So, I'm looking for a keyboard to get this Christmas...

[ddrkid007]

After using laptop keyboards for rhythm gaming for around five years, I think it's time I move on to a USB keyboard. I feel like if I start using those, I can improve myself a good bit. Not to mention I can type better on USB keyboards... Here's the thing though, I have no clue where exactly to look for a good keyboard for rhythm gaming. So I decided to ask you guys what you would recommend.

I have a feeling I'm going to have a lot of searching to do .-.

[Poison-]

Razer Lycosa is pretty decent. Logitech Illuminated is sick too.

[i heart candy]

Flat vs bulky. Only you know what works best.

[top]

I've got a Logitech Illuminated. The only issue is that it doesn't register jacks very well. It's not TERRIBLE but it's not quite at my skill level for jacking. I'm looking to get a Das Keyboard, maybe you could check that out.

[.Layne.]

Don't get a rubber dome keyboard, is the best tip you can have.

[PrawnSkunk]

Are you looking for a flat keyboard, or a mechanical keyboard? For starters, definitely check this page out:

http://www.staiain.net/StepMania/smw....php/Keyboards

For Flat/Slim Keyboards, there seems to be two very popular options: The Kensington Slimtype for $25, or Logitech Illuminated for $80. Different people can voice their opinions, but both are great.

For mechanical keyboards:

Blue Switches - tactile click at the point of key activation. very loud, very clicky. keytaps go "clickclickclick"
Brown Switches - not as much force needed to press. does not click loudly at point of key activation. keytaps go "clockclockclock"
Red Switches - feels like you are typing on air, no tactile response at all. insane for speed, but has no feedback.
Black Switches - linear switches, don't even look at this piece of shit.

For mechanical key switches, cherry MX Blue and Brown are the best for rhythm gaming. Most of these keyboards, however range from $70-130.

Sound test between Blues and Browns (1:18)

[ddrkid007]

Is this one any good?
http://st.gsmarena.com/pics/12/08/ra...marena_001.jpg

[LongGone]

Originally Posted by PrawnSkunk

Black Switches - linear switches, don't even look at this piece of shit.

I think some players use these and basically train up to get unlimited stamina rofl

Besides the Logitech Illuminated, do have a look at the UltraX Premium too; the cheaper alternative and works just as well (in fact, with less key combination lockup problems)

[Wayward Vagabond]

slimtype :'^)

[Xx{Midnight}xX]

I'll be honest

I wouldn't go the razer route

(I have a Razer Lycosa currently btw)

But pretty much they look nice and for a while they're gonna work really well

but you run a heavy risk of having a key indented and unplayable and it can take what I've experienced as little as 5-6 months to do this.

Its like buying an apple product, you're really paying for the brand name rather than a product.

I'm really gonna have to recommend you stick to logitech or any brand you can find a review that says they withstand something along the lines of being hurled across a room (something I have done with a shitty 20 dollar logitech and it did not break at all because of it.)

And before anyone asks I do take very good care of this keyboard. I clean the keys regularly and I don't throw this one or slam my mouse on it ect. The key indented from what I would consider "everyday use" for an FFR player.

[dragon890x]

Originally Posted by Xx{Midnight}xX

but you run a heavy risk of having a key indented and unplayable and it can take what I've experienced as little as 5-6 months to do this.

You should stop playing FFR with hammers.

[AlexDest]

I've had my Razer Lycosa (Mirror Edition) for 2 years now and one key broke off last month. Considering the files I've played over that course of 2 years, this keyboard is extremely durable for me lol.

[ilikexd]

qpad mk-80 with brown switches

srsly get a mech kb

[i heart candy]

Originally Posted by ilikexd

qpad mk-80 with brown switches

Good keyboard, but it's pretty expensive..plus you do have to pay more since it's coming from Sweden; when I bought my qpad keyboard, I had to wait an extra week because it had to go through U.S. Customs.

[ilikexd]

@OP you should state how much you're willing to pay/wait for one

[PrawnSkunk]

I've got a blue switch das keybaord which has been in shipping for over 2 weeks (>.>)

I only bought blue switches because of the clicky sound. Everyone says browns are amazing, but they sound so bleh... I couldn't imagine enjoying it's dull, hollow response.

[Xx{Midnight}xX]

Originally Posted by dragon890x

You should stop playing FFR with hammers.

Hammers? More like jackhammers

[ilikexd]

Originally Posted by PrawnSkunk

I've got a blue switch das keybaord which has been in shipping for over 2 weeks (>.>)

I only bought blue switches because of the clicky sound. Everyone says browns are amazing, but they sound so bleh...

I just switched from a Logitech Illuminated to a Rosewill RK-9000BR with browns. My speed on FFR and SM improved, and the keys register even to very light taps, which has saved my ass dozens of times getting FFR AAAs when I tap a key way too light (would've given me a miss if I was using a different kb).
I chose brown over blue because they require less force to actuate, over red because I can feel a slight bump when depressing the key to the point of actuation. I don't really care about the sound.

All I can say is, from personal experience I'm very happy having switched to a mech kb and definitely recommend brown switches.

[ddrkid007]

@ilikexd, I might consider getting the keyboard you're getting.
Is this the right one?

http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Mecha.../dp/B005QW1THA

[EzExZeRo7497]

Flat keyboards: Logitech UltraX Premium, Logitech Illuminated, Kensington Slim-Type
Bulky/Mechanical keyboards: QPAD MK-50/MK-80, Rosewill RK-9000, Steelseries 6Gv2, CM Storm QuickFire Pro/CM Storm QuickFire Rapid

Bolded the flat keyboards that are pretty cheap, and they're really worth the price. I'd recommend blue or brown switches for the mech KBs.