Keyboards

Toalin · Post by **Toalin** » October 16, 2008, 9:22 pm

So, ive been unable to find any Old style G15 keyboards with the 18 macro keys. they now have 6 and i just find its not enough even with being able to load up 3 sets. the old style of 18 button was OMGIAMRETARDEDCAUSEALOTISTWOWORDS better for me anyways.

Basically is there any other gaming type keyboards out there with say 12 + macro keys with the ability to change out the macros like presets etc on the market?

or is there some wonderful online store that still stocks Old style g15?

I already have a gamepad and im not looking for another one. generally just want an all in 1 keyboard with macro buttons etc.

If anyone has any suggestions?

sarlen · Post by **sarlen** » October 17, 2008, 3:38 am

Ebay is your friend. You see the 18 key boards 2 or 3 at a time. Sold mine on Ebay a year ago for more then I payed for it (yay to who ever decided to stop making them)

Also, unless you can adapt to a really fucked up keyboard fast you really dont want this thing. The key size, spacing and placement are not even close to a normal keyboard. I tried for over a year to make the thing work out for me but in the end years of typing on a standard keyboard ruined me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-G15-Gaming ... 286.c0.m14

Trias · Post by **Trias** » October 17, 2008, 7:39 am

the original G15 is pretty dope; mine is starting to wear out...i'm starting to shop around for a new keyboard...anyone try the new offerings from microsoft yet?

miir · Post by **miir** » October 17, 2008, 10:39 am

I just picked up a new style G15 and eventhough it's got 1/3 the maco keys, it think it's a better keyboard overall.
The tactile feel, surface and throw of the keys is much nicer.

I found that I never used even close to half of the macro keys on my old G15 anyway.

miir · Post by **miir** » October 17, 2008, 10:41 am

Also, unless you can adapt to a really fucked up keyboard fast you really dont want this thing. The key size, spacing and placement are not even close to a normal keyboard. I tried for over a year to make the thing work out for me but in the end years of typing on a standard keyboard ruined me.

I took me about one week to get accustomed to the G15

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » October 17, 2008, 10:48 am

miir wrote:
Also, unless you can adapt to a really fucked up keyboard fast you really dont want this thing. The key size, spacing and placement are not even close to a normal keyboard. I tried for over a year to make the thing work out for me but in the end years of typing on a standard keyboard ruined me.
I took me about one week to get accustomed to the G15

Likewise. The trick was just placing your hands in the right place which would be thrown off by the larger keyboard. The keys were spaced the same as any other keyboard I have had. My problem now is that I still have one of the first batch of G15's with the keys that wore off, and there are very few with anything on them. It has been funny watching people who cannot type without looking at the keyboard try to do anything on that computer!

cadalano · Post by **cadalano** » October 17, 2008, 11:49 am

best keyboard:

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » October 17, 2008, 12:55 pm

I require a scroller on the left side of my keyboard. It's muscle memory at this point. Without it I feel neutered.

miir · Post by **miir** » October 17, 2008, 1:02 pm

A what?

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » October 17, 2008, 1:10 pm

miir wrote:A what?

I assume he means the scroll bar that functions the same way as a mouse scroll bar on the left side of the keyboard. Microsoft and Logitech used to have a few with the option, I believe.

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » October 17, 2008, 1:23 pm

Yep, the wheel. Gotta have the wheel.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » October 17, 2008, 1:47 pm

At first I really wanted the old style. Then I realized I never take time to make macros. I really love the new G15 and have 2 of them. Solid keyboard, great typing on it. The display is kickass too.

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » October 17, 2008, 1:54 pm

Question regarding the complaints about adjusting to the g15: Are the keys different sized than the standard on the 1st gen g15 or the 2nd gen, or both?

I am just curious because i have been using the G15 since 2006, and don't have any problems with it. Everyday I use the G15 (gaming machine), the dell keyboard pictured above (oracle server, web server, random other stuff that could be done on my work machine), some newer wireless microsoft keyboard (work machine), and a laptop. The only keyboard I ever have any issue with is the microsoft one (not even the laptop, except when i go for the phantom numberpad), because the keys are curved for some reason.

What I don't like about the newer G15 is they changed the LED color to red. Blue led + black + silver randomly matches all of my hardware (unintentional) but since it worked out that way, I would kind of like for it to continue matching.

miir · Post by **miir** » October 17, 2008, 2:08 pm

I somehow doubt that Sarlen used it for an entire year and could not adjust to it...
Everyone I know that uses one took between 2 days to 2 weeks to adjust.
The only issue I ever had with it was misplaced fingers. Probably due to the extra few inches of heft the keyboard has to the left of the keys.
Now I use everything from Mac keyboards to laptop keyboards to standard dell/ibm keyboards to my G15 and have no trouble adjusting instantly.

Truant · Post by **Truant** » October 17, 2008, 2:20 pm

I agree with Mr. Cadalano. I don't use macros, and I don't need bells and whistles. I also don't want a keyboard that takes up half my desk.

I like simple, and the only thing I really care about is how the keys feel. I've been using the same Acer (lol!) keyboard since 1999. When the keys become a pita (haven't yet) i'll get something simple like the Dell kb above.

Syenye · Post by **Syenye** » October 17, 2008, 3:26 pm

Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000. Basic keyboard with low profile keys. Office Depot has them on sale for $10 frequently, so I stock up and I don't feel bad when I dump coffee on them. I love the feel of the keys, and it's relatively quiet.

sarlen · Post by **sarlen** » October 17, 2008, 4:08 pm

miir wrote:I somehow doubt that Sarlen used it for an entire year and could not adjust to it...
Everyone I know that uses one took between 2 days to 2 weeks to adjust.
The only issue I ever had with it was misplaced fingers. Probably due to the extra few inches of heft the keyboard has to the left of the keys.
Now I use everything from Mac keyboards to laptop keyboards to standard dell/ibm keyboards to my G15 and have no trouble adjusting instantly.

I'm just typing retarded.

To be more specific on my issues when I first got the keyboard it seemed to me the key spacing was a bit wider, the F key placement was off a bit and I know it doesn't look like it but I would swear the shift key is over sized. Not much of an issue really but it caused me to look down at the keyboard to reset my fingers constantly. In the dark it drove me insane, I couldn't reliably type while gaming without looking down and it became so much of an issue I ended up only using it on my second PC, then 6 months after that I sold it. Actual time spent daily working on the keyboard before I gave up is more like 4 months. I was being stubborn about it because I wouldn't accept I couldn't conform to something only slightly different then standard.

link to the original G15 discussion http://www.veeshanvault.org/forums/view ... &hilit=g15

miir · Post by **miir** » October 17, 2008, 4:29 pm

Hehe, I know exactly what you mean.
For the first 2-3 weeks, I had to keep looking down at my hands to make sure fingers weren't shifted.
I would type sentences that turned out complete gibberish when I didn't check my hand placement.

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » October 17, 2008, 4:32 pm

My thoughts in that linked thread remain the same. I still use the G15 for some reason and the the keys are holding up. The only one that's started to wear off is the left Shift key (and Spacebar I guess). It's alright but would definitely not buy another one once this one goes kaput. I don't even use the LCD anymore as I have it closed all the time.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 17, 2008, 10:22 pm

Most will agree that I'm anal about mice and keyboards.

The Apple metal keyboard is hands down the best I've ever used. Rock solid, has weight/stability due to metal frame.

Dead quiet. Stays super clean. Great feel while typing on it. Zero squeeks. Two USB ports on the ends if you need them.

I reprogrammed the extra function keys up top (last seven on the right) to handle my volume, music controls, mute and screen capture (print screen which Apple keyboards normally don't have)

Love this keyboard. G15 threw off my typing. Too different from what I use at work, plus was a bit noisy and space bar was puny. (and my first release batch key letters wore off)

For macros, use a dedicated game controller thingy. (Saitek Command Unit) It fits your hand better than generic rows of macro keys on a keyboard plus has additional functionality with thumb joystick for movement, etc.

I use the keyboard cadalano posted above at work and also like that style. (monster space bar, form fitting keyboard with zero bullshit. Don't need volume that much at work so no biggie on that part.

There's a lot of personal preference (feel) to choosing a keyboard so to each their own. Saitek keyboards have the best "feel" IMO. I bought one of them after the G15 but the Apple Metal one trumps it.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 18, 2008, 7:30 pm

Could try some keyboard pants!

http://gizmodo.com/5064939/10-gadget-ge ... ike-a-tool

Spang · Post by **Spang** » October 18, 2008, 11:55 pm

lol

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » October 19, 2008, 3:54 am

Winnow wrote:Most will agree that I'm anal about mice and keyboards.

Looking at the picture...is the backspace key a different size than standard? Also, can you reprogram the apple key and command key to do windows key and alt?

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 19, 2008, 5:49 pm

Aardor wrote: Looking at the picture...is the backspace key a different size than standard? Also, can you reprogram the apple key and command key to do windows key and alt?

Not sure bout the backspace (big delete) key. I haven't noticed any problems using it so if it's smaller, it hasn't been an issue for me.

Here are my original posts about the keyboard from another thread. Check second part for the little app that lets you remap keys for windows. I forget that I create these guides sometimes or they get mixed into other thread. The second half explains how to remap whatever key you wish to:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From a November 7, 2007 post here on VV

I love my Saitek keyboard and sacrificed macro keys etc just to have the great key feel of the Saitek.

But, since screwing around with Leopard, I took a look around the Apple computers at Fry's and really liked the new aluminum keyboard that comes with the new Macs.

At lunch today, before I even knew if the keyboard would work for me, I bought one. My hope is to have both the Saitek and Mac keyboards plugged in and switch between them, using the Saitek while booted in Vista and Mac while in Leopard/VM-Vista.

Thankfully, I found this article after lunch and it looks like the Mac keyboard works out of the box on Vista with a few key mods.

This is a good article to read no mater what:

http://www.wintellect.com/cs/blogs/jrob ... vista.aspx

I agree with the author in that I hate all the crap that gets in between the keys of a standard keyboard no matter how much you try to keep it clean.

Now my hope is that I can remap the couple keys I need in Vista that aren't on the Mac (print screen, etc) and the mapping will automatically switch when I'm using a Vista App inside of Leopard. That will be sweet.

I'm a minimalist now when it comes to keyboard. I want clean lines but with full functionality. I typed a bit on the new Mac keyboard to see how it was. It's stiff for sure compared to the Saitek and has a laptop feel to it but the keys were responsive enough to keep my satisfied with the tactile feedback.

The pictures don't do justice to how small this thing is:

For MAc users, here's the differences from the old Mac keyboard to the new:

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/side_by_rumo ... 283536.php

Seems reasonably overpriced like other keyboards I've purchased at 49.00.

Hoping it will work out well as a secondary keyboard, if not, no big deal but it will be nice to try out some Mac apps with the proper keys.

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

here's a follow up post from later that same day:

Next, the new keyboard rocks. I was booted into Vista when I plugged it in and Vista installed drivers for it. The command key is the Windows key by default, and everything else worked. Of course, I was missing my media buttons, and print screen button.

I used SharpKeys as the article suggested to change some key functions:

http://www.randyrants.com/sharpkeys/

The new apple keyboard has 19 Function keys and Windows keyboard only have 12 Function keys so that leaves 7 keys (F13-F19) open in Windows and I used them this way:

I changed them a bit after that screenshot.

Here's the keyboard compared to my Saitek:

The Wacom tablet on the left works great due to me being left handed but I use the mouse with my right hand so no conflict and I can use them both at the same time effectively.

Here's the layout for the function keys I remapped:

I'm loving the new keyboard. It's easily usable in Vista if you add the media keys.

The thing is solid. So tiny but the two powered USB ports on the sides are great. It's very easy on the fingers. Super quiet. Its no contest between the Saitek and Mac Aluminum keyboard for noise. The Saitek is quiet but keys can rattle somewhat as well as the space bar. Zero rattling on this new keyboard. It is basically a laptop type keyboard but has a nice feedback on the keystrokes and while it looks small, it's as long as a the standard desktop keyboard so isn't cramped at all.

I still like the Saitek and using it is almost like getting a finger massage but I'm already hooked on the new one. Everyone's got differing opinions on what they like for keyboards and if you absolutely hate laptop keyboards, this one is a close cousin. Spend a little time in a store that sells Apples typing on is and see what you think.

9/10 for the Mac Keyboard.

Pros:
-solid, ultra efficient design
-2 X powered USB ports well hidden on a super small footprint
-works out of the box with Vista

Cons:
-Apple sucks by default
-Could use a nice Vista logo somewhere on it

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » October 19, 2008, 7:38 pm

I just got the keyboard (yay best buy coupons + expiring gift cards), going to give it a try shortly.

As an aside:

-2 X powered USB ports well hidden on a super small footprint

Has there been such a thing as an unpowered USB port since USB 1.1?

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » October 19, 2008, 8:19 pm

Oh, annoying. You can't rebind fn, or eject.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 19, 2008, 8:48 pm

Aardor wrote:Oh, annoying. You can't rebind fn, or eject.

Doesn't annoy me. That's where the seven extra reprogrammable F keys come into play. There is no ejec key on a standard windows keyboard so why worry about it? And the fn key lame. Blame Apple for having such a stupid key.

Aardor wrote: As an aside:
-2 X powered USB ports well hidden on a super small footprint
Has there been such a thing as an unpowered USB port since USB 1.1?

Yes, there still are non powered USB ports.

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » October 20, 2008, 7:34 pm

Winnow wrote:
Aardor wrote:Oh, annoying. You can't rebind fn, or eject.
Doesn't annoy me. That's where the seven extra reprogrammable F keys come into play. There is no ejec key on a standard windows keyboard so why worry about it? And the fn key lame. Blame Apple for having such a stupid key.

Yeah, I just wish I could assign additional functionality to the eject button. And the Fn key is where he insert key on a standard keyboard is. I use insert for various things when programming, and not having it is a gigantic PITA. And I don't think we can blame Apple for their non-windows hardware having issues in windows. I would rather blame windows for not being able to pick up the key without doing some scripting of input.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 20, 2008, 11:41 pm

Aardor wrote:

Yeah, I just wish I could assign additional functionality to the eject button. And the Fn key is where he insert key on a standard keyboard is. I use insert for various things when programming, and not having it is a gigantic PITA. And I don't think we can blame Apple for their non-windows hardware having issues in windows. I would rather blame windows for not being able to pick up the key without doing some scripting of input.[/quote]

Use F13 for insert. Right above it!. That's where I have the print screen button. What do you think of the feel after playing with it a bit? I love it but understand that people have very different preferences for what they like in a keyboard when it comes to the tactile portion of choosing one. I like that I can slam away on this one and it's still quiet.

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » October 21, 2008, 1:17 am

Winnow wrote:
Aardor wrote:
Yeah, I just wish I could assign additional functionality to the eject button. And the Fn key is where he insert key on a standard keyboard is. I use insert for various things when programming, and not having it is a gigantic PITA. And I don't think we can blame Apple for their non-windows hardware having issues in windows. I would rather blame windows for not being able to pick up the key without doing some scripting of input.

Use F13 for insert. Right above it!. That's where I have the print screen button. What do you think of the feel after playing with it a bit? I love it but understand that people have very different preferences for what they like in a keyboard when it comes to the tactile portion of choosing one. I like that I can slam away on this one and it's still quiet.[/quote]

This site explains how to make Fn work, and you can follow the same methodology to get the eject button to work:
http://yotz.eu/fnkey/

I like it. I really like soft keys, I just normally wear them out in a week. One of the things that prompted me to buy it was a friend who does software development on one, who claimed softkeys had not worn out in a year. It's nice that it's much smaller than the g15. I currently use a folding table as a desk, and my monitors have caused it to start sagging. The keyboard is light enough that it slides because of this (but not on a flat surface).

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » October 21, 2008, 1:29 am

Aardor wrote: I like it. I really like soft keys, I just normally wear them out in a week. One of the things that prompted me to buy it was a friend who does software development on one, who claimed softkeys had not worn out in a year.

Mine is just like new almost a year after buying it and I'm a heavy duty user. No signs or wear, defective keys or worn anything.

lmnt9 · Post by **lmnt9** » October 21, 2008, 4:21 pm

Syenye wrote:

Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000. Basic keyboard with low profile keys. Office Depot has them on sale for $10 frequently, so I stock up and I don't feel bad when I dump coffee on them. I love the feel of the keys, and it's relatively quiet.

I love this keyboard - great feel on the keys, but they are a little cheap. I've already broken an enter key, but I tend to be a hard typer.

lmnt9 · Post by **lmnt9** » October 21, 2008, 4:36 pm

I have an old style G15 and shelved it because it took up my entire desk. I now use a saitek for gaming and the microsoft comfort at work.

I may have to give the apple kb a try, I love small footprint keyboards for boxing.

But the best keyboard in the world is this one:

Anytime I find one in excellent condition at a garage sale/thrift shop I buy it. I have about 10 of them in mint to near-mint condition.

And looking for that image I found this:

And then the ultimate mod on the ultimate keyboard:
http://steampunkworkshop.com/keyboard.shtml

Aardor · Post by **Aardor** » October 21, 2008, 4:59 pm

Haha, you and one of my college roommates have a love for the old AT keyboards. When I was fixing one of my family members PCs, I found one of those keyboards and took it for my roommate. It was the most amazing keyboard I have ever seen: It was completely made out of metal (probably steel) except for the keys. It weighed a ton for a keyboard, and you could easily have killed someone if you smacked them in the head with the keyboard...probably not doing any damage to the keyboard itself.

I'm actually kind of surprised their isn't a company making those style of keyboards anymore (but over usb or ps/2 instead of whatever the AT connector was called). A friend of mine swears by The Das Keyboard (http://www.daskeyboard.com/), but the keys don't have any markings on them which would drive most people nuts. Actually, looking at the website, the newer ones have the keys marked...You may want to check it out if you like the old style keyboards.

Ashur · Post by **Ashur** » October 21, 2008, 5:22 pm

I used my IBM "clicky" keyboard exclusively for years until several months after my daughter was born and I found it was waking her up, so I ran to Meijer and got a cheapo USB keyboard that was quiet, but I didn't enjoy (Who the FUCK puts a POWER OFF BUTTON right next to the damn ESC key?!?!?!)

New Gateway PC, new Gateway USB keyboard, but in another year or so when my daughter isn't so young I'm plugging the IBM monster back in.

Siji · Post by **Siji** » October 24, 2008, 12:01 pm

Aardor wrote:What I don't like about the newer G15 is they changed the LED color to red. Blue led + black + silver randomly matches all of my hardware (unintentional) but since it worked out that way, I would kind of like for it to continue matching.

Pretty much the only thing I don't like about the G15 is that in the dark, I can't see what the keys are. I touch type just fine, but if my hands are off the keyboard and I need to hit a single key for something, I find myself having to sit up and look over top of the keyboard to see the keys. The keyboard light isn't nearly bright enough, especially when the monitor glares off the top of the keys at the angle I sit at and blue just melds together. Red is probably easier to see, which is I'd guess why they changed it.

VeeshanVault

Keyboards

Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards

Re: Keyboards