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

[ilikexd]

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

I'm getting a desktop this Christmas so....

If money isn't an issue, MK-80 w/ browns is what I'd recommend.
They all do have USB support.

Most mech kbs will be around $100, MK-80 is around $200 total with shipping.

I just bought my this kb as sort of a test to see how mech kbs are before buying a really expensive one. I'm happy though, and I might end up spending $200 on a qpad mk-80 at some point in the future.

[ddrkid007]

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

I think this one might do me for now.
http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Mecha.../dp/B005QW1THA

[dragon890x]

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

I like how people disregard n-key rollover.

The reason I stopped using ASKL was due to ghosting issues with my Razer Lycosa. No one told me about those problems, and it caused me to have to completely change the way I played FFR.

If you are going to spend $200 on a keyboard, just spend $50 more and get the latest model that fully supports USB.

Just because something works on another connection doesn't mean it was meant for that connection.

tl;dr
If you're buying a Qpad, get a MK-85 model.

[ddrkid007]

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

I like how people disregard n-key rollover.

The reason I stopped using ASKL was due to ghosting issues with my Razer Lycosa. No one told me about those problems, and it caused me to have to completely change the way I played FFR.

If you are going to spend $200 on a keyboard, spend $50 more getting the latest model that fully supports USB.

Just because something works on another connection doesn't mean it was meant for that connection.

tl;dr
If you're buying a Qpad, get a MK-85 model.

I just want a decent keyboard that's all around for everything (stamina, MA, speed, etc.)

[EzExZeRo7497]

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

@dragon890x: I'm well aware that on USB you don't get n-key rollover on the MK-50, but you phrased it in a way as if the QPAD MK-50/MK-80 doesn't work at all if you don't have a USB port, sorry for the misunderstanding.

For someone who's been playing on a laptop keyboard for 5 years, would it be a good idea to get a flat-keyboard instead of a mechanical one or should I get a mechanical one and improve myself on that one?

If you used a laptop keyboard beforehand, I'd recommend you getting a flat keyboard over a mechanical keyboard since you're already used to it.
If you use a mechanical keyboard though, expect a drop in stamina, and probably MA/speed as well, but you'll recover after a while. I found mechanical keyboards to be better in the long run though.

[Kibblre]

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

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

http://www.staiain.net/StepMania/smwiki/index.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)

I like black switches for gaming. I hope you just mean they're shit for rhythm gaming. Also, reds are linear switches too.

[Dynam0]

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

People claiming that red switches are like typing on air and this takes a hit to your MA are wrong. Perhaps it's because I bottom out the keys when I play or I'm used to the feel/actuation now, but I can MA just as well if not better than my rubber dome acer keyboard that i got all my best scores on.

Not to mention the fact that it's easier to press the keys so my trilling is way more responsive and my stamina sky-rocketed from less effort in tapping.

Get a SteelSeries 6gV2 with red switches...it'll run you about $130 with shipping and all. The keyboard is a tank (heavy beefy mofo) so you can abuse the crap out of it and it will LAST. Sure blue and brown switches might be good too but my experience with reds has been nothing but positive so don't count them out either!

edit: oh you've been playing on laptops...yeah invest in a mech keyboard and get accustomed to it. Flat keyboards, although built for speed develop sloppy technique imo just my two cents tho

[ilikexd]

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

@dragon890x: I'm well aware that on USB you don't get n-key rollover on the MK-50, but you phrased it in a way as if the QPAD MK-50/MK-80 doesn't work at all if you don't have a USB port, sorry for the misunderstanding.



If you used a laptop keyboard beforehand, I'd recommend you getting a flat keyboard over a mechanical keyboard since you're already used to it.
If you use a mechanical keyboard though, expect a drop in stamina, and probably MA/speed as well, but you'll recover after a while. I found mechanical keyboards to be better in the long run though.

exactly this

[LongGone]

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

I like how people disregard n-key rollover.

The reason I stopped using ASKL was due to ghosting issues with my Razer Lycosa. No one told me about those problems, and it caused me to have to completely change the way I played FFR.

If you are going to spend $200 on a keyboard, just spend $50 more and get the latest model that fully supports USB.

Just because something works on another connection doesn't mean it was meant for that connection.

tl;dr
If you're buying a Qpad, get a MK-85 model.

They don't support NKRO via USB, but they do support 6KRO (the typical USB limit). That is more than enough unless you are playing 7k or more rhythm games. Typically, these keyboards that support full NKRO over PS2 will be 6KRO over USB

The Lycosa (among most other USB keyboards) is 2KRO; the most keys that you can hold down in the worst case scenario without the keyboard jamming up is 2 keys, so your setup might have triggered key blocks. However, it is possible to find layouts that support 6 keys if you're willing to; Most USB keyboards should work with typical linear layouts like asdkl; sdfjkl qweiop zxcm,. For some reason though; the costlier keyboards like the Lycosa and the Illuminated has reported keyblock issues even with conventional setups.

EzE can try it. Qpad MK-50 via USB, press any six letter keys down on the keyboard in notepad and all will register at the same time

[Helixia]

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

I would recommened mechinical Logitech keyboards.
If you go for cheap ones go for the Logitech K120/K200.
I use a K200 keyboard and i would recommened it to everyone.

[dragon890x]

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

EzE can try it. Qpad MK-50 via USB, press any six letter keys down on the keyboard in notepad and all will register at the same time

I'd like to hear about this considering information about such keyboards is hard to find without buying them.

My issue with the Razer Lycosa was a major disappointment. You would think that something as simple as holding down four linear keys would be available on a board that costs $70.

After that awful experience, I came to the conclusion that it's better to not risk buying a keyboard that has possible game-breaking flaws. If you are spending a large amount of money on a keyboard, get a good keyboard.

When it comes to gaming hardware, you really do get what you pay for. My Qpad MK-85 is honestly the best keyboard I've ever used for FFR, or typing in general.

Edit: Please use this website instead of Notepad when testing n-key rollover.

[LongGone]

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

I'd like to hear about this considering information about such keyboards is hard to find without buying them.

My issue with the Razer Lycosa was a major disappointment. You would think that something as simple as holding down four linear keys would be available on a board that costs $70.

After that awful experience, I came to the conclusion that it's better to not risk buying a keyboard that has possible game-breaking flaws. If you are spending a large amount of money on a keyboard, get a good keyboard.

When it comes to gaming hardware, you really do get what you pay for. My Qpad MK-85 is honestly the best keyboard I've ever used for FFR, or typing in general.

Edit: Please use this website instead of Notepad when testing n-key rollover.

Generally, any mechanical keyboard that does support NKRO over PS/2 will support 6KRO over USB. The mechanical keyboards generally have USB cables, where you plug on a PS/2 adapter on top of them. A quick list here, note the NKRO PS/2 models support at least 6KRO over USB: http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/me...keyboard-guide

I can confirm it works on my own Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless

Its a matter of if you do need the NKRO over USB (and these typically being the flagship kb models of the company, will have extra features like USB hubs, backlighting, etc.). No harm being safe than sorry if you're willing to pay the extra price, but honestly most people will find 6KRO sufficient unless you are playing 7k+ rhythm games

In fact, even that can be compromised if you're willing to use certain layouts; keyboard USB specification usually only allows up to any 6 standard keys (i.e. at best, via USB for typical keyboards you can only hold up to a maximum of any 6 letter/spacebar/number keys) but this number does not include modifiers like the shift key. Back then when I needed to hold down 7keys on a USB keyboard for rhythm games (O2Jam), I used a layout like ASD(spacebar)./(Right shift) which did the job

Some non-mechanical USB keyboards bypass this by having their own proprietary tech/pcb e.g. the Microsoft Sidewinder X4 is rubber membrane but supports up to a maximum of 26 keys

This is the most I can get out of a USB Logitech UltraX Premium (recorded using livestream and screencapped later, I can't take a screenshot while holding down all the keys rofl)


For some reason though, the Razers and Logitech Illuminateds are notorious for keyblocks even with 4key layouts idk why (or at least, these are the two popular keyboards that have these rather serious problem). Any other known keyboard models with these issues?

(I have no idea if anyone have done this, but I'm quite sure you could even buy USB numberpads to play rhythm games on rofl)

[ddrkid007]

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

I've made my final decision, everyone.
Thank you all so much for helping me find a keyboard. Everyone gave me a shit load of good choices but I think I'll stick to this one for a good bit!

http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-6G.../dp/B008OQTGBQ

[Kibblre]

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

Nice choice; that's a very solid built keyboard. I was thinking about getting this one (black switches) but decided to go for the CM when I have money.

[xNiX]

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

red switches...this should be interesting