Gaming keyboard Suggestions

[XReflection]

Couldn't decide which forum to put this in, but since its tech related, decided to put it here.

I've been itching to replace my aging Saitek Eclipse II keyboard (my first and only keyboard I've ever bought when I built my computer in 2008) and was wondering if you guys had recommendations on the keyboard I should replace it with. I've been looking at the Eclipse III but I'm open to others.

Criteria:
- Doesn't have to be mechanical
- Prefer backlighting
- Price <$100
- Good build quality/will last a while

If you're wondering why I want to replace it
- WASD and the other keys around them are completely rubbed off
- Backlighting is kind of dim now
- fold out feet at the top of the keyboard are broken
- Keyboard is dirty as hell

[XReflection]

Haha, no one has any suggestions at all?

[IPT]

Ducky Shine Keyboard
won't be under $100 though

http://www.tankguys.com/mechnical-keyboards/ducky-shine-keyboard-mx-overclock-net-edition-red-abs.html

if you don't need backlit, go with a leopold
http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold#fullsize

[Jabbit]

Haha, no one has any suggestions at all?

Logitech G110, there are usually some dented-box sales every couple months. I through my Eclipse II in the trash, I hated it so much.

[XReflection]

Logitech G110, there are usually some dented-box sales every couple months. I through my Eclipse II in the trash, I hated it so much.


I actually loved my Eclipse II, lol. But its on its way out, so I figured I'd start considering new boards.

[Jabbit]

I actually loved my Eclipse II, lol. But its on its way out, so I figured I'd start considering new boards.

I had 2, and they never worked right from the beginning. I guess it just left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

But the G110 is great. Programmable macro keys, adjustable back-lighting, and really nice media keys. It has play/pause/skip etc., as well as a nice roller for volume. It has headphone and mic ports right on the keyboard, and mute buttons for each. Key feedback is nice - not the same as a mechanical keyboard but I still think it is great. I would buy one again.

[bubbachuck]

Couple of things

1) for dirty keyboard, try putting your keyboard in the dishwasher. There's some guides out there, but generally, try to wrap the USB connector and make sure the keyboard is fully dry afterwards before plugging in (3-4 days in under a light, sun). Fair warning: I don't know how the backlighting circuits will withstand this but I've washed my Razer Tarantula at least twice with no problems...it has the side macro keys backlit.

2) if re-sale value is important at all, Razer is worth looking at. People love Razer. Good for us, bad for them.

DAS Ultimate Model S. Mechanical. Normal is Cherry Blues (very clicky), "Silent" is Cherry Browns (not silent, but more clacky). It's the polar opposite of backlit, but it's 100% more badass IMO (refurb is $105 with free ship...if you are a student, you can e-mail them to get a code for 20% off new and/or 15% refurb code)
http://store.daskeyboard.com/b/2258657011

Razer BlackWidow. Mechanical. Uses Cherry Blues. Slickdeal price is ~$60 (http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/61010/dell-home-office-razer-blackwidow-mechanical-gaming-keyboard), which is a great value. You'll probably be able to recuperate 90-100+% of your purchase price in a few years when you upgrade. Razer tech support is great, which somewhat compensates for their so-so QA. Ultimate Edition is backlit, has headphone jack, has USB ports, but is like $30+ more expensive...not worth it unless you are thinking re-sale value. The only negative so far in my keyboard is that the paint will peel off the keys.

I'm sure others will have other suggestions. My suggestion is to buy something with quality that other people "want" so that you can re-sell it later. If you get a slickdeal on a Razer or a DAS, you are virtually guaranteed to make back your purchase price in a few years if you decide to sell for just a small effort. I recommend a mechanical keyboard if you are going to spend close to $80-100...but if you want to spend like $40-50, go ahead with a rubber dome keyboard.

[nikk0pl3ase]

for a good no frills mech keyboard i'd get a rosewill. they are just rebranded filcos.

newegg usually has deals that go around with like a $20 coupon and free shipping making the keyboard like ~$80. i use blue at work and black at home for gaming. i'm a computer programmer, so i type a lot. mech keyboards are like typing on butter. silky smooth. i'll never go back to regular rubber bottom keyboards

[XReflection]

Thanks all for the suggestions/advice. I will take it into account when I shop for my new keyboard.