I need a new gaming keyboard. No idea where to start!

Keffoo321

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So I used to game with a G13, and type with a Apple Wireless Keyboard using a bluetooth dongle. The bluetooth dongle failed, the Apple Wireless Keyboard was pissing me off anyways with its lack of a numpad, and the G13 is getting a little old.

I need a new gaming keyboard, and I have no idea where to start looking. I heard Razer makes good gaming keyboards, and I should be looking for a keyboard with Cherry MX switches, although I have no idea which one I would like (I'm assuming all Chery Switches are mechanical?). I have a pretty high budget, but preferably nothing over 200 euros.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
 

Will Partridge

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If you are serious about gaming, you should definitely get a keyboard with mechanical switches. I also suggest getting a wired keyboard to reduce any lag. I hope this narrows your search field :)
 

Keffoo321

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So most of the people here are advising the G19. Some comparisons say that the K70 is better. But I'm seeing lots of people talk about the G910, G710, K70, K95 and the G19.

Let me just specify that I mostly play shooters or games that require quick response. Not so much MMO or RPG type games. Thanks btw.
 

leigh76

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As stated you would not be disapointed with any of the keyboards on that list i posted earlier.
I would just google each one you like the look of, compare etc see which one shouts at you ;)
There are a huge amount of people who use Logitech stuff (myself included) but that doesnt mean its always the best option.
Do a little research and see what you fancy.
You may even find different one that you like and want, then you can come back and tell us how great it is :)
For instance for me being able to turn off the backlight was something I wanted, G19 lets you do that.... but it also turns off the LCD... which I wasnt so happy about ;) lol
 

Keffoo321

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Yeah, I'm liking the K70. Although here in the Netherlands I can get the K95 for an extra 8 euros from a different store, including shipping, so I might get the K95. I was looking at the G910 for a bit, but Linus's review kind of pushed me away from it. I'll just rely on the Cherry MX switches.

The G19 is not available in the Netherlands, only the Danish and German version.

The K70/95 seem to be reliable and popular.

Thanks a lot for all of your replies. I think I'll be ordering my K95 tomorrow, so it'll arrive in the post on Tuesday. If I get it, I'll post my tiny review here. Thanks a ton to everyone!
 

Keffoo321

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Yes, I can understand that. I believe a friend of mine has either a Razer keyboard with Cherry MX blue or brown, because it has the clicky sound to it. Sound really nice, and is incredibly nice for typing. I was actually looking for something that is good for gaming and typing, and I heard that the Cherry MX brown is a good hybrid for gaming and typing, but unfortunately I can only get Cherry MX red keyboards in this country. I don't mind that much, but I think I might wait a week before I order. I've got lots of homework due the upcoming week, so I'll update whenever I get it.
 

Keffoo321

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So basically the K70's and K95's here are sold out, and they only have the RGB versions which are around 250 euros here. I found the G19 for 150 euros at a different store. How are the switches on that one? Since you advised this one, I would like to know how the switches are. Is this a mechanical KB btw? Thanks

Some other questions. So I've been looking around some more for good mechanicals, and the Logitech G710+ and G910 are in my price range. I found one K70 RGB that's a bit on the expensive side, but I could pay a little extra to get it. Tell me your opinions.

So far I'm liking the G910 quite a lot. Looks really slick, and I heard good things about their Romer G switches. K70 RGB seems nice because it has Cherry MX Red, plus the RGB seems kind of fun (not a necessity for me at all)
 

leigh76

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I need to point out that the G19 is NOT, repeat NOT mechanical.
It is however one of the best feeling non-mechanical gaming keyboards.
If mechanical switches are essential, the G19 is out I'm afraid.
Are you able to get ducky keyboards there? Try looking for Ducky Zero Zone (Cherry MX Red, recommended) or Ducky Zero Shine (Cherry MX Black) depending on your needs.
PS Im going to try one of these next time I need a board.....http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/wasd-v2-87-key-custom-mechanical-keyboard.html
You can essentially build your own keyboard, change layout, key colours, you can even choose exactly what switches you want ;) starting at $145/£96/Eur126.
Awesome.
key.jpg

Anyone got one of these?
 

Keffoo321

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Sorry. I ordered the K70 RGB with Cherry MX Red switches today. I'll get them tomorrow and reply with some feedback.
 

FoxVoxDK

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Hehe, the first week is pure frustration, but after that you'll love it. <3

Also people who suffer from "heavy fingers" trying to rest them on the keys will get a nasty surprise with MX Reds, when they start walking in circles, because they didn't notice that they were pressing the "a" or "d" key. xD

Ahem, that has however never happened to me while flying around in X3, never. *COUGH HACK COUGH*
 

Keffoo321

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This keyboard is amazing. I'm typing from it now and it was definitely a good choice. The RGB option is really cool, and the ripple effect looks awesome. The Cherry MX Red switches are really nice. I'm in love with the aluminum build, and the media keys. I wish the wrist stand could extend a little longer, but that's the only gripe I have. It's incredibly comfortable to type with.

Thank everyone for helping me pick out a new keyboard! I do recommend this keyboard to any one else looking for a new keyboard.\

EDIT: Keyboard is getting much more comfortable to use as I'm typing more and more. I can type extremely fast with this thing.
Just to add on one negative point about it is the software. Although it is very complicated and has a steep learning curve, it's really advanced, which is nice. Lots of profiles. The only thing is that the software often crashes if you open it, and the only way to resolve the problem is to restart your computer again. Your light wont respond to any changes you make in the software once it crashes, which is a quite frustrating.
 

FoxVoxDK

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Sorry about the software, I've never had it crash on me, so I was quite surprised when I read your post.

Although I am pleased that the keyboard itself is living up to your expectations!

Happy gaming! GL & HF!
 

Keffoo321

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That's interesting. I'm basically afraid to open the application because it will probably crash. I just let it load the profile I set it to, and don't open it. Fresh Windows 7 install on a brand new computer, so not a hardware problem. Tried reinstalling it as well, didn't work.

I'll try to find a solution someplace, perhaps on these forums, but probably better to do it on a corsair forum or send in a ticket.

Thanks a ton! (I'm just typing this because I want to type a little extra with this keyboard. Every time I get to type is a charm.)

EDIT: I'm experimenting with the BIOS modes. I noticed that when the software crashed, I could switch it to BIOS mode 8 and back to BIOS mode 1 and it would work again. I'm currently on BIOS mode 4 just to see if the problem happens with other BIOS modes.