New Mouse Pad and Reclusa Keyboard

[Winnow]

For awhile now I've been a little irritated my the performance of my G7 mouse. It felt "sticky" when I moved it around compared to earlier in its career. part of this is because I'm using the default mouse drivers in Vista instead of the bloated can-eat-my-shit logitech setpoint drivers. but that was only part of the issue I felt.

The mouse feet seemed ok as did the mousepad surface but I'd been meaning to get a new mousepad for awhile now as the one I have has a metal frame and bottom it sits in which becomes uncomfortable when using the mouse for long periods of time. It's also a little small.

So, while at Fry's, I found one worth checking out. Here's a data sheet on it:



My main objective was to find something a little larger and faster than what I had. This Gamer's Mat looked a little odd but had two sides to it:

Zero: for accuracy
Sub Zero: for speed

Well, when I was just entering puberty, I acquired a poster from a friend. It was of a hot female standing in the shallow end of a pool with a wet T-Shirt on. The T-Shirt had a "Slippery When Wet" road sign on it. I'd kill to see that poster again for old time's sake. To me, it was as popular as the Farah Fawcett posters during the same time frame. I guess not though, because I can't find it.

Slippery is the key work here. Holy smoke, this pad is smooth. I have newfound respect for my G7 mouse. I feel like a kid again learning to ride a bicycle for the first time. I'm using the "Zero" side for accuracy and it's already too much mousepad for me. I'm scared to try out the "sub zero" speed side for fear I might hurt myself.

This mousepad rocks for those that are anal about their mice and don't like even the slightest hint of friction when moving them around. I'm wondering if this is alien technology and they've got a hold of the frictionless material found in "The Mote in God's Eye".

Thumbs up for this product. ($19.00 at Fry's)

---------------------

While at Fry's a keyboard caught my eye. It's the new Microsoft/Razer Reclusa. I'm kind of tired of looking at my worn out G15 and Logitech hasn't come out with a newer version of the G15 so I figured I try something else.

I main things I wanted:

-wheel/knob style thingy for volume
-backlit keyboard
-some macro keys
-quiet typing

The Reclusa looked interesting with it's twin knobs. Volume/Scroll defaults

I kinda like the dedicated copy/paste buttons on the left edge and the forward/back buttons on the right edge.

The macro software seems ok. Here's what It looks like on my screen right at I'm typing this:



deja vu!

While the conrtol of Media Player options only include, Windows media Player, iTunes, WinAmp or Real Player, if you pick WinAmp, it seems to play/pause Media Monkey using the right side media keys.

The default left side three macro buttons are Home (opens Firefox which is my default browser), Mail, and Music (I switched it to Media Monkey) They are completely reprogrammable to include up to an 8-step macro (including time delays) open apps, or do various functions



Complex macros are a lot more limited than with the G15. 8-step macros mean only eight key presses. (can't enter a sentence to say in chat for example)

Spacebar is kinda small. It's small on the G15 as well. I like the big fat space bars..come one man, the spacebar gets used a lot! Don't make it so tiny!

Backlit blue is ok, maybe even a little better than the G15's but not by much. Can't turn it on or off or adjust the level so hope you like it! Like the G15, you can't really see it muc fron an angle so it's not that big a deal.

BTW, I'm making this a little lengthy because I'm trying out the keyboard for typing and trying to get used to it. As when I got the G15, I felt a little lost on the keys for a bit. I like the feel of the keys and they're quiet but as one review I read stated (after buying the keyboard!), the spacebar is kinda loud. I guess they want to make up for it being small by making it annoying when you hit it.

One thing I do like is the left jog wheel. It's default scroll function is nice. I've been scrolling up to look at my previewed post to see the images and using the knob on the keyboard is better than reaching over to the mouse. I can see myself actually using the keyboard scroll jog wheel...man this spacebar is noisy..cheap sounding noisy. The jog wheels are also kinda cheep feeling and clank around like cheap loose fit plastic. they work, but rattle.

Um, the other keys are starting to feel really nice to type on but the fucking spacebar rattle is driving me nuts. (hint: I'm taking this thing back)

This keyboard is close to being good. The wheels are nice, the macro buttons are a little less obtrusive than the G15's and don't throw off your typing as much because the lower right key is actually the CTRL key as it should be and the macro keys are located a little higher. If I hadn't read the review complaining about the noisy spacebar, I might exchange it but it seems that's the way they all are.

Ah well, not a bad first effort from the Microsoft/Razer team up, but the cheap feel of some of the keys (wheels and spacebar) and limited macro ability don't warrant 69.00.

They can't all be winners! Saitek's original keyboard is my favorite for "key feel" while I'd love to have the generic Dell keyboard:



and add a volume knob and some macro buttons to it!

Logitech needs to come out with a successor to the G15. My keys all rubbed off from the original defective lot of them and it's kinda an ugly keyboard. I'd like to see a snazzier LCD screen, a better backlighting solution, better placement of the macro keys, key letters that don't rub off..stuff like that. If they're going for the high end gamer type, boost the price of the keyboard up 50.00 or so and make the LCD a little better along with the overall quality.

Summary: Mouse Pad good! Keyboard bad!

reason for keyboard return:

-can't turn off backlight
-can't disable windows key
-noisy spacebar and jog wheels feel cheaper then a Crackerjack toy
-weak sauce macros

We need a new wave of keyboards!

edit: I went over and typed on the G15 keyboard and it's spacebar kinda noisy too! All i want is a big, fat, quiet spacebar!

[Xatrei]

I just got a Dell XPS to replace my old PC when the motherboard flaked out. It came with this keyboard and rigid mousepad:



It's got 8 macro buttons along the top, and a volume knob with standard playback controlls above the insert/home/page-up keys. It's just slightly larger than their standard keyboard, it's nice and quiet, and it has the a nice solid feel to it. I won't be using the mouse or the rigid mouse pad much since I prefer a trackball. I'll be picking up a new one to replace my ancient Logitech Trackman Marble+ this weekend.

Incidentally, this Dell is the first PC that I've ever personally owned that I didn't build myself (not counting the PC Jr. and PC that my Dad bought for the family in the early 80's or my various Commodore and Apple machines over the years), and I've got to say that I'm pretty happy with it thus far.

[Aslanna]

The major thing I see wrong with the Reclusa: It's not square (rectangular). I hate odd shaped keyboards.

Next!

[Winnow]

I just got a Dell XPS to replace my old PC when the motherboard flaked out. It came with this keyboard and rigid mousepad:

It's got 8 macro buttons along the top, and a volume knob with standard playback controlls above the insert/home/page-up keys. It's just slightly larger than their standard keyboard, it's nice and quiet, and it has the a nice solid feel to it. I won't be using the mouse or the rigid mouse pad much since I prefer a trackball. I'll be picking up a new one to replace my ancient Logitech Trackman Marble+ this weekend.

Are those programmable macro keys or only settable for the usual stuff?

That does have the exact layout as the non media Dell. I wonder if there's a way to obtain one here in AZ. I don't feel like ordering from Dell again unless it's for another LCD. It looks like that keyboard runs $28.00. Don't really like the silver parts but you've gotta like the space bar! I like the feel of the keys as well on them.

I'm still typing on the Reck-of-a-keyboard-lusa and do like the feel of all keys save for the space bar. The left scroll knob is growing on me as well. I was unable to reprogram the left back/forward buttons to work in Firefox though so there's another strike against this keyboard. Alt+left arrow and alt_right arrow should work but nooooooo. It's like the macro's have to hit one key at a time and don't understand combos.

I hate returning stuff. That's why I usually do lots of research beforehand. I was fooled by the box! (it didn't say "cheap-ass noisy space bar" on the box) seriously though. I don't understand why they let the keyboard go to production like this. All it needs it a solid fit. Every time you hit the space bar, it clicks because it's loose and hits down on the bottom part before depressing to complete the keystroke. It's a design flaw that should have been extremely easy to spot and fix. And the knobs are so loose and rattle. It's another obvious thing that should have been spotted. Those aren't expensive things to adjust before production.

[Xatrei]

Good question. I haven't had much time to mess around with this comp yet as I've been fairly busy. So far, all I've managed to do has been uninstalling all of the crapware that Dell ships with their comps, installed all of my software and have transferred documents & stuff. I've also been familiarizing myself with Vista, which has not been a big deal given that everything works essentially the same way, with just a few minor cosmetic changes. Aero is pretty cool, but the fluff will be on my nerves in a day or two.

From a cursory inspection, I don't see a way to customize the macro keys (currently browser controls, plus launchers for e-mail, my computer and calculator). It's possible that I uninstalled a customization applet when getting rid of all of Dell's installed BS, or there may be a downloadable utility, but I'm not sure yet.

[Winnow]

It looks like Newegg is trying to get rid of their G15s so hopefully a new version will be out soon.

I'm used to typing on the Reclusa now and am starting to get hooked on the scroll knob. I used it while reading comics last night. I also found myself using the copy/paste buttons on the edge, which I need to do a lot of when posting comics on VV for links, etc. On the other hand, the forward/back buttons on the right edge don't work in Firefox and are unfixable even with macros as the bad macro app doesn't recognize alt+right arrow or left arrow combos for some reason.

I'd probably keep this keyboard while waiting for the new models if the space bar wasn't so annoying. Maybe the G15 successor will have a scroll knob.

I took a look at the expensive Logitech DiNovo Edge bluetooth keyboard. It's also havily reduced in price on Newegg. 199, down to 166 with another 30.00 mail in rebate making it 136.99 but while most of the reviews were good, Logitech's fucked up drivers kept creeping into the comments. The little touchpad with scrolling ability looked cool but if you changed the settings on the touchpad it affects your main mouse. Screw that. Most things will allow totally separate control if two mice are connected. Shame because all I saw were positive comments about how quiet and nice the keys were on it.

I wish someone else besides Logitech would come out with a decent keyboard. I can't stand their drivers. They've caused me tons of grief over the past few years.

[Ashur]

Mouse pads are for pussies.

[Winnow]

Not using a quality mouse pad is like rollerblading in the sand!

Keep in mind that I have my mouse speed turned up so high that I can move around a 3840x1200 desktop with just a finger twitch but accurately enough to move to the other side of my desktop, resize a window and return faster than you can move your mouse from the OK to CANCEL button.

My mouse pad really only needs to be about twice the size of my mouse. My mouse moves about half of its width to cross two 1920 res screens.

Biatch!

That's where the DPI buttons behind the G7 scroll wheel come into play when doing high accuracy stuff like photoshop editing. You can switch from 2400dpi to two slower settings quickly and experience what owners of lessor mice experience. Feels like trying to move your mouse through quicksand by comparison!

[cadalano]

Mouse pads are for pussies.

[cadalano]

i need to replace my G15 with one of those dell keyboards. i use one at work and its by far the best keyboard i've ever used. i dont have a lot of desktop real estate left so the trimmed edges are mega sexah. i agree with aslanna on the MS one.. if youre gonna put on more plastic than you need, at least make it look good. Q: "What do hardcore gamers crave the most??" A:"EGG-SHAPED PERIPHERALS"

the MS one does look to be functionally superior to G15 though, not that i even use the macro keys. I only bought mine for the LCD info screen and now that I have a KVM switch, it can't work anymore

[Winnow]

the MS one does look to be functionally superior to G15 though, not that i even use the macro keys. I only bought mine for the LCD info screen and now that I have a KVM switch, it can't work anymore

I'm still using the Reclusa and could live with it if not for the space bar. There is extra plastic that's not needed on the keyboard but it does function well. The other keys have a Dell type feel to them but are quieter than the Mega sexy 9.99 Dell keyboard that I like so much at work. (non multimedia edition)

A quick search found it here:

http://www.logicapproach.com/index.php? ... 9680168dbf

I spent lunch yesterday feeling up keyboards at Fry's Electronics and then after work I felt up some more at Circuit City (since they had a DiNovo Edge to try out).

I ended up confirming for myself that the Saitek keyboards have the best feel by far for my tastes. Full sized keys that you can pound on but are nice and quiet. I also found that I shouldn't have ragged on the Reclusa for noise levels so much as the Dell keyboard is noisier but I'm just not concerned as much with noise levels at work. This Dell kicks as though. The DiNovo Edge had the hybrid laptop/standard keyboard keys. It's a super thin keyboard with some nice features but after being able to actually try it, I removed it from consideration. Some may like it though as most reviewers enjoyed the feel of it.

I think the Saitek II is an ugly keyboard and don't care for the multi colored LED backlit options. There's no denying it's the best (for me) for actual typing though.

I've been eyeing the Wacom Bamboo Pen Tablet that hasn't been released yet in the U.S.

I use my mouse with my right hand but I'm a lefty so I was thinking of having my G7 on the right and this tablet on the left side of my keyboard so I could dual wield while surfing and editing stuff. I've been wanting to try out a tablet for Photoshop stuff and have been reading up on Vista's pen flic (they work much like Age of Conan melee moves! ) abilities. The Bamboo thingy has scroll circle as well for the ultimate in lazy surfing with both hands.

Here's the Aussie site for the Bamboo: (which is more informative than the company's native German site)

http://www.wacom.com.au/bamboo/features/index.html

and a page/movie explaning some of the Vista pen stuff:

http://www.wacom.com.au/vista/index.html



I think the mouse/tablet dual wielding might not work for most unless they are ambidextrous.

[miir]

Those plastic/acrylic gamer mouse pads are awesome for the first month or two.
After that the surface starts to wear down or get scratched and they lose a lot of their speed and accuracy goes to shit.

Not worth the money in my opinion... unless you're a professional gamer.

[Winnow]

Those plastic/acrylic gamer mouse pads are awesome for the first month or two.
After that the surface starts to wear down or get scratched and they lose a lot of their speed and accuracy goes to shit.

Not worth the money in my opinion... unless you're a professional gamer.

Are you referring to the one I purchased or some of the more expensive ones?

I bought the pad in this thread partially because it has two sides so I figured I'd get twice the use out of it. The slower side is borderline too fast already so if it does slow down, It will actually be slightly more usable. After that, I'll try the other side.

Your mouse feet may play a factor as well. The G7's big mouse feet are made of better material than standard mice feet. I've had my G7 a long time now and the feet are still going strong. I don't feel and grinding at all on this pad. It's silky smooth so I imagine it will be awhile before anything wears down. I've tried out the small bumpy surfaces before...not as good imo.

That's a huge positive for the G7, along with the 2000dpi, when considering various mice:



----

As for the keyboard situation, I'm officially screwed now. I picked up a Saitek II yesterday and now there's no going back to any other keyboard. It's a no frills, in-your-face, "here I am, push my keys bitch!" keyboard that has just enough media keys up in the right corner to get by without causing inconvenience.

I preferred the look of the original Saitek keyboard but after actually placing the Saitek II in front of my monitors, it looks mighty fine, and is aesthetically better than the G15 and certainly the bloated kidney look of the Reclusa.

The Saaitek II has the option for blue, red or purple LED backlighting. That was unimportant to be but I can confirm that the backlighting on the Saitek actually lights up the keys opposed to the kind of dull glow you get with the G15. Blue is pretty close to the same look as the G15 but Red and Purple are much brighter. Thankfully, unlike the Reclusa, you can turn off the LEDs easily and quickly with the keyboard controls.

The knob on the keyboard to adjust the brightness of the LEDs is a waste as you'll probably want it maxed out or not on at all. If that was a volume knob instead, the Saitek would be that much better. The two buttons for volume on the keyboard work ok though. Another thing you may miss is the lack of USB ports on this keyboard. All I've ever had hooked up to my G15 (and Reclusa) was the G7 mouse transmitter. I stuck that in the back of my PC instead and it still works fine...maybe even better being connected to a USB 2 port instead of 1.1...dunno, works great either location.

Space bar...it's a glorious chubby delight to use. Can't miss it! All space bars should be this good. The #1 purpose of the Saitek II is great keys and typing and it's perfect for that.

The wrist bar seems nice enough but I don't use those things. I think wrist pads are for pussies the same as some in this thread think of mouse pads...They're wrong, I'm right in this matter!...those lame gel things for your mouse pad are lame as well...but! If you need a wrist bar pad, Saitek II has one that's adjustable...and thankfully removable. I suppose it depends on the size of your hands, etc.

Here's some pics of the Saitek II and Pad on Zero and Subzero sides:











Yay for real time editing!

Hopefully Saitek continues to improve their keyboard each year as long as they keep the standard key layout and feel the same.

[miir]

Are you referring to the one I purchased or some of the more expensive ones?

I bought the pad in this thread partially because it has two sides so I figured I'd get twice the use out of it. The slower side is borderline too fast already so if it does slow down, It will actually be slightly more usable. After that, I'll try the other side.

Your mouse feet may play a factor as well. The G7's big mouse feet are made of better material than standard mice feet. I've had my G7 a long time now and the feet are still going strong. I don't feel and grinding at all on this pad. It's silky smooth so I imagine it will be awhile before anything wears down. I've tried out the small bumpy surfaces before...not as good imo.

That's a huge positive for the G7, along with the 2000dpi, when considering various mice:

I've tried a number of precision/performance mousing surfaces.
I have not tried this specific one, but it appears to be of similar design and construction as the others I have tried.
In my experience with all plastic and acrylic surfaces is that they wear down over time.
I have yet to find a precision/performace mouse pad that lasted more than 3 months without any serious increase in surface friction/resistance.

[Fash]

I use a big sample of Linoleum. It's smooth, durable, easily cleaned, and has a great pattern for tracking. It's over-sized, but it's nice not having edges nearby... Plus I put stuff on it.
Oh and I use a standard oem keyboard.

[Winnow]

Oh and I use a standard oem keyboard.

Nothing wrong with that! My second favorite keyboard atm is the 9.99 Dell OEM.

Could you at least put a few glow in the dark stickers on the keyboard to cool-factor it up?

I've got to have some sort of volume controls on the keyboard as a minimum but other than that, I'm going for quiet/quality keys over anything else from now on. Keyboards are like speakers. You need to experience them first hand before making a decision.

[Somali]

This one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817114301, is fanfreakingtastic after a year of use. Similar to the one Winnow referenced above, it has two sides. a precision and a speed surface. I've experienced no noticeable slow down in tracking.

[miir]

This one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817114301, is fanfreakingtastic after a year of use. Similar to the one Winnow referenced above, it has two sides. a precision and a speed surface. I've experienced no noticeable slow down in tracking.

Hmm.. have you got the plastic or aluminum surface?
I'd consider trying the aluminum surface.

[noel]

I'm still using Microsoft's Wireless Media Desktop 7000 and I'm very, very, happy with it. I tried the mouse that came with it for about 5 minutes and haven't used it since, but I really like the keyboard a lot.

For those that care, the 8000 is now slated to be out in September.

[Somali]

I believe the plastic/aluminum refers to the base the mousepad sits in. I'm using the rubberized base. All the surfaces are "constructed of high quality polycarbonate" (high grade plastic).

[masteen]

I would kill for a quality wireless keyboard that's not tarted up with 1000 buttons that I will never use.

[Fash]

yeah, i want a quality, oem style, 104-key keyboard that's wireless, why is there no such thing??...

the dinovo edge looks cool as hell, but with that retardedly home/end/pgup/pgdn section and no 10-key, it's fucking useless!

[Aslanna]

the dinovo edge looks cool as hell, but with that retardedly home/end/pgup/pgdn section and no 10-key, it's fucking useless!

I was thinking of picking one of these up. With rebate it's only $118 at Amazon at the moment. The no 10-key number pad not a big deal to me. I can't remember the last time I actually used them.

[valryte]

Never have to worry about mouse pads or desk surface...

[Sargeras]

Lovin' it.