Keyboard Replacement!

[amythompson172]

I've had this keyboard

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Reclusa-Gaming-Keyboard-Black/dp/B000MR1XWK/

for quite a while now (almost 5 years) and it has been quite an adventure. The basic UI it came with was perfect (as I don't want to spend hours and hours trying to figure out how to open my media player with 1 button). Leading me to my basic and very important need for a new gaming keyboard.

My new keyboard will need to have media controls...that open things besides Windows Media Player (Ituns, Spotify, etc). I despise WMP and often click to use my music without a thought. It's convenient and a luxury I no longer choose to live without. I don't care whether the KB is mechanical or not as long as the keys aren't squished together, raised to ridiculous "ergonomic" heights, or covered in a rubber that will fade in a few months.

My reclusa has just one button that the letter has faded from in it's 4 years of use, I think that's pretty awesome when world of warcraft is basically just spamming one button for hours at a time.

I would like my new KB to have macro keys besides the media panel (which I'm assuming all gaming KBs come with today) and as user-friendly as possible. I looked up the BlackWidow linked as the "Unicorn" KB on MMO's Setup of the Month and found that quite a few people are experiencing issues with keys becoming stuck in some way or another or just failing to work at all...something like 8-9%. I don't want to play the lottery when I'm spending this much money on a luxury item. The "Narwhal" keyboard G110 seemed fantastic until I realized the keys are TINY, smaller than my laptops keyboard. This is just unacceptable.

So all-in-all guys (and gals), I am looking for your kind help. If you've got the perfect KB (or maybe have owned one in the past) that meets my needs, please post its name/model! Very much appreciated

Also, what the hell is the big deal with "mechanical" keyboards?

Req. Again:
1) Keys that won't fade
2) Keys the standard (or close to) size
3) Media controls (for things besides WMP)
4) Easily programmable macro keys
5) Backlit (Could be red, white, and blue as long as it lights up with some form of lighting)
6) Not required but would be nice, headphone jack that does not cut out any sound

[Gunz]

The "Narwhal" keyboard G110 seemed fantastic until I realized the keys are TINY, smaller than my laptops keyboard. This is just unacceptable.

What are you talking about?

Anyways, look at the Corsair K90.

[nbm02ss]

Also, what the hell is the big deal with "mechanical" keyboards?

Simply put: http://www.mechanicalkeyboardguide.c...ical-keyboard/

My Das Keyboard Ultimate Silent S with Cherry MX Browns has spoiled me to the point where I will never touch a membrane again (prior was a G510) if I can help it. It doesn't have macro keys, or media buttons, but I can't say I miss either of them.

[Mawaru]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823109191 -- That's the keyboard I use, and I like it a lot. Has media keys at the top center of the keyboard, macro keys on the left side. It's also a Microsoft keyboard, which you already have, so you'll already be familiar with setting up the macro keys.

The feel of the keys are nice, and they're standard sized. Best part is that, in comparison to all the other "gaming" keyboards, it's actually rather affordable. It's only $43.99 (With a Newegg promo code, requires making a Newegg account), compared to the G110 at $69.99 and the cheapest BlackWidow at $65.00

[Wrestler10307]

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G15-G.../dp/B000UHE8YM

Logitech G15 was a great keyboard, but I don't think they make it much anymore. I now have the Logitech G510, which is very similar but slightly longer because it has more "G" or macro keys. Fully customizable backlighted keys too.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-0...1862569&sr=1-1

[Clearea]

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G15-G.../dp/B000UHE8YM
Logitech G15 was a great keyboard, but I don't think they make it much anymore.

The G15 is on longer made as the G19 was it's replacement.

[Taika]

Not sure how much you are willing to spend but I love my Razer BlackWidow Ultimate. It does have headphone jack and is back lit. I've had it for a year now and no fading on the keys. It is mechanical so it is a bit more pricey then a regular keyboard I was able to get it on sale at Frys for $89. You can also save up to 10 different macro profiles if need be and switch on the fly.