Which to buy? I confess my total ignorance about keyboards. I'm looking for a keyboard that has backlighted keys, so my middle-aged eyes can recognize them in a dark room. I don't need macros. Recently, I heard about something called mechanical keyboards, and that some people feel they are the best type of keyboard for both gaming and lengthy typing assignments for work or school. Can anyone substantiate this claim?

I really would like to hear from a gamer, someone who uses the W S A D for first person shooters, who has switched from a regular or non-mechanical keyboard toa mechanical keyboard. What's your verdict? And what the heck is all this "cherry blue, dark brown or cherry brown" stuff have to do with a mechanical keyboard's key presses? Yes, I did some Googling, but not one writer explained anything. They just tossed the words around as if everyone knows what they mean.

Expert advice??? Hmmm... I don't think that much about keyboards -- as I have used them for many decades.

Mechanical Keyboard: Each individual key has a mechanical "plunger and spring" arrangement. You push on it and it goes down a substantial, feelable amount. At the bottom it makes a contact to transmit the key press. You have no doubt that you activated it. Different mechanical keyboards have different "feels" -- and each person will have a "favorite feel". Some merely sink into the keyboard noiselessly and smoothly. Others have a little "click" feel. Some keyboards are stiffer than others. The look of the keys is VERY 3 dimensional -- and DEEP -- each individual key looks like an individual mechanical item -- which it is.

PROS: Feel CONS: Large (hard to implement in a laptop or phone for example), spill your beer in it and its ruined -- I've ruined 2 or 3 with wine over the decades -- what I get for drinking in the dark (never get "high" though)


Non-Mechanical: Usually means a simple electrical contact. For example, a "bubble" of plastic on a surface -- one presses on it -- it moves a tiny amount and a contact is made. May include a clicking sound or snapping feel to inform that contact has been made. Generally reserved for cheap or compact keyboards (like on a phone). However, a full size, well made (not cheap) non-mechanical is fine for normal use on a computer. Those can give the impression of being mechanical to some extent.

PROS: Cheap, can be made small and compact, can be "waterproof", good for how laptops are used CONS: Lacks feel, most touch typists (those who type without looking at the keys -- i.e. type by feel) avoid for prolonged typing.

Personally, I am a "touch typist". I can use both kinds and we have both kinds in the house (several computers). My backlit keyboard is mechanical. Playing games in the dark requires feel. Usually, a mechanical keyboard will be best for general use at a desk. However, depending on the relative build "quality" some non-mechanical may beat out some mechanical.

Lighted keyboards are useful in the dark -- but the letters are harder to see in the light (at least mine is that way). So, a "hunt and peck" typist might consider that in picking a lighted keyboard.

Since it is a matter of "feel" there is no way to tell a person what keyboard would be the very best for them. Have to try a few. On the other hand, its hard to go far wrong if one picks a name brand. Other folks could have other opinions

I can't stand membrane keyboards anymore--that's the usual type you're thinking of as non-mechanical. Mechanical is almost impossible to find these days, at least by the usual sources. They're out there, but mostly high priced and industrial. They're satisfying to use though and used to be common. Nice "punch" when you hit a key. I remember loving my families old Apple II-C, partly for that.

Scissor type keys (like a laptop) are nicely in the middle and are what I have preferred for years now. Much more common to find in a stand alone keyboard now. Extremely fast and easy to type with. Membrane keyboards are simply too slow and need to much travel for uncertain key presses. Not sure about one backlit for gaming, but may be out there.


mechanical > scissor > membrane

If you want a backlit mechanical keyboard, it won't be cheap. Either a Razer Blackwidow Ultimate or the Deck Legend, with the latter being the better, but more expensive (at US$175) option. Both use Cherry MX keyswitches; the Blackwidow line uses Blues (tactile + clicky/audible), while the Deck boards use Blues, Clears (tactile non-clicky), and possibly Blacks (linear).

This OCN Mechanical Keyboard guide will tell you most of what you need to know.

Allen, Raw Kryptonite, thank you both for taking the time to reply and share your knowledge and experience.

Nameless, thanks for the OCN Mechanical Keyborad Guide link. Unfortunately, after reading it, I'm more confused than before. Cherry this, brown that, clear this, OMFreakin'G! All these years, more than a half century on planet earth, and I thought a computer keyboard was just a keyboard. I mean, other than backlighting and macros, I thought they were all basically the same! I guess my current $15 no-name, no frills or features, Brand X keyboard must be a membrane one, eh?

I was looking online for a replacement, preferably with backlighted keys for gaming in the dark when I stumbled on the "mechanical keyboard" thing and read about the Razer Blackwidow and the other "mechanical" keyboards. That's why I started this thread. But I'm still confused. I just want to know, before I step out on a limb and spend money, which type, mechanical or membrane (non-mechanical), is the best for First PErson shooter gaming. I read some "user" reviews online, most of which said mechanical is better, but I don't know if the online user reviews are true or fake. That's why I'm hoping that someone on SimHQ can talk about the advantages (or disadvantages) of a mechanical vs. "normal" keyboard for WSAD action in a shooter.

To summarize: I prefer mechanical -- its all about the feel, nothing more. I don't need mechanical to be "happy". As I note above, that's a personal preference. I can't say what you would like. Thing is, for a lighted keyboard, the decent ones are mechanical or behave that way. So, mechanical or not may be a moot point.

Regarding lighted keyboards, I have the earlier version this one currently selling for $68 delivered. I paid $45 on sale which is closer to what I like to pay for a keyboard. The keys feel OK but not "real special". Over time, the paint on the top of the keys wears on two or three of the most used keys and the light shines through the resulting small "hole" dimly. I am not recommending this keyboard. Simply showing what I own. If I wanted a lighted keyboard, I would consider it.

Saitek Eclipse II

This Logitech lighted keyboard for $62 seems to be a better keyboard than mine based on the advertising (and cheaper today). Probably, if I had to buy one today (this minute), I'd buy this one. But, I don't own it; so, I can't recommend it. I have a couple other Logitech keyboards and they are well made.

Logitech G110

For non-lighted keyboards, I pick among Microsoft and Logitech units for myself and extended family -- anywhere from $20 to $50 depending on the style I am looking for -- haven't gotten "burned" yet. Why so many keyboards? I make computers for myself and family as a hobby. So, I wind up buying one or two keyboards a year (three during the last year -- two wireless Logitech, one inexpensive Microsoft).

Personally, the above is just about the maximum I would pay for a keyboard. Though I don't own them, I see little justification for a $100+ keyboard. Of course, this is a hobby. If its fun to have an expensive keyboard -- then just do it

My opinions so you have "something" to consider. I don't pretend to be knowledgeable enough about pros and cons of specific makes and models of keyboards to firmly recommend how someone else spends their money on one.

p.s.

Now you have me thinking about a new keyboard

I'm collecting parts (when on a good sale) for my upcoming AMD Bulldozer system (July build ???). Since a couple keys on my Saitek have worn paint, it might be nice to get myself a new keyboard to go with the new architecture Bulldozer CPU system. In addition to Microsoft and Logitech, I will consider RAZER as I have a RAZER product (gaming mouse) that works very well. I will be looking for a lighted keyboard, initially. I may wind up paying a bit more than the my usual $50 limit.

p.p.s.

Well, that didn't take long. I bought this one.

Microsoft Sidewinder X4 Gaming Keyboard $53

Specifications what I was looking for -- backlighting and non-ghosting tactile keys (not necessarily mechanical if the feel is there). Microsoft, if possible -- I like their keyboards a lot. Roughly $50 price range.

Will I love it? Don't know until I try it

Looks nice! I agree about MS quality too.
Another thing not mentioned that I insist on with a keyboard is that it's as flat as possible with the desk and as thin as I can find--another reason the scissor keys are nice. That one looks very flat, I like it. I have no idea why people like to have their keyboards tilt upwards, putting their wrists at that nice carpal tunnel angle. Flatter is better. I'd even like to try one of those laser projected keyboards. LOL

Well, it says they're out of stock at NewEgg, so I guess I'll look for the X4 elsewhere. Thanks for the tip. ONe thing I forgot to ask about is wireless keyboards. Are they really good?

When I selected the Microsoft X4, they said "one per customer" -- usually they say "five". When I looked a couple hours later -- they were "out of stock". Consequently, I think I may have gotten the last one in stock -- though that didn't dawn on me as I was buying it.


The issues with wireless are range and delays/dropouts (for example, in a mouse movement or keypress registering).

For wireless, I go Logitech. I have two in the house and bought a third for my sister's system (which I built).

Main reason, Logitech is range. You can have the Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse (at least the ones I own) 15 to 20 feet from the receiver (at the computer) by my actual test. From what I read over a year ago (customer comments sections), most wireless keyboards only have a range of 6 feet. So, you can't sit on the couch and play a game on your HDTV, for example. Microsoft range was not that great over a year ago when I was researching. Secondarily, the Logitech was well made -- but so are others. With Windows 7, hook up relatively painless.

There are definitely delays on occasion with wireless. Wireless and WiFi and indoor wireless phones can conflict -- or so it is written (I haven't noticed that and we have a lot of phones plus WiFi).

Personally, as a gamer, I would not use wireless as a primary keyboard. But, I have no reservations using Logitech as a secondary or special purpose keyboard where it makes sense. Just check specifications and/or customer comments for range.

Again, since I have not owned them all, I can only say what I do and how it turned out. Other products may be as good or better (but I have not knowingly run across them in my cheapskate price range). Also, CPUs, memory, graphics cards, PSUs, hard drives, and others are easier to recommend -- as the criteria for good ones are very objective. Keyboards are subjective

p.s. I notice (at 7:45am) the Microsoft X4 is "in stock" and back on sale -- one per customer (whatever that implies about quantities on hand).

I only buy wireless now, but I agree on the distance limitation. I bought an HP a year or so ago that even 3' away would drop out. I've got an old Logitech kb/m set that 12' away would register.
I've got a new Asus compact keyboard I love, but no num pad. Brilliant chiklet keys like my netbook has though. A Kensington that's several years old, VERY flat, that I always go back to--annoying since it's both Mac and PC keys though. The HP started losing keys in addition to the range issue, so it's gone.
I keep finding keyboards where I like parts of them, but have yet to find the perfect all-around keyboard.

Thanks guys!

Got the MS X4 Gamer keyboard today. I'm typing on it now.

Much better looking than my Saitek Eclipse (there is now an Eclipse 2). This is not a mechanical, apparently. Keys don't have the mechanical feel. On the other hand, that's not a problem for me. I am already touch typing on it well and I've used it only a very few minutes -- slightly better than Saitek. Feel is very similar to the $20 MS keyboard my wife uses -- not a bad thing. So, if one wants the mechanical feel, go elsewhere. But, this is a good "standard feel" keyboard.

Adjustable brightness keys show up well in any light -- 3 brightnesses and OFF -- unlike the Saitek which is harder to see in some lighting.

Just plugged it into a USB port and Windows automatically loaded drivers. However, I installed the Intellitype Pro 7.1 software that came with it. It includes an application for programming the keys. Have not tried the programmable feature.

Nothing overwhelmingly special -- but, I'm not a keyboard junkie -- I adapt to what's in front of me. No problems noticed. I'm satisfied its an improvement on my Saitek: Better looking, keys more visible, easier touch typing, surface finish not worn (and it looks more durable than the Saitek) -- came in a nice gamer oriented box

Now, I'll put it back in the box -- and take it out when I build my Bulldozer system -- hopefully in June (but, we'll see)