then you have to pay for shipping. i brought back out my G15v2 just for now until i can get my hands on a k90. WOW. makes me realize just how untrue
thrgk said:
i love my g15 logitech for gaming, a nice keyboard for sure
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that statement is (imo of course). this keyboard literally feels like crap :(
 
Love all the posts, gave me some stuff to think about. I ended up going with a G510, got a pretty good deal at best buy. A return or something like that. I like some of the features with this one, even though I dont know if I'll end up using the G-keys. Maybe once I really figure them out they will come in handy. But so far it has been working out for me, and I guess I would consider myself a Logitech fanboy. I have been using one of their mice forever and it has really held up for me. So far I'm really happy with the purchase and have some good ideas for next time I need a keyboard.
 
New to these mechanical boards, but ive been reading about them and checking out the forums. My question is as far as gaming boards go is it better to get one with PS/2 or will the USB be ok.
 
kevws said:
New to these mechanical boards, but ive been reading about them and checking out the forums. My question is as far as gaming boards go is it better to get one with PS/2 or will the USB be ok.
Click to expand...

USB is perfectly sufficient. PS/2 technically has the capability of handling more simultaneous key presses, but there really isn't a need or any situation in which you'll need 10+ keys to register all at once. I made the jump years ago and never noticed any functional difference.
 
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