Gaming Keyboard

[Suzz04]

Hey all,

I wasn't sure where to stick this here in Computers or in Gaming. Please move if it's needed. I did a keyboard search I came up with countless entries that didn't actually answer what I needed.

My question is between the Logitech G15 and the Zboard. I'm a gamer. I actually play a variety of games. FPS, MMO's and others. My main outlook is something that will be more of a gamer help issue.

I've got to know about the pros, cons and stuff. I need to know is either of these going to withstand constant use, wearing of the letters/numbers on the keys, compatiblity with Win2k as well as XP.

My situation is it will be primary used in EQ2. I have a 10 yr old that uses my computer to play EQ2, as well as a buddy of the BF uses it when he's over to network FPS and some silly game called Subspace (it's called something else though )

The friend of BF is rather rough on the arrow keys. (I'm a wsad user) I really don't want to put out the money for one of these and end up with it broke in one play session. The kid is quite gentle after she learned on her first computer how keyboards go quickly with abuse (ie soft drinks, koolaid, water, you know the drill )

I'm not looking for a wireless... though that would be a advantage. I really like the idea of the Zboard, but I also like the G15. The only current problem I would have with the G15 is I'm currently running 2k til I find my XP disk. Don't ask. I lose things easily and quickly.

Here's the G15 link direct from Logitech Logitech G15

Here's the Zboard link from Zboard Zboard

I really don't mind the price on either. I plan on making a careful decision and getting the one that would be the better for myself. Most likely I'll ban anyone that gets rough on either one I get.

It's a case of torn apart and want both !

Let me hear your thoughts if you were getting or your opinions on if you have either.

Edit: Fixed the link problem

[MikeSty]

Neither - i honestly believe both are gimmicks and won't give you an advantage.

[glytch]

I do have the G15 and use it constantly with WoW. It's like having 18 more hotkey buttons, which I'm sure you could see the advantage of, especially in MMORPGs. For FPS games, though, I don't really see the advantage of the G15 other than the fact that you can program the LCD to display any information you'd like (ammo, health, or whatever). Also, the G15 feels much more sturdy than the Zboard, as this was a choice I had to make as well. The Zboard feels flimsy to me, and keep in mind that you'll have to buy a new "face" for every game you play.

Basically it all comes down to taste. If you have a CompUSA or a good BestBuy nearby, go to the store and try them both out.

I chose the G15 because it works well with any game, you can set up profiles that automatically change the macro keys depending on what application you have open (so that's 18 programmable keys + 3 modes = 54 programmable keys for each application), it feels like a nice sturdy keyboard for everyday use, and the LCD screen can show valuable information on whatever is important to you at the time. (I use mine to show song information most of the time, though).

[Plaid13]

even though i use a microsoft keyboard im happy with between those two i would suggest the logitech just because i know they make quality stuff that lasts a long time. Been using logitech mice since i had a 486 and have never broke one yet. i assume they have the same type of quality with the keyboards.

[YaWhateva]

this is what i want

http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/

[glytch]

Same here, YaWhateva....if that thing ever comes out. For now, I'm going to call it vaporware, and just hope they make me eat my words.

[Suzz04]

Thank you all for you input!

I really wish that we had a computer store nearby that carried these so I could look at them in person. Unfortunately that isn't a option.

The only problem I have with the G15 is that it's XP only, but I'll be trying to find my disk or at least purchase a new one.

Changing out keysets isn't a problem for me. I talked it over with my BF about the friend's problem with not being gentle. He said that if he was on the computer, my BF would definately ensure that he'd be less rough or ask him to not use the computer.

When I say that he's rough with keyboards, I'm saying that I can hear him hitting keys from across the room while sleeping on the couch. I have a 40% hearing loss. I'm sure this wouldn't bother other people, but to me, it's like hammer on glass. It makes me cringe at the sounds of the keys getting abused.

I'm going to wait at least 2 months (figuring around June) before I make any decisions. I really like both. I'd rather do alot of reading up before I finally buy another keyboard. I don't really need one. I like my current Logitech Internet Navigation. It was my dad's. He gave it up because it was too big for his desk. I've slowly been upgrading and changing my PC since January. So far everything that I've gotten has worked out great for my uses.

[djflish]

Seeing this thread reminded me of my good old Amiga.
Some games used to come with cards that slotted over the keyboard so you knew what every button did. I think that might be better actually.

[Smackre]

in the catagory of keyboards / mice. you just cant go wrong with a logi. ive bought many of them and ive never been disapointed.