Maximum PC

Looking for a new multimedia/gaming keyboard. USB with backlight as I like to play games in low light. Would like media controls. I don't really need macro stuff as I don't typically program my keyboards for macros.

Any suggestions?

Looking for durability as my previous bluetooth keyboard had connection problems (hence the need for USB) and my WASD keys started to wear out.

Thanks.

It still has Macros, but it's still a nice board IMO: Logitech G110. I gave up the boards with the displays (G15's/G19) as I really never used anything but the countdown feature (which is more useful on the yoke than the keyboard). The media controls are simplified and isolated up in the right corner. What I really like over past higher priced models is the USB2.0 throughput and actual headset mini-jacks on the backside which are separately mutable via the 2 buttons on the upper center section, left side. Where most users use to have to unplug the speakers to jack in a headset to a sound card, here you can just go to the keyboard. And instead of going for a dongle that somehow gets lost in your chair when you really need it, just reach for the board again.

They've gotten very durable lately as well. The 1st G15 had major issues with keys wearing off, but the orange version and this one has been holding up perfectly with more use. And I've washed the orange one twice in the dishwasher and it's still ticking away just fine.

The LED backlights are not all that adjustable. You get short grades of blue or red and then get to dim that selection; no green or amber as on past solidly lit models. Went with purple and called it a day, but figured you should be warned of the color choices.

And you can buy direct from Logitech and get about the same price as the egg with a trade-in of older Logitech products, but it's about even as far as price goes. Just might make you feel better about getting some value of something hiding in the closet all these years :p

Excellent recommendation, thank you!

I had considered theG19 and G15 as well as the Black Widow Ultimate from Razor.

The G110 looks like exactly what I need. Thanks for the reply.

Could also check out the Eclipse Litetouch if media keys, shortcuts, and controls are important. The touchscreen serves as a number pad extension or media control panel.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/ecli ... s-the-fcc/

I own one. Pretty slick interface for a keyboard.

That's pretty cool, I'll have to check it out too. Thanks.

I like eclipse products (Madcatz, Saitek, etc...), but it seems a bit funky to have a touch num-pad. IMO, anything done over there needs tactile feedback or you're looking down all the time. I enter numbers a lot and I just imagine it'd be rough to use if I couldn't know where my hand and fingers where without eyeballing them which would take my view from the screen.

I'm an odd gamer as well and I'm not sure how it came about (dyslexia perhaps?), but instead of WASD w/ my left hand I utilize the arrow keys w/ my right and the num-pad with my pinkie. When I tried out the modified keyboards (I think MS tried to implement it?) where that area of the board changed, I got all sorts of messed up in games but felt very natural in work.

Either way, I'd have to put my hands on that board to actually feel it out. Not just the numkey's which wouldn't matter if it's not utilized heavily for most gamers, but the keys seem to be the notebook chicklet type as well. Tried Logitech's low profile illuminated keyboard thinking it'd be the trimmed down board, but the keys killed it almost instantly.

Here's a nice keyboard for you.

http://www.eio.com/p-26245-logitech-920 ... board.aspx

it has some media shortcuts and it illuminates. maybe this is something you were looking for?

That is pretty slick....Looks like time to save up again

Oh, I like that! I was going to take a trip down to Fry's tomorrow as they tend to have a lot of keyboards out and hopefully they'll have some of these out.

Yep, that slim board is at Fry's here too. Give it a shot...it's a laptop chiclet keyboard. You love it or hate it.

I decided on the Logitech G110 and really like it. Backlit with media controls and has a nice feel to it as well. Got it for $60 with free shipping from Newegg.

Thanks to everyone for all the input!

that's a pretty good price. I should look at getting one. My $2 dell usb keyboard is getting a bit outdated; although, its been very trusty and still works after seeing more flight than a flock of seagulls.