Cheap but decent keyboard (SIMPLE!)

[KatalDT]

I really would love a mechanical keyboard... but I have a tendency to spill stuff on my keyboard. Usually a day or two after I get a decent one, I'll douse it in soda (or water if I'm really lucky).

Then I go back to one of the super crappy walmart ones, and they last for many months.


So... I'm looking for a wired keyboard that's good for gaming and not too pricey.

Requirements:
- F keys in groups of 4
- Numpad
- Standard arrow keys
- PREFERABLY a large enter key, not these tiny ones they use now...
- Insert/home/pageup delete/end/pagedown in the standard 3 across grouping - not this new annoying squished setup.


DON'T NEED:
- Macro keys/media keys - having NONE is a massive bonus
- Backlighting - it's distracting, IMO. And I know where the damn keys are already.
- LED screens - again, distracting for me. Never found a good use for them.

Range of.. cheap. Cheap is best. Under 50 for sure, but cheaper is better, since I'll probably break it.

Thanks!

 

[Biggrich76]

I use my Logitech WAVE keyboard for gaming, the keys are nice and big and the layout is ergonomic.

You can find the wireless combo (with mouse) on sale for like $40-$50. Although I don't use the mouse, the keyboard is good for gaming IMO. They also sell a wired version - refurb at Buy.com

http://www.buy.com/prod/logitech-wa...g/q/listingid/49330818/loc/101/205129934.html

Overall Google shopping results:

http://www.google.com/products?hl=e...esult_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CEEQrQQwAA

I have a few other keyboards but I like this one the best for gaming. Maybe because I have big hands...

 

[Pegleg]

Keytronic Classic P2 is very good for gaming and typing. I use one myself.

http://www.buy.com/prod/keytronicem...-ps-2-104-keys-black/q/loc/101/203277854.html

 

[stefan231]

Logitech Keyboard K120

$14.99 at amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-...ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1282252543&sr=1-5

Technical Details
Low-profile keys give you a quiet, comfortable typing experience
Type naturally with the standard keyboard layout you're used to, including full-size F-keys and number pad
Thin, sleek design keeps your hands in a relaxed and neutral position for effortless typing
Durable, spill-resistant design and sturdy adjustable tilt legs
Simple wired USB connection - works with Windows-based PCs and Linux

 

[KatalDT]

I use my Logitech WAVE keyboard for gaming, the keys are nice and big and the layout is ergonomic.

You can find the wireless combo (with mouse) on sale for like $40-$50. Although I don't use the mouse, the keyboard is good for gaming IMO. They also sell a wired version - refurb at Buy.com

http://www.buy.com/prod/logitech-wa...g/q/listingid/49330818/loc/101/205129934.html

Overall Google shopping results:

http://www.google.com/products?hl=e...esult_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CEEQrQQwAA

I have a few other keyboards but I like this one the best for gaming. Maybe because I have big hands...

This is what I'm using now. I really don't like it. It's comfortable on the hands for straight typing, but the F keys are in groupings of three and I really don't like that - trained myself to use the F keys VERY quickly over the years, and I constantly hit F3 when I mean to hit F4, or F4 when I mean to hit F5 - because I'm used to judging by feel based on gaps.

It also has the very annoying insert/home/pageup etc. grouping that is becoming more and more popular. I prefer the two rows of three.

Keytronic Classic P2 is very good for gaming and typing. I use one myself.

http://www.buy.com/prod/keytronicem...-ps-2-104-keys-black/q/loc/101/203277854.html

Best looking one so far... looks like an incredibly standard keyboard layout. It's PS2 as well - so I'm guessing it doesn't have rollover issues?

Logitech Keyboard K120

$14.99 at amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-...ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1282252543&sr=1-5

Technical Details
Low-profile keys give you a quiet, comfortable typing experience
Type naturally with the standard keyboard layout you're used to, including full-size F-keys and number pad
Thin, sleek design keeps your hands in a relaxed and neutral position for effortless typing
Durable, spill-resistant design and sturdy adjustable tilt legs
Simple wired USB connection - works with Windows-based PCs and Linux

Oooh... spill resistant...

Thanks guys, will have to look these over some more.

 

[Pegleg]

"Best looking one so far... looks like an incredibly standard keyboard layout. It's PS2 as well - so I'm guessing it doesn't have rollover issues?"

It does have phantom key lockout, but I haven't noticed it while gaming(I mainly use the arrows and surrounding keys). More information can be found from their website...

http://www.keytronic.com/home/shop/shop.asp?h_ck=TB9AX5