Had some cash lying around and went to microcenter today to get the logitech g19 keyboard. Ive been eyeing it for a while since i finally got around and bought a g700 mouse to replace my $20 crappy micrsoft one about a week ago and it figured it would be a nice keyboard to go with it...
 
But so far im not that impressed. I play in 3D and i really need a blue backlit keyboard for i can actually see the keys im pressing at night and to complinment my rig. The g19 pretty much lets you pick any color you want in the rainbow but unless u want to use pink, green or white i can barely see the keys. There just way to dim..im guessing there just using one solid light bar because its not 100% a fluid color across the keyboard. Some keys are dimmer than the others. 
 
The second issue i have with it is the spacebar feels really weird. It feels like "squisy" compared to all the other keys. Its hard to discribed kind of like theres a peice of foam or something under the space bar. None of the other keys seem to feel like that. 
 
The third issue i have it right out of the box i peel off the film on the LCD screen and theres a chip already. It not that noticable but aggrivating none the less. Plus the screen is kind of tiny. I dont know why but for some reason i though it would be like a inch bigger. I have to admit it does look nice but out of like the 8 programs they give you there pretty much all useless. I went online to find some new apps but im not finding much and the ones i am finding i have to pay for or are pointless. Plus it looks like the keyboard is dead in the water on new apps being released. The only one that feels helpful is the percision x app but that doesnt take advantage of the color screen at all. Plus all the info barely fits on the screen to begin with unless i turn down the font size and then i can barely read it. 
 
So for the $160 i payed its just not worth it so far. Im planning on driving back out there tommorow and returning the g19 and getting something else. Maybe the g510. I do like the screen but for double the price the color LCD just isnt worth it since the g510 is only $80. 
 
Anyone have any other keyboard recommendations? i heard mechanical keyboards are nice but im not a big fan on the clicking at all. Pretty much what i want in a keyboard is something quiet, has bright backlit keys for when im wearing the 3d glasses, g keys for launching games and programs, and a USB port would be nice to plus in my wireless g700 mouse reciever or charging cord.
 
Im willing to give the g510 a shot, since it would be nice to have a screen for displaying temps. But are the keys any brighter? Thanks for anyone who can help me out.   

Yeah, you payed $160 for a $30 keyboard.  That's Logitech for you!  Clicking on mechanical keyboards is a common misconception, only one well known switch makes clicking sounds.  Go for this, an actual quality keyboard with a blue LED under each keycap.
 
http://www.deckkeyboards.com/product_info.php?products_id=52

boredgunner


Yeah, you payed $160 for a $30 keyboard.  That's Logitech for you!  Clicking on mechanical keyboards is a common misconception, only one well known switch makes clicking sounds.  Go for this, an actual quality keyboard with a blue LED under each keycap.

http://www.deckkeyboards.com/product_info.php?products_id=52

 
The keys do look really bright on that keyboard but its got no g keys or anything like that which i really do like. Also if im not going to have the screen would rather keep the budget under $100. But thats for the suggestion. Im creeping around newegg now checking out everything...

As far as I know only Logitech uses LCD screens.  They also might be the only ones whose macro keys can launch programs.

How are the razer mechanical keyboards? They seem to have good reviews. Anyone know the differences between them all. There seems to be like 3 different names. Theres two im looking at now ones a razer black widow and ones a razer black widow ultimate, but i cant figure out what the difference is. 

I spent money on expensive keyboards up until about 2-3 years ago when I picked up the Belkin (Now Razer) N52Te.  Now, I can use a mid-priced keyboard (right now, a smaller Logitech) since I use the N52 to do everything on.
 
Good luck finding something that you like brother...it will be different for everyone:)

I could be wrong, but I believe the Black Widow Ultimate has back lit keys while the Black Widow does not.  I absolutely love my Black Widow Ultimate, but I have never used any other mechanical keyboards and there are those that say there are better.  I am extremely happy with my purchase though.

EVGA_RobB


I could be wrong, but I believe the Black Widow Ultimate has back lit keys while the Black Widow does not.  I absolutely love my Black Widow Ultimate, but I have never used any other mechanical keyboards and there are those that say there are better.  I am extremely happy with my purchase though.

 
yes it does. that is what i use also an love it.

Going to have to settle with Logitech if you want a LCD screen, and backlit keys in a combo. The mechanical switches are a bit loud, though the feel is far superior to boards like the G15/G19. I used to own a G15 then tried out a Das MX brown board, the LCD screen is nice to have, but in my opinion doesn't compare to mechanical keys. 

shogon


Going to have to settle with Logitech if you want a LCD screen, and backlit keys in a combo. The mechanical switches are a bit loud, though the feel is far superior to boards like the G15/G19. I used to own a G15 then tried out a Das MX brown board, the LCD screen is nice to have, but in my opinion doesn't compare to mechanical keys. 

 
Not true.  The newly announced Razer Deathstalker has a color touch LCD screen.  While I love Razer, I don't think I could do a "flat key" keyboard like the Deathstalker has.  I much prefer my (loud) mechanical keyboard.  I have 2 monitors, soon to be 3, and don't really need an LCD on my keyboard.
 
**UPDATED WITH LINK** http://www.razerzone.com/deathstalker
 

I also have the G510 keyboard and that thing SUCKS for gaming. It ghosts to much. The screen is stupid and useless anyways. Does nothing but shows time, countdown,news,email, and System performance usage. The G510 was a hand me down to me from a friend. But now I gave that keyboard to my mother so she can have a back-lit keyboard. If you want a simple back-lit keyboard from Logitech that has a good price point, this is the best keyboard to get. Also I have this keyboard too. I love how they keys are like laptop buttons and its VERY comfortable. This is the best keyboard from Logitech hands down. No errors are anything.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Pro...x?Item=N82E16823126043

I still love my Sidewinder X6 from Microsoft 

Could always go into the nearest Best Buy and try and find some of the Razer products that they have out, put your hands on them and get a feel for their products.

boredgunner


Yeah, you payed $160 for a $30 keyboard.  That's Logitech for you!  Clicking on mechanical keyboards is a common misconception, only one well known switch makes clicking sounds.  Go for this, an actual quality keyboard with a blue LED under each keycap.

http://www.deckkeyboards.com/product_info.php?products_id=52

 
I so want that Keyboard, love the classic look + blue baclit keys, but way out of my price range
 
right now I just use a Saitek Eclipse II
 
http://www.rgwoehr.com/wp...wrist_pad_extended.jpg

http://www.directron.com/kb577u.html
 
I use this one and I can tell you this is by far a great gaming keyboard. Everyone falls into namebrand buying, sometimes you find a diamond in the ruff and believe me this board is a gem.

Hey guys thanks for all the input. I think im going to go down to best buy and see if they have any mechanical keyboards to see if i like them. The black widow ultimate looks like a good keyboard, i guess each key has its own LED which too which would probably make it alot brighter. Thats one of the small downsides of 3D vision is the glasses make everything alot darker. 
 
The only thing i dont like from the youtube videos is the noise all the keys make. They have a stealth addition but i guess microcenter doesnt carry that so theres no way to test it out. I played a little bit more with the screen on my g19 last night and i can definitly live with out it. The glasses kind of mess with the text anyways.

I use a K800.  Nothing fancy but it works great and I can see the keys.
 
I also have a solar powered keyboard in the next room.  I'd recommend either, but the solar keys are a little different.

hard to find a keyboar worth a crap that has true red backlighting. i just got this g15 and i like it except for the red backlighting is actually orange/amber not red.  mechanical keys arent a priority to me cause i have been using non mechanical for years (and to be honest i havent noticed any issues in any games i play (wow, warhammer 40k space marine, warhammer 40kmark of chaos, warhammer 40k dawn of war (both original series and the DOW II series). 
 
with that said the perfect keyboard does not exsist (at least not for me) because IMHO it would be a ms digital media pro keyboard with lcd screen, true red led backlighting, g keys, and mechanical keys ;)  (needless to say it doesnt exsist :()

The BlackWidow keyboards use Cherry MX Blue switches which do click.  If you can settle for top tier build quality, red LED backlight, and macro keys that can't launch programs (but can record on the fly due to onboard memory), go for the CM Storm Trigger.  Plus it doesn't have a glossy coating that attracts fingerprints like Razer, and is only rivaled by the best in terms of build quality.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129004
 
Review:  http://www.gnd-tech.com/content/889-Cooler-Master-CMStorm-Trigger-Gaming-Keyboard-Review/view/1

Another alternative is the Saitek Eclipse III. I'm not very familiar with the 3 to be honest, but back when I had a first gen Eclipse you could adjust the brightness of the backlight.

Well i went back to microcenter and returned the g19. Looked around and they didnt have much for higher end keyboards. But they did have the blackwidow ultimate. So i grabbed that for $90. Been playing around with it for about an hour now and so far i really like it. I seem to be able to type real nice one it and i love the feel of the keys. I can see why people like mechanical keyboards now. Keys just seem alot easier to press and more responsive. I actually think i can type a little faster. Plus the blue LED's are really bright and i dont seem to have any issues whatsoever seeing they keyboard now. Even the lowest setting is 5x as bright as the g19. The clicks are a little annoying but it seems like if i press the key down with a little less force, its not so bad. I figured im going to see if i get used to the extra noise in the next week if not i might return it and try out the stealth version they have. Would have grabbed that but seems you can only but it from razers website. 

Try to get used to pushing the keys down only half way or so, stopping at the click and not bottoming out.  This reduces noise and can increase typing speed.  Glad you liked it!  Cherry MX Blue switches are my favorite for typing.  I personally like the click.  

GODKILLER


http://www.directron.com/kb577u.html

I use this one and I can tell you this is by far a great gaming keyboard. Everyone falls into namebrand buying, sometimes you find a diamond in the ruff and believe me this board is a gem.

**** is that? Looks like it's going to come alive and eat me.

I recommend the Steelseries 7G.. Nothing fancy - just rock solid..
You can really feel the quality! :D
 
http://steelseries.com/products/keyboards/steelseries-7g

Black Widow ultimate here!  Just got it a couple months ago, and easily my favorite KB ever.  Yes it does click, but i love the sound!  Rubberized coating on the keys feels orgasmic, and the backlighting is amazing, and can be adjusted.  Keep mine at max.  I had had logitech in the past, as well as roccat, and steelseries.  The roccat would have been my favorite it it wasnt for the flat keys.  Hate flat keys.  Felt like a laptop, which i also hate in general.  But my need for a tiny unreadable screen that i never looked at anyway has passed.    Its alot heavier than what i have had in the past,  But that doesnt really make a difference.  Well made too.

I love my Merc Stealth. It's a little on the expensive side but it is AWESOME for gaming.

mezzler


Black Widow ultimate here!  Just got it a couple months ago, and easily my favorite KB ever.  Yes it does click, but i love the sound!  Rubberized coating on the keys feels orgasmic, and the backlighting is amazing, and can be adjusted.  Keep mine at max.  I had had logitech in the past, as well as roccat, and steelseries.  The roccat would have been my favorite it it wasnt for the flat keys.  Hate flat keys.  Felt like a laptop, which i also hate in general.  But my need for a tiny unreadable screen that i never looked at anyway has passed.    Its alot heavier than what i have had in the past,  But that doesnt really make a difference.  Well made too.

LMAO you said orgasmic

Star Wars Keyboard, very expensive, but that touchscreen is too cool:
http://www.razerzone.com/swtor/keyboard

http://usa.ttesports.com/products/product.aspx?s=15
 
 
I have been using the Thermaltake Challenger Ultimate for some months now...great keyboard.  Keys can be 256 colors and plenty of T keys for macros, assigning windows functions and more...check it out...nothing to lose to look.  Key brightness can be adjusted and a lot more
 
 

You can always put a headset on if the key stroke sounds annoy you. I hate the sound too! So annoying no matter what mechanical keyboard color switches some one has. The best membrane keyboard is my Alienware TactX
 

 
http://accessories.us.del...cs=19&sku=330-6214