What is a really good keyboard/mouse combo?

[XtremeModder]

I have a mw2 keyboard which I hate (got it really cheap when I built my pc and the mouse I can't remember but I think it's a logitech, it has the weight pack in the bottom which I like.

Anyways I'd spend around $150-$200 if needed on a really nice setup, I don't need the shortcut buttons on the side for gaming I don't think but if your suggestions have that feature I wouldn't mind it.

[MkmBandit]

MW2 keyboard? As in the one made by Mad Catz/Saitek?

If it was my money I'd go for a Logitech G510/G9x combo in a heartbeat. I'm sure others have their suggestions.. You should also decide if you want a mechanical kb or a membrane kb. In my humble opinion, if you're a gamer, go for membrane. Heavy typer, mechanical would be the easy choice.

[Aznsilvrboy]

MW2 keyboard? As in the one made by Mad Catz/Saitek?

If it was my money I'd go for a Logitech G510/G9x combo in a heartbeat. I'm sure others have their suggestions.. You should also decide if you want a mechanical kb or a membrane kb. In my humble opinion, if you're a gamer, go for membrane. Heavy typer, mechanical would be the easy choice.

Why do you think membrane is better for gaming?


I have a mw2 keyboard which I hate (got it really cheap when I built my pc and the mouse I can't remember but I think it's a logitech, it has the weight pack in the bottom which I like.

Anyways I'd spend around $150-$200 if needed on a really nice setup, I don't need the shortcut buttons on the side for gaming I don't think but if your suggestions have that feature I wouldn't mind it.

I would not buy any of those keyboard/mouse "combos". Instead I would buy them separately. Steelseries and Logitech have some pretty good gaming mice and if you can tell me what type of activity do you do the most, I can recommend you a good mechanical keyboard. I also invite you to take a look at this thread on mechanical keyboards:

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/need-new-keyboard-mechanical-keyboard-talk-discussion-here-1107158/

[MkmBandit]

Why do you think membrane is better for gaming?



Because on membrane there is no distance between key activation and key bottoming out. Allows you to rapidly press the same key without missing an activation. It's an inherent issue with mech kb's and anyone who says otherwise is.. well, biased or inexperienced. Mech kb's win hands down when it comes to typing speed/comfort, I'll readily concede that fact. Gaming, leave that to Logitech.

[Aznsilvrboy]

Because on membrane there is no distance between key activation and key bottoming out. Allows you to rapidly press the same key without missing an activation. It's an inherent issue with mech kb's and anyone who says otherwise is.. well, biased or inexperienced. Mech kb's win hands down when it comes to typing speed/comfort, I'll readily concede that fact. Gaming, leave that to Logitech.

On membrane you always have to bottom out because that's how the keys activate. If you always bottomed out on mechanical keyboards (even though you don't have to), you wouldn't miss an activation either.

[MkmBandit]

On membrane you always have to bottom out because that's how the keys activate. If you always bottomed out on mechanical keyboards (even though you don't have to), you wouldn't miss an activation either.

That's all well and good when it comes to typing. Gaming, not so much. Especially in FPS games where spam jumping is necessary to get to your objective, for example. Or a better example would be trying to play a racing game using a KB. There's a stark difference between the two types of KB's.

[Aznsilvrboy]

That's all well and good when it comes to typing. Gaming, not so much. Especially in FPS games where spam jumping is necessary to get to your objective, for example. Or a better example would be trying to play a racing game using a KB. There's a stark difference between the two types of KB's.

Do you want to explain how mechanical keyboards prevent or make it hard to rapidly press (spam) keys when you're gaming?

[MkmBandit]

Do you want to explain how mechanical keyboards prevent or make it hard to rapidly press (spam) keys when you're gaming?

Sure, the distance between the click and bottoming out (pretty sure I mentioned that). With mechanical KB's you can actually activate a key several times without feeling a tactile release click. Makes it feel like the KB is broken. Try it sometime.. There is a reason you don't see very many gamers at all using Mech kb's at LAN/Circuit events. Some do, not many. Pretty widely accepted in the gaming community that membrane KB's are the way to go.

Sorry about the delayed response, was out for dinner.

[gr8dlr]

Don't know about gaming etc. but Staples has this keyboard on sale - Logitech k800 for $70 ($30 off)

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=899061&affixedcode=WW

and it seems to be pretty good (reviews). I bought it (had a $25 off $75 coupon) to test and if I don't like it, can return it.

It has a unifying receiver so you should be able to pair with a mouse.

[Minimal Effort]

Sure, the distance between the click and bottoming out (pretty sure I mentioned that). With mechanical KB's you can actually activate a key several times without feeling a tactile release click.
lulwut?


Makes it feel like the KB is broken.
your fingers are broken


Try it sometime.
typing on browns


There is a reason you don't see very many gamers at all using Mech kb's at LAN/Circuit events.
because 10$ membrane is cheaper than 150$ filco


Some do, not many.
"i like ice cream. not all the time, though."


Pretty widely accepted in the gaming community that membrane KB's are the way to go.
proof? links? discussions? or the wide gaming community you refer to is your 2-5 friends?

[MkmBandit]

proof? links? discussions? or the wide gaming community you refer to is your 2-5 friends?

Yes, 2-5 friends. I run a gaming network that is 362 PC members strong. I've been circuit FPS gaming since 2002. My credentials can be backed up by at least a dozen long-time RFD'ers.

The only other thing in your post I'll respond to is that my membrane KB costed $130 + tax. If you can't give credit where it's due, the rest of your post is not worth taking seriously.

[M1K3Z0R]

I understand what MKMbandit is trying to say, and I have experienced the issue on my Quickfire Rapid with MX blues. Here is a better explanation:


It's actually worse than every other switch design due to the moving plastic piece that provides the click sound is fully compressed up against the key stem on the down stroke and on the up stroke is being pulled against the switch contacts. On tactile-only mechanical switches (incl. topre switches) you can quick press around the tactile bump, and on membrane switches the area is closer to the bottoming-out point. Linear switches are probably harder to get a feel for but it works the same as a tactile mechanical switch, but without the tactile bump.
(http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=184436&currentpage=12)

However, it really isn't such a big deal. The key is you learn to feel your key presses and learn how to press more efficiently in that situation. If you are still worried, look at this thread: http://www.overclock.net/t/835359/do-you-have-trouble-gaming-on-mx-blues

Keyboards are largely personal preference devices. IMO I still prefer gaming on my logitech G15v1, but my mechanical quickfire rapid is far more comfortable and accurate for typing.

Sticking to the topic, I would recommend OP look at a Logitech G110 and a G9x mouse. Nothing too fancy and won't impress snobby brand (ahem, razer) fanboys, but it gets the job done within budget.
For mechanical keyboards, the Coolermaster Quickfire Rapid is a nice high quality board (rebranded filco), and if you don't mind the lack of backlighting and no numpad. Steelseries 6Gv2 is also nice, but you might not like the black switches for general typing. Best to test the feel of different switches and see what you like