While searching for a voice recorder, games and keyboards for a blind friend, the Gadget Guy finds some good solutions.
Keyboards with Backlit Keys : Read more
Keyboards with Backlit Keys : Read more
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You might want to add Logitech G15 to the list, which is not only a backlit keyboard, but comes also with superb 3x 18 programmable "G" keys and universal LCD display.
Any indication of durability of the keys wrt the coatings? These keys are usually made of a transparent plastic that is then coated in black - with the characters masked.
On my G15, I found that prolonged use has caused the black masking to come off, leaving large "blue" keys that have no recognisable markings left. I bought another since there was no alternative at the time, and had to resort to applying several layers of clear nail-polish before I started using the new keyboard. So far it's working, but I'd love to know how the newer models stand up to heavy use - specially for female users with long nails that will probably wear off the masking even faster
On my G15, I found that prolonged use has caused the black masking to come off, leaving large "blue" keys that have no recognisable markings left. I bought another since there was no alternative at the time, and had to resort to applying several layers of clear nail-polish before I started using the new keyboard. So far it's working, but I'd love to know how the newer models stand up to heavy use - specially for female users with long nails that will probably wear off the masking even faster
CaptainNed
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- Jan 3, 2008
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I Use the Eclipse II myself... I liked it so much I bought a 2nd one for my other computer. I had 2 reasons...
1st, I'm a corporate IT geek and if I get a page in the middle of the night, it's really nice to not need to turn on the lights. The red is the best, no eye strain as I'm half asleep. With a black desktop background and the red light I can fix what ever it is and get back to sleep.
2nd, Gaming. I love the feel of these keys. I actually looked for a keyboard w/o the L shaped key as it fit's my hand positioning better when gaming. Plus being the aforemention IT geek, I'm so used to having the pipe and backslash sitting above the enter key as I use them often while writing code. Using a keyboard is a lot like driving a car, you get used to where all the butons and switches are and you feel more comfortable. I can switch between my PC's at work and my home machine without mising a beat. I almost brought in a Saitek Eclipse II for work, but they backlite might have been frowned on.
1st, I'm a corporate IT geek and if I get a page in the middle of the night, it's really nice to not need to turn on the lights. The red is the best, no eye strain as I'm half asleep. With a black desktop background and the red light I can fix what ever it is and get back to sleep.
2nd, Gaming. I love the feel of these keys. I actually looked for a keyboard w/o the L shaped key as it fit's my hand positioning better when gaming. Plus being the aforemention IT geek, I'm so used to having the pipe and backslash sitting above the enter key as I use them often while writing code. Using a keyboard is a lot like driving a car, you get used to where all the butons and switches are and you feel more comfortable. I can switch between my PC's at work and my home machine without mising a beat. I almost brought in a Saitek Eclipse II for work, but they backlite might have been frowned on.
BOOOOO! Like most other posters, where is the G15? I owned a Saitek Gamer Keyboard w/commander pad for awhile, but then the veil was lifted when the G15 hit. I play Battlefield 2142 every night and with 18 programmable keys and M1,M2,M3 settings gives you 54 programmable keys. Then there is the mods for the LCD screen that gives you real-time data(i.e. Kills,deaths, ammo count,map, ping, number of players, etc....) Media Center controls, man I could go on and on!!!! I see why you DIDN'T add it, cuz then everyone would read it and be like,"Why did they mention the other 3?" The article would then read,"The uberest backlit keyboard EVEA!" Hell the only way they could improve it is add a can cooler and a toaster oven!! Mod that!!!
Logitech recently redesigned the G15 -- in a bad way, IMO. Gone are the three sets of 6 programmable G keys and in their place are a total of 6 (three pairs of 2 -- vertically stacked at that!!). The LCD is no longer flip-up, but integrated into the unit itself and appears smaller. Glad I got my old G15!!
Deck keyboards have great, high contrast backlighting with no seepage between keys. The keyboard construction is more industrial but is easy to type on. Deck also encourages keyboard modding.
I have a G15 and have had the same problem as concerned_user. While I think that omitting the Logitech backlit keyboards from the review is a rather large oversight, I do not think that the G15 is God's gift to the gamer.
The programmable keys are indeed excellent but the 'erosion' of the black masking is an unforgivable oversight on the part of Logitech. Had they spent any amount of time in R&D proving their product, they would have easily noticed such an obvious problem. I guess that's why they stand behind their G15 keyboards with an embarassing 1 year warranty while every other Logitech keyboard outside the G11 comes with a 3 year warranty. This difference speaks volumes about their own confidence in the 'G' series keyboards.
The programmable keys are indeed excellent but the 'erosion' of the black masking is an unforgivable oversight on the part of Logitech. Had they spent any amount of time in R&D proving their product, they would have easily noticed such an obvious problem. I guess that's why they stand behind their G15 keyboards with an embarassing 1 year warranty while every other Logitech keyboard outside the G11 comes with a 3 year warranty. This difference speaks volumes about their own confidence in the 'G' series keyboards.
Why isn't the logitech G11 (wich I own) of G15 not in this review. Huge letdown from tom's hardware @ the start of 2008. Best keyboard ever and you guys missed it.
I am also working on modifying the backlit led's. I have a Logitech G15 k'board, it has only blue colour available. Human eyes don't seem to respond very well to blue light, the contrast level is much lower than white on black. This should be an easy mod to do for Logitech, access is relatively easy, and the LED's are not special.
Yes, the G15 really should have been featured here, it is built solidly, which is something that I cannot say about Saitek or Ideazon. Mine is the first generation one, so I cannot speak for Rev.2
I like the idea of the Microsoft/Razer unit, but there's nothing on it that would cause me to replace my G15. The Desktop 8k is just silly... neat, but pretty much pointless for my needs, especially at the price. (Besides, I use a Razer Copperhead, which I would put up against any mouse Microsoft has it's name on, making the 8k sorta redundant)
I like the idea of the Microsoft/Razer unit, but there's nothing on it that would cause me to replace my G15. The Desktop 8k is just silly... neat, but pretty much pointless for my needs, especially at the price. (Besides, I use a Razer Copperhead, which I would put up against any mouse Microsoft has it's name on, making the 8k sorta redundant)
I'm very disappointed that no one has come out with a backlit version of a split keyboard such as the Microsoft Natural 4000. I would love to see a G15 in a split-board configuration!
Surely there are enough users of this type of keyboard for companies to take a serious look at offering a product like this for us. I will never go back to a standard keyboard again, no matter how many neat features it offers. I simply cannot hold my hands and wrists together so closely in the position required on a standard keyboard.
Surely there are enough users of this type of keyboard for companies to take a serious look at offering a product like this for us. I will never go back to a standard keyboard again, no matter how many neat features it offers. I simply cannot hold my hands and wrists together so closely in the position required on a standard keyboard.
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