Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Questions

[amythompson172]

I was on Amazon.com looking at the Logitech gaming mice and keyboards. In particular, this keyboard:
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-0...=3CXCNQ4RANJ32

And this mouse:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B002J9GDXI

I've never owned a gaming mouse or keyboard before. So I am wondering what the benefits really are in gameplay. Starting off with the mouse, I can't recall what my Microsoft laser mouse DPI is but I'm sure it's nowhere near the 5700 of the Logitech gaming mouse above. How much difference does that really make say when playing a shooter? How does it affect gameplay? Is it easier to aim quickly and accurately? Does it help you to play better? There must be some reason people like them. I'd like to understand how beneficial they are. As for all the extra buttons I don't honestly see myself using them. Do people really find all those buttons on a mouse helpful? What for? What do people activate with them?

On to the Logitech gaming keyboards. The one I linked above I think is their entry level model. I like the backlit keys feature. That is pretty cool. Some of the other stuff seems pretty useless to me personally. The defining feature of this keyboard really seems to be the macro keys. So the question is, what are they good for? I'm trying to imagine what I'd want to macro in a shooter for example. What would I want to macro playing some RPG? What would I want to macro playing World of Warcraft? Once again, people like these a lot for some reason but I am honestly clueless about what specifically it is. So please enlighten the clueless!

Thanks a lot for any feedback on this stuff. I appreciate it.

[wrathblade]

for shooter games its nice to have more dpi just for the aiming.
extra buttons could be used to switch to shotgun fast or have inventoy items used on the fly.

now for mmo games like wow those extra buttons are going to be a totally different thing.
i use a razer naga and a G15 keyboard myself.
the razer naga gives me acces to all my attacks from 5 to =
the 2 extra top buttons are used for my redirect middle for feign ect.

now the g15 keyboard gives me macro keys.
and lets say you play a combat rogue with a good item level.
your energy will cap allot if you don't spam that sinister strike button.
hero makes this even worse!
so to not get RSI or just a tired finger i use the closes macro key and make a macro that repeats the button 2.
then i set it to repeat the macro while the butoon is held down.

so for mmo games it's allot of stuff you can do with macro's and extra mouse buttons.
but for the avarage shooter game a mouse with better then avarage DPi will do.

( my mouse glows in the dark tho:P gtl backlighting!

[Deleted]

DPI affects mouse sensitivity, i.e how fast the cursor moves. It's common and recommended practice to set cursor speed in Windows to neutral (6/11) and set the desired mouse speed with DPI. The reason for this is, while the Windows slider lets you control speed, it does it at the cost of precision (it "skips pixels" at higher settings). Most people won't go above 2000DPI unless they use 30"-or-so monitor. Some people prefer much lower DPI, like 800, for low-res competitive shooter games. 5700DPI is pretty much a marketing gimmick.

Additional buttons, you map them to whatever you want, duh. Switching weapons in FPS or attacks in MMOs, whatever you need. If you don't need additional buttons I suggest you check out the G400. It's cheaper than G500 but has a better sensor and is a better gaming mouse overall.

Gaming keyboards, in my opinion, are only good for MMOs where you can use additional macro buttons. "Pro" gamers use mostly no-frills mechanical keyboards like Filco, Ducky or Leopold. They don't look like Logitech's shiny toys and are virtually indestructible.

[Deng]

so to not get RSI or just a tired finger i use the closes macro key and make a macro that repeats the button 2.
then i set it to repeat the macro while the butoon is held down.

"The use of a macro is fine so long as it only accomplishes a single action. The use of automation, where a single keystroke will accomplish multiple actions, may be considered a form of botting and could result in account action."

http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/1772567980#10

[GG you got me]

If you play shooters, avoid the G500. If you 're just playing wow, other rpg's and the like, it's fine for that.

Personally I'm not a huge fan of logitech keyboards since they aren't built with longevity in mind, and when one lasts for a long time these days it seems to be more of an accident than the standard. I do prefer mechanical keyboards but the price bracket for quality mechanical keyboards starts at about 100 dollars. That said, for the most part they will last a decade at worst. That is just food for thought. If all that you want is a keyboard with backlights and some macro'able keys, and a mouse to play wow with, your choices are fine for that. They just might not be the best investments for the long haul, which probably isn't a big surprise to you.

[googz]

Personally I'm not a huge fan of logitech keyboards since they aren't built with longevity in mind, and when one lasts for a long time these days it seems to be more of an accident than the standard.

Seriously? I have a box with several logitech keyboards in it including some old PS2 ones that still work. One of which is the original G15 which I purchased shortly after release in 06 which was my current keyboard till I replaced it a couple weeks ago. Also I know there's another in there that's from a Dell system I purchased in '99 which also still works.

Now I'm using a Corsair M90 and absolutly love. Check out some reviews on it.

[Biernot]

DPI affects mouse sensitivity, i.e how fast the cursor moves. It's common and recommended practice to set cursor speed in Windows to neutral (6/11) and set the desired mouse speed with DPI. The reason for this is, while the Windows slider lets you control speed, it does it at the cost of precision (it "skips pixels" at higher settings). Most people won't go above 2000DPI unless they use 30"-or-so monitor. Some people prefer much lower DPI, like 800, for low-res competitive shooter games. 5700DPI is pretty much a marketing gimmick.

Additional buttons, you map them to whatever you want, duh. Switching weapons in FPS or attacks in MMOs, whatever you need. If you don't need additional buttons I suggest you check out the G400. It's cheaper than G500 but has a better sensor and is a better gaming mouse overall.

Gaming keyboards, in my opinion, are only good for MMOs where you can use additional macro buttons. "Pro" gamers use mostly no-frills mechanical keyboards like Filco, Ducky or Leopold. They don't look like Logitech's shiny toys and are virtually indestructible.

Full ack.

- 5700dpi is just pointless. 800-1600 is what most people need.

- G400 or G500 are the best choice for a budget gaming mouse.

- Even in MMOs you don't really need the extra macro keys.
While Logitech keyboards are ok and offer a lot of functionality for the price, they would not be my presonal choice. For a "cheap" gaming keyboard, i suggest the Microsoft Sidewinder X4 (one of the best rubber-dome keyboards).
If you want a high quality keyboard, then you need to buy a mechanical for > $100. The new Corsair K60 / K90 are very good gaming keyboards (although not full mechanicals). If you type a lot, especially with touch-typing, then a mechanical with tactile switches is the way to go (Cherry MX blue or MX brown switches). See http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/...rds?p=14873264


P.S.
I just treated myself to a DasKeyboard Model S professional silent (Cherry MX Brown Switches), and for typing it's like night and day compared to any rubber-dome. But for gaming there isn't that great of a difference to a good rubber dome.

Seriously? I have a box with several logitech keyboards in it including some old PS2 ones that still work. One of which is the original G15 which I purchased shortly after release in 06 which was my current keyboard till I replaced it a couple weeks ago. Also I know there's another in there that's from a Dell system I purchased in '99 which also still works.

Now I'm using a Corsair M90 and absolutly love. Check out some reviews on it.

You mean K90 ? (M90 is the mouse )

On a more serious note, Logitech slacked a bit in the last time with the quality of the keyboard. But not only Logitech, i noticed a general decline in quality with most cheaper keyboards. The only ones that are still robust as a log of oak wood, are the Cherry G83 (ugly standard keyboard layout)

[Deleted]

Well, I went through a lot of Logitechs UltraX flat. They broke easily, the silver paint would wear off after a month, and they'd became incredibly dirty over time with no way to clean them properly (non-removable keycaps). Still, they were very, very cheap so I didn't expect much from them. I only liked them for their regular layout, small size and no extra fluff. I also always kept a spare one just in case I owned diNovo very briefly but it was a total PoS (especially the bluetooth connection) and I returned it after two days. Pretty much a failed experiment. At work I use Logitech G11 (RMA'd one, not that I actually need it..) which works pretty well, but squeaks a little and the keycaps got shiny very fast.

I finally got tired of replacing UltraX'es once a year and bought Filco tenkeyless. And I will never go back to Logitech (or any non-mechanical).

[Mad_Murdock]

Seriously? I have a box with several logitech keyboards in it including some old PS2 ones that still work

Same here, After Microsoft changed the design of their Intellimouse 3.0, I went over to Logitech. I have lots of them that are still in use. But I shuld note that I change out a mouse about every year. There is a point when they just don't "feel" right to me. Probably mostly a years worth of buildup of hand oil and other crap. Keyboards last me about 2 years, and then they just don't "feel" right to the touch.

The #1 thing that has increased longivitey to my equipment is that I don't get has anger as I once did and so I don't hulk smash my hand down on the keyboard anymore.

[Brett Skullcrack]

I've never owned a gaming mouse or keyboard before. So I am wondering what the benefits really are in gameplay.

The keyboard you linked is technically equal to any $20 cheapo membrane keyboard. The extra you're paying is for the "gamer" designation, the backlights and the few extra buttons. If you want to get more value for your money you should look at mechanicals. The most widely available mechanical keyboard is probably the Razer BlackWidow that costs the same as that Logitech. The difference is that you get hugely better switch technology but no backlights. You can get a BlackWidow with backlights but for a ridiculous price.

The mouse seems to be a well liked shape among palm grippers, but from personal experience I can say it's complete rubbish for fingertip/claw grip. Also, the quality of that mouse is really crappy (side coating wore off, thumb buttons suck, the mouse wheel sucks and the whole thing feels cheap). If you like the shape there are cheaper versions with the same shape that would be better value for your money.

[googz]

The mouse seems to be a well liked shape among palm grippers, but from personal experience I can say it's complete rubbish for fingertip/claw grip. Also, the quality of that mouse is really crappy (side coating wore off, thumb buttons suck, the mouse wheel sucks and the whole thing feels cheap). If you like the shape there are cheaper versions with the same shape that would be better value for your money.

That mouse is one of the highest reccomended ones out there. I can't speak from personal experience however.

I can understand personal opinions however cause a lot of people say the G700 is a great mouse and I completely disagree.

[Mexa]

Thats not a good mouse and if that [Enter] button on that keyboard is split (like it looks like it is) thats gonna annoy you a a bit. Idk if youve tried the mouse yourself, but that is a must. u can not buy a mouse for the looks or the title (fx "this is a gaming mouse"). I prefer gaming mice that are symmetrical and the only important exta buttons on a mouse are the ones on the side for the thumb. For example i have the knife bound to that key in MW3.

Ofcourse these are my thoughts, i have tried that mouse but its all about taste. And even if a mouse feels comfortable to place your hand on when u buy it, that is not how u are gonna hold it in long gaming sessions.

[Brett Skullcrack]

That mouse is one of the highest reccomended ones out there. I can't speak from personal experience however.

Well I can speak from personal experience, and I would never recommend it to anyone. There's a lot of marketing hype out there and biased reviews, so beware. What it boils down to is this: the thumb buttons and the scroll wheel on that mouse are sucky, which leaves the shape as its only strong point -- you can get the same shape (with better coating) in older Logitech models for less money.

[Biernot]

That mouse is one of the highest reccomended ones out there. I can't speak from personal experience however.

I can understand personal opinions however cause a lot of people say the G700 is a great mouse and I completely disagree.

The G700 would be a good mouse (though not my type), if it weren't for the awful battery. Even brand-new, it only last for about 10-12h of use, then you have to plug in the cord for recharging. And the battery seems to become worse fairly quick.

And yes, the coating on some Logitech mice isn't the best. I use a claw grip on my G9x and the point where i rest my pinky finger was worn off pretty quick. But as the finger only rests there (i do not use it for the grip), it does not matter for me.

[funkyfloyd]

when it comes to mice i have nothing to say - i dont use one i use a trackball.

that said i have the G19, its a nice enough board, i really like the usefullness off the display. but its a devil to clean.

but on topic: consider the nostromo. i personally think its an amazing inovation. everything i use on the keyboard but close at hand, easier to program, easier to move. i just love it. i just think its brilliant.

http://store.razerzone.com/store/raz...oryId.35156900

[GG you got me]

Seriously? I have a box with several logitech keyboards in it including some old PS2 ones that still work. One of which is the original G15 which I purchased shortly after release in 06 which was my current keyboard till I replaced it a couple weeks ago. Also I know there's another in there that's from a Dell system I purchased in '99 which also still works.

Now I'm using a Corsair M90 and absolutly love. Check out some reviews on it.

The lack of quality from Logitech is a more recent problem. I have a lot of old peripherals that still work as well, from companies that now manufacture crap almost exclusively lol. Such is the nature of things =(

[amythompson172]

Thanks a bunch for all the feedback!

[jamesgould72]

Buying razer is the equivalent of buying a bottom shelf walmart mouse, painting it black and putting a name on it. The only reason it gained any ground is because (for whatever reason) when you slap the word "gaming" on it, people eat that shit up like hotcakes.

A local store here ordered 10 "gaming" network cards that cost something like $200 and they sold in 1 hour. This was last year. People are just stupid and buy anything labeled "gamer".

That said, logitech does have quality mice and keyboards. Their "gamer" stuff is well built for the most part. I imagine they label quite a bit of it "for gamers" because it just sells better that way.

You should stray away from "gamer" headsets, logitech included. There is better quality for less money to be had in other brands.

[GG you got me]

Buying razer is the equivalent of buying a bottom shelf walmart mouse, painting it black and putting a name on it. The only reason it gained any ground is because (for whatever reason) when you slap the word "gaming" on it, people eat that shit up like hotcakes.

A local store here ordered 10 "gaming" network cards that cost something like $200 and they sold in 1 hour. This was last year. People are just stupid and buy anything labeled "gamer".

That said, logitech does have quality mice and keyboards. Their "gamer" stuff is well built for the most part. I imagine they label quite a bit of it "for gamers" because it just sells better that way.

You should stray away from "gamer" headsets, logitech included. There is better quality for less money to be had in other brands.

Razer has some* good products. The Deathadder is good for anyone who prefers a very large ergo mouse, same with the Mamba 3.5g (no idea on the 4g). Clearly the naga has a lot of supporters.

Personally I don't use their products, and there is no denying that every Razer keyboard and headset is not a good value for the money, but mice are their thing and they have several decent-to-good ones. Ironically, the razer black widow standard is a better keyboard than any single product in Logitech's lineup despite itself being a lackluster mechanical keyboard, making your direct comparison of the two sort of misleading.

The fact is that both companies have hits and misses, but when the same people who can tell you exactly why a Logitech G400 new revision, or a Zowie AM are good mice are also willing to concede that the Deathadder is a good mouse, you can't pick and choose between their opinions to only suss out the ones that support your beliefs.

I agree w/ you completely about all gamer designated headsets though. And I got a laugh out of the gaming network card bit. I didn't even know they still made those.

[Brett Skullcrack]

Razer DeathAdder is the best mouse I've ever owned, and including many more expensive ones from Logitech. It's solid construction, good shape, minimalist design and high quality materials. BlackWidow is good value for money, it's probably the cheapest and most widely available way to get Cherry Blue switches. Beyond that I haven't tried any Razer gear, but those two I rank far above anything Logitech produces.