Keyboard?

[IceFire]

For ages I've used my trustworthy Microsoft Natural keyboard. It's probably over 10 years old. The best part about it is that it's a fairly straightforward keyboard with really good function keys. Problem is I think it may be wearing out.

So what is a good simming keyboard? Some of the new keyboards look nice but the function keys are really aweful. Looking for a blend of quietness and a good price too.

Suggestions?

EDIT: Does anyone have this keyboard? http://www.logitech.com/en-ca/keyboards/keyboard/devices/5902

[Aviar]

I've had the G15 for several years now and it works fine. The programmable G-keys set it apart from a 'normal' keyboard. The backlit keys also come in handy if you do a lot of gaming in the dark.

These G-keyboards usually get good reviews so I would recommend one.

Aviar

[_RAAF_Smouch]

I also have the G-15, but am yet to sit down and work out the programmable side of it yet.

I also like the keys being back lit, if you are running Fraps for instance while in game you can easily check your frame rate is it will be displayed on the LCD screen. Handy little tool.

[mazex]

I also have the G-15, but am yet to sit down and work out the programmable side of it yet.

I also like the keys being back lit, if you are running Fraps for instance while in game you can easily check your frame rate is it will be displayed on the LCD screen. Handy little tool.

Yes, the G15 keyboard is nice, and how can you not love a keyboard that comes with an SDK? I wrote a small app for IL2 to display live K/D ratio, who was your last killer etc on the display that I use all the time when flying online. My own download page died recently but here is a link with one of the latest versions :

http://combatace.com/files/file/2013-g15-manager-for-il2-with-mfc-dlls/

The only problem I have with my G15 (five years old generation 1) is that the black color on the keys has worn off a bit so the text on the w, a, s, d keys for example are hard to read...

[Azimech]

I like this one very much:

http://newtek.com.uy/catalog/images/Microsoft%20Nat%20Erg%20Key4000.jpg

What I dislike is that they break so easily. A few drops of any liquid and the thing's busted, even if I open and clean it totally.

[pupo162]

http://www.1to10reviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/old_keyboard.jpg

i dicided to move back to one of these 1 year ago when i got tired of USB + wireless keybord malfunction, and inability to go to bios.

It has preatty much all it needs, never got the ideia of the need of a super keybord...

[Splitter]

I used a Z-Board for a few year playing BF1942, BF2, and Team Fortress 2. For those games, it was excellent! I have not used it at all for IL-2 or other flight games, doesn't seem to be needed (my opinion only).

My basic requirement for a keyboard now is cheap and wireless. Backlit would be nice though.....

Splitter

[swiss]

never got the ideia of the need of a super keybord...

Maybe that's the reason your usb kb sucked?

Never had a problem to get into the bios with usb or bluetooth kbs.

[IceFire]

I like this one very much:

http://newtek.com.uy/catalog/images/Microsoft%20Nat%20Erg%20Key4000.jpg

What I dislike is that they break so easily. A few drops of any liquid and the thing's busted, even if I open and clean it totally.

I tried one of these and it's great but it doesn't fit into my computer tray properly (I measured). It's even taller and longer than the old style natural keyboard that I love so much.

You know it's hard that there are so many keyboards out there but with so many of them the function keys are very poor for gaming purposes. In IL-2 I'm using those buttons all the time. I'm hoping this keyboard holds out for a bit and maybe I'll find a good deal on one of these gaming keyboards.

[T}{OR]

Personally I'd never buy a Logitech "G" keyboard. But people seem to like them.

I am using MS SideWinder X6 (http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/productdetails.aspx?pid=102) for the past 1.5 years and have nothing but praises to say about it. The slightly different key layout takes few days of getting used to but in the end it is a very nice keyboard. A bit on the 'old school' side, with modern features - best of both worlds, at least for me.

And the removable NUMpad is a great feature. ;)

[RedToo]

Why not get one of these as a second keyboard/ input device. I don't have one but they are cheapish and strangely attractive:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/wolf-king-dk-2388u-warrior-white-circular-gaming-keyboard-usb-white

They come in a variety of colours too.

RedToo.

[peterwoods@supanet.com]

For Azimech and anybody else worried about liquid spillage on keyboards.

Try covering the moving parts of the keyboard, ie the keys, with clingfilm wrapped tight at sides and top & bottom. Depending how hard you are on keyboard can last for days even weeks and is cheap and easy to replace.
Liquid spills no longer a problem and bonus is it also keeps out dust and other detritus eg biscuit crumbs and reduces wear on key legends.

[Ltbear]

using the G-15 for years now......G keys are awsome for eve online and if you are a real geek you can macro your bomb run and have a UAV for the next mission if its the same target......

[Flanker35M]

S!

I liked my PS2-connected Microsoft Natural KB a lot, it lasted since 1997 until last Urban Blitz where it had a bit too much beer :D I used the newer one mentioned above too, but it felt flimsy compared to the older one and is very picky on anything other than dust :( So picked now up the MS Sidewinder X6 gaming keyboard, more info HERE (http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/productdetails.aspx?pid=102). So far happy with it.

[IceFire]

Hrmmm the Microsoft Sidewinder keyboards weren't even on my horizon until now. Thanks guys. I'll keep this one going for a bit longer if I can (practically replaced my entire PC in dribs and drabs recently) and we'll see what happens

[GT182]

The only problem I have with my G15 (five years old generation 1) is that the black color on the keys has worn off a bit so the text on the w, a, s, d keys for example are hard to read...

Ok, here's a fix for disappearing letters/numbers on keyboard keys. Use clear nail polish to protect the keys. It will last for a long time but you can always put another coat on anytime you want. I've done this even with backlit keyboards and it works great.