Syorm Profile Joined April 2011 129 Posts #1



i went looking for a desktop keyboard. i went to bestbuy, kmart, and walmart. i found a blackwiddow keyboard and i loved how it felt and i also liked how it would make a click noise when i pressed down on the keys. the problem is that i dont think i need such an expensive keyboard.



i like the brand and how this keyboard is a great and lasting keyboard.



currently im using an old logitech keyboard and it is showing its wear and tear.



i guess im asking does anyone have a good razor or steel-series keyboard that would be recommended to me?



the things the keyboard must have is

1 back light

2 low profile

and 3 must be able to last a long time, for a player who plays starcraft 2 regularly

Please help and thanks TL hope this isnt already out their cause i looked 8).i went looking for a desktop keyboard. i went to bestbuy, kmart, and walmart. i found a blackwiddow keyboard and i loved how it felt and i also liked how it would make a click noise when i pressed down on the keys. the problem is that i dont think i need such an expensive keyboard.i like the brand and how this keyboard is a great and lasting keyboard.currently im using an old logitech keyboard and it is showing its wear and tear.i guess im asking does anyone have a good razor or steel-series keyboard that would be recommended to me?the things the keyboard must have is1 back light2 low profileand 3 must be able to last a long time, for a player who plays starcraft 2 regularlyPlease help and thanks TL

DJFaqU Profile Joined May 2011 460 Posts #2 That one.

JingleHell Profile Blog Joined March 2011 United States 11262 Posts Last Edited: 2011-07-25 01:31:24 #3 If you want a mechanical keyboard with backlit keys, you want the Blackwidow. I don't think there's a whole lot of other options, and it's actually relatively cheap for a mechanical anyways.



Alternatively, you could get glow in the dark stickers to apply to the keys on another mechanical, but frankly that looks like ass, and there's just not many that are cheaper than a Blackwidow, even the ultimate is in the same general range as most other mechs.

Balthazar Profile Joined February 2011 United States 276 Posts #4 If you have the money to spend, get a Das keyboard.

Onlinejaguar Profile Joined April 2010 Australia 2814 Posts #5 I have a Black Widow, It is awesome. Yes its expensive but i think if your playing and using it a lot it is worth the money. Mechanical keyboards are known to last longer then regular rubber dome boards.

Boblhead Profile Joined August 2010 United States 2574 Posts Last Edited: 2011-07-25 02:20:40 #6



read this for reviews.

http://geekhack.org/forumdisplay.php?31-keyboards Das keyboards are nothing compared to some of the Cherry keyboard/filco/leopolds(Personal Prefrence, I like MyCherry keyboard w/ mx red switches ) . Budget keyboards under $100 would be ducky/IONE's/Razer *blackwidow*/Noppoo Choc Mini's/ Cherry g81-1800's/Adesso/Siig. prices are $60-80.read this for reviews.

shublar Profile Blog Joined March 2008 Korea (South) 264 Posts #7



make sure you read this:



www.overclock.net/keyboards/491752-mechanical-keyboard-guide.html



for the full guide on why the keys click when you press them on a mech board. I'd recommend a filco if you can find one!make sure you read this:for the full guide on why the keys click when you press them on a mech board. @eugmak - www.twitch.tv/shublar - www.ausproleague.com

echO [W] Profile Joined July 2010 United States 1493 Posts #8 On July 25 2011 10:23 MarkBolinder3 wrote:

hope this isnt already out their cause i looked 8).



i went looking for a desktop keyboard. i went to bestbuy, kmart, and walmart. i found a blackwiddow keyboard and i loved how it felt and i also liked how it would make a click noise when i pressed down on the keys. the problem is that i dont think i need such an expensive keyboard.



i like the brand and how this keyboard is a great and lasting keyboard.



currently im using an old logitech keyboard and it is showing its wear and tear.



i guess im asking does anyone have a good razor or steel-series keyboard that would be recommended to me?



the things the keyboard must have is

1 back light

2 low profile

and 3 must be able to last a long time, for a player who plays starcraft 2 regularly

Please help and thanks TL hope this isnt already out their cause i looked 8).i went looking for a desktop keyboard. i went to bestbuy, kmart, and walmart. i found a blackwiddow keyboard and i loved how it felt and i also liked how it would make a click noise when i pressed down on the keys. the problem is that i dont think i need such an expensive keyboard.i like the brand and how this keyboard is a great and lasting keyboard.currently im using an old logitech keyboard and it is showing its wear and tear.i guess im asking does anyone have a good razor or steel-series keyboard that would be recommended to me?the things the keyboard must have is1 back light2 low profileand 3 must be able to last a long time, for a player who plays starcraft 2 regularlyPlease help and thanks TL

IF you want a keyboard that's quality and will last you a long time and mechanical, you are going to have to pay for it.



The BlackWidow is considered a good intro to the world of mechanical keyboards, but there are more expensive ones out there. IF you want a keyboard that's quality and will last you a long time and mechanical, you are going to have to pay for it.The BlackWidow is considered a good intro to the world of mechanical keyboards, but there are more expensive ones out there. "Or a school bus over a bunch of kids" - Tasteless --- “A man's errors are his portals of discovery.” - James Joyce

Ashworth Profile Joined August 2010 United Kingdom 173 Posts #9 Over everything you need a mechanical keyboard. You shouldn't be looking for some silly keyboard with stupid gimmicks instead of actualy quality.



6gv2 is amazing for the price, work from there.

ryan1894 Profile Joined October 2010 Australia 264 Posts #10 On July 25 2011 10:23 MarkBolinder3 wrote:

hope this isnt already out their cause i looked 8).



i went looking for a desktop keyboard. i went to bestbuy, kmart, and walmart. i found a blackwiddow keyboard and i loved how it felt and i also liked how it would make a click noise when i pressed down on the keys. the problem is that i dont think i need such an expensive keyboard.



i like the brand and how this keyboard is a great and lasting keyboard.



currently im using an old logitech keyboard and it is showing its wear and tear.



i guess im asking does anyone have a good razor or steel-series keyboard that would be recommended to me?



the things the keyboard must have is

1 back light

2 low profile

and 3 must be able to last a long time, for a player who plays starcraft 2 regularly

Please help and thanks TL hope this isnt already out their cause i looked 8).i went looking for a desktop keyboard. i went to bestbuy, kmart, and walmart. i found a blackwiddow keyboard and i loved how it felt and i also liked how it would make a click noise when i pressed down on the keys. the problem is that i dont think i need such an expensive keyboard.i like the brand and how this keyboard is a great and lasting keyboard.currently im using an old logitech keyboard and it is showing its wear and tear.i guess im asking does anyone have a good razor or steel-series keyboard that would be recommended to me?the things the keyboard must have is1 back light2 low profileand 3 must be able to last a long time, for a player who plays starcraft 2 regularlyPlease help and thanks TL





The BlackWidow will hardly last a year of prolonged use due to its backlit keys unless backlit keys have dramatically changed over the last few months.



If you look up reviews of things like Razer sound cards, headphones, lycosa and their mice, all of their things die within a year generally. If you get something that lasts over 3 years, then either you're not using it very much or you put a keyboard condom on it or something.



The blackwidow is the cheapest mechanical keyboard out there, so if you don't want to spend as much, look at something like the sidewinder x4 or something that has no ghosting. The BlackWidow will hardly last a year of prolonged use due to its backlit keys unless backlit keys have dramatically changed over the last few months.If you look up reviews of things like Razer sound cards, headphones, lycosa and their mice, all of their things die within a year generally. If you get something that lasts over 3 years, then either you're not using it very much or you put a keyboard condom on it or something.The blackwidow is the cheapest mechanical keyboard out there, so if you don't want to spend as much, look at something like the sidewinder x4 or something that has no ghosting.

Twitches Profile Joined August 2010 Canada 365 Posts Last Edited: 2011-07-25 07:52:08 #11 The blackwidow is probably the cheapest keyboard you're going to find for what you're looking for. I've had the ultimate for about a month and I don't regret buying it at all. The only annoying thing about the keyboard is that all the extra plugins for headphones and USB are on the right side of the keyboard, which is like right next to my mouse.



Other then that, maybe look at a Themaltake Esports Challenger. It's not mechanical, but it's backlit and retails for around 70 dollars. Gravity is just a feeble plot.

r4pture Profile Joined May 2011 United States 397 Posts Last Edited: 2011-07-25 08:13:06 #12 Here. Its built a little more solid, easier to clean, and has NKRO. If you don't know what NRKO means, read below.



You have to think, whats more important to you, looks or feel/use? For someone starting out in Mechanical keyboards I usually suggest getting a Dell AT101W off eBay. You can find them in black but most of them are beige. They use original Black ALP switches (non-clicky non-tactile) and are a pleasure to use. They're also low risk, as you can pick them up off eBay for around $25 and are built very very well, so its great for getting a mechanical on a budget. Part of their cheap price comes from the fact they are sadly 2KRO, but using one I've yet to experience keyblocking in SCII.



If you're looking for fancy lightings and such, and still want quality, you're going to need to spend more. Theres a few things to think about in mech boards: NKRO, keycap durability, switch type/feel. Key Rollover is important to a lot of people, "key rollover" being how many keys can be pressed at once while registering. The BlackWidow is 3KRO (only registers 3 keys at once) but claims to have a "gaming optimized matrix", while the previous mentioned XArmor features NKRO, which means it will register all keys pressed at once. This is also called "Anti-Ghosting" in marketing, but its true term is Key Rollover. One of my favorite switch types is the Buckling Spring, but the great fatal flaw of Buckling Spring keyboards (IBM Model M, Unicomp Model Ms) is they're universally 2KRO because of the IBM membrane matrix. One of the best keyboards (IMO) out right now are the Deck Legends, featuring dye-subbed keys that will never wear out, choice of two different switch types, backlighting, and NKRO. They can be found Here. The downside is Decks cost quite a bit more, raching up to $175 per keyboard (depending on switch type).



Speaking of which, switch type. There are a lot of different switches, the BlackWidow, XArmor, Das (non-Silent) and quite a few other use MX Cheery Blue switches, known for their clickiness. Some claim Blues aren't good for gaming, but many (including Destiny and his great love for his clicky Das) disagree. Cherry also makes Blacks, Browns, Clears, Reds, all different kinds of keyswitches. There are also other kinds of keyswitches, such as Black and White Alps, Buckling Spring and the ever expensive Topre. For an indepth look at the different kind of keyswitches, as well as different kinds of keys printing type and their durability. look at Overclock.nets Mechanical Keyboard Guide, each giving a gif and description of each switch and examples of different keyboards. It can be found Here. This is an absolutely must-read for anyone interested in mechanical keyboards.



I hope this was helpful. Just read up before you buy the first shiny thing you see, you won't regret it.



(For the record, I'm currently using a Northgate Omnikey 101, one of the best keyboards ever made. They haven't been made in years but last for ages, and go for around 250 on eBay. )



Edit - I just learned that the Rosewill RK-9000 will be back in stock on Newegg soon. I've heard it is a very well built keyboard using MX Blue switches, has NKRO and the red metal backplate behind the keys looks super sick (although the preview pictures on Newegg don't show that, the pictures I've seen from owners are awesome). However the big downside is the keys are pad printed, which means the letters and such will eventually wear out, like on "normal" keyboards. It can be found Here. The BlackWidow is a good intro, but won't last near as long as other mechanicals. If you like its look, there is a better, similar made keyboard by a lesser known company called the XArmor U9BL, which can be found. Its built a little more solid, easier to clean, and has NKRO. If you don't know what NRKO means, read below.You have to think, whats more important to you, looks or feel/use? For someone starting out in Mechanical keyboards I usually suggest getting a Dell AT101W off eBay. You can find them in black but most of them are beige. They use original Black ALP switches (non-clicky non-tactile) and are a pleasure to use. They're also low risk, as you can pick them up off eBay for around $25 and are built very very well, so its great for getting a mechanical on a budget. Part of their cheap price comes from the fact they are sadly 2KRO, but using one I've yet to experience keyblocking in SCII.If you're looking for fancy lightings and such, and still want quality, you're going to need to spend more. Theres a few things to think about in mech boards: NKRO, keycap durability, switch type/feel. Key Rollover is important to a lot of people, "key rollover" being how many keys can be pressed at once while registering. The BlackWidow is 3KRO (only registers 3 keys at once) but claims to have a "gaming optimized matrix", while the previous mentioned XArmor features NKRO, which means it will register. This is also called "Anti-Ghosting" in marketing, but its true term is Key Rollover. One of my favorite switch types is the Buckling Spring, but the great fatal flaw of Buckling Spring keyboards (IBM Model M, Unicomp Model Ms) is they're universally 2KRO because of the IBM membrane matrix. One of the best keyboards (IMO) out right now are the Deck Legends, featuring dye-subbed keys that will never wear out, choice of two different switch types, backlighting, and NKRO. They can be foundThe downside is Decks cost quite a bit more, raching up to $175 per keyboard (depending on switch type).Speaking of which, switch type. There are a lot of different switches, the BlackWidow, XArmor, Das (non-Silent) and quite a few other use MX Cheery Blue switches, known for their clickiness. Some claim Blues aren't good for gaming, but many (including Destiny and his great love for his clicky Das) disagree. Cherry also makes Blacks, Browns, Clears, Reds, all different kinds of keyswitches. There are also other kinds of keyswitches, such as Black and White Alps, Buckling Spring and the ever expensive Topre. For an indepth look at the different kind of keyswitches, as well as different kinds of keys printing type and their durability. look at Overclock.nets Mechanical Keyboard Guide, each giving a gif and description of each switch and examples of different keyboards. It can be foundI hope this was helpful.Just read up before you buy the first shiny thing you see, you won't regret it.(For the record, I'm currently using a Northgate Omnikey 101, one of the best keyboards ever made. They haven't been made in years but last for ages, and go for around 250 on eBay.Edit - I just learned that the Rosewill RK-9000 will be back in stock on Newegg soon. I've heard it is a very well built keyboard using MX Blue switches, has NKRO and the red metal backplate behind the keys looks super sick (although the preview pictures on Newegg don't show that, the pictures I've seen from owners are awesome). However the big downside is the keys are pad printed, which means the letters and such will eventually wear out, like on "normal" keyboards. It can be found http://teamfortress.tv - For your TF2 streaming and discussion needs!

KeksX Profile Blog Joined November 2010 Germany 3631 Posts Last Edited: 2011-07-25 08:15:59 #13 Just a side note:



Most keyboards with trivias such as light etc don't fullfill the criteria of lasting long. Also, the keys themselves get wobbly and don't feel good and give some tension to your fingers while using them if it's not a mechanical keyboard ( most of the trivia-keyboards are not mechanical). They can trigger some stuff like RSI more easily. (IF, and thats a BIG IF, you use it reeally often and long.)

So I recommend to abandon the light-thingies and trivias and focus on actual quality. Even if that means you buy a 60$ keyboard that looks like a 5$ keyboard - it's worth the money.

Majesty Profile Joined December 2010 Iceland 33 Posts #14 Only mechanical keyboard I have tried is my filco majestouch with brown switches



It is expensive but I love it ! [.GEGT1337.]Majesty - Calm like a bomb

ElusoryX Profile Blog Joined December 2010 Singapore 2041 Posts #15 On July 25 2011 16:41 Ashworth wrote:

Over everything you need a mechanical keyboard. You shouldn't be looking for some silly keyboard with stupid gimmicks instead of actualy quality.



6gv2 is amazing for the price, work from there.

read the op before posting. obviously you didnt reas



@op: blackwidow ultimate is the only keyboard with lights and mechanical.. get it :p read the op before posting. obviously you didnt reas@op: blackwidow ultimate is the only keyboard with lights and mechanical.. get it :p xd

r4pture Profile Joined May 2011 United States 397 Posts Last Edited: 2011-07-25 09:21:15 #16 On July 25 2011 18:05 ElusoryX wrote:

@op: blackwidow ultimate is the only keyboard with lights and mechanical.. get it :p



Absolutely untrue, please read through my post.



Along with the BlackWidow, There is the XArmor U9BL, The entire Deck lineup, the Mionix Zibal 60, as well as a few others who excape me. The BWU is just the most well known, but best known != best quality.

Absolutely untrue, please read through my post.Along with the BlackWidow, There is the XArmor U9BL, The entire Deck lineup, the Mionix Zibal 60, as well as a few others who excape me. The BWU is just the most well known, but best known != best quality. http://teamfortress.tv - For your TF2 streaming and discussion needs!

Excludos Profile Blog Joined April 2010 Norway 5654 Posts #17 Definately go for the blackwidow. I bought the version without backlights, and its by far the best keyboard I've ever had (the only minus with it is that it makes a lot of noise, which can be annoying at Lans).



If you wait for a bit though, Mionix will release their Zibal 60. It will be a bit more expensive, but I'd rather buy that instead of the blackwidow if I hadn't already just bough it.

Alabasern Profile Blog Joined September 2010 United States 3976 Posts #18 Get the Blackwidow or any mechanical keyboard for that matter. They feel great and make you want to become a better typer. Support your esport!

SemperFi Profile Joined June 2011 Netherlands 20 Posts #19



Had it for quite some time and LOVING it :D I personally use this keyboard Link Had it for quite some time and LOVING it :D "Always Faithful"

Rylaji Profile Joined January 2011 Sweden 579 Posts #20 Tte Meka is the boss Official Fan of; Obama oGs.MC // God of War ST.JulyZerg // d.Naniwa // ST.Squirtle // SlayerS_Alicia // Emperor SlayerS_BoxeR // EG.HuK // White-Ra // MarineKing.Prime.WE // oGs.NaDa's Body // SlayerS.MMA // MvP.DongRaeGu

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