Suggestions on a good keyboard for me?

[jmsellars1]

Hi guys,

As the title suggests I'm looking for a new keyboard, my current one is a Logitech K200 with a broken leg so I think I'm due a new one lol.

The main things I want are:

- Illuminated keys

Preferably the ones that light up the characters themselves rather than just having a light coming from behind the keys. This is a must and is one of the main reasons for buying a new keyboard.

- Something relatively slim

I don't have a huge amount of space and I prefer the look of slim keyboards anyway. I rarely use the numpad so one without one is an option to save on length. Something <450mm long is preferable.

- Not too expensive

I don't have a budget as such but I wouldn't like to spend more than £40-50 on a keyboard.

There are other things that I like but these are not too important. Logitech would be preferred since my mouse and speakers are Logitech but I don't really mind. Also I like chiclet style keys but these seem rare on desktop keyboards so that's also not important. Lots of macro/multimedia keys isn't important either, in fact I prefer not to have them. Something with quieter keys is also preferred but again I'm not too bothered here.

Here are the ones I have been looking at so far:

http://www.ebuyer.com/148294-microsoft-sidewinder-x6-gamers-keyboard-with-detatchable-keypad-usb-agb-00006

Illuminated, cheap-ish and detachable keypad but very ugly in my opinion.

http://www.ebuyer.com/188212-logitech-gaming-keyboard-g110-usb-920-002241

Looks OK, has the illuminated keys and is Logitech but I'm thinking it might be a bit too long because of those pesky macro keys.

Any other ideas?

 

[raptorxrx]

Do you game? If so this won't work to well but if you don't it would be great. http://www.ebuyer.com/148872-logitech-illuminated-keyboard-ultra-thin-profile-usb-920-001165

I do realize that that keyboard is over budget but it fit all of your other recommendations.

The G110 is a good keyboard, and hey you might end up liking the macros.

 

[claydavis]

I would recommend Microsoft SIdewiki

 

[jmsellars1]

Yes I do game, why wouldn't that one be good for it?

The G110 does look good but it's just too long. I can't really have anything longer than my current keyboard, the K200 for business.

Do you have a link for the Microsoft Keyboard? Can't find it on Google.

 

[raptorxrx]

I'm almost positive he meant the Sidewinder, the one you linked. The thing with the one I linked is that some people say it sucks at gaming, because of keyblocks and ghosting, and others say it has no problems.

 

[jmsellars1]

I've happily gamed on £5 mice and keyboards for years and haven't cared so I'm sure it wouldn't bother me. It does seem a bit too long and a bit too expensive though. I may go with the Sidewinder, It's a good price and will give me plenty of room on my desk. Still think it's a bit ugly but oh well.

 

[raptorxrx]

The sidewinder is a good keyboard. You'd be happy with it. I would say go for it.

 

[neograndizer]

There's the x4, which looks a little more palatable. A few dollars cheaper.
http://www.ebuyer.com/189926-microsoft-sidewinder-x4-keyboard-usb-uk-layout-jqd-00006


I'm currently using a Mionix Zibal 60, but it's not for everyone and it's pricey. I got it on PM for $129 Cdn. It's mechanical, standard size keyboard, standard keys (no oversize delete key or any other; which I like), no macros buttons, individual illuminated letters (though colour may not be to everyone's liking). I love it so far, though there are mixed reviews on this keyboard. I only had for a week so I'm no expert and it's my first mechanical in many years (I couldn't find my 10+ year old still buried in boxes; which still works well, but letters are faded and worn).

 

[jmsellars1]

Best answer selected by jmsellars1.