12 replies to this topic

[Karyyk]

Despite being a longtime console gamer, I've found myself playing more and more PC games of late and can see myself probably going more in that direction as time goes on (gone are the days when I have the disposable income to buy every new console that comes out). As such, I'm looking for some feedback concerning keyboards touted as gaming-grade. So far the Microsoft keyboard I've been using has done the job, but if anyone has any suggestions, I might just be in the market for an upgrade.

[Atariboy]

I can't offer any help with your question, but I think you'll find the ever esculating requirements of PC gaming to be far more expensive to keep up with than buying a new console every half decade or so.

[Hatta]

All you really need is something with buckling spring switches. A unicomp customizer, a das keyboard, or an old fashioned IBM model M will do the trick fine.

[Seob]

I use the microsoft x6 keyboard. It has a detachable keypad that can be switch to the left side of the keyboard. Has plenty of macro key's. It's a bit cheaper then the logitech gaming keyboards if you don't use the onboard lcd screen on those. I don't need a tiny lcd on my keyboard since i use a second lcd screen on my pc where i can have things full screen.
The only minor disadvantage is that the function keys are small and the esc key is offset of the normal position it would be on most keyboards.

I switch between pc and console gaming all the time. Hardware for pc's is more expansive, but the peripherals are mostly cheaper. Plus there's a real variety on specific controller types. You could setup a real airplane cockpit if you would want to.
Games on the other hand are usually 10 euro's cheaper so if you buy a lot of games, the price difference is leveled.
And really you don't need to buy the latest 1000 euro plus videocard to play the latest games if you are alright with a normal resolution.

Edited by Seob, Sun Jun 26, 2011 12:52 PM.

[Karyyk]

Atariboy, on Sun Jun 26, 2011 4:33 AM, said:

I can't offer any help with your question, but I think you'll find the ever esculating requirements of PC gaming to be far more expensive to keep up with than buying a new console every half decade or so.

Not when you have a back catalog of old games you've never played that are readily available on Steam for less than $10. That and I've been building PC's for roughly 15 years now (hell, it's part of what I do for a living), so I know a thing or two about the cost of admission. It's another option. Frankly, neither of them compare to the escalating requirements of feeding and diapering a 9 month old, but that's a different topic.

Now, anyone have an opinion on a keyboard? I already know the pros and cons of console vs. PC gaming...

Seob, on Sun Jun 26, 2011 12:50 PM, said:

I use the microsoft x6 keyboard. It has a detachable keypad that can be switch to the left side of the keyboard. Has plenty of macro key's. It's a bit cheaper then the logitech gaming keyboards if you don't use the onboard lcd screen on those. I don't need a tiny lcd on my keyboard since i use a second lcd screen on my pc where i can have things full screen.
The only minor disadvantage is that the function keys are small and the esc key is offset of the normal position it would be on most keyboards.

Is this the one that has the adjustable backlight dials? That one looked fairly good. I don't particularly care about have an LCD on my keyboard (a friend of mine swears by the Logitech's, but that just seems like overkill).

Edited by Karyyk, Sun Jun 26, 2011 10:17 PM.

[Major Havoc 2049]

I own a Merc Stealth gaming keyboard and love it.

Also, these days with all the awesome deals on PC games on sites like Steam and GOG, you have access to years of classic and modern PC games and they are way cheaper than any of the download services from the console companies. New games are usually $10 cheaper on PC as well. I game on consoles, handhelds and PC, but lately I find myself gaming more and more on my PC, while actually spending less on games. The over comercialization of console gaming and the dumbing down of gameplay is starting to leave a bad taste in my mouth.

Edited by Major Havoc 2049, Sun Jun 26, 2011 10:44 PM.

[Karyyk]

Major Havoc 2049, on Sun Jun 26, 2011 10:41 PM, said:

I own a Merc Stealth gaming keyboard and love it.

That's another one I'm considering. I used to have the old Merc keyboard (not sure what happened to it, pretty sure my youngest brother ganked it) and it was pretty nice. I like the layout and the backlight, but the price is a bit much for me right now. If I found it on sale (somewhere closer to $50), I'd jump on it.

[Mendon]

I'm not that informed about keyboards, but wasn't there a keyboard/s designed for MMO's? I would swear I once saw a World of Warcraft keyboard that was actually like 3 sections that could be moved around into different configurations based on your preference.


Mendon

[MCHufnagel]

Atariboy, on Sun Jun 26, 2011 4:33 AM, said:

I can't offer any help with your question, but I think you'll find the ever esculating requirements of PC gaming to be far more expensive to keep up with than buying a new console every half decade or so.

Unless you're buying cheap-ass bottom rung pc's, then the price of buying and updating a gaming rig is just a little more expensive than buying a home pc and a console. Add the fact that pc games are less expensive than console games and have much better sales prices. There isn't much difference between the two. I've found that unless you buy most of your console games used, pc gaming is cheaper.

[Rex Dart]

Karyyk, on Sat Jun 25, 2011 10:03 PM, said:

Despite being a longtime console gamer, I've found myself playing more and more PC games of late and can see myself probably going more in that direction as time goes on (gone are the days when I have the disposable income to buy every new console that comes out). As such, I'm looking for some feedback concerning keyboards touted as gaming-grade. So far the Microsoft keyboard I've been using has done the job, but if anyone has any suggestions, I might just be in the market for an upgrade.

Guess I'll be the first to recommend that you not buy a new keyboard. The best gaming keyboard is one you're comfortable with. For me, that's one with a reasonable layout and keys that aren't stupid shapes or sizes. I don't need blinky lights or twisty knobs, re-imagined WASD keys, or the insert-pagedown block being relocated to the underside of the board to make room for some other zaniness.

Keys that aren't too mushy, backslash key diretly above Enter, and Function keys that aren't the size and shape of Tic-Tacs make a good gaming keyboard for me. If you don't have any specific complaints about your keyboard, maybe you don't need a new one. Just something to consider in all this.

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

Here ya go, all you need!:

Niyari Atari 400 USB








http://www.newgadget...b-keyboard.html

[Seob]

Quote

Is this the one that has the adjustable backlight dials? That one looked fairly good. I don't particularly care about have an LCD on my keyboard (a friend of mine swears by the Logitech's, but that just seems like overkill).

Yes it's the one with the adjustable backlight dail on it. I didn't think i would use it, but since i game in a dim environment it is handy to at least see the key's and don't be blinded by bright light. An other good feature, that will be on more keyboards is the fact that you can disable the windows keys when gaming.

[MCHufnagel]

Rex Dart, on Mon Jun 27, 2011 10:07 AM, said:

Karyyk, on Sat Jun 25, 2011 10:03 PM, said:

Despite being a longtime console gamer, I've found myself playing more and more PC games of late and can see myself probably going more in that direction as time goes on (gone are the days when I have the disposable income to buy every new console that comes out). As such, I'm looking for some feedback concerning keyboards touted as gaming-grade. So far the Microsoft keyboard I've been using has done the job, but if anyone has any suggestions, I might just be in the market for an upgrade.

Guess I'll be the first to recommend that you not buy a new keyboard. The best gaming keyboard is one you're comfortable with. For me, that's one with a reasonable layout and keys that aren't stupid shapes or sizes. I don't need blinky lights or twisty knobs, re-imagined WASD keys, or the insert-pagedown block being relocated to the underside of the board to make room for some other zaniness.

Keys that aren't too mushy, backslash key diretly above Enter, and Function keys that aren't the size and shape of Tic-Tacs make a good gaming keyboard for me. If you don't have any specific complaints about your keyboard, maybe you don't need a new one. Just something to consider in all this.

HA! I feel the same way. The keyboard on my current Win 7 rig is a ps/2 mechanical IBM. I've been using this kb since my Win 98 days. Nice "clicky" feel and very solid. Great for typing too! I've had to clean it up every so often, but I love it.