Looking for a new gaming keyboard

InfusedEMP

I've been using a Logitech G110 for the past two years and I love it, but recently the space bar has started going out on it.  Before this one all I've ever had were mechanical keyboards and I've discovered that unlike those, I can't easily pop keys off to attempt a fix on this one.

I want a wired usb, blue backlit keyboard (so it matches my mouse and pc case), with the ability to turn the backlighting on and off, with macro keys on the left side of the keyboard, and preferably mechanical so it can be tinkered with (and hopefully be quieter - the G110 is pretty loud.)

After a lot of searching I've found that there are many options out there, most of them being non-mechanical.  The most promising I've found so far are the SteelSeries Apex, which isn't mechanical, and the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth, which appears to only have green backlighting.

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Also, are all non-mechanical keyboards kind of loud like the G110 is and do they all suffer from the "you can't really tinker with the keys if they start acting up" problem?

Any help is appreciated!

Vrika

Originally posted by InfusedEMP

Also, are all non-mechanical keyboards kind of loud like the G110 is and do they all suffer from the "you can't really tinker with the keys if they start acting up" problem?

Non-mechanical keyboards are often less noisy than mechanical, but it varies. If you can get to a store where you're allowed to test the keyboards a bit, it's best to hear the noise yourself before making a decision.

If you want a durable keyboard that's easy to tinker with, go with mechanical keyboard. Normally non-mechanical keyboards are not impossible to tinker with, but mechanical keyboards are better suited for tinkering.

Cleffy

If you are looking at Mechanical illuminated Keyboards than you are looking at around $150. The sound of the keys really depends on the switches, but in general a mechanical keyboard is louder. Something like a cherry mx blue switch will make a clicking sound when its pressed. While something like a cherry mx brown won't. You can get detailed information on the cherry switches online. Basically they are divided based on if they make a clicking noise and if you can feel a bump when the key stroke was successfully pressed.

MX Blue makes a sound and can feel the bump.
MX Brown won't make a sound and can feel the bump.
MX Black won't make a sound and you won't feel the bump.
MX Red is the same as black but requires less pressure to make a keystroke.

Based on what you said you will want one with Cherry MX Brown or Black switches depending on the feedback you want to get.

You also probably won't be able to test mechanical keyboards at a brick and mortar store. The prices usually keep them from being sold at places like Best Buy and Frys. For your specific needs these would be the keyboards you will probably look at:

Tt eSports Meka G-Unit Illuminated Edition Cherry Black $150 (Note not Cherry MX Blue)
Corsair Vengeance K95 $150 (Warning uses Cherry MX Red switches- Red switches are prone to typing errors due to the low pressure needed to press a key)
Logitech G710 $150
ROOCAT Ryos MK Pro $170
Cooler Master Storm Trigger $140
Razer Black Widow Ultimate $140(Probably want Orange Switch)

miguksaram

Your one stop shop for everything mechanical keyboard related.

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/

InfusedEMP

Thanks for the replies.  If it weren't for the non- detachable wrist rest I'd go for the ROCCAT Ryos MK Pro.  Currently I'm looking at the Ducky DK9008 Shine 3, it looks to be the best possible option aside from a lack of usb ports and macro keys.  I can always get a gamepad to replace the macro keys, but given that the Ducky doesn't have usb ports I'd have to plug the gamepad into the front of my pc since all 6 of my rear usb ports are in use, so that's really its only downfall for me.

Now I've just got to learn the difference between key color types.  I write code for hours on end so I want the quietest keyboard possible so I can think while I type.  I tend to tune out the noise anyway but it would be nice to just eliminate it all together.

Just typing this out was a chore.  I'm having to ctrl-v a copied space between each word lol.

holyneo

http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/corsair-launches-cherry-mx-rgb-gaming-keyboards.html

 

I have the Corsair k70, and I love it. 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823816010

I replace my Logitech G15 with the k70 because of my space bar was not working correctly.  Also I had a hard time cleaning the G15 between the keys, because I am too stupid and I eat a lot of food when I play games.

The k70 is by far my favorite keyboard.  The keys are raised  up, so no food can get below the keys.  I was wanting blue as well, but after looking into this keyboard I said to myself screw it.  Well I am glad I did, because my mouse left clicker started to malfunction and I got a

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826188002&cm_re=evga_mouse-_-26-188-002-_-Product

 

So now my lighting matches with my keyboard and mouse.

Thought I would share my decision, hope it helps.  The first link is what Cosair is coming out with soon.