Which Keyboard and Mouse do you use?

[little P]

Mechanical keyboards or normal, adjustable dpi or normal mouses etc.

I've had a look and there seems to be a bewildering amount of choice out there, so I was interested to see what you use

 

[HaJa]

I use normal logitech wireless keyboard and mouse. The wireless standard
devices are good enough for us normal players and most upper level gamers as well.
Only when you go up to highly skilled or professional the kneed for wired mice
and mechanical keyboards arise.

This is my 2 cents after years of internet browsing on the matter. I'm sure I will
get a lot of contradictory opinions on this :lol:

 

[JohnnyK]

Mechanical keyboard - Razer BlackWidow
I used an IBM Model M until 2 years ago, so I hate rubber dome keyboards especially for typing. For gaming, precision is certainly better as well, but you have to press harder with the blue switches I have (those give you the distinctive "click"). There are other mech switch types with less tactile feedback available if you want, though.

Mouse - Razer Deathadder 3.5G
I used Logitech before that; the MX518 and G500 I had had dpi-adjustment on the fly and better software than Razer (eg. you csn only add one executable to a profile with Razer)
However, my MX518 died after 3 years, and both my G500s had jittery sensors that made FPS gaming impossible.

 

[mondo]

I've just replaced my Logitech MX518 mouse and G10 keyboard with a Razor Death Adder mouse and Corsair K70 keyboard. In both cases they'd worn out quite literally from use.

I went against wireless because of input lag which can be quite high and noticeable in twitch games - also batteries and recharging is a pain in the ass. I got a new mechanical keyboard because they're nicer to type on and I do work at home allot so have to write a shit ton of stuff.

I'd recommend the Logitech MX518 to anyone, the only reason it didn't get a direct replacement is I fancies something a little different but its a good mouse and has a +/- button by the wheel to change the speed which I did find really useful and miss on the death adder. I'm still out on the Razor mouse because razor build quality is normally shite. Doesn't seem to bad right now but don't get their keyboards, I've used a bunch of them and they're terrible to type on.

 

[D.O.A.]

Mouse : Razer Lachesis
Keyboard : Razer Lycosa .
Nothing special .

 

[JohnnyK]

Doesn't seem to bad right now but don't get their keyboards, I've used a bunch of them and they're terrible to type on.

I disagree here - with mech keyboards it's mostly about the switch. The added functionality compared to eg. DasKeyboard is a bonus.

 

[mondo]

Just going by experience. At NCsoft we did a bunch of events including leipzig in 2007/8 with razor keyboards, headsets and mice, like the whole range at that time. Most of it just plain broke within a matter of hours and when it did work, they were horrible to use. The keyboards had keys like those old spectrum 48K keyboards, with the keys with tiny gaps between them - not a mechanic problem, a design problem.

Seems some quality and design issues got better (the death adder I've got is OK) but I had a razor headset bought in January this year, didn't even make it to May before it started falling apart.

 

[Kitlope]

I'm using a Blackwidow Razor "Tournament Edition" which means its a smaller keyboard with some buttons not there I never used anyway (some macro's, number pad, etc). I just picked it up last week cause the full sized BW Razor I had before started failing hard after only a year's use. I really liked the mechanical keyboard so got pretty much the same one and also paid for the $15.00 extended warranty plan which means if it fucks up again I can take it back to the store a 10 minute drive away and get a new one, right now. For 4 years. I go through keyboards like dirty underwear which I've never really understood, except for that original $5.00 dell I had that I used for 7 or 8 years starting when I met all you assholes circa 2002. It was awesome.

Mouse is still a Logitech thumb trackball, like it was in the BF42 days. Pricks quit making the $35.00 hardwired version which I always preferred vs. the wireless one that of course is more money. Made sense to rape the consumer as they do. So now I'm forced to spend $70.00 on a bullshit wireless thumb trackball and I'm none too happy. The thought of wireless lag/generic wireless instability contributing to me getting pwned in game drives me up the wall. Big time. But I can live with that.

 

[HaJa]

The lag in modern wireless transmitters shouldn't pose any problems
unless you're on a seriously high level of gaming if I understand all reviews
correct or what am I missing?!

 

[Kenadian]

I did a lot of research on this not too long ago as I was trying to squeeze out every possible advantage to make myself more competitive so I could contribute more during scrims.

I put this question to my Reddit Clanmates and I can't think of one who is not using a mechanical keyboard?

There's so much on this topic that it's confusing to say the least as most of it comes down to personal preference. I don't think many would argue that wired is faster than wireless as there is a difference in input lag. I also think batteries is just not a feasible alternative for heavy usage on any keyboard and since I use mine for much more than just gaming, wired is the only way to go.

After talking with a lot of comp players using all manner of hardware, I settled on the Max Nighthawk X8 Cherry Brown. The brown switches are perfect for me as there still tactile however activate with a pretty light touch and are not as loud as a black for instance.

Here is a decent guide to help you understand the differences in mechanical keyboards: http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide#post_6009418

As for mice, I selected the Logitech G500 because it's just awesome, period! You can switch DPI on the fly, the thumb buttons are nicely placed and the weights are a very nice touch. I have medium weight inside my mouse which makes it a bit heavier but is a great match for my mouse pad.

...and yes, do yourself a favor and get a mouse pad.

I'd pick 2 real cheap pads to begin with, one fabric and one rigid and see which works best. You do not want to pick the one you like better because it's doing you a disservice to say the least.

I used the fabric mouse pad for the longest time because the rigid pad would sometimes allow the mouse to slide on its own as the surface is so slippery. This was the biggest mistake I ever made.

The fabric mouse pad although accurate, actually makes twitch in small increments bl00dy impossible. I switched to the rigid mouse pad and hated it the first week, got used to it the second and will absolutely never go back.

I can say for a fact that this combination has made me much better in Battlefield 3 which is what this setup is designed to do.

In my case though, everything I picked was for a reason and all designed to work within my specific needs; yours may be different.

For example I could have chosen any backlit keyboard but went with the Max as it was blue backlit which matches the lighting in my case. I know it's a little thing but it was aesthetically important to me that if I'm going to spend the money, I want everything to look consistent.

It may be silly but if it adds even a minuscule amount of psychological comfort perhaps it helps me perform just that tiny fraction better.

I picked the mouse for a few reasons, one being I love Logitech and have had nothing but positive experiences with both their hardware and Tech Support and it fits my hand the best.

 

[Kitlope]

In all honesty I haven't noticed a difference between the two types however because of the nature of wireless vs. hardwired I'll always stick with the latter, just to "be safe"

 

[JohnnyK]

Just going by experience. At NCsoft we did a bunch of events including leipzig in 2007/8 with razor keyboards, headsets and mice, like the whole range at that time. Most of it just plain broke within a matter of hours and when it did work, they were horrible to use. The keyboards had keys like those old spectrum 48K keyboards, with the keys with tiny gaps between them - not a mechanic problem, a design problem.

The BlackWidows use Cherry MX switches, same as most other mech keyboards. Switch color depends on your preferences, I love blue switches, others swear by brown or red for gaming.

My first BW actually died after 6 weeks - but that might have been due to the beer I poured over it :-(

Have had this one and the mouse for a while now, no issues - and I spend 10-15 hours a day on this PC. So that's been my experience.
I was reluctant to get Razer due to the bad reviews tbh, and I would never get one of their headsets (they all seem to break super-fast and don't have good sound to boot), but the input peripherals have treated me well so far.

 

[Kenadian]

The lag in modern wireless transmitters shouldn't pose any problems
unless you're on a seriously high level of gaming if I understand all reviews
correct or what am I missing?!

Haja the way I understand it is that a transmitter has to transmit which means it's signal has to be received and then executed. It is this process that could mean a fraction of a millisecond but in comp play that's more than enough.

Serious gaming is about squeezing out as many tiny advantages as humanly possible which can win you gun fights. There's obviously a lot more to it than that such as map knowledge, situational awareness, etc., but hardware definitely plays a role.

Of course my POV all comes from Comp and my desire to contribute to a Clan in Tournament Situations against people younger, better and more experienced than I'll ever be.

 

[Kitlope]

Razor and /or Blackwidows apparently are known to have a very short lifespan. I still remember last year reading about the "key failure rate" and still purchasing one. Great keyboard but I can attest they die an early death.

Duke, your thoughts on mice and keyboards is treading on nutzo audiophile territory. I love it.

 

[Kenadian]

Duke, your thoughts on mice and keyboards is treading on nutzo audiophile territory. I love it.

lol

These topics are usually quite biased when it comes to who prefers what and why so I wanted to elaborate on my offering.

While Razer may put out a better mouse (for example) comparable to the G500 I use, it does me no good if it doesn't fit my hand properly. It makes about as much sense as spending $100,000.00 on a sports car but having no drivers license.

This always comes down to personal preference, personal needs and past experiences. Those 3 things are enough to trounce any logic posted online because even a perceived reality is one's reality.

I've come to realize over this last build that building a fast PC is one thing, building what can satisfy your needs fully is something else entirely. You have to be honest with yourself about what you want to achieve and what you can afford especially since you ALWAYS end up over initial budget.

The other thing too is why spend more money on mechanical if you're playing Coop, Singleplayer or non-twitch? It's the same as burning money if you don't need those milliseconds because it's those milliseconds that cost you thousands of $.

I've spent close to $100 on a mouse, well over $100 for a keyboard, close to $800 on two CPU's, and if my Monitor, additional Video Card and PSU weren't free, it would have been another $1000 easy (closer to $1200).

By my estimates, I've spent between $2000 - $2200 to gain milliseconds in Battelfield 3.

 

[HaJa]

Ah yes, but now you're talking serious gaming mate. If one doesn't need
those levels the most expensive keyboard and mouse isn't strictly necessary
in my opinion :icon_cheesygrin:

 

[little P]

Interesting discussion! You're right it is somewhat objective but it's also good to hear the tales of instability and failure of parts. Hmm. Lots to consider!

I'm using the same mouse from 2001, and I would be using the same keyboard too were it not for needing to get usb... they built these suckers to last! I've had various different keyboards and mice - wireless too, but I always end up sending them back and going back to old faithful.

It's interesting that you brought up fabric vs hard mouse mats as well, as I've just gone out and got a cheapo fabric one as my hard one I've had the last 6 months was getting on my tits. I never really felt in control of the bl00dy mouse with that thing, and after switching to a fabric one the control is back so I think I'll stick with that.

I hate this keyboard though, it's got to go. I bought the cheapest one I could find in town just so I could get the pc going after the build (it was £4 lol) but already it's annoying me. The keys are too small and the whole thing really is just too small.

I'd like a keyboard with backlit keys as I'm adjusting back to pc gaming and having a new keyboard is throwing me right out as I keep having to look down to find the right key and it's too dark to see as I like a bit of ambience This coupled with the fact I'm trying to get used to w,a,s,d rather than arrow keys is making things feel awkward. That contoller option is tempting but I'm trying to resist! Me attempting to play battlefield is like stevie wonder trying to play the piano with diving flippers on his hands, whilst being dangled upside down, in a volcano filled with custard.

 

[Kenadian]

The one thing I really LOVE about my Max is that it's heavier than sh1t. My old Keyboard used to move around the desk and I'd literally be chasing it around the place in fast paced action gaming, typically BF3 TDM or Close Quarters.

The Max is heavy and has the Numberpad so it wasn't much of a compromise to move to it. It also has 3 levels of backlight so it's highly configurable regardless of lighting conditions in your room.

What I like to do though when shopping Keypads is actually try the demos at the store. It gives you a good idea of how it feels in general to sit behind one.

I also like to push them a few inches in either direction just to see how easily they move. For my purposes, I want a Keyboard to remain absolutely static regardless of situation.

I hate chasing Keyboards.

 

[Kenadian]

It's a discussion for another day but I'd stay away from controllers as they only get you killed. I can't speak for Flight Sims and such because they typically integrate peripheral support from the ground up but I know for a fact that evenly matched pilots in BF3 will see the Keyboard Pilot win 9 times out of 10.

The reason is that a controller needs to cross a center point before the control switches direction whereas on a Keyboard directional change comes the instant you hit another key.

It doesn't matter the controller you have or the setup, you won't get the instant feedback you have with Mouse and Keyboard.

 

[HaJa]

You heretic, hardcore flight sims are all that matters