Games and gaming keyboards

Hey all

I've been having a strange "issue" for the past 1-2 months now. Basically for the past 3 years I've been gaming with my laptop's keyboard and an external gaming mouse. The problem im having at the moment is that when I use an external keyboard it feels kinda awkward, the spacing and basically the whole feel of the external keyboard vs the laptop one.

So, i kinda don't know what to do. I was thinking of buying an external keyboard that is similar to laptop ones, but a) couldn't find the similar layout and b) i don't think they are meant for gaming

Anyone else has the same problem ? If yes, did you manage to overcome it, and how ?

 

I had a similar "issue" when switching from using a desktop fulltime to a laptop. The spacing of the keyboard just felt more crammed and the height of the keys was kind of bothersome. I only had the "issue" while gaming, it was totally fine for normal typing. For example, when reaching for the left ctrl or shift with my pinky, i would constantly miss the keys. I just stuck with it and sure enough my hand must of gotten used to it because I don't have any problems anymore. In my case, it probably helped that i didn't use a desktop keyboard for gaming at all after the switch therefore it kind of forced my hands to get used to it. Hope everything works out for you.

 

Yea had the same problem with my first laptop, which amazingly i got used pretty fast. But now after 3 years not touching a desktop laptop, when I tried my old logitech it was a nightmare.

I guess if I keep using it ill get used to it eventually, but the switch from laptop to desktop keyboard is so much different than the desktop -> laptop one and since I've got a lot of typing to do nowadays its just hell trying to type on a different keyboard (desktop version), probably typing like 30% slower on it, not to mention im a bit of a sore looser as far as games go (FPS mostly) since i have a VERY competitive character (within reason of course) so as soon as I notice the difference in my movements (in a bad way) i get pissed off thinking i could avoided that if I was using the laptop keyboard, lol

Also, I've under the impression that you can write faster on a laptop keyboard, since it takes less pressure for keys, closer to each other etc. Not sure if that's true or not, just feels that way.

Since at the moment I'm in a mood to buy something new (keyboard, don't ask why, im a technology junkie) im thinking what type of keyboard should i go for, and since i was thinking about the logitech G15 i had to ask about this subject since i would hate myself if i bought it and never got to use it because of this problem im facing

 

I prefer the feel of scissor keys (laptop style), as they have quicker and snappier return. "Scissor" refers to the scissor-like spring mechanism they use that allows the keys to work with a much shallower press. A good external keyboard with scissor keys is an HP Elite Wireless. Just got mine a week ago, and I'm loving it. It was a good price at $39 at Fry's Electronics.

 

I think you might like the Razer Lycosa. It has thin, flat, laptop-style keys. I love it much more than any other desktop keyboard I've used, including the venerable Logitech G15.

 

Thanks for the recommendations guys.

lol at the reviews down rating the keyboard for the brightness, its still over my head why people need their keyboards to have colors, i mean i rarely look at the keyboard at all

Lycosa seems nice, looks like it will be easier to get used to it rather than a "normal" desktop keyboard, seems like a solid recommendation, will probably go for it if nothing similar pop up to compare it with

edit:

Which one do you own master ? Apparently there are two versions of it

http://eu.razerzone.com/gaming-keyboards/razer-lycosa/razer-lycosa
http://eu.razerzone.com/gaming-keyboards/razer-lycosa/razer-lycosa-mirror

edit no2

Also theres a keyboard layout, which one is the "english one" ? lol

 

Yey for being impatience Just ordered it, the normal version not the mirror one since i hate shiny surfaces. Arrives tomorrow before 12pm and actually got it cheaper than the price at razers site

A few people seemed to have issues with the keys and the touch screen (which i wont use) so lets hope i wont be one of those unlucky people, other than that pretty good reviews about it.

Guess ill wait till tomorrow and check it out myself

 

In case you dont like the Razer, and you still interested on keyboard like a laptop, probably check Logitech Illuminated Ultrathin Keyboard with Backlighting, its very slim, the keys have very low travel and good feedback, very quiet keyboard also, all the keyboard is like a none glossy black except a stripe where the numlock/caps/scroll lock are lighted. Im still getting used to but it feel very good, but i dont play on my keyboard, i use a nostromo n52 for gaming, imo much more practical to carry with a laptop also.

Another keyboard coming out soon that might be good is Microsoft SideWinder X4 Keyboard.

 

SideWinder X4 doesnt look that flat when you zoom on the keys, the logitech seems nice, but only from looking at it i feel like im going to break it if i ever own it

 

MS Comfort Curve 2000. Low profile scissor keys like a laptop and you can get it for $10-$20. Oops oh well looks like you already bought an overpriced Razer keyboard, lol. I also like the gentle curve of the layout, it is nothing like those crazy ergo boards (which I hate).

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Comfort-Curve-Keyboard-B2L-00002/dp/B0009ZBRS0

 

Yeap i rarely pay attention to prices, mostly because my tech addiction hits every a few months/years so its ok I consider it a treat

Not to mention i fell in love with lycosas design the very moment i saw it, also it looks pretty portable(ish) so its a good addition to the back bag lol. Im just hoping i wont encounter any of the issues im reading on some reviews, buttons stop responding etc, will find out in 12ish hours i guess

 

How about Apple? The only problem is no del key, no print screen, home, page up, page down, etc.

 

Im totally hooked on the Saitek keyboards. I had a Saitek Gamer keyboard that lasted 2 years and still felt like new when I put it into retirement for a new Saitek Eclipse. Just a most perfect feedback of the keys for me.

I have not use another keyboard desktop or laptop that I liked as much and they are not very expensive if your a good deal hunter.

I may end up with a Logitech G19 here soon, not because I really want one or think its worth the money but somebody is offering me a combo deal for a G27, G19, and Mamba and if the price is right I will take the whole kit.

So maybe I can compare my $40 Saitek to a $200 Logitech here soon. I think its obvious with keyboards like the logitech your paying for the LCD, and all the "gamer extras" for me a keyboard just needs regular keyboard keys maybe a few normal media keys and thats it. Make it a good keyboard not a gimmicky one.

I cant recommend the Saitek to the OP though as its definitely a "desktop" feeling keyboard not a laptop one. Of course if you use it long enough you will adjust.

 

Yeap I was thinking about the G15/19 at the start too since they are considered a "must have" for gamers than dont play online FPS games. But I had two problems with them, a) I started preferring the scissor key type over the normal one b) they seems kinda huge to travel with them and since I have to travel all the time now i wanted something that could easily fit in my back bag.

When I settle down, hopefully in a few years ill probably get one though, alone with a desktop pc

no delete key ?!

 

Yey, just received it (no comment how fast delivery was for this thing...)

First impressions, the keyboard looks stunning and im not sure what people expected when they received this keyboard and kept complaining about the touch screen and the brightness of the leds but the touch screen works flawlessly for me and the leds brightness is just perfect.

A few things probably need to get used to, the keys are not entirely similar to the laptop ones, you just need to press them a bit more, but beats the normal keyboards lol and also the do sound a bit more than my current keyboard, i guess thats how keyboards should sound like That and the enter key feels a bit odd, when you press it on the right side of it feels kinda loose, other than that everything is fine, gonna finish a few things i have to write then take it for a spin in a game to see what it feels like in action

 

I think the design of many keyboards is what bothers me. I don't really need to have the manufactureres logo slapped right on the keyboard. It's just a major turn off. I like Illuminated keyboards. It's too bad that there aren't any stylish options of that, along the lines of Apples keyboard design, that fits well with almost any piece of electronic.

 

The thing that bothers me (which i just figured out today) is the keyboard layout, didnt know that a) my laptops keyboard was the US one, b) the one i ordered was the UK version, c) there are two UK layout versions, one with short left shift and one with a longer one.

So im just hoping ill get used to the short shift asap, or else, sigh...

 

Bought a Razer Copperhead Mouse a couple of years ago, have used it approx. 10 hrs.................absolutely hate the thing ! Good luck with your keyboard though !