Gaming keyboard and mouse recommendations?

Hey there, I have to upgrade my rig (which seems to like to reboot itself a lot lately) and am looking into my first gaming keyboard and mouse.

My friend highly recommends the RAT (he has the 9, but I'd likely go for the 7), but I'd love to hear what you like to play with...

Thanks!

I have a "Merc Stealth" keyboard which is good and functional, I've had it for 3 years and really like it. It's got the redundant gaming keys on the left side and I really like the placement of the extra tab,ctrl,alt,caps,C, etc because they're laid out pretty well to use just the left hand. My only complaint is the keys are a little small so sometimes I over-shoot and hit a different key if I get flustered in a big fire fight.

For a mouse, I REALLY REALLY REALLY like my Microsoft Sidewinder Gaming Mouse (specifically the "gaming" because there's other gaming sidewinders with number designations). It's not as fancy as other gaming mouses but it totally works for me. It's got 2 thumb triggers which I use for torps and phasers in space and primary/secondary on ground. I use the top 2 buttons for POV and some movement with the scoller for melee and weapon switch. It comes with weights to make it heavier and different slide pads which help if you play other games for like sniper in Call of Duty lol. They're both reasonably priced too, I think 80ish bucks each. But yeah that's my recommendation

I'm really not sure about a gaming keyboard. I just use a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000. It's so comfortable to type on that it makes up for not having extra buttons and displays.

As for the mouse, I love my Logitech G700. It has 13 buttons that all can be programmed specifically as you like, including setting up macros which can come in handy. I have one of the thumb buttons set as my push to talk key for Vent which makes it very convenient to talk while surfing the web.

thanks guys.

That is a tough call between trying an ergo keyboard vs a gaming keyboard. But the whole ghosting thing makes me wonder. Interesting ghosting article here btw: http://www.microsoft.com/appliedsciences/AntiGhostingExplained.mspx

Actually, that article confused me a little because apparently different keyboard manufacturers use different anti-ghosting methods, some of which are more successful than others...

Hmmm, I've never heard of keyboard ghosting before. I've played a lot of games over the years and never noticed such a problem.

I use my laptop's keyboard (and a tiny mouse that came with my previous laptop). Never noticed any such problem while playing games. The only key combos are the number keys with shift, ctrl and alt. There are no other fancy key combos necessary in mmorpg's. Maybe it's a fps thing?

interesting points. It may be more a fps thing, but also, many people say you don't really realize how sluggish the regular keyboards and mice are until you try the ones for gaming.

Also, there are cool features like extra buttons on the side of the mouse or special configurable buttons on the kb, which can be great to have.
I haven't figured it out yet though, still researching.

Quote by Aldente

I use a standard keyboard, but I use a Razer Naga mouse. The mouse is not for everyone, but I like the 12-button thumb pad.

Do you use the mouse for moving around and skills at the same time?

Quote by Aldente

I use a standard keyboard, but I use a Razer Naga mouse. The mouse is not for everyone, but I like the 12-button thumb pad.

wow 12" ... err.. buttons...
I think I could handle six at the most. buttons I mean.
doesn't that many get confusing?

Quote by Aldente

Quote by Xcentric

Quote by Aldente

I use a standard keyboard, but I use a Razer Naga mouse. The mouse is not for everyone, but I like the 12-button thumb pad.

wow 12" ... err.. buttons...
I think I could handle six at the most. buttons I mean.
doesn't that many get confusing?

They're laid out as a number pad, and you learn the feel of it. It takes a while, but you get there.

Yes it does take some getting used to, but Aldente mentions the numberpad layout aids in getting used to it. There are rubber stickies you can put on some rows to help you get accustomed as well, it may sound confusing but in practice it really wasn't too bad. For abilities linked to it I'd recommend a 3x4 grid to mimic the way the 1-12 are layed out so you can get a visual feel for it. I believe addons for the mouse are now available for WoW but really a 3x4 grid should get you into it. As always though A) Your mileage may vary and B) what kind of keyboard/mouse you want often depends on what kinds of games you play. MMO's generally benefit from a lot of buttons, FPS's less so. RTS's I've found linking control-groups to the mouse buttons is pretty sweet.

well I've decided I want to try the new Corsair Vengeance K60 keyboard when it comes out. http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=64130&vpn=CH-9000004-NA&manufacture=Corsair
The wasd wrist rest alone is pretty freaking awesome to me who always has a beanie baby dog there.

I'm still kinda stumped on mice. There are so many varieties!

Did anyone see the prices of the starwars stuff from razer? can we say ridiculous?

mouse 139.99
gaming headset 129.99
mouse pad 49.99
keyboard 249.99

so 569.96 bucks not including tax and shipping and handling...I mean really? Is it going to make the game that much more enjoyable?

Quote by Warwidow

Did anyone see the prices of the starwars stuff from razer? can we say ridiculous?

mouse 139.99
gaming headset 129.99
mouse pad 49.99
keyboard 249.99

so 569.96 bucks not including tax and shipping and handling...I mean really? Is it going to make the game that much more enjoyable?

Holy cow! No I won't be getting those. I do want to eventually upgrade my mouse and keyboard but need to do a wee bit more research.

Has anyone used the Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad (RZ07-00490100-R3)?

Quote by Warwidow

Did anyone see the prices of the starwars stuff from razer? can we say ridiculous?

mouse 139.99
gaming headset 129.99
mouse pad 49.99
keyboard 249.99

so 569.96 bucks not including tax and shipping and handling...I mean really? Is it going to make the game that much more enjoyable?

Its not that ridiculous...

I ordered the mouse and the headset... i would have ordered the keyboard too but its not available yet :( Im keeping my destructor mouse pad though, cause i like that its almost completely flush with my desktop. Come on, you have to admit that that keyboard is wicked cool. and you have to have the matching mouse and headset.

besides, it goes really nicely with the case im using for my next build :P

Anyway, im using a razer lycosa keyboard atm and i really like the feel of the keys. I really recommend the razer naga though (yes, i really like razer peripherals). Ive been using it for about 18mo or so and i have to say its really great for MMOs. I know alot of people say that the side buttons arent necessary, and sure, they arent, but to me it seems to make my MMOs easier to play. I even got the BF hooked on mine when he played on my pc for beta before he got his invite. Hes getting my naga when i get the TOR mouse. And if youre wondering, its got excellent build quality. Ive never had any trouble with the buttons or anything.

will you marry me? you seem to have disposable cash:)

I use a Logitech G13 gaming keyboard and I love it. The ability to use your thumb to move your character around is great since I can use WASD for Shift, Control, etc. Having those keys free for Healbot in combination with a 5 button mouse means I can have quick access to all my heals. Now if only they release a version of Healbot for TOR...

Right now I think I am gonna end up trying the new Corsair K90 and M90. It's hard to justify the expense, but I've never bought a gaming kb or mouse, so I think I've somehow saved up the justification. riiiiiiiight...

http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-gaming/vengeance-gaming-keyboards/vengeance-k90-performance-mmo-mechanical-gaming-keyboard.html

http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-m90-performance-mmo-rts-laser-gaming-mouse.html

I'm really curious to see how you like the K90.

I've got a Razer Lycosa KB right now - which is fine (main downside is the volume controls are touch-pads, not real keys). But I've been considering something new.

I've got a Logitech Performance MX laser mouse - pretty decent (though one of my thumb buttons is sticky, I need to figure that out).

PC Keyboardis the keyboard I mainly use, I also use a rollupable silicon keyboard if I am planning to eat or drink in front of the keyboard.

Instead of a mouse, I use a track ball such as the Logitech M570 since my gaming pc is also the HTPC, I find it easier to use and nicer on the wrists.