Need a new Keyboard.

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McJugga

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#1 McJugga
Member since 2007 • 9453 Posts

Hey guys, I think it is time I get a new keyboard.

I have one of those really old ones, like you would see in a library with cheap keyboards... Like the one below

I tried typing on my brother's laptop, and I noticed that I could type much faster.

Anyways, I'll get to the point now. Can anyone recommend me a keyboard that has buttons that are a little easier to press than the one above?

Price limit is $70-$80 Canadian, but I would like to keep it under $50.

Thanks for your help!

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Auraknight1

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#2 Auraknight1
Member since 2009 • 502 Posts

Really nice gaming keyboard in the 70$-80$ range-http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126009CVF7

Nice keyboard for under 50$ -http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175103

BOth have blue backlight lights if you want them( they can be turned off, al least on the g11) and are really good quality keyboard. Personally I would get the g11 but the price on the saitek is really good too!

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McJugga

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#3 McJugga
Member since 2007 • 9453 Posts
That G11 looks kind of big, I am not too sure I have enough space for it. The Saitek looks good, but isn't there a Saitek Eclipse II and III as well? If so, are they better or worse than the first one. Does anyone own a keyboard that they really like?
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NamelessPlayer

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#4 NamelessPlayer
Member since 2004 • 7729 Posts
You have an IBM Model M (pictured board)? I use one just like it, and would be hard-pressed to use any other keyboard. Trust me-they're anything but cheap, both in the way they're constructed and the prices they'll fetch on the Internet. Different strokes for different folks, however, and you seem to prefer short-travel laptop-style keys. If I recall correctly, the Razer Lycosa uses laptop-style keys, and is a rather popular "gaming" keyboard. You might want to look into that for a start. Oh, and after you get your new keyboard, put the Model M on eBay or some other such place. It'll probably sell and help recoup the cost of the new keyboard.
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McJugga

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#5 McJugga
Member since 2007 • 9453 Posts
[QUOTE="NamelessPlayer"]You have an IBM Model M (pictured board)? I use one just like it, and would be hard-pressed to use any other keyboard. Trust me-they're anything but cheap, both in the way they're constructed and the prices they'll fetch on the Internet. Different strokes for different folks, however, and you seem to prefer short-travel laptop-style keys. If I recall correctly, the Razer Lycosa uses laptop-style keys, and is a rather popular "gaming" keyboard. You might want to look into that for a start. Oh, and after you get your new keyboard, put the Model M on eBay or some other such place. It'll probably sell and help recoup the cost of the new keyboard.

I didn't realize the Model M was actually good. Anyways that is not what I have. I just searched old keyboard in google and got that. Mine looks like it though, but is really not great at all.
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JigglyWiggly_

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#6 JigglyWiggly_
Member since 2009 • 24625 Posts

I use the dell usb multimedia keyboard, I went from a g15, those things are too big. Seriously this is a good keyboard, types really really nicelyhttp://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=dell+multimedia+keyboard&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=4118422611068572431#ps-sellers

Or if you're into bling the saitek eclipse 3 looks awesome.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175006

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Velocitas8

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#7 Velocitas8
Member since 2006 • 10748 Posts

I use the dell usb multimedia keyboard, I went from a g15, those things are too big.JigglyWiggly_

Yeah, I use a G15 and own a G11. I like both, but the G15 is pretty big..and the G11 is Xbox-huge (has extra G-keys, and the media-key area is larger.) The G11 comes in at something like 21 inches wide.

Do not get either if you're concerned about desk space.

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mattpunkgd

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#8 mattpunkgd
Member since 2007 • 2198 Posts
I use a razer arctosa (pretty much a razer lycosa without backlight and rubberish keys) and I love it, but still want to try more keyboards. When I replace it i might go for g15, eclipse III, or g19 (when the price comes down a bit lol).
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McJugga

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#9 McJugga
Member since 2007 • 9453 Posts
Hmm... That Saitek Eclipse III is $100 CAD, I don't think I am willing to put that kind of money into a keyboard.
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imprezawrx500

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#10 imprezawrx500
Member since 2004 • 19187 Posts
the gaming keyboards are a waste of money. Really expensive and often lack many of the media keys of much cheaper keyboards. Logitech and Microsoft make some nice keyboards. Even a $5-$10 usb keyboard will be much better than your current one. something like this great for normal use and fine for gaming http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?ISList=23-109-056-S01%2c23-109-056-S02%2c23-109-056-S03%2c23-109-056-S04&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16823109056&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=Microsoft%20Black%20Wired%20Digital%20Media%20Keyboard%203000%20-%20Retail
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jimmyjammer69

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#11 jimmyjammer69
Member since 2008 • 12239 Posts
If you've got an electronics store with keyboards on display then try a few out. When I went to buy a keyboard with my brother about a year ago, we got into an argument about which to buy as we had totally different ideas as to which was most comfortable.
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NamelessPlayer

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#12 NamelessPlayer
Member since 2004 • 7729 Posts
[QUOTE="McJugga"][QUOTE="NamelessPlayer"]You have an IBM Model M (pictured board)? I use one just like it, and would be hard-pressed to use any other keyboard. Trust me-they're anything but cheap, both in the way they're constructed and the prices they'll fetch on the Internet. Different strokes for different folks, however, and you seem to prefer short-travel laptop-style keys. If I recall correctly, the Razer Lycosa uses laptop-style keys, and is a rather popular "gaming" keyboard. You might want to look into that for a start. Oh, and after you get your new keyboard, put the Model M on eBay or some other such place. It'll probably sell and help recoup the cost of the new keyboard.

I didn't realize the Model M was actually good. Anyways that is not what I have. I just searched old keyboard in google and got that. Mine looks like it though, but is really not great at all.

Oh. Well, you'd know if you had a proper Model M because of the buckling-spring keys having a distinct feel to them, not to mention being a bit "clicky" and rather noisy. Some of us like the noise, others hate it.
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tautitan123

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#13 tautitan123
Member since 2005 • 391 Posts
Was about to call the psychiatrist to have your head examined if you were thinking of chucking a Model M lol but I see that's not the one you have, so buy one. Or, any of Saitek's gaming keyboards are worth the outlay. Think about it; apart from the monitor the keyboard is probably the one peripheral you use more than any other so it is worth spending some cash on one that will last you a good few years, especially if you like the feel of the keys. I spent a considerable amount of dosh (for me) to have one of these: http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/customizer.html shipped from the US because I love the Model M board and wanted something a bit more up to date that fitted in with the rest of my kit. I will probably never change to another board now until that one breaks down which will be a very long time if the Model M I own is anything to go by.
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Dogswithguns

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#14 Dogswithguns
Member since 2007 • 11359 Posts
Bestbuy has the Dynex keyboards work great and inxpensive. or if you wanna shop online the Liteon keyboard great n cheap at newegg.
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skrillalover

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#15 skrillalover
Member since 2003 • 1348 Posts

g11 is awesome. i type tons on it and is super comfortable for general work. plus it is a great gaming keyboard. the g keys are very useful in games and the back lighting is really nice.

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McJugga

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#16 McJugga
Member since 2007 • 9453 Posts
So it pretty comes down to a saitek, G15, G11 or a some random cheaper one... Has anyone used either of these and know a big problem or any cons to them? What is the difference between g11 and g15? Are the Saitek, G15 and G11 keyboards worth it over a cheaper one?
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Velocitas8

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#17 Velocitas8
Member since 2006 • 10748 Posts

So it pretty comes down to a saitek, G15, G11 or a some random cheaper one... Has anyone used either of these and know a big problem or any cons to them? What is the difference between g11 and g15? Are the Saitek, G15 and G11 keyboards worth it over a cheaper one?McJugga

Yeah, I own and use both. As far as the G11 vs G15:

The G11 is pretty much the same as the G15, minus the LCD screen, with more macro keys added. Because of the extra keys, the G11 is a bit larger than the G15, but also a bit cheaper due to the lack of the LCD screen.

In terms of build quality: they're pretty much the same. The G15 has an LCD screen with various applications, ranging from RSS news readers, to clocks, to displaying information from your media player (foobar2000/Media Player Classic), or even data about a game you're playing. Some of the apps are pretty gimmicky and don't have much point (mostly the gaming ones), but many others are very cool and useful.

Other than that..with the current models of the G11/G15: the G15 has a reddish-orange backlight, while the G11 has a blue one. There's a few other minor differences, but that about sums it up.

Concerning whether some of the higher end keyboards are worth it or not: it really depends on the user. These keyboards generally have a number of advanced features that the average user probably won't make use of, and as such do not need. If you don't even know what a macro is, for example..you probably shouldn't bother :P

If you think you'll *make use* of what it has to offer..then sure, I'd say it's worth it. On the other hand, they are priced a bit higher than I'd like..

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djdarkforces

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#18 djdarkforces
Member since 2009 • 812 Posts

saitek do some nice keyboards

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opamando

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#19 opamando
Member since 2007 • 1268 Posts

There are 2 G15 keyboards. There is the G15 that is exactly like the G11 except it also has an LCD screen. Then there is a G15v2 that has orange keys and a third as many G keys, making it quite abit smaller.

What one is the best comes down to personal preference. Like other have said try and find a store where you can actually test them yourself first. The perfect keyboard to me, might be way different that the perfect keyboard for you.

But for kicks, look into the Optimus Maximus, now thats a keyboard.

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Velocitas8

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#20 Velocitas8
Member since 2006 • 10748 Posts

^Indeed. I own a v2, and was comparing the G11 to that (since you can't really find the v1 anymore.)

Sorta wish I could've gotten my hands on a v1. I prefer the blue scheme over the orange, and the larger size wouldn't have been a bother.

Seen that Optimus Maximus keyboard before. Pretty crazy..both the features and the price :P

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AzNs3nSaT1On

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#21 AzNs3nSaT1On
Member since 2005 • 921 Posts
i have the saitek eclipse 2 and g15, IMHO, although both keyboard does their job, saitek only looks good while the g15 is very useful with its lcd screens, I often use it to check my gpu temp, core temp, cpu/ram usage, and all sorts of useful info while playing games
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X1Viper

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#22 X1Viper
Member since 2009 • 138 Posts
Dude I highly reccomend the Logitech G15. Best gaming keyboard out there. LCD, macro keys (but not too many), multimedia controls, backlit, types well. Under $80 now i think? What more can u ask
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McJugga

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#23 McJugga
Member since 2007 • 9453 Posts
Well, the G15 is $88.06 CAD. http://ncix.com/products/?sku=26151&vpn=920-000379&manufacture=Logitech But I could price match it down to $67.10 CAD http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/126850/Logitech/920_000379/
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McJugga

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#24 McJugga
Member since 2007 • 9453 Posts
The Saitek Eclipse is $49.99 CAD http://ncix.com/products/?sku=18521&vpn=PZ30AUR&manufacture=Saitek But I could price match it down to $37.49 CAD http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175103&nm_mc=OTC-sho6b0tCA&cm_mmc=OTC-sho6b0tCA-_-Keyboards-_-Saitek-_-23175103 Hmm... It is a hard choice. I think I will go with the Saitek as the G15 looks a little too big, and the Saitek is much cheaper.
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Auraknight1

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#25 Auraknight1
Member since 2009 • 502 Posts

The Saitek Eclipse is $49.99 CAD http://ncix.com/products/?sku=18521&vpn=PZ30AUR&manufacture=Saitek But I could price match it down to $37.49 CAD http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175103&nm_mc=OTC-sho6b0tCA&cm_mmc=OTC-sho6b0tCA-_-Keyboards-_-Saitek-_-23175103I think you've made a good choice but you know there is a saitek eclipse that glows blue Hmm... It is a hard choice. I think I will go with the Saitek as the G15 looks a little too big, and the Saitek is much cheaper.McJugga
You know that there is a saitek eclipse that glows blue, right

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STAR_Admiral

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#26 STAR_Admiral
Member since 2006 • 1119 Posts
[QUOTE="JigglyWiggly_"]

I use the dell usb multimedia keyboard, I went from a g15, those things are too big. Seriously this is a good keyboard, types really really nicelyhttp://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=dell+multimedia+keyboard&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=4118422611068572431#ps-sellers

Or if you're into bling the saitek eclipse 3 looks awesome.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175006

I use the same keybaord and it amazing. Dont waste money on G11, G15, etc.. They are overpriced just because they slap the word "gaming" infront of the name when really its just a keybaord with 6 or so extra buttons.
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Roggirek

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#27 Roggirek
Member since 2007 • 1103 Posts
Wow, if i read that "maximus" thing right, it has a OLED on EVERY KEY?! no wonder its almost $1700
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tautitan123

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#28 tautitan123
Member since 2005 • 391 Posts
yep every key and apparently it's an atrocious board to type on from what i've heard.
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imprezawrx500

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#29 imprezawrx500
Member since 2004 • 19187 Posts
[QUOTE="STAR_Admiral"][QUOTE="JigglyWiggly_"]

I use the dell usb multimedia keyboard, I went from a g15, those things are too big. Seriously this is a good keyboard, types really really nicelyhttp://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=dell+multimedia+keyboard&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=4118422611068572431#ps-sellers

Or if you're into bling the saitek eclipse 3 looks awesome.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175006

I use the same keybaord and it amazing. Dont waste money on G11, G15, etc.. They are overpriced just because they slap the word "gaming" infront of the name when really its just a keybaord with 6 or so extra buttons.

exactly a nice media keyboard is just as good for gaming and takes up way less space on your desk.
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imprezawrx500

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#30 imprezawrx500
Member since 2004 • 19187 Posts
Dude I highly reccomend the Logitech G15. Best gaming keyboard out there. LCD, macro keys (but not too many), multimedia controls, backlit, types well. Under $80 now i think? What more can u askX1Viper
why pay 3x as much for some backlighting? http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126028CVF $33 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126034CVF $93 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126021CVF $19 Gaming keyboards are nothing special, just have lots of extra key and back lighting and you pay a huge chunk of money for them, even the cheapest keyboard will be a huge upgrade over that old one he has.
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DieselCat18

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#31 DieselCat18
Member since 2002 • 3008 Posts

The Saitek Eclipse is $49.99 CAD http://ncix.com/products/?sku=18521&vpn=PZ30AUR&manufacture=Saitek But I could price match it down to $37.49 CAD http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175103&nm_mc=OTC-sho6b0tCA&cm_mmc=OTC-sho6b0tCA-_-Keyboards-_-Saitek-_-23175103 Hmm... It is a hard choice. I think I will go with the Saitek as the G15 looks a little too big, and the Saitek is much cheaper.McJugga

If you go with the Saitek Eclipse, you'll be very pleased. I've been using that keyboard for almost 3 years now and it's awesome. Performs as well now as day one, which is excellent, looks very cool and doesn't take up much space on your desk....I say good choice.....

*+

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d-rtyboy

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#32 d-rtyboy
Member since 2006 • 3178 Posts

Check out Deck Keyboards. Especially if you want to conserve desk space.

http://www.deckkeyboards.com/

I'd buy one in a heart beat if it wasn't for my RSI.

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Arnalion

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#33 Arnalion
Member since 2006 • 3316 Posts

I like the Logitech UltraX Premium (laptop keys). Really nice for fast typing.