Logitech G19 VS Microsoft X6

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TechJeff

Limp Gawd
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Mar 25, 2009
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I am looking to get a new keyboard and want something that is capable for both everyday use typing and gaming. After looking at a few, I have basically narrowed it down to either the Logitech G19 or Microsoft Sidewinder X6 models.

The pros I like on the G19 is the custom colors you can set for different software. I was thinking this would be handy for a lot of my every day applications such as Photoshop where I can map out keys and have different programs use different colors so they help me with their keyboard shortcuts and such. The LCD is OK, but I have custom water cooling and fans that really would not work for reporting on the LCD. The LCD may be of use for some things though, so any thoughts there besides the toys like youtube and such that I don't care about?

The Microsoft X6 seems nice for the price and I usually like the keyboard layout. It has a removable keypad which could be nice for setting up macros for other programs like Photoshop. The only con I see is I can't customize the colors for the different apps for use. Otherwise having no LCD screen really is no big deal for me.

So, given the above, what would you suggest and why? Would you recommend I look at another keyboard as well? I need something that is not just for gaming but also typing and using for my daily applications.

Thanks for any input on this.
 
I have the X6 and it's a great keyboard, I love the touch of the keys. I am however considering getting the G19 because the backlighting on the X6 is a little weak when I game in 3D with the glasses, it's hard to see the keyboard and I think that the G19 backlighting is brighter.

Other than that I've been perfectly happy with the X6. Hope this helps.
 
$176 for a generic membrane keyboard with some LED's and a cheap LCD screen is completely ridiculous. If you need programmable keys, I'd try to find a G15v1.

If you want something for typing, then you want mechanical key switches, which rule out any color-coordinating lighting abilities. I don't know of any with programmable keys, I could be wrong on that though.
 
Just saw another one I am considering, Luxeed models raMa or U5 keyboards. These look nice too with separate colors for keys and detachable keypad. But the downside is it is even more expensive than the Logitech G19 when you factor in they charge more for the keypad (which I have to have for my other programs).
 
I haven't used the G19, but that is what I plan to go with next time I upgrade keyboards. I am using the G15 now and love it.
 
MattyC said:
I haven't used the G19, but that is what I plan to go with next time I upgrade keyboards. I am using the G15 now and love it.
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If you can live without the screen, programmable keys, and lights then you can do much better than a G19. I moved from a G15 to a Filco and I wish I did it sooner.
 
Cabbs said:
If you can live without the screen, programmable keys, and lights then you can do much better than a G19. I moved from a G15 to a Filco and I wish I did it sooner.
Click to expand...

I don't really use the programmable keys and the lights, while very nice, aren't a must. However I would be hard pressed to go without the screen. It essentially replaced a second monitor for me and I find it a much nicer solution. No more eating up tons of space to just display very basic things. For example I use it to show who is talking on vent, basic media info, the clock, queue/wait times for games/things that aren't the active window etc. It isn't really essential, but it is handy.
 
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MattyC said:
I don't really use the programmable keys and the lights, while very nice, aren't a must. However I would be hard pressed to go without the screen. It essentially replaced a second monitor for me and I find it a much nicer solution. No more eating up tons of space to just display very basic things. For example I use it to show who is talking on vent, basic media info, the clock, queue/wait times for games/things that aren't the active window etc. It isn't really essential, but it is handy.
Click to expand...

+1 on removing a second monitor. I love the built in MSI app so I can monitor frame rates and gpu usage while gaming.

The only thing that is bugged is the movie play back. It does not like to play the movies I have stored on my hd. The keys feel great, and the lighting is excellent on the keys. I wish I have got one sooner.
 
I have both the G19 and the Microsoft X6. I currently use the G19.

I had a G15 and really liked it. I use my keyboard for gaming but also do some data entry and typing. At work, I spend a lot of time on the computer and do a lot of data entry (accounting type work). The G15 had really good key feel which was my favorite aspect of the board. I hardly used the screen and did not use the macro keys. My propensity to drink beer while gaming spelled the end of my G15, but at least it went out fighting.

I wanted to get another G15 but could not find a good deal (I got my first G15 at a significant discount). In one of my periodic searches for a deal on the G15 I ran across a deal on the X6. Thinking the movable number pad would be nice I got one. Although I loved the key feel (and somewhat shorter stroke of the keys) and the large volume knob I would have frequent mis-keyed actions while gaming. I thought this would get better as I got used to the board but it never did. Also, I found that I used the number pad much more than I realized, and having it on the right was ingrained in my actions, so much so that I could not move it to the left side of the board.

Wanting a replacement for the X6 I found a G19 on a dented box special from Logitech. It has almost the same key feel as the G15 and a much better screen. Perhaps the fact that it is bigger and in color made the difference, but I use the screen all the time now. However, I still never use the macro keys. I do like the key color flexibility of the G19. Now, given the choice between a G15 and G19, I would choose the G19. In addition, I would choose both a G15 and a G19 over the X6.
 
Thanks for all the good replies. I am now tempted to go with the G19 Logitech and see how that goes for me. Also, I plan to use the different key colors for different software applications such as Adobe Photoshop, which I think may help with the keyboard shortcuts.
 
Go with the G19. It is fantasic and the monitor is very functional. I use Vent every day, I love having Fraps, I have Zune displayed on the keyboard while I play games solo, and I display lot of system information with G19App.
 
MattyC said:
I don't really use the programmable keys and the lights, while very nice, aren't a must. However I would be hard pressed to go without the screen. It essentially replaced a second monitor for me and I find it a much nicer solution. No more eating up tons of space to just display very basic things. For example I use it to show who is talking on vent, basic media info, the clock, queue/wait times for games/things that aren't the active window etc. It isn't really essential, but it is handy.
Click to expand...

Now you know, you can get a tiny USB monitor for that stuff.

The combo of a nicer keyboard + a mini screen will be more expensive than a G19, but a nicer keyboard should pleasure your fingers.

The below screens range from 60-200.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/usb-gadgets/c609/
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/usb-gadgets/7e3e/
 
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