NP9150 optional Steelseries keyboard

Anyone shelled out the extra $90 for this? Is it worth it?

 

I have and waiting to get it. I couldn't stand the np9130 keyboard. It doesn't count towards the 1500$ price point to get the NRB discount.

 

I take it they use the same keyboard since they're both 15.6"? What didn't you like about the regular keyboard?

Anyone have hands-on time with the Steelseries?

 

Np9150 and np9130 are different stock keyboards.

And not yet I'm supposed to be in rush processing cause it's an RMA but I doubt that's happening.

 

What exactly did you not like about the NP9130 keyboard?

 

Large spacing between the keys, missed keystrokes, and over all lay out of the keys in particular the fn keys.

I was coming from an m1530 and never had an issue.

 

Seems like it's softer and has slightly better backlit visibility

 

The NP9130 keyboard isn't backlit...

 

I too am curious about the steelseries upgrade, i was under the impression that the steelseries backlit keyboard was a stock option on both the p150em and p170em laptops, is there a difference between stock and upgraded keyboards? I ask this because my reseller doesn't offer this as an upgrade option.

 

I wouldn't think it would be worth it. Especially since the company that did the lighting for the Steelseries keyboard is the same as the one Clevo used.

And as stated, NP150EM keyboard is not the same as the NP9130, very different. The NP9150 isn't even chiclet, more like island and spaced closer together, and supposedly less chance of making mistakes, just overall a huge improvement over Clevo's previous keyboards.

 

Supposedly there is a software package coming out that lets you modify the keys and fn as you desire from steel series.

 

Worth it or not, money is not a problem for some, in that case here you go enjoy haha

 

Does anyone know where one would find ta stand-alone Steelseries keyboard in Europe? If possible a Swedish one would be great.
The flat keys of the MSI Steelseries keyboard seem easier to modify, Cosmetically.

 

seriously the stock keyboard seems good enough ! Is spending more money for "Steelseries" branded keyboard worth it ?

 

Considering the Sager backlit keyboard and the MSI SteelSeries are made by the same people, I don't see much of a difference other than key spacing/design.

Really, it's more about modding and customizing the laptop to make it their own, to separate theirs from other laptops I guess.

 

I got a chance to try both as one of my friends went with the Steel Series and the other stock.

Honestly there is some slight difference in the feel, but not that much.

The performance in typing and game play seemed to be very similar.

Spacing was almost identical. It looks a little different on the stock because it has a slight ridge around the outside of the key.

Looks wise the Steel Series does look a little better close up, from a distance they are pretty much the same.

The back-light works great on both.

 

Great to hear some feedback from a side-by-side, thanks!

 

could this be added down the line by the user?

 

might void the warranty but it is definitely possible.

 

I don't see why not. So long as the MSI type SteelSeries keyboard remains the same and so long as you own one of the current Sager models with the backlit keyboard already installed, you should be able to with no problems.

If MSI or Sager depart from the similar keyboard designs, then there will be the potential for issues then certainly.

 

So the optional SteelSeries keyboard is shared with MSi? Is that the same keyboard as on the GT60, or..?

 

That is correct. The SteelSeries keyboard everyone has been talking about and that has been fitted in the Sager laptops is the same keyboard you can find the the MSi GT60/GT70 and the GT780/783.

Most of us resellers that sell the MSi laptops also sell the barebones versions of them as well and we get the SteelSeries keyboards and mod them for those that wish to have the backlit keyboard in the barebones units.

 

So assuming what you said heihachi;

me buying this keyboard would allow me to install it myself in my clevo/sager NP9170/P170EM and have a functioning keyboard (fn keys/backlight)? with driver/software updates of course.

 

The important factor is (in the comments of the youtube ad video) xoticpc mentions that the steelseries keyboard allows 12 simultaneous strokes at once.

 

The question is, does it do that amount of simultaneous strokes for ANY combination of keys?

EDIT: I say this because it is common to see companies claim that their keyboard can go up to N simultaneous keystrokes, but in fact there is only one (or two) combination with N keys who works as they should when pressed simultaneously, while any other combination of N keys has some kind of ghosting issue.

They do that to promote their keyboard as an "anti-ghosting" keyboard...

 

That is correct, that is the keyboard that can be installed.

Please, keep in mind that the Fn key mappings will not work correctly without modifications.

A lot of the questions and answers concerning this keyboard can be found here http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/658237-msi-steelseries-keyboard-p170em-18.html
I do see that you did make some posts there, that thread should have just about all of the information you need.

If you happen to have any further questions that may not have been answered in that thread though, feel free to ask.

 

Funny you should link that thread, i just made a thread summarising all 20 pages in my sig, lol.

 

Yea The fn keys will work as they are posted on the keys. There is an update/software from xotic pc that will allow the steel series fn keys to work as described and differently then the sager stock keys.