Good Backlit Keyboard - Please recommend one! How do you guys see the keys in the dark?
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Right now I'm using a blue LED Saitek Eclipse keyboard that is literally 7 years old! It's time for a new keyboard!! /yes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':yes:' />

I've been playing most games with a 360 controller so seeing the keyboard is not an issue. Occassionly, however, I need to see the keys, which is difficult when wearing the 3D Vision glasses in the dark. Right now playing Mass Effect, for instance, I'm constantly tilting my head up and looking down my nose like an old man to see certain keyboard shortcuts.... most uncool. /thumbsdown.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsdown:' />

I'm thinking about this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823816002

I have a Razer Mamba mouse and honestly I've never been thrilled with it, so I'd like to avoid Razer products.

Anyone have a keyboard they can suggest?
Right now I'm using a blue LED Saitek Eclipse keyboard that is literally 7 years old! It's time for a new keyboard!! /yes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':yes:' />



I've been playing most games with a 360 controller so seeing the keyboard is not an issue. Occassionly, however, I need to see the keys, which is difficult when wearing the 3D Vision glasses in the dark. Right now playing Mass Effect, for instance, I'm constantly tilting my head up and looking down my nose like an old man to see certain keyboard shortcuts.... most uncool. /thumbsdown.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsdown:' />



I'm thinking about this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823816002



I have a Razer Mamba mouse and honestly I've never been thrilled with it, so I'd like to avoid Razer products.



Anyone have a keyboard they can suggest?

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#1
Posted 04/09/2012 03:57 PM   
[Moderator: Why move this, it has everything to do with 3D Vision.]

One tactic you can use if you don't already is to 'upgrade' your hand position from the often default WASD to ESDF, which surrounds your fingers with more close keys. Its also the default typing position.
[Moderator: Why move this, it has everything to do with 3D Vision.]



One tactic you can use if you don't already is to 'upgrade' your hand position from the often default WASD to ESDF, which surrounds your fingers with more close keys. Its also the default typing position.

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#2
Posted 04/09/2012 04:46 PM   
@ Moderator: Really? Move this thread? Did you read it or just look at the title? It was directly related to gaming in 3D vision, and 3D vision is the only forum section I'm active in. Now no one is going to see it and help. /mad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':mad:' />

@ Libertine: Thanks for the suggestion. The problem isn't really the keys close to WASD, which I can operate by feel. It's the shortcut keys that are elsewhere on the keyboard, e.g. in Mass effect 'i' is the equipment screen, 'j' for journal, and so on. It's those that usually require looking down for, at least for me. (And yeah, I know I can customize the keys, but for those types I don't want to put them closer otherwise I accidentally hit them in combat.)
@ Moderator: Really? Move this thread? Did you read it or just look at the title? It was directly related to gaming in 3D vision, and 3D vision is the only forum section I'm active in. Now no one is going to see it and help. /mad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':mad:' />



@ Libertine: Thanks for the suggestion. The problem isn't really the keys close to WASD, which I can operate by feel. It's the shortcut keys that are elsewhere on the keyboard, e.g. in Mass effect 'i' is the equipment screen, 'j' for journal, and so on. It's those that usually require looking down for, at least for me. (And yeah, I know I can customize the keys, but for those types I don't want to put them closer otherwise I accidentally hit them in combat.)

|CPU: i7-2700k @ 4.5Ghz
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|OS: Windows 10 Pro X64

#3
Posted 04/09/2012 05:29 PM   
I like my Microsoft Sidewinder X4. Cheap and cheerful.

It doesn't have the brightest keys but they are bright enough for for me - I also bought the keyboard soley for 3D Vision in the dark. The 'W' also has little bumps on it for further guidence.

@ Moderator: Shouldn't this be in the 3D Vision forum? /wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />
I like my Microsoft Sidewinder X4. Cheap and cheerful.



It doesn't have the brightest keys but they are bright enough for for me - I also bought the keyboard soley for 3D Vision in the dark. The 'W' also has little bumps on it for further guidence.



@ Moderator: Shouldn't this be in the 3D Vision forum? /wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />

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#4
Posted 04/09/2012 06:10 PM   
After going through all the fancy keyboards and mice, I have concluded Microsoft makes the best keyboard and mice. IMO, nothing else has a better layout or feel, no matter how expensive. I would look at what Microsoft has to offer and pick one. Personally, I like wired not wireless.
After going through all the fancy keyboards and mice, I have concluded Microsoft makes the best keyboard and mice. IMO, nothing else has a better layout or feel, no matter how expensive. I would look at what Microsoft has to offer and pick one. Personally, I like wired not wireless.

http://www.hollywoodpcrepair.com/index.html



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#5
Posted 04/09/2012 07:26 PM   
I got a Saitek Eclipse illuminated keyboard. No luxuary but works very nice.
I got a Saitek Eclipse illuminated keyboard. No luxuary but works very nice.

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#6
Posted 04/09/2012 07:54 PM   
I am currently using the K90 and its absolutely a piece of beauty.

The keys are soft to type with no tactile feedback but you get used the feel.
Back lighting is really nice with the F buttons a slight purple and the G keys glow white. Main keys glow blue.

Software is not great but functional.
Once you use the mechanical key switches other keyboards just feel cheap. >_<
I am currently using the K90 and its absolutely a piece of beauty.



The keys are soft to type with no tactile feedback but you get used the feel.

Back lighting is really nice with the F buttons a slight purple and the G keys glow white. Main keys glow blue.



Software is not great but functional.

Once you use the mechanical key switches other keyboards just feel cheap. >_<

#7
Posted 04/09/2012 09:12 PM   
I have the blue Deck Legend. the backlighting is the brightest I have seen out of about 10 backlit boards. it's a top of the line board but very expensive and hard to get.
I have the blue Deck Legend. the backlighting is the brightest I have seen out of about 10 backlit boards. it's a top of the line board but very expensive and hard to get.

#8
Posted 04/09/2012 09:59 PM   
[quote name='andysonofbob' date='09 April 2012 - 12:10 PM' timestamp='1333995043' post='1393794']
I like my Microsoft Sidewinder X4. Cheap and cheerful.

It doesn't have the brightest keys but they are bright enough for for me - I also bought the keyboard soley for 3D Vision in the dark. The 'W' also has little bumps on it for further guidence.

@ Moderator: Shouldn't this be in the 3D Vision forum? /wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />
[/quote]

Hmmm... looked at that one on Newegg. Defintitely an easier price tag than the $130 one I was looking at! So am I understanding you correctly in that you CAN see the backlit keys well enough when using 3D vision in the dark?

[quote name='Anisotonic' date='09 April 2012 - 03:59 PM' timestamp='1334008798' post='1393888']
I have the blue Deck Legend. the backlighting is the brightest I have seen out of about 10 backlit boards. it's a top of the line board but very expensive and hard to get.
[/quote]

Any pointers on where to shop for one? I've looked at Deck keyboards a long time ago but can't remember where. I never see them advertised anywhere.

[quote name='dx3ra' date='09 April 2012 - 03:12 PM' timestamp='1334005935' post='1393865']
I am currently using the K90 and its absolutely a piece of beauty.

The keys are soft to type with no tactile feedback but you get used the feel.
Back lighting is really nice with the F buttons a slight purple and the G keys glow white. Main keys glow blue.

Software is not great but functional.
Once you use the mechanical key switches other keyboards just feel cheap. >_<
[/quote]

Good to know! But I thought mechanical keyboards were supposed to give tactile feedback, no?
[quote name='andysonofbob' date='09 April 2012 - 12:10 PM' timestamp='1333995043' post='1393794']

I like my Microsoft Sidewinder X4. Cheap and cheerful.



It doesn't have the brightest keys but they are bright enough for for me - I also bought the keyboard soley for 3D Vision in the dark. The 'W' also has little bumps on it for further guidence.



@ Moderator: Shouldn't this be in the 3D Vision forum? /wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />





Hmmm... looked at that one on Newegg. Defintitely an easier price tag than the $130 one I was looking at! So am I understanding you correctly in that you CAN see the backlit keys well enough when using 3D vision in the dark?

[quote name='Anisotonic' date='09 April 2012 - 03:59 PM' timestamp='1334008798' post='1393888']

I have the blue Deck Legend. the backlighting is the brightest I have seen out of about 10 backlit boards. it's a top of the line board but very expensive and hard to get.





Any pointers on where to shop for one? I've looked at Deck keyboards a long time ago but can't remember where. I never see them advertised anywhere.

[quote name='dx3ra' date='09 April 2012 - 03:12 PM' timestamp='1334005935' post='1393865']

I am currently using the K90 and its absolutely a piece of beauty.



The keys are soft to type with no tactile feedback but you get used the feel.

Back lighting is really nice with the F buttons a slight purple and the G keys glow white. Main keys glow blue.



Software is not great but functional.

Once you use the mechanical key switches other keyboards just feel cheap. >_<





Good to know! But I thought mechanical keyboards were supposed to give tactile feedback, no?

|CPU: i7-2700k @ 4.5Ghz
|Cooler: Zalman 9900 Max
|MB: MSI Military Class II Z68 GD-80
|RAM: Corsair Vengence 16GB DDR3
|SSDs: Seagate 600 240GB; Crucial M4 128GB
|HDDs: Seagate Barracuda 1TB; Seagate Barracuda 500GB
|PS: OCZ ZX Series 1250watt
|Case: Antec 1200 V3
|Monitors: Asus 3D VG278HE; Asus 3D VG236H; Samsung 3D 51" Plasma;
|GPU:MSI 1080GTX "Duke"
|OS: Windows 10 Pro X64

#9
Posted 04/09/2012 10:30 PM   
[quote name='Likay' date='09 April 2012 - 01:54 PM' timestamp='1334001283' post='1393832']
I got a Saitek Eclipse illuminated keyboard. No luxuary but works very nice.
[/quote]

That's what I have now. The lights are beginning to fade and some have stopped working altogether. It's just not bright enough for 3D vision. Thanks though.
[quote name='Likay' date='09 April 2012 - 01:54 PM' timestamp='1334001283' post='1393832']

I got a Saitek Eclipse illuminated keyboard. No luxuary but works very nice.





That's what I have now. The lights are beginning to fade and some have stopped working altogether. It's just not bright enough for 3D vision. Thanks though.

|CPU: i7-2700k @ 4.5Ghz
|Cooler: Zalman 9900 Max
|MB: MSI Military Class II Z68 GD-80
|RAM: Corsair Vengence 16GB DDR3
|SSDs: Seagate 600 240GB; Crucial M4 128GB
|HDDs: Seagate Barracuda 1TB; Seagate Barracuda 500GB
|PS: OCZ ZX Series 1250watt
|Case: Antec 1200 V3
|Monitors: Asus 3D VG278HE; Asus 3D VG236H; Samsung 3D 51" Plasma;
|GPU:MSI 1080GTX "Duke"
|OS: Windows 10 Pro X64

#10
Posted 04/09/2012 10:33 PM   
I've got a Microsoft ergonomic. Backlit keys? Not exactly. On the left half, the Q, T, Z, and the number keys are the only ones that still have paint on them. The rest are blank. You know, maybe it's starting to be time to begin thinking about the possibility of perhaps doing a little keyboard shopping...
I've got a Microsoft ergonomic. Backlit keys? Not exactly. On the left half, the Q, T, Z, and the number keys are the only ones that still have paint on them. The rest are blank. You know, maybe it's starting to be time to begin thinking about the possibility of perhaps doing a little keyboard shopping...

#11
Posted 04/10/2012 12:03 AM   
[quote name='SnickerSnack' date='09 April 2012 - 06:30 PM' timestamp='1334010615' post='1393902']

Any pointers on where to shop for one? I've looked at Deck keyboards a long time ago but can't remember where. I never see them advertised anywhere.

Good to know! But I thought mechanical keyboards were supposed to give tactile feedback, no?
[/quote]

I got mine at performance-pcs.com

There are several types of mechanical switches, for example a cherry mx black (linear) like I have is great for gaming but average for typing, while a cherry mx blue or clear (tactile) is specifically for typing and a mx brown or white would be somewhere in between.
[quote name='SnickerSnack' date='09 April 2012 - 06:30 PM' timestamp='1334010615' post='1393902']



Any pointers on where to shop for one? I've looked at Deck keyboards a long time ago but can't remember where. I never see them advertised anywhere.



Good to know! But I thought mechanical keyboards were supposed to give tactile feedback, no?





I got mine at performance-pcs.com



There are several types of mechanical switches, for example a cherry mx black (linear) like I have is great for gaming but average for typing, while a cherry mx blue or clear (tactile) is specifically for typing and a mx brown or white would be somewhere in between.

#12
Posted 04/10/2012 03:29 AM   
The k90 uses cherry MX Red switches.

These clack when you bottom out the key but they have no tactile point or clicking point. (Clicking point is when the key is actuated)

The keys are slightly soft in comparison to the other MX switches.
The k90 uses cherry MX Red switches.



These clack when you bottom out the key but they have no tactile point or clicking point. (Clicking point is when the key is actuated)



The keys are slightly soft in comparison to the other MX switches.

#13
Posted 04/10/2012 07:42 AM   
[quote name='SnickerSnack' date='09 April 2012 - 11:30 PM' timestamp='1334010615' post='1393902']
Hmmm... looked at that one on Newegg. Defintitely an easier price tag than the $130 one I was looking at! So am I understanding you correctly in that you CAN see the backlit keys well enough when using 3D vision in the dark?
[/quote]

Hello mate

The backlight luminosity is not blinding, when I first installed it and saw the max backlight setting I was concerned it might not be enough tbh but upon trialling it for real, I have found no issues whatsoever playing in the dark, in 3D, using my first gen 3D Vision.

As I said the luminosity isn't blinding, slightly more might be nicer, but it is still perfectly functional - seeing the keys is no longer an issue for me.
[quote name='SnickerSnack' date='09 April 2012 - 11:30 PM' timestamp='1334010615' post='1393902']

Hmmm... looked at that one on Newegg. Defintitely an easier price tag than the $130 one I was looking at! So am I understanding you correctly in that you CAN see the backlit keys well enough when using 3D vision in the dark?





Hello mate



The backlight luminosity is not blinding, when I first installed it and saw the max backlight setting I was concerned it might not be enough tbh but upon trialling it for real, I have found no issues whatsoever playing in the dark, in 3D, using my first gen 3D Vision.



As I said the luminosity isn't blinding, slightly more might be nicer, but it is still perfectly functional - seeing the keys is no longer an issue for me.

Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
-------------------
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#14
Posted 04/10/2012 08:49 AM   
I have a Merc Stealth keyboard
http://steelseries.com/products/keyboards/steelseries-merc-stealth

Three color choices and three brightness levels.

and also the Razer (I know i'm mentioning a razer product) Nostromo.
http://au.razerzone.com/razer-nostromo

...but it's not a mouse, so OK right?!.

Whats great about the nostromo is you can program all the keys, which means when you switch games you can have melee, use, reload, heal, show menu etc..etc.. all assigned to the same layout.
Also works great with RPGs..watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvBrYgSn9iA
(shows macro programming if you can sit thought the beach scenes!!)

Trivia point - neither steelseries nor razer were the inventors of said products, they merely purchased the device from the original parent companies.
I have a Merc Stealth keyboard

http://steelseries.com/products/keyboards/steelseries-merc-stealth



Three color choices and three brightness levels.



and also the Razer (I know i'm mentioning a razer product) Nostromo.

http://au.razerzone.com/razer-nostromo



...but it's not a mouse, so OK right?!.



Whats great about the nostromo is you can program all the keys, which means when you switch games you can have melee, use, reload, heal, show menu etc..etc.. all assigned to the same layout.

Also works great with RPGs..watch



(shows macro programming if you can sit thought the beach scenes!!)



Trivia point - neither steelseries nor razer were the inventors of said products, they merely purchased the device from the original parent companies.

#15
Posted 04/10/2012 12:00 PM   
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