"Gaming" keyboards - any recommendations?

[Spud1]

Sadly my trusty MS Sidewinder X-6 keyboard is on it's way out..the membranes are finally starting to wear through and specific keys are getting harder and harder to press So I need a replacement.

This X6 has been my favourite keyboard that I have owned - backlit, responsive keys, detachable numpad (great for RTS games - you can have the numpad on the left where it's useful!) and it also handily matches my Sidewinder mouse, which I don't intend to replace.

It seems as though the X6 has been discontinued now though, and in any case this time around I think I should probably go for a set with Mechanical keys so that I don't have to replace it again in 5 years time.

Whats the current best of the best when it comes to gaming? I'm also considering giving the Steelseries Shift a go for a bit of fun - I know its not mechanical but are they any good? The SC2 and WoW keysets appeal in a fun/geeky way -

[Shirty]

You're unlikely to find a mechanical keyboard which ticks all of your boxes. The flagship backlit mechanical keyboard (certainly in terms of construction) would be the Ducky Shine 2, but other than backlighting and bulletproof build quality it is lacking in terms of features.

Logitech, Corsair and CM Storm are all better knowns brands currently offering backlit mechanical boards with varying feature sets, but being a stickler for build quality and treading off the beaten path I have no direct experience with the first two, and the CM Storms I have owned in the past (Quick fire Rapid & Pro) were excellent and mediocre respectively, although the Rapid has no backlighting and the Pro is only partially backlit.

Steer clear of the Razer BW if you genuinely intend to keep the keyboard for 5 years. They are not well constructed.

Assuming you go for Cherry MX key switches, my best advice is to try and sample some different ones before you buy. If not then I'd suggest browns or reds if you are predominantly a gamer. I can't help at all with non mechanical options unfortunately, can't stand soggy key presses any more.

[butter30]

The £250 stryker keyboard cant go wrong with that =)

[Shirty]

Still amazed that keyboard wasn't mechanical!

[Teelzebub]

I use a Filco tkl for gaming it's brilliant, I've also got a Steelseries G7 that's pretty good as well I replaced all my rigs keyboard with mechanical they are so much better.

[Kovoet]

Even though I have a Corsair K90 and K70 when it comes to gaming I only use the nostromo N52 gamepad and have done since it first came out. Swear by it.

[Speedy247]

Id really consider corsairs new keyboards
K70 for FPS players
K95 for MMO
Take your pick

[Pattycake]

I had the razer blackwidow ultimate which was an amazing keyboard, the sound it makes is just so soothing to the ears. Though it made quite a lot of noise, and so now I have the stealth 2013 edition. I do miss the sound it made as it was incredibly satisfying but hey.

Both are amazing keyboards.

[Benjarmin]

Corsair do a nice range of mechanical keyboards. Such as the k60 and k95. Ive been looking at the K65 which they announced at computex so im going to jump on that when its released.

[Cheapy]

Maybe something like the Coolermaster TK with a separate number pad? The TK is just a tad bigger than a ten keyless keyboard so you should have room to put the separate number pad whether you want.

If you are near Scan at some point its worth calling into their showroom as they have a number of the popular mechanical keyboards out on display, you can try the different switches as well then.

[Dooms]

http://forums.hexus.net/pc-gaming/28...ing-board.html

There is a recent 2+ page thread on mechanical gaming keyboards that might help you out as well

[OilSheikh]

Logitech G110

Razr TRON keyboard

[xAshes]

Im not sure if you're still looking but I have the microsoft sidewinder x4 keyboard and i'd recommend it. The only downside i've found so far is that it's slightly louder than other keyboards when typing which could be annoying.

[T Muffy]

Id really consider corsairs new keyboards
K70 for FPS players
K95 for MMO
Take your pick

I have the K90 even though I'm not an MMO player. There are plenty uses for those macro buttons outside of games too! I've got some set up to launch programs, some to type out words or forms that would be frequently used. It's amazing to type on too, but one of the main reasons I got it was because of how it looked. The build quality is rock solid, I sit on the sofa with a TV and 2 monitors as my set up, but also have 3 cats running around and they've pulled it from my lap a few times already.

I've typed a small essay and haven't even mentioned what it's like in games Still, I couldn't recommend it enough.

[Spud1]

Thanks guys - think the K90 is looking like the one

love my sidewinder X4 but the 0 key has finally completely died, time to order a K90

[Spreadie]

I have the QPAD MK-85 - Fully back lit with Cherry MX Reds. Been using it for around a year, with no complaints. QPAD now offers all the major MX switch variants on it's boards. Very solid, well made board. I love it.

I also have a Steelseries 6GV2 at work - with MX black switches but with no backlight. These have a slightly non-standard layout, with a Big Ass enter key, but can be found very cheap, often ~ £50 on ASDA's online store. Perfect, if you can live without back lit keys.