Keyboard+Mouse: Best choice for play-to-Win and Other questions

Xeng Suey

Xeng Suey

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2007

Somewhere I belong

Mo/

Hello Everyone!

My laptop graphic card went puff for 3 weeks now, and i'm starting to building a desktop computer. I have the core computer components and monitor, but i have some doubts about what keyboard and mouse to chose.

Some people say Razor are best, other people say Microsoft Intellimouse 3.0 is better. I'm quite confused since i have never ever played whith this kind of hardware. When i was playing in my laptop i had a 2 button mouse (yes i infused whith finger on a 15" screen, and i couldnt even think in protting sinse things got confused in the screen ) and the usual laptop keyboard.
So, i would ask if you people can give me your opinion about what mouse and keyboard you use, and why, so i can clarify ideias in my mind in order to decide what to buy.


Other question i would like to ask is: Since i'm gonna install GW in a new computer, I would like to install things whith all the PvP scenarios (so i dont let people waiting for me to load all maps and stuff) and the PvE ones to, since i like to farm things also . So, i know there is a -image thingy and i know there is a specific topic for it somewhere in this forum, but i couldnt find it what so ever. If someone can be gentil enought to gimme the post so i can read it, i would apreciate very very much

I think thats all my doubts for now.
Thanks for reading

leighx

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jul 2008

Rt/R

Keyboard and mouse is all down to personal prefference. I use a Razer copperhead mouse. I have a small space in which to move my mouse, so the higher dpi helps. Keyboard is a logitech G-15. Both are down to personal choice.


GW - image link

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...ght=image+file

Jongo River

Jongo River

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Oct 2006

For keyboard, I'm still using a Cherry RS6000 from my first build several years ago. It's very plain, but nice and solid.

I've been through many mice, though. I've had a couple of MS Intellimouse Explorers and an MS "Designer" mouse. None impressed me very much, especially the "Designer" one, which rates alongside a Logitech iFeel as the worst mice I've ever used.

I don't like paying too much for mice, because none of them ever last, but I have had a couple of Razor Boomslangs (the original ball version) that I picked up on sale. They were great for FPS gaming, and I liked the nice wide design, which made my hand feel more relaxed than any other mouse I've used, but the buttons on both started to "double-click" in less than six months. Maybe they'd already deteriorated in a warehouse, due to being old stock, but I was very glad I hadn't paid the usual Razor prices for them.

I'm currently using a cheap Logitech RX1000 laser mouse and it's just about perfect. Feels solid and it's lasted over a year. As far as features go, I've never seen the point in anything beyond 2 buttons and a wheel. Extra buttons often seem to lead to a creakier construction and more places for gunk to collect.

SkekSister

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2008

Brighton UK

Logitech + Razor for mice. Razor ones are especially light which I myself prefer.

As for keyboards, I bought a Saitek one recently and its got the nicest typing action and quietest keys of any keyboard I have ever had.

Ben-A-BoO

Ben-A-BoO

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2006

Europe

I am using Razer - Death Adder as mouse (pretty comfortable mouse with 5 'big enough' buttons).

And the Timberwolf by Wolfking, which is more or less aimed at FPS players but gives me easier access to multiple keys on the left hand. It took a while to get used to it but I sure don't wanna miss it.

The G15 from Logitech seems also to be pretty popular with gamers for the programmable side buttons (scripting) although there where some issues reported of those with Guild Wars and botting lately, be wary.

Hope that helps a bit to make up your mind.
Have fun!

Xeng Suey

Xeng Suey

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2007

Somewhere I belong

Mo/

[QUOTE=timebandit;4312871]

The G15 from Logitech seems also to be pretty popular with gamers for the programmable side buttons (scripting) although there where some issues reported of those with Guild Wars and botting lately, be wary.
[QUOTE]


yeah...! i'v hurd about those issues, seems a bit contraditory to me, but thats another story :P

Tanks for the reps. Keep posting pls

Shadowspawn X

Shadowspawn X

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jun 2005

Fellowship of Champions

R/E

I use the logitech G-11 keyboard which is the G-15 without the LCD screen, also use the Logitech MX610 gaming mouse its great with its 10 programmable buttons but its only for us left handed gamers.

Riot Narita

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Apr 2007

I'm using an Ideazon Fang instead of keyboard for pretty much everything except for typing in chat. Despite it being a bit "plasticy" it's served me reliably for quite some time now.

It comes with templates for most popular games, but you can program each key to whatever you like (to suit your preferred layout). It will show most functions for each game and you can "drag and drop" them onto a map of the keyboard. This is particularly convenient for moving key assignments around. Of course you can add keystrokes directly to any key as well, if the function you want isn't in the template or you re-assigned your keys in GW's own customisation.

It will also do keyboard macros, although I've never much need to use any.

I like it because it lets me do everything without looking away from the screen, it has nice big movement keys, it works equally well for both left- and right-handed people, I can use whatever regular keyboard I like when I'm not gaming... and it's cheap.

Felixious

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Mar 2008

Sweden

W/

I fell in love with the G11 as soon as i saw it, and saved up for one. Now to hunt down a sexy mouse to match.

Painbringer

Painbringer

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2006

Minnesota

Black Widows of Death

W/Mo



Logitech is a good choice and the cheaper G-11 is a nice basic keyboard (easy to map keys). And it is lighted which I find very important. I guess one of the above posts said it has 10 keys??? Well mine has 3 sets of 6 programmable keys on the left side. (movement/targeting/pickup items/highlight friend and foe) work real nice. Using it this way leaves the mouse open for skill click or what ever. I have the g-5 mouse which also has a couple program keys on it (great for mapping 2 skills…hint interruption skills) The dpi function is kinda funky in GW. It lags on switching while playing, so you do not bump the button that changes it. I guess if money is an issue start with the keyboard and later add the mouse. I have not tried the Razor but I guess I find no need to I am currently happy with my Logitech setup.

moriz

moriz

??ber t??k-n??sh'??n

Join Date: Jan 2006

Canada

R/

i play on a razer deathadder and an old dell usb keyboard. i find GW places more emphasis on the mouse than the keyboard... or at least, that's my playstyle.

Leonora Windleaf

Leonora Windleaf

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jul 2007

Luxembourg

DVD Forums [DVDF]

R/

I also have a G15 refresh keyboard, and a Logitech G5 (the one pictured above). The best ones I have bought so far. If you go for them, you'll know you got some good stuff.

Also, if you can, try to go for cable mouse and keyboard. Wireless ones are, imo, a waste of money, especially on desktops. I had some wireless keys and mouse, and it annoyed the hell out of me.

@EchoMoon: Pink Floyd FTW!!

EchoMoon

EchoMoon

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jun 2006

Coloma, Michigan.

E C H O E S

E/N

Hi...My BF & I play on Desktop PC's side by side (( Have a recording studio in our home..cuz he's in the music biz..)) and have been into "GW" for 2 1/2 yrs....We both use the " Logitech..G5 Laser Gamming Mouse " programable...2000 dpi..& comes with adjustable weights. Most AWSOME mouse I've ever used!!!! (( Now if your into Cordless they make the Logitech G7...but personally I'm not good about the battery changin thing! lol )) One really cool thing about " Logitech "...they stand behind there products, no questions asked...Mine happened to crack a few months ago (( which was a REAL RARE thing to happen )) they replaced it & sent a new one ASAP!!!

Quaker

Quaker

Hell's Protector

Join Date: Aug 2005

Canada

Brothers Disgruntled

I use a Logitech MX518 and a generic BenQ keyboard. I bought the BenQ a few years ago - I liked the style of it and it turned out to have a really good feel to it. (I was playing an FPS at the time). The particular model isn't available any more, but I haven't felt the need to "upgrade" it yet.
The MX518 fits my hand nicely, and one of the thumb buttons (which used to be a grenade toss) now functions as "target nearest foe".

Bottom line - as has been said - there is no "best". There are mice/keyboards that have the functions/feel/look you want and it's really a matter of personal choice.

Alexandra-Sweet

Alexandra-Sweet

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Dec 2006

That one place with the trees, mountains and snow

Ember Power Mercenaries [EMP]

Me/

Razer is quite expensive and comes with features that seem pretty but don't do much good, like gold plated usb connectors (those are kind of useless since most motherboard usb plugs aren't gold, plus you're not going to notice the few extra ms anyway) and you pay extra for just the brand, and they can't be found much in regular stores (in Europe that is)


There are 2 versions of the G15 (a blue one v1, and a orange one v2) the v1 is big and has lots of extra buttons you can program, the v2 has less programmable buttons but is slightly upgraded with a better lcd screen.

G5 is a really nice mouse with nifty features (weight cartridges ftw) and mine hasn't worn out yet after serious monking (though the Logitech logo is kind of gone) and the mouse cable feels nice. >.>


In short: I have a G15 v1 keyboard and a G5 mouse (both from Logitech) and after years their still working.


PS: Painbringer, why does my G5 look differently then the one displayed on your picture?

Painbringer

Painbringer

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2006

Minnesota

Black Widows of Death

W/Mo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexandra-Sweet View Post
PS: Painbringer, why does my G5 look differently then the one displayed on your picture?

Not sure I pulled the picture from the logitech site. Mine looks just like it. I purchased mine at Best Buy just this year. Maybe a different year model?

Fril Estelin

Fril Estelin

So Serious...

Join Date: Jan 2007

London

Nerfs Are [WHAK]

E/

My 2 cents for you: do no buy any "expensive" (whatever that is for you) peripheral without testing it yourself, have a feel and decide whether you like it, or if you prefer another one.

I bought my Razer Diamondback mouse without trying it, because I knew from all I read that it was as good as I know it is now. It's got a brilliant ergonomic design, it's light, very sharp and fast. This combined with a £4 Gel Wrist Rest mouse mat bought at Tesco and I'm very happy (and my arms, wrists and hands feel better ).

But for my keyboard, I tried a few of them, and then decided based on what I wanted in terms of features and feeling, and the budget. I bought a G15 (thanks to people on a thread I created here) and it's extremely good, with its backlit keys, and its solid feel. I first thought that it had a too "rough" feeling, compared to the Microsoft Comfort Curve (a very nice keyboard I'd recommend, in particular as you can find it cheap at £12), or even the Reclusa.

You're 100% right to focus on these elements, as they're the ones you'll be interacting with thousands of times a day via your hands. GL in your search.

Xeng Suey

Xeng Suey

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2007

Somewhere I belong

Mo/

Hi everyone! Tankx for the replies!

After reading your answers and considering my budget right now, it seems that i'm rlly shot on buget (lol). However, i think i'll focus in a nice mouse for now. I'v been hearing very nice stuff of the Microsoft Intellimouse 3.0 and is price is reasonably fair for me atm. I can see that many people likes the G15 Mouse+Keyboard from logitech, but atm my budget cant reach those equipments

Keep posting your stuff, and tankx for the replies

Cyb3r

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Feb 2008

AFO

E/

i prefer a Zboard together with a logitech G5 for the keyboard it's all down to personal choice ( a buddy has the G15; but i still slightly prefer my smaller zboard to it)

for the mouse i had alot of mouses even the good old Razer boomslang, but i have yet to come across a mouse that's better than the G5 it has a nice feel to it loads of options and even after hours of pvp'ing in freelancer (where you have to dodge like nuts half of the time) my arm doesn't feel like it's going to fall off like i've had with other mouses.

And about the G5 looking different, every G5 has it's custom patern just like it was with the Mx 518.

Fril Estelin

Fril Estelin

So Serious...

Join Date: Jan 2007

London

Nerfs Are [WHAK]

E/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Xeng Suey View Post
Keep posting your stuff, and tankx for the replies
Do not underestimate the comfort that a "nice" keyboard can bring you. If I had a tighter budget a few months ago when I bought my G15, I would still have been very happy with the Microsoft Comfort Curve that did't cost me a lot of money. Typing is one of the most stressing efforts for our hands, because we type a lot and it requires a lot of movement and action from muscles, joints, etc.

Xeng Suey

Xeng Suey

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2007

Somewhere I belong

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fril Estelin View Post
Do not underestimate the comfort that a "nice" keyboard can bring you. If I had a tighter budget a few months ago when I bought my G15, I would still have been very happy with the Microsoft Comfort Curve that did't cost me a lot of money. Typing is one of the most stressing efforts for our hands, because we type a lot and it requires a lot of movement and action from muscles, joints, etc.

I'm not understimating anithing buddy. just saying that whith the budget that i have atm, i need to stick whith something more cheap rathe the confortable. and yes i know what u mean by "writing is the most stressing effort", cause i play for about 24 month and i type like a lot :P

Brianna

Brianna

Insane & Inhumane

Join Date: Feb 2006

I use a the Logitech G5 mouse and the Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard, good mix and it works for me.

The Comfort Curve keyboard is nice at first, but after a while it gets serious wear and tear (depending on how much you use your computer, lots of typing and gaming wear it fast) they will go to crap really fast and become more of a problem. I have gone through about 4 of them now in a year and a half or so. The keys degrade really bad and it becomes stressful to type fast with it, makes you have more typos. It almost seems like you have to push harder and harder over time and they just don't respond as good. But for 20$ (USD) what do you expect, good deal and easy to replace.

The G5.. well mine survived a full cup of water getting spilled on it, and naturally lots of use, best mouse I've ever used - if it was generic I'd have broken it like 5 times over like all my old ones before this.

Quaker

Quaker

Hell's Protector

Join Date: Aug 2005

Canada

Brothers Disgruntled

Quote:
Originally Posted by Xeng Suey View Post
I'v been hearing very nice stuff of the Microsoft Intellimouse 3.0 and is price is reasonably fair for me atm.
I used to run an Intellimouse a few years ago, and I knew a few other people who did. My experience with MS mice at the time was that they had very poor quality micro-switches in them (the switches that are actuated by the mouse buttons). They would often develop a condition where the contacts in the switch would "bounce" and a single click would act like a double click. The best solution I found (at the time) was to replace the switches with ones from old Logitech mice, which never seemed to have the problem. Since then, I've switched to using Logitech mice.
That was a few years ago though, and I had read that it occured mostly with mice made in Mexico. Things may have improved by now.
As I side note, although you can set the speed of a double-click in the mouse properties in Control Panel, there is no way to set a "minimum" speed to prevent switch bounce from being read as a double click (or accidental twitch clicks either.)

Snograt

Snograt

rattus rattus

Join Date: Jan 2006

London, UK GMT??0 ??1hr DST

[GURU]GW [wiki]GW2

R/

I like the Microsoft Sidewinder mouse myself - rugged

bhavv

bhavv

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Sep 2006

I just ordered these to go with my orange Acer G24 monitor:






Saitek Cyborg Keyboard - £44.95 plus free delivery offer

Razer Deathadder Guild Wars Ed - £29.36 plus free delivery as a Hexus member



The monitor they are being bought to go together with:





I also found a picture with the full bundle from Acer paired up with the blue Logitech keyboard and mouse:





I think my combination will be better, but I dont have that PC case, just the monitor.

Zomgyogi

Zomgyogi

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Apr 2007

In a park

I use any cheap usb keyboard :P. Been through about 3 of them but idc, I get them for like free. As for the mouse its mostly comfort I guess. I rocked a ball mouse for a long time playing FPS games . Now using a wireless Microsoft laser mouse thats comfortable and good enough for GW. Just try and go out to stores to get the feel for some if you can. I am looking to get a nice Logitech/Razer set up soon though.

zamial

zamial

Site Contributor

Join Date: Apr 2006

Usa

TKC

N/

I use a saiteck eclipse 2 keyboard and I love it like another poster said. It is a very underestimated keyboard. the key stroke is small and keys are back lit in 3 different colors and you can control the brightness. blue, red and purple. the keys are also quiet. I have had mine for 1.5+ years now and would be very reluctant to get anything but. It does not have any fancy built in display but it is perfect in my opinion. Make sure it is the eclipse 2 and not the original eclipse.

Mouse,I have a logitech Mx518 I also like it alot. However I seldom use the extra buttons on it. I suggest a corded mouse as dead batteries in the middle of an intense gaming session is why my cordless mouse met an untimely demise with a wall.

Winston

Winston

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Apr 2006

Melbourne, Australia

It's all down to personal preference. You really need to go into a shop that sells these items and have a play with them to see what's comfortable for you.

Personally, I use a <a href="http://www.ideazon.com/au/products/mercgamingkeyboard.asp">ZBoard Merc Keyboard</a> and <a href="http://www.ideazon.com/au/products/reapergamingmouse.asp">ZBoard Reaper Mouse.</a>

The whole keyboard is completely customisable via software templates (comes with heaps of templates including one for GW, more can be downloaded). You can edit the templates too.
The mouse has 6 programmable buttons and a button to change the DPI on the fly.

Xeng Suey

Xeng Suey

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2007

Somewhere I belong

Mo/

Hello everyone!

Wow i'v seen nice stuff u guys have
However i just went for a cheach logitech keyboard :P andthe Intellimouse 3.0. The mouse is quite good, but the keyboard...jesus...lol i tried to play yesterday night for the first time, and i must say... its quite different from my former keyboard (a laptop keyboard). lol

this is the keyboard i'm using: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/ke...177&cl=roeu,en

and here's the mice:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/ga...s.aspx?pid=087

Keep posting your stuff guys. i can see many good stuff outthere

bhavv

bhavv

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Sep 2006

I used to have a Microsoft Intellimouse first revision, and a normal generic keyboard.

The difference between that mouse and my current Razer Diamondback was unbelievable. At the time I used to play Worms Armaggedon and with the Intellimouse, I was having to drag it across the whole mouse mat to scroll the screen. After I got a Diamondback, I no longer had to drag the mouse, just moving it by one or two inches was now enough.

The Intellimouse 3.0 looks a lot better then the one I used to have though, so it should be fine, but I am not too sure about what sensor it uses and the Razer Salmosa costs the same with a full 1800 DPI 3G sensor (Same one found on the more expensive Deathadder and 3G Diamonbacks, but it is cheaper as it has no lights).

But that is just nitpicking, I would have still chosen a Saitek Eclipse over any other generic keyboard.

Riot Narita

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Apr 2007

I don't understand the attraction of illuminated keys: It adds to the keyboard cost, and for what? So I can play with the lights off? Firstly I don't want to damage my eyes even more, by playing with the lights off (onoes, I am not a "dark" gamer :-P)... and secondly, a "good" gaming keyboard lets me play without having to look at it anyway.

It seems to me, most "gaming" keyboards are just regular keyboards with a few extra buttons and possibly better engineering - and they actually have very little ergonomic advantage over a regular keyboard. In my opinion, that's where keyboards like Ideazon Merc/Fang, Wolfking etc have an advantage. They don't tend to have the "better engineering" on them though :-P

ag3ntblak

ag3ntblak

Academy Page

Join Date: Nov 2005

Team Flash

E/

It's whatever you're comfortable with. I say go into a store, get a feel for each of them, then take note of which ones you like. Afterwards, you can compare them for specs and such and other things to help you break it down to 1.

Lord Sojar

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

There are my babies:



Sidewinder by Microsoft. If you have large hands, it is the mouse for you. It is HUGE though, so be aware of that.

For my keyboard, I have the original blue G15. The new orange version is....meh...not so great.

Once my G15 dies, I am getting this:

bhavv

bhavv

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Sep 2006

Yea, I saw that Sidewinder mouse, but didnt really like the look or it myself.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hissy View Post
I don't understand the attraction of illuminated keys: It adds to the keyboard cost, and for what? So I can play with the lights off? Firstly I don't want to damage my eyes even more, by playing with the lights off (onoes, I am not a "dark" gamer :-P)... and secondly, a "good" gaming keyboard lets me play without having to look at it anyway.

It seems to me, most "gaming" keyboards are just regular keyboards with a few extra buttons and possibly better engineering
They are for modders / enthusiasts mainly. And how is the light from keys on your keyboard going to damage your eyes anymore then a monitor would? Wait ... how exactly does light damage your eyes unless you stare at the sun for a few hours?

Gaming keyboards just look nicer on the desk and can be themed around certain styles and colors. Also, I heard that macros are good.

The Saitek Eclipse is actually one of the best looking and well designed Black keyboards available, and only costs £5 - £10 more the a generic keyboard. The keys are also far far better, I dont know how to describe it, but I have a basic microsoft keyboard alongside my Eclipse and the keys are a lot flimsier and worse off on it.

I'll try taking some pictures or the current stuf I have.


Here:







My 5 Mpix phone is borked, so you'll have to make do with crappy pictures. I think the second one is just plain visual polution, and it has no wrist rest for my sore aching wrists.

KZaske

KZaske

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jun 2006

Boise Idaho

Druids Of Old (DOO)

R/Mo

As for mice I prefer the Razer Deathadder (both I and my wife have the GW edition and love them). As for keyboards be aware that some programs, including firewalls and antivirus may cause issues with USB keyboards not communicating properly. So in tense PvP action your computer may not react when you press the key to finish off your opponet. I have had it happen several times. I know that Avast Anti-virus does have this issue. I have heard that there is a firewall wich really slows down your USB Keyboard but as of yet, that has not been confirmed.

Snograt

Snograt

rattus rattus

Join Date: Jan 2006

London, UK GMT??0 ??1hr DST

[GURU]GW [wiki]GW2

R/

Illuminated keyboards are ideal for people like me. My pc is in the bedroom - I need a light-up keyboard, otherwise my wife throws things at me.

I agree with Rahj about the Sidewinder mouse - great bit of kit. The keyboard too - if I had one of them, I'd never WASD again ^^

Oh, and bhavv? Get a new phone now. The camera on that one makes it look like your monitor is vomit-orange

bhavv

bhavv

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Sep 2006

Yea I need an RMA on my K850, the camera lens wont open and bluetooth doesnt work . Worst phone ever made, I have already sent it back twice in the last year! The monitor isnt that bright or loud in reality, it is subtle and dull, but has a really glossy polish that just reflects the camera flash too much.

I was hoping my cyborg and deathadder would arrive today, but the delivery is weekday only.

For some strange reason I always order on late thurs / fri and have to wait untill monday.



EDIT - My Deathadder arrived today, and I am in both shock and awe.

I just cannot believe just how I have gone on for so long without this mouse! It is 100% perfect for a right handed gamer, the ergonomics and bulkier body are a huge improvement over my Diamondback, and actually also over all the Microsoft mice I have owned in the past. Surprisingly, it seems that Razer learnt a thing or two about ergonomics from the Habu that they designed with Microsoft.

I just regret not ordering the keyboard from Scan as well - they got it back in stock over the weekend, and my free delivery with them is next day. The free delivery from the place I ordered from seems to be economy class as it didnt arrive yet, but hopefully it will be here tomorrow.

My Blue Saitek Eclipse just looks completely out of place now and has become an eye sore - I need orange keys which my Cyborg will have . I dont really want my Cyber Snipa anymore either and will Ebay it with my old mouse + keyboard.