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    What is a desktop keyboard that feels like the Alienware m17x keyboard?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by jubbing, Jun 5, 2012.

  1. jubbing

    jubbing Notebook Deity

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    I want to buy a desktop keyboard, but I hate how some of the cheaper crapper keyboard sound like each type is a giant farting in the wind.

    So in essence, under $200 (closer to $100 preferably to be honest) would be optimum, brands don't matter but something that is like the Alienware m17x r2 keyboard (same layout, currently using an HP Beats external keyboard and the layout sucks so much) and which is nice as well.

    Thoughts?
     
    jubbing, Jun 5, 2012
    #1
  2. gamerish

    gamerish Notebook Evangelist

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    I would think the Alienware TactX keyboard would feel almost exactly the same.
     
    gamerish, Jun 5, 2012
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  3. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Yeah, the tactx keyboard is great, smooth, not too loud, colors match. But be aware it uses 2 USB plugs, and both have to be plugged in for it to work.
     
    ejohnson, Jun 5, 2012
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  4. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    The TactX's keyboard layout is quite different from the M17x R2 keyboard (i.e. The F1 key on the TactX is right above the 2 key, on the M17x R2 is above 1 etc.)

    It also doesn't need both USB for it to work, one is for the actual keyboard the other one for the lights.
     
    katalin_2003, Jun 5, 2012
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  5. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Mine wont work at all unless both plugs are hooked up. I tried using just one for the typing, nothing, so I switched to the other one, still nothing, hooked them both up and I can type.
     
    ejohnson, Jun 5, 2012
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  6. jubbing

    jubbing Notebook Deity

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    Would it be any slower/faster if I plugged it into a USB external dock to save usb plug space?

    And how is the TactX quality? In reality compared to Razer keyboards?
     
    jubbing, Jun 5, 2012
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  7. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Never used a razer befor, but you can hook it up to a usb hub just fine.
     
    ejohnson, Jun 5, 2012
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  8. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Right , that must be because it needs more than 500mA to function. I have mine plugged into a 1500mA USB (gigabyte motherboard) and that's why.
    So in that situation it needs both plugs.
     
    katalin_2003, Jun 5, 2012
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  9. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    That would probably do it... except for one thing, I plugged both my jacks into a unpowered usb hub, plugged it into the computer and it worked.

    Not sure if maybe I just have a different revision than you do or what the deal is, but it only works if both are plugged in, even if they are both plugged into a single usb port with a splitter.
     
    ejohnson, Jun 5, 2012
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  10. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Mine is Revision A03. With one of the plugs i can use the keyboard but i loose all lights.
     
    katalin_2003, Jun 5, 2012
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  11. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Ah, see mine is a A00 version. They must of changed some things around.... I do wish they had a 2 port USB hub built into it though :)

    I wonder what other changes they made to the keyboard over the revisions.
     
    ejohnson, Jun 5, 2012
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  12. jubbing

    jubbing Notebook Deity

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    Great, I might be able to get it for about $98 delivered, so I think I'll take it (what can I say, Aussie pricing sucks).
     
    jubbing, Jun 5, 2012
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  13. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    You'll like the keyboard. Ive had mine for about 2-3 years, love the thing.

    I dont use the macro keys on the left side, but I use the media buttons on the top all the time.

    It also has a "gaming mode" that you flip a switch on the top.... all it does is turn off the windows key so while gaming the start menu doesnt pop up if you hit the key.
     
    ejohnson, Jun 5, 2012
    #13