Keyboard Thoughts and Suggestions

[Cluch]

Hi,

As the title states wondering what everyone is using for a keyboard. Likes and dislikes along with suggestions.

I'm in the market for a new keyboard I was scoping out Razer Chroma V2,I like the idea of the left side buttons but don't know if I would use them. I currently use a Naga mouse which is fine but I'm super sold on in. I don't use the razer software for the mouse, don't know if the mouse and keyboard software is all in one. That might be a perk but maybe it doesn't matter.

Thanks in advance!

[JohnGabriel]

I love my mechanical keyboard, it goes well with a weight-adjustable mouse. I avoid mice with lots of buttons because my fingers don't like that, but most people have no issues.

I do not have a preference for brand though. I do make use of the software so have been trying to stick with the keyboard/mouse from the same manufacturer. Currently a Logitech G710+ keyboard and G502 mouse.

[Boostab]

I love my Razor mechanical Stealth keyboard, I as well use a Naga mouse as well,

[Cluch]

Thanks guys.

John do you use the side buttons much?

Boosts, do you use razor software? If so, what do you think?

[MiRai]

I keep it simple—no macro buttons, no additional software to install, no LEDs (unless they're forced on me, but I disable them), no other BS. Some people swear by macro buttons on their keyboard, whereas I find that I never actually end up using them.

However, if you don't go mechanical* then you're not doing your fingers any favors!

*switch type is personal preference

[Cluch]

MiRai, that's how I play now. I have the naga but don't use the buttons for anything at the moment. When I got it I thought it was going to change everything!!! But, I haven't even installed the software on my new build yet. haha.

I'm not sure one switch type, look at the Chroma V2 I was thinking Yellow or maybe Orange. Tough to know....

[MiRai]

MiRai, that's how I play now. I have the naga but don't use the buttons for anything at the moment. When I got it I thought it was going to change everything!!! But, I haven't even installed the software on my new build yet. haha.
While it's a discussion topic for another thread, I am the complete opposite when it comes to mice and available buttons.


I'm not sure one switch type, look at the Chroma V2 I was thinking Yellow or maybe Orange. Tough to know....
Razer is confusing because they wanted to be edgy (pun intended) with their switches, and so they've changed the colors of them to something other than the standard we've used for 10-20+ years (depending on switch type). However, to be fair, there's nothing wrong with innovation and changing things up, and maybe the new switch colors are justified because their specs vary ever so slightly, but it still makes it confusing when you're trying to review which switch type you want and the vast majority of peoples' personal reviews are created around Cherry MX switches and the colors they use.

[Boostab]

No I don't use the razor software, and I do use the side buttons and I have my binds as Alt = 1 thru 12, Ctrl=1 thru 12, Shift 1 thru 12. and Alt & Shift 1 thru 12 as well.

[JohnGabriel]

Thanks guys.

John do you use the side buttons much?

Boosts, do you use razor software? If so, what do you think?

Yes I use all the buttons. But the logitech has only 5 buttons and they are all spread out and easy to distinguish.

The naga has 12 buttons all pressed by my thumb, hello carpal tunnel. I never really used them.

[MiRai]

The naga has 12 buttons all pressed by my thumb, hello carpal tunnel. I never really used them.
My issue with a mouse like the Naga (or Scimitar or G600), as others may have heard me state in the past, is that I just don't think that I'd be able to utilize all of those buttons, properly, without finding that I'm fat-fingering them constantly. This same thinking then somewhat extends to macro buttons on a keyboard—if I have to move my hands off of the cluster of movement keys (or the mouse), then I might as well just find another way to execute what I need, since moving my hands away from those two areas is highly disorientating.

However, I understand that people like the convenience of those macro buttons on a keyboard, for gaming, and that's perfectly fine. Although, on the flip side, you could just make some on-screen buttons that can be clicked, which are probably be capable of the same commands, if not more, without needing to move your hands away from their designated areas.

[mbox_bob]

I'm kinda with MiRai on this one (although I'll allow LED's as long as I can dim them to an acceptable level/disable them).

I have a mouse (a G300s currently), which has 9 buttons if you believe the marketing blurbs. I use 3 of them. Left click/Right click. The 3rd one is the DPI change button, for when I've somehow changed it and need to change it back again. Oh, and the wheel up/down.

For the other hand, I have a G13 for gaming which gives me access to multiple keys very easily, along with various modifiers, or even a complete keyboard output shift, if desired.

I also use a G910+ for normal stuff, which has 6 macro keys, which I do have setup for various functions, but they mainly get used for testing configuration items before I push them out.

[luxlunae]

I've used both Naga and Logitech MMO mice. I found the naga impossible to learn (you basically need to keep the temporary guides on permanently and they aren't really intended to be used that way), logitech slants them slightly so it is easy to distinguish between rows and use them. I love them for additional click heals, fishing, speed boost / autorun, mount and ground effect clicking (its more intuitive to me to use the mouse hand to lay ground effects or heals than a keyboard click then a mouse click).

I hate razor software, I'd choose logitech or corsair any day. Also, mechanical and you won't go back.

[WOWBOX40]

I have big hands and used oldschool logitech mices for a long time.
Around 2 years ago though i found a new match in heaven, its these:

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2605895/input-mice/mionix-naos-7000-review.html

If you have small hands, you might be able to use those other "mmo" mices with lots of sidebuttons, like the naga. Im not able to sadly.

My best advice is to actually try the mouse you want before you decide to buy / keep it.



Regarding keyboards, just get any decent mechanical switches you can afford.
If you want to get picky: there are switches that activates with a featherlight touch (very handy for stand still farm..hehe, as the less effeort it takes, the less strain on your fingers/arms. Some makes lots of noise when you press, some are near silent. Do some research on the possible switches you can get hold of.
Sometimes, if your most desired keyboard isnt possible to get, you can buy just 1 single key or so, and replace it for only your "most used buttons / farm buttons". Trust me, you want "feather light" switches on those, or else you will hurt extra much after hours of buttonmashing.

https://www.cherrymx.de/en/products/mx-speed-silver.html
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/products/mx-speed-silver.html#techSpecs

https://www.gamingfactors.com/mechanical-keyboard-switches/

Thery also sell "mechanichal switch testers" online, so you can test them out before you commit to actually buying a keyboard type.

Keyswitch video (yay its updated)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N7adWvQDM4