So keyboards...

[ashLoo]

I have lost faith in the CAL forums because there are too many down syndrome idiots that think buying a $50+ keyboard is a "waste." Yet, those same people may just go buy a $400 phone? (iPhone). Logic-economics.

Anyways...
Debating between
http://www.razerzone.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_21&products_id=76
or
http://www.razerzone.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_21&products_id=52


DO NOT reply if you're just going to say something like "G15, saitek II, steelkeys, or some $15 pos, some dell pos, some IBM pos, some microsoft pos, some wireless pos. And I don't care if you think razer is trash because again, I don't care.
I'll just 100% ignore it.

The topic is should I get the Lycosa or the Reclusa? So unless you have ADD then there should not be any conflicts. :D

(I don't mean to be blunt but I'm trying to get a straight answer and I don't care for other keyboards).

[Mercielago]

I'd choose the Lycosa. It has useful things like the light up buttons, and music buttons (stop, pause, skip track etc.). It doesn't look like the Reclusa has the music buttons, correct me if i'm wrong. Non-slip rubber keys are something that would definitely be good for hours of gaming.

I'd choose the Lycosa over the Reclusa anyday. Not that much in price if you look at some of the other brands of keyboards.

Lycosa looks better also, which I look at alot in keyboards. Although no one really sees it, unless you have friends over. Not like people really criticize you about what keyboard you have, but the Lycosa is definitely a better choice, I think.

[Dr. Acula]

I have the tarantula. While I can't really justify my spending the 70 dollars on my keyboard it was an impulse buy. I have yet to regret it though it feels really nice and has some neat features. I'd also agree and say get the lycosa. If the keys have the same feel as mine you can't go wrong with it. To be honest though, I can play on a microsoft OEM and it doesn't really change much. So my point is....sweet keyboards are sweet but make sure you have a good mouse first. :P

[saucey]

i need to get hooked up with a hands free keyboard so i can continue my pro-ness with my paralyzed hand

although i do get 4k rounds and clutch defuses with only my right hand and all my movement keys bound to my mouse buttons

ive seen that one where you put a stick in your mouth but that would fuck up my voice comm GO COMMANDS ON VENT


maybe a thought keyboard? think about the letter W and i move forward
or voice activated. "R" and i reload

[Sryden..,.]

Lycosa.

The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.

[leoftw]

http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/cykey.htm

http://www.saitek.com/uk/images/product/cyborg_keyboard.jpg

I know you said not to mention other keyboards but I thought this one was nice. It hasn't been released but its nice but if those are your only two choices the Lycosa looks sick . I have a cheapo keyboard :P

[N3CKCAR]

Go with the Lycosa! but that last one does look sick!

[chewy]

Ya, I have an old G15. I would have to agree with the Lycosa b/c you said no ms pos and the 2nd link is an ms pos. ;)

[Snowblind]

I Play On A Laptop! Whats A Keyboard!

[Enlightened Viet]

Lycosa, i wish they made one where the keys would light up when you press on it. Would be more efficient and could help with typing in the dark when you need it. I guess i'm getting that in the future :D

[Tippo]

$8 logitech keyboard.

I'm sorry I don't have a keyboard that can make me a higher skilled player because everybody knows the keyboard effects how good you are. Like your mice and headphones. :)

Bravo to all who have spent more than $10 on something that does the same exact thing.

[Dr. Acula]

$8 logitech keyboard.

I'm sorry I don't have a keyboard that can make me a higher skilled player because everybody knows the keyboard effects how good you are. Like your mice and headphones. :)

Bravo to all who have spent more than $10 on something that does the same exact thing.

But you're bad so your opinion doesn't matter.

[Tippo]

But you're bad so your opinion doesn't matter.

I am?



10char

[Dr. Acula]

I am?



10char

of course you are

[Tippo]

of course you are

Oh okay. In that case disregard all of my opinions.


My new invention is performance LED lights. That way your exhaust fans can generate greater lighting than before, in turn you're reactions are faster.

$500 for each upgraded fan. Well worth the money. Contact me for information.

[axemurderer]

I'd say go with the Lycosa for style, since you know, "Gaming Keyboard" is kind of ironic. :/ That's like distributing "gaming soundcards" or "gaming headsets", or... oh, wait. D:

The only hardware that I've noticed can have ANY impact on skill and gamplay are some mice, and the computer itself. I don't care if your 8.42 surround sound system lets you hear the enemy's footsteps an extra yard away and your 50" LCD HDTV hooked up to your PC makes a FPS look like an RTS, it's your innate skill that will rip apart your enemies. Or get you ripped apart, if you're like me and you suck ass at any and all games but play them anyways, BECAUSE YOU'RE A MASOCHIST. :D

Anyways, pretty much, gaming peripherals will do very little. They're mostly minor augmentations to your natural abilities... they're not designed to make you a god. Again, your skill will depend on how good you are by default, and MAYBE how well your computer runs a game, and even less likely - what kind of mouse you're using.

[ashLoo]

just lol'd at like half the posts. yeah i had already ordered the reclusa but the keys are a bit stiff. I think I'm going to return it for the Lycosa. And wtf @ that saitek? :p

[ashLoo]

I'd say go with the Lycosa for style, since you know, "Gaming Keyboard" is kind of ironic. :/ That's like distributing "gaming soundcards" or "gaming headsets", or... oh, wait. D:

The only hardware that I've noticed can have ANY impact on skill and gamplay are some mice, and the computer itself. I don't care if your 8.42 surround sound system lets you hear the enemy's footsteps an extra yard away and your 50" LCD HDTV hooked up to your PC makes a FPS look like an RTS, it's your innate skill that will rip apart your enemies. Or get you ripped apart, if you're like me and you suck ass at any and all games but play them anyways, BECAUSE YOU'RE A MASOCHIST. :D

Anyways, pretty much, gaming peripherals will do very little. They're mostly minor augmentations to your natural abilities... they're not designed to make you a god. Again, your skill will depend on how good you are by default, and MAYBE how well your computer runs a game, and even less likely - what kind of mouse you're using.

And I know. But hey whats the point in a $400 phone..oh wait..that's right..it's one of the hottest phones out there. So what's the point in using the money?; All economics. I have a $30 soundcard because my onboard sucks. I have a 19" Viewsonic LCD VX922 which I've had for like 3 years now. I have a razer deathadder because I was sick of the mx518 and the MS 3.0 is lame imo. And I have a steel series qcK+ and S&S because I won them.gg

[Tippo]

And I know. But hey whats the point in a $400 phone..oh wait..that's right..it's one of the hottest phones out there. So what's the point in using the money?; All economics. I have a $30 soundcard because my onboard sucks. I have a 19" Viewsonic LCD VX922 which I've had for like 3 years now. I have a razer deathadder because I was sick of the mx518 and the MS 3.0 is lame imo. And I have a steel series qcK+ and S&S because I won them.gg

Honestly, you're too young to understand the point in a $400 dollar phone. I have to remote machines, check e-mail and constantly monitor databases. Also, you do know you can leech internet off a phone to a laptop anywhere you get service right? It's like having crappy cable, but it's faster than a lot of DSL. Comparing a keyboard for specific gaming purposes shouldn't be compared to a PDA/Phone.

Also if you're looking to seriously enhance your game play, look into a 22 + inch widescreen monitor before anything.

[Disturbed]

G15 All the way for me.....

Programmable Keys = Godly

[Hellzarmy]

lol, i take offense to the remark of buying the iphone. my wife wouldnt let me buy a 15k ducati 1098, so i had to settle on a new cell phone back in Sept, so i bought the iphone.. back when it was $500.

personally, i would have gotten the Lycosa KB. i currently use a Saitek one now.. bought about 3 years ago, and just the feel of the keys. doesnt look too bad. i dont use all the extra bling bling shit that comes with it.

i prefer a nice heavy keyboard that has keys that offer some resistance on them.


ps.. ill let you hold my iphone at the LAN party if your there, and if im there.

[leoftw]

any regrets on the iphone. I have a curve and I love it but I always wanted to try the iphone.

[ashLoo]

Honestly, you're too young to understand the point in a $400 dollar phone. I have to remote machines, check e-mail and constantly monitor databases. Also, you do know you can leech internet off a phone to a laptop anywhere you get service right? It's like having crappy cable, but it's faster than a lot of DSL. Comparing a keyboard for specific gaming purposes shouldn't be compared to a PDA/Phone.

Also if you're looking to seriously enhance your game play, look into a 22 + inch widescreen monitor before anything.

...you're really dumb and ignorant so you obviously lack too many basic mental drives for this post. LEARN2PLAY

And I have nothing against the iPhone, it was just a reference for morons.

[Tippo]

So, why did you reference an iPhone?

Also how was my post ignorant? Typically I'm not here to flame people on forums (unless joking around of course) on the contrary to what you've just done. What I said was in total truth. I was referring to individuals your age that have iPhones because they're "cool" and you can access the internet for recreational purposes. Typically teenagers don't use iPhones for business purposes, lol. If they do Kudos! Reality is people actually use them for work purposes.

Besides the fact what does playing have to do with a posting knowledge of devices on forums? I was just giving you pointers of where to put a good use of money. In my opinion an upgraded monitor would be a wise investment.

[Hellzarmy]

no i ahve no issues witht he iphone yet. bought one for my wife too for xmas.

the iphone i think has a very bright future once they release the SDK in Feb. then thigns will get interesting with all teh 3rd party apps. i was never into jailbreaking it, but i was tempted to.

as for teenagers with them.. if they can afford it, more power to them. no different then a geek building a 3k computer for no other reason than to upgrade, or buying a nice LCD, and so on and so on.

[Enlightened Viet]

I plan on getting a $20 ergonomic keyboard....

[ONE]

I'd say go with the Lycosa for style, since you know, "Gaming Keyboard" is kind of ironic. :/ That's like distributing "gaming soundcards" or "gaming headsets", or... oh, wait. D:

The only hardware that I've noticed can have ANY impact on skill and gamplay are some mice, and the computer itself. I don't care if your 8.42 surround sound system lets you hear the enemy's footsteps an extra yard away and your 50" LCD HDTV hooked up to your PC makes a FPS look like an RTS, it's your innate skill that will rip apart your enemies. Or get you ripped apart, if you're like me and you suck ass at any and all games but play them anyways, BECAUSE YOU'RE A MASOCHIST. :D

Anyways, pretty much, gaming peripherals will do very little. They're mostly minor augmentations to your natural abilities... they're not designed to make you a god. Again, your skill will depend on how good you are by default, and MAYBE how well your computer runs a game, and even less likely - what kind of mouse you're using.

I'd have to greatly disagree with this post. anyone that has used a POS headset can tell you that headsets can effect your game play greatly. For instance, my headset i use right now can't tell if the enemy is behind me or infront of me. i have to do the "i think it's to the left" turn slightly "ok left again" continue and so forth. my old headset, b4 they were stolen, i could tell exactly where the ppl were or at least closely tell.

Lets talk about monitors. once again, if you've ever played on a good monitor and then shift to a bad one you'll promise urself you'll never do it again. I went from a 17" CRT to a 19 in flat panel b/c of room issues. Honestly tho, my flat pannel is a POS and m CRT was top of the line. you notice major diferences in black areas, contrast/brightes issues, color issues, viewing angle color distortments, etc. IMO, if you have room CRT is still the BEST gaming monitors. also for those of you that are planning on buying monitors, don't go widescreen or weird dimensions like a 21". BAD! go with standard screens like 17", 19", and i think the 22" (but it maybe the 21" is normal, sorry i forgot). any of the other size monitors are "stetched" versions of the standard sizes giving less performance for gaming. if your buff is to watch widescreen videos tho...then that's a dif story.

Back to main topic, keyboards. once again, if you have played on a bad keyboard you'll take it outside in a heartbeat and bang all the keys outta it. i know i did. there are very subtle differences in keyboards for the most part. key softness, key responce, and the question of how many keys can u hold down at the same time and still have the keyboard respond. test it out, try to see if you can crouch, walk forward, hold ur talk key, and defuse at the same time. lots of your cheapo keyboards can't do more than 3-4 keystrokes at one time. that can be bad for some players that push keys fast for strafing and weapon swapping. if you push em to fast they might not register. i personally use a saitek I keyboard right now b/c it glows in teh dark and lets me see my keys in the dark. it is BY FAR a gaming keyboard. it's response is utter shit, keys are too soft (for me), keys are slick, keyboard is too light making it easy to move. those are just some things to think about when getting a gaming keyboard.

all in all tho, IMO the most important thing in gaming, esp first person shooter, is get a good computer with good FPS, get a good mouse, then headset/sound, monitor, and lastly the keyboard. Keyboard IMO is not that important when compared to the others. just like the mouse i say get one that feels and works right for you be it $10 or be it $100. BTW, i HATE the G15, that things feels like shit to me.

edit: also one more thing.. believe it or not, the old keyboards >> new keyboards b/c ps2 >> USB. my best gaming keyboard i've ever owned to me was my old keyboard i ripped off my 486 that doesn't even have a windows key (thank god!). best response time ever and that keyboard can do 20+ keystrokes at the same time w/out fail. maybe i just have bad USB on my computers but i seriously have not found a USB keyboard (i've tried cheap $10, saitek keyboards, logitech keyboards even the G15) that can compare with my old keyboard. unfortunetly i killed my keyboard when i accidentally stepped on it 2 years ago. QQ

[axemurderer]

Maybe, but IMO, they're very minor differences you could live without that won't add that much to your ability.

[itsFrontside]

I'd have to greatly disagree with this post. anyone that has used a POS headset can tell you that headsets can effect your game play greatly. For instance, my headset i use right now can't tell if the enemy is behind me or infront of me. i have to do the "i think it's to the left" turn slightly "ok left again" continue and so forth. my old headset, b4 they were stolen, i could tell exactly where the ppl were or at least closely tell.

ONE, just to let you know, your... err. my headset is wonderful

[Enlightened Viet]

if its wonderful than its not PoS.

I was planning on getting this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254005
but thats because I watch movies etc and not just gaming. Also my room is roughly the size of 1-2 prison cells and I share it with my little bro, so room is prob the top priority for myself.

[Tippo]

if its wonderful than its not PoS.

I was planning on getting this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254005
but thats because I watch movies etc and not just gaming. Also my room is roughly the size of 1-2 prison cells and I share it with my little bro, so room is prob the top priority for myself.

Not bad, but save up a tad more. 14x9 res isn't exactly the best. Go with a 22 inch widescreen EV! Trust me, it doesn't take up nearly as much room as a CRT. The difference is amazing. (I had a 19 inch widescreen before the 22 inch) You definitely want a minimum of 16x10 res.

[ashLoo]

...there's a reason the majority of "good" counter-strike players use certain resolutions and are at the skill level they are at. For instance, in the 1.6 scene, resolutions usually went off of "Who did you first start playing with." More specifically, most Sweedish players use 640x480 because "so-and-so" may have used it and then everyone else did. For us Americans, most people used 800x600 and thus that is why majority of people use 800x600. No I have not done a statistcal survey but it's a valid point to make based on what I have viewed first-hand of others. As with counter-strike: source, most of you may not know, but the most universal LCD right now is the Viewsonic VX922. This is a monitor I personally bought a few years back before the CGS started using it. Now, most people "training" for the CGS, use that monitor to get "used" to it. I won't lie when I say I definitely like CRTs better (negate size) as most other well-defined players would agree (at least those that also play 1.6 or have for a number of years). As with 1440xwhatever and above...the only decent player that I've seen use it is Mustang from VisualGaming now on either Pandemic or something...Yes it's "what you feel comfortable using," but just going right to that resolution is not logical if you consider people who are more SKILLED. The most widely used resolutions in Counter-Strike: Source are 1024x768 and 1280x1024. Some 1.6 players -> Source stuck to their 800x600 (Method of 3D), while others went to 1280x1024 (Warden and Storm of coL, sunman of x3o). Personally, I have not used 1440 but I see no point for it.

[Dr. Acula]

I play every game ever at my monitor's native res. 1280 x 1024 or whatever it is. I'm going to go make stew

[Tippo]

...there's a reason the majority of "good" counter-strike players use certain resolutions and are at the skill level they are at. For instance, in the 1.6 scene, resolutions usually went off of "Who did you first start playing with." More specifically, most Sweedish players use 640x480 because "so-and-so" may have used it and then everyone else did. For us Americans, most people used 800x600 and thus that is why majority of people use 800x600. No I have not done a statistcal survey but it's a valid point to make based on what I have viewed first-hand of others. As with counter-strike: source, most of you may not know, but the most universal LCD right now is the Viewsonic VX922. This is a monitor I personally bought a few years back before the CGS started using it. Now, most people "training" for the CGS, use that monitor to get "used" to it. I won't lie when I say I definitely like CRTs better (negate size) as most other well-defined players would agree (at least those that also play 1.6 or have for a number of years). As with 1440xwhatever and above...the only decent player that I've seen use it is Mustang from VisualGaming now on either Pandemic or something...Yes it's "what you feel comfortable using," but just going right to that resolution is not logical if you consider people who are more SKILLED. The most widely used resolutions in Counter-Strike: Source are 1024x768 and 1280x1024. Some 1.6 players -> Source stuck to their 800x600 (Method of 3D), while others went to 1280x1024 (Warden and Storm of coL, sunman of x3o). Personally, I have not used 1440 but I see no point for it.

I'm aware of this. All of team NiP in 1.3 and 1.4 used 640x480. Also the guys in 3D.

Then again you can argue that a low res makes you better, which it doesn't. I used to play in 800x600 myself. Until I realized the game looked like complete shit and I couldn't see 2 inches to my left. It depends what you're looking for. In this case (low res) they used it simply because it was a fad. Everybody figured "Oh hey look those guys are good they're using 6x4 and 8x6, I should to become good too!" I fell for that stupid shit too until I one day accidentally put my res at 1024x768 and realized it looked better. I played at that res for quite some time just fine (I was in cal-im and cal-m at the time, 1.5). In 1.6 I left it at 1024x768. When I started playing CS:S I used the same res. Eventually I got a new monitor and pc and upped it to 16x10 and it looked amazing... but it took forever to get used to. A while later I got used to it and I see no disability in my skills using any res difference.

Truth of the matter is I could play the same if not better using 16x10. It's all what you like, and it's all what you get used to. Nowadays I started using a high res because the graphics of games like CS:S bug the shit out of me because they're becoming outdated. I upped it to a higher res, and it looks much better. Yeah, my crosshairs are smaller and same with the opponents... but you can also see more. You give you get and again, it all depends on personal preference. I prefer my games not to look like shit.

[ONE]

...there's a reason the majority of "good" counter-strike players use certain resolutions and are at the skill level they are at. For instance, in the 1.6 scene, resolutions usually went off of "Who did you first start playing with." More specifically, most Sweedish players use 640x480 because "so-and-so" may have used it and then everyone else did. For us Americans, most people used 800x600 and thus that is why majority of people use 800x600. No I have not done a statistcal survey but it's a valid point to make based on what I have viewed first-hand of others. As with counter-strike: source, most of you may not know, but the most universal LCD right now is the Viewsonic VX922. This is a monitor I personally bought a few years back before the CGS started using it. Now, most people "training" for the CGS, use that monitor to get "used" to it. I won't lie when I say I definitely like CRTs better (negate size) as most other well-defined players would agree (at least those that also play 1.6 or have for a number of years). As with 1440xwhatever and above...the only decent player that I've seen use it is Mustang from VisualGaming now on either Pandemic or something...Yes it's "what you feel comfortable using," but just going right to that resolution is not logical if you consider people who are more SKILLED. The most widely used resolutions in Counter-Strike: Source are 1024x768 and 1280x1024. Some 1.6 players -> Source stuck to their 800x600 (Method of 3D), while others went to 1280x1024 (Warden and Storm of coL, sunman of x3o). Personally, I have not used 1440 but I see no point for it.


I completely agree with the resolution thing. There are 2 types of gamers, those that play causally and want to be "pwnage' and those that are hardcore. Hardcore gamers play with settings and gear that will give them the edge regardless of how small the edge maybe. I agree that when i use to cal i used 800 X 600 as well and did lots better. Then i stopped CAL and went to 1024 for better graffix then eventually went to whatever max res was b/c my computer can handle it and it looks good. but lets be honest, i've not done as well since the 800 X 600 days :(. that also could be b/c i'm not as advid of a gamer either. oh well.

[CodeZero]

Personally...

I think the new Merc Stealth from Ideazon is pretty wicked. Of course I helped promote it in Indy, LA, and Philly, but really I'm not biased. It's a really good keyboard!

[itsFrontside]

I think the G15 I'm going to win from this free gift thing SF is having is good.

[oni]

Simply put there is a difference from a cheeop to a good one there not all the same end of story....