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I had never heard of mechanical keyboards until there was a ton of hype that FruitDealer was using one. I haven't kept up with Starcraft 2, and had no idea who he was, but was intrigued with all of the positive reviews about these old-school now too-cool-for-school keyboards.
As an avid typer, when I heard things like "this will make you want to open notepad and type random things", and, "it will increase your wpm", I was already hooked. I started looking at the available keyboards and was set on making a purchase.
I ended up with the Razer Blackwidow, mostly in part of seeing it just come out at a store. Here are my thoughts:
- It is really fucking loud. In the beginning, my girlfriend, who works with me, would incessantly complain, but now it seems she has learned to block the clicker clacker from her brain. I have too, but if I listen to it, it is loud - in an annoying, nonpeaceful way.
- It hasn't improved my typing - I don't exactly regret the purchase, seeing how I use it daily, but if I could return it I would. I'm sure I can find another keyboard (non-mechanical or not that better suits my needs). I am thinking of trying the horse again and getting the "god-level" Filco (with the tenkeys, for poker), so expect a review sometime in the future.
- It gets dirty easily, and the shiny look is cheap and retarded. It is not an ascetically pleasing keyboard at all, and it is _very big_ (which could be a con or a pro).
- The one pro ended up being the programmable M1-M5 keys on the left side of the keyboard, but I'm sure this is also possible with some random keybinding software. This is the one feature that ended up being surprisingly clutch.
Anyway, the reason that I decided to write this review is because I recently made 2 very expensive misclicks in poker costing me ~800 dollars. I don't necessarily blame this on the keyboard but the lack of teamwork between me and this black board means that she's definitely not the perfect fit for me.
P.S. Logitech mice suck: the Anywhere MX, which is awesome, is buggy as shit (randomly double clicks for a single click). Logitech M555b, a wireless bluetooth mouse, is one of the most uncomfortable unergonomic mice I have ever tried. Any of the Logi mice that come in their cheap "mice+keyboard" setups are total ass, but of course that is to be expected.
Using a Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000 which is acceptable right now, but has no driver support to make it go faster than the standard Windows control panel settings (any fix to this?)
 
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On December 27 2010 01:15 exalted wrote:
- It is really fucking loud. In the beginning, my girlfriend, who works with me, would incessantly complain, but now it seems she has learned to block the clicker clacker from her brain. I have too, but if I do listen to it, it sounds loud - in an annoying, nonpeaceful way.
You know that Razer provided you with blue switch on the keyboard. Why didn't you look up the spec and see how it sounds like on youtube, as well as other reviews before buying the keyboard?
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I think there are better keyboards than Filco's, like the topre ones.
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I got a blackwidow for xmas and really like it 
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On December 27 2010 01:15 exalted wrote:
P.S. Logitech mice suck: the Anywhere MX, which is awesome, is buggy as shit (randomly double clicks for a single click). Logitech M555b, a wireless bluetooth mouse, is one of the most uncomfortable unergonomic mice I have ever tried. Any of the Logi mice that come in their cheap "mice+keyboard" setups are total ass, but of course that is to be expected.
I have been using the logitech MX518 for years now, even buying another to replace my first one when it eventually stopped working, I think many others will agree it is a brilliant mouse. I can't talk for the rest of the logitech range though as I haven't really used them.
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On December 27 2010 01:15 exalted wrote:
It is not an ascetically pleasing keyboard at all, and it is _very big_ (which could be a con or a pro).
Hmm...kk, but I still dont see why you'd want a keyboard - nevermind the size - while on your sojourns in the Himalayas in search of the key to life and destiny. Different strokes for different folks, I guess...
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I love my Black Widow... It makes me feel so gosu when I spam.
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u should probably try majestouch. those things look sexy <3
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My theory is that the mechanical keyboard people just lie to themselves about the benefits similar to the audiophile people. The clicks are merely just reinforcement into them thinking they made a good decision, i'm sure if you blinded them and deathen them and made them type of several keyboards with the same 4 bottom out they wouldn't be able to tell jack. Or if you made them use other types of mechanical keyboards.
Blues are very annoying they are high pitched, you can live with brown but blue is clearly an acquired taste.
Also you shouldn't blame logitech's wireless for all their products. Wireless if iffy, esp if environments where they can be alot of wireless signals going around like apartment buildings etc. Although you seem to like wireless mice. You probably like them because you don't have a cord fing up things but instead an iffy wireless signal There are gaming wireless mice like the sidewinder x8 and the G700, which only makes them gaming grade because you can always plug them into being not wireless lol.
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On December 27 2010 01:15 exalted wrote:
P.S. Logitech mice suck
yeah, after that I pretty just have to ignore anything you ever say.
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On December 27 2010 03:41 howerpower wrote:yeah, after that I pretty just have to ignore anything you ever say.
Agreed Logitech mice have been the best all round mice for me. They never have any problems and can take huge beating and work perfectly. The only problem I had is the contacts on the charging for wireless ones eventually fail after about 3+years. But 3 years is pretty damn good.
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infinity21
Canada6683 Posts
On December 27 2010 01:15 exalted wrote:
and it is _very big_ (which could be a con or a pro).
Are you really ok with having a giant spider on your desk again?
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infinity21
Canada6683 Posts
On December 27 2010 03:57 Adeeler wrote:Show nested quote +On December 27 2010 03:41 howerpower wrote:On December 27 2010 01:15 exalted wrote:
P.S. Logitech mice suck yeah, after that I pretty just have to ignore anything you ever say. Agreed Logitech mice have been the best all round mice for me. They never have any problems and can take huge beating and work perfectly. The only problem I had is the contacts on the charging for wireless ones eventually fail after about 3+years. But 3 years is pretty damn good.
Ehh I've had mixed experiences with my Logitech mice. MX518 was decent, although too heavy for my tastes. Then after a few years I got the G9 which had sensor failure within a year. Then when I tried to contact customer support several times, they never responded to my requests. Probably never going to buy another Logitech mouse.
On a side note, I use the Logitech illuminated keyboard and the Z-2300 speakers which are working pretty good so far except one of the legs on the keyboard got bent so now I have to constantly keep it higher with something underneath.
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On December 27 2010 03:06 semantics wrote:
My theory is that the mechanical keyboard people just lie to themselves about the benefits similar to the audiophile people. The clicks are merely just reinforcement into them thinking they made a good decision, i'm sure if you blinded them and deathen them and made them type of several keyboards with the same 4 bottom out they wouldn't be able to tell jack. Or if you made them use other types of mechanical keyboards.
Have you ever typed on a mechanical keyboard before?
Seriously, I am in the market for a new keyboard since I am building a new computer. Like you, I thought mechanical keyboards are ridiculous, but I decided to try them before I knocked them. So i went to my local Fry's and tried out every single keyboard there without looking at what they were. I started typing on a keyboard that felt amazing, and then I looked at the product label. Lo and behold, it was a Siig mechanical keyboard. Trust me man, there is a difference. I could tell the difference if I was blind and deaf, just from the feel, and I've never used a mechanical keyboard before that day.
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On December 27 2010 03:06 semantics wrote:
My theory is that the mechanical keyboard people just lie to themselves about the benefits similar to the audiophile people. The clicks are merely just reinforcement into them thinking they made a good decision, i'm sure if you blinded them and deathen them and made them type of several keyboards with the same 4 bottom out they wouldn't be able to tell jack. Or if you made them use other types of mechanical keyboards.
Once you go mechanical, its really hard to go back. Its really easy to tell a rubber dome keyboard from a mechanical one by feel alone.
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Mechanical keyboards are great for typing, but I found them to be a little tough if you spam a a lot in RTS... it is just physically easier for me to 1a2a3a4a5a on my rubber dome eMachines keyboard that was free than it is on my keyboard with alps or buckling spring switches.
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On December 27 2010 02:20 SushilS wrote:Show nested quote +On December 27 2010 01:15 exalted wrote:
It is not an ascetically pleasing keyboard at all, and it is _very big_ (which could be a con or a pro).
Hmm...kk, but I still dont see why you'd want a keyboard - nevermind the size - while on your sojourns in the Himalayas in search of the key to life and destiny. Different strokes for different folks, I guess...
Hahaha epic typo, nice catch.
Is there such a thing as a laptop with mechanical keyboard? I can't find one, and it seems that it would make the keyboard way too heavy, and the price infeasible....but....might there be one?
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I just recently converted to mechanical (replacing my old g15). Can't go back to the membrane type, just doesn't feel right anymore lol.
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On December 27 2010 03:06 semantics wrote:
My theory is that the mechanical keyboard people just lie to themselves about the benefits similar to the audiophile people. The clicks are merely just reinforcement into them thinking they made a good decision, i'm sure if you blinded them and deathen them and made them type of several keyboards with the same 4 bottom out they wouldn't be able to tell jack. Or if you made them use other types of mechanical keyboards.
Blues are very annoying they are high pitched, you can live with brown but blue is clearly an acquired taste.
Also you shouldn't blame logitech's wireless for all their products. Wireless if iffy, esp if environments where they can be alot of wireless signals going around like apartment buildings etc. Although you seem to like wireless mice. You probably like them because you don't have a cord fing up things but instead an iffy wireless signal There are gaming wireless mice like the sidewinder x8 and the G700, which only makes them gaming grade because you can always plug them into being not wireless lol.
I think its pretty clear you have some serious hatred for audiophiles. No worries i used to feel the same way (of course i kept such opinions to myself as i knew i was ignorant having never tried a nice set of headphones). I went out on a limb and bought some nice audiotechnicas and my opinion has completely changed. I have a feeling mechanical keyboards are the same way...
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I like the feel of my BlackWidow, got it beginning of December. It's got a very nice feel to it and the response of the keys under my fingers feels great.
My problem is the lineup for the keys is somewhat off, I keep mistyping a lot more than I would on a normal keyboard. The F-keys are all displaced, and the ESC key is far from the corner because of the macro keys.
If you're still willing to give Mechanical Keyboards a try, a company is making the successor to the Model M is the PCKeyboard's Customizer 101 seen here.
or you can buy an original Model M for $80. They're not as attractive as the Razer so much, but you get the clicky without these crazy configurations for keyboard.
Though in your OP you said you like the macro keys and these don't have those, I highly recommend one. ( i know 2 people with the Customizer 101, and I like it more than my Razer)
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On January 03 2011 08:08 Schamus wrote:
My problem is the lineup for the keys is somewhat off, I keep mistyping a lot more than I would on a normal keyboard. The F-keys are all displaced, and the ESC key is far from the corner because of the macro keys.
Man, I would have bought the Black Widow in a heartbeat if it weren't for the misaligned F-keys.
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
can u flop a straight with it?
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+ Show Spoiler +On December 27 2010 01:15 exalted wrote:
I had never heard of mechanical keyboards until there was a ton of hype that FruitDealer was using one. I haven't kept up with Starcraft 2, and had no idea who he was, but was intrigued with all of the positive reviews about these old-school now too-cool-for-school keyboards.
As an avid typer, when I heard things like "this will make you want to open notepad and type random things", and, "it will increase your wpm", I was already hooked. I started looking at the available keyboards and was set on making a purchase.
I ended up with the Razer Blackwidow, mostly in part of seeing it just come out at a store. Here are my thoughts:
- It is really fucking loud. In the beginning, my girlfriend, who works with me, would incessantly complain, but now it seems she has learned to block the clicker clacker from her brain. I have too, but if I listen to it, it is loud - in an annoying, nonpeaceful way.
- It hasn't improved my typing - I don't exactly regret the purchase, seeing how I use it daily, but if I could return it I would. I'm sure I can find another keyboard (non-mechanical or not that better suits my needs). I am thinking of trying the horse again and getting the "god-level" Filco (with the tenkeys, for poker), so expect a review sometime in the future.
- It gets dirty easily, and the shiny look is cheap and retarded. It is not an ascetically pleasing keyboard at all, and it is _very big_ (which could be a con or a pro).
- The one pro ended up being the programmable M1-M5 keys on the left side of the keyboard, but I'm sure this is also possible with some random keybinding software. This is the one feature that ended up being surprisingly clutch.
Anyway, the reason that I decided to write this review is because I recently made 2 very expensive misclicks in poker costing me ~800 dollars. I don't necessarily blame this on the keyboard but the lack of teamwork between me and this black board means that she's definitely not the perfect fit for me.
P.S. Logitech mice suck: the Anywhere MX, which is awesome, is buggy as shit (randomly double clicks for a single click). Logitech M555b, a wireless bluetooth mouse, is one of the most uncomfortable unergonomic mice I have ever tried. Any of the Logi mice that come in their cheap "mice+keyboard" setups are total ass, but of course that is to be expected.
Using a Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 6000 which is acceptable right now, but has no driver support to make it go faster than the standard Windows control panel settings (any fix to this?)
I feel like this lack of research you did before buying the keyboard is your fault. There are plenty of mechanical keyboards out there of which would have been perfect fit for you. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to keyboards and you should know by now that buying a keyboard of around $100, you should know what you're getting into before committing to it.
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Yes mr. exalted, you are 100% right mechanical keyboards are overrated. The best keyboards overall are laptop like scissor switch, slim ones. Soft, good tactile feel, short travel distance and good durability. Obviously not all keyboards are equal, I have seen a shitty Genius specimen that felt like there was friction somewhere when pressing the keys, and also have had an old HP laptop with a sort of hard keyboard, but it was definitely rewarding to press the keys on it.
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Thats what you get for getting a cheap keyboard i guess.
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The BlackWidow has has decent reviews. =/ Idk why you didn't look it up earlier.
Actually, I don't know why you didn't look up the term "Mechanical Keyboard" first.
If your WPM is high already, yeah, I think a mechanical keyboard would be a good choice. The keyboard itself responds faster when you're using it and typing away.
For gaming, I know I do it quite often, where I hold down like, 4 or more keys, and my keyboard will make a beeping noise, and nothing will happen.
Mechanical keyboards are made with the intention of being used through the PS/2 port, which stops the beeping when you hit too many keys at once. Basically, if you hit a bunch of keys, the computer will register all of them. Through USB you don't get that same connection.
The Steelseries 6G and 6Gv2, and the XArmor U9BL (which I just purchased for my boyfriend, it's amazing ♥) have PS/2 connections. They're quality keyboards.
You can purchase Mechanical keyboards that aren't as loud;
http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-ultimate-silent/
Personally, I find the clicking/clacking of a mechanical keyboard to be the most satisfying feeling and sound ever. I absolutely LOVE using the one I got for my boyfriend, and might buy one for myself soon.
Edit: The BlackWidow itself is a poorly made keyboard IMO. Only reason it's so popular is because Razer is promoting it, and everything razer makes is SO AWESOME apparently. /shrug
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Australia7069 Posts
I got a filco majestouch with cherry brown's fairly recently. At first i felt similar to you, it clicked louder than my old keyboard, and i didn't notice MUCH of a difference.
Then the other day i was at my parents house helping out with some yard work, and jumped on their computer for a bit and HOLY SHIT it was bad. The stiffness and feel of a non-mechnical keyboard was so oppressive i could barely type. That difference makes me think the mechanical is better. I feel i type better now too.
As too your particular loudness complaint and something about misclicking, why didn't you at least try it out before you bought it. You said you saw it in a store right? At least give the keys the once over to see if you'd like it or do some good research.
As far as trying out a filco, i'd recommend it. I dont think it improved my game playing or typing ability, but it feels damn good. 
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Seems like I'm getting a lot of hate for complaining about the loudness and not being satisfied with my purchase. I am aware how a mechanical keyboard works and obviously how it would feel/sound different than a regular keyboard. However, the "benefits" (which for me currently are probably none) definitely do not match up with the drawback of having an annoying-sounding keyboard.
Granted it was an impulse purchase that I could have researched more thoroughly, but my blog was more geared in the attempt of stopping others from making the same mistake rather than venting how my purchase was a bad beat.
I would be interested in a keyboard that takes a lot of force to depress (as a ex-pianist), but doesn't generate such high levels of noise pollution.
Raeleigh, your post is informative. Thanks for agreeing that the Blackwidow sucks, which it does. That Das keyboard seems like something interested to look into - it uses Cherry Brown (which is apparently the "best" switch?) and has a quiet clicker? May be worth shelling another hundo for...
Oh and a big F U to the Logitech fanboys. I used to think that their mice were the "leetest", one of my favorite mice being the old MX300 with the weight taken out. I know they're a decent brand but I have been unlucky enough to get some defective ones. No need to act indignant as if you actually own their stock or something.
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I think if you're going to purchase anything that's going to go towards gaming, you should really look into the pros and cons, and all the reviews you can. Gaming is serious business now, and you need the best you can get that's suited for you, right?
I spent a month or so really looking up keyboards, headsets, and mice and finally decided on the ones I wanted and the ones I thought would best suit the way I play and so on.
The BlackWidow is supposed to be like.. "the first mechanical keyboard" and all this shit(this is what I got from the reviews I read/watched), and is supposed to be top quality at a decent price. We have them in the store I'm working in, and they sell fast. But again, like I said, it's because it's a Razer product. It's a low-quality mechanical keyboard with the cherry blue switches which are, like you've probably read, not as good.
The LED backlighting on the BlackWidow(if you got the ultimate version) is inferior compared to the backlighting on the XArmor. They're the only 2 mechanical keyboards currently with backlighting.
The Das Keyboard is a high quality keyboard, and I've heard no complaints about it except that it doesn't have backlighting. But, if you game lots, that shouldn't be a problem xD! You should know where all the keys are already!
As for Logitech mice: I think they are incredibly great mice, but, I'd never use one. I like simple shaped, normal mice. So i'm getting the Steelseries Xai. I refuse to buy a Razer or Logitech mouse. Or any of the weird cyborg ones. Lmao.
Although, the Razer Tron mouse *is* kinda cool.
p_q
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Thanks for the reply. What's scary about the Das keyboard is the fact that the keys have no inscription! That is pretty freaky. Although I know where all the keys are, as a professional poker player I am pretty paranoid about misclicking. Will look if they have a "Das Ultimate Silent" with inscripted keys.
ninja edit: Ok, looks like they have a "professional version". The only difference between ultimate and professional is the fact that one is inscribed and the other isn't? Kinda gimmicky..
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Lol, I know people who have bought keyboards without any lettering on it.
It's supposed to make you "pro" or something. Idk.
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On January 04 2011 06:40 Raeleigh wrote:Lol, I know people who have bought keyboards without any lettering on it. It's supposed to make you "pro" or something. Idk.
I want one. But I always get confused where the ^ % } { & are. I'm still trying to find a Das Keyboard Retailer in Canada, that's in stock.
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On January 04 2011 06:43 Blisse wrote:Show nested quote +On January 04 2011 06:40 Raeleigh wrote:Lol, I know people who have bought keyboards without any lettering on it. It's supposed to make you "pro" or something. Idk. I want one. But I always get confused where the ^ % } { & are. I'm still trying to find a Das Keyboard Retailer in Canada, that's in stock.
Good luck. I work at NCIX and ours are super back ordered. =(
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On January 04 2011 06:18 exalted wrote:
Thanks for the reply. What's scary about the Das keyboard is the fact that the keys have no inscription! That is pretty freaky. Although I know where all the keys are, as a professional poker player I am pretty paranoid about misclicking. Will look if they have a "Das Ultimate Silent" with inscripted keys.
ninja edit: Ok, looks like they have a "professional version". The only difference between ultimate and professional is the fact that one is inscribed and the other isn't? Kinda gimmicky..
Just beware that Daskey are glossy as well so it will get dirty from all finger smudges.
global.pchome.com.tw
Plenty of mechanical keyboard selections from Taiwan. I got something shipped to me in 3 days and I'm in Australia.
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On January 04 2011 05:44 Raeleigh wrote:
I think if you're going to purchase anything that's going to go towards gaming, you should really look into the pros and cons, and all the reviews you can. Gaming is serious business now, and you need the best you can get that's suited for you, right?
I spent a month or so really looking up keyboards, headsets, and mice and finally decided on the ones I wanted and the ones I thought would best suit the way I play and so on.
The BlackWidow is supposed to be like.. "the first mechanical keyboard" and all this shit(this is what I got from the reviews I read/watched), and is supposed to be top quality at a decent price. We have them in the store I'm working in, and they sell fast. But again, like I said, it's because it's a Razer product. It's a low-quality mechanical keyboard with the cherry blue switches which are, like you've probably read, not as good.
The LED backlighting on the BlackWidow(if you got the ultimate version) is inferior compared to the backlighting on the XArmor. They're the only 2 mechanical keyboards currently with backlighting.
The Das Keyboard is a high quality keyboard, and I've heard no complaints about it except that it doesn't have backlighting. But, if you game lots, that shouldn't be a problem xD! You should know where all the keys are already!
As for Logitech mice: I think they are incredibly great mice, but, I'd never use one. I like simple shaped, normal mice. So i'm getting the Steelseries Xai. I refuse to buy a Razer or Logitech mouse. Or any of the weird cyborg ones. Lmao.
Although, the Razer Tron mouse *is* kinda cool.
p_q
I totally agree with you, if you are serious about your gaming then you should do the research and then think in terms of cons and pros FOR YOU and not based on marketing gimmicks.
I did an extensive research on mechanical keyboards since I kept on breaking regular keyboards and the latest logitech offering I used (the G110) had a horrible feeling for me when gaming, and that's when I decided to switch to mechanical. Then come my personal tastes, I'm not a professional typist so every now and then I like to look at the keyboard and since I love to game in the dark I wanted a lighted keyboard. So considering that, as Raeleigh said only 2 choices are in the market right now and when I decided to order mine the XArmor wasn't available so I was left with the blackwidow ultimate.
I don't regret the purchase, I feel it's a great keyboard compared to the regular ones BUT I won't speak in terms of other mechanical keyboards since I haven't used others. If a brown switch keyboard with light comes to the market I might switch.
I do find a mechanical keyboard helps, not so much in terms of faster speed but in terms of fatigue, I feel less of a fatigue in my fingers after extended use of this blackwidow than I did with the regular dome ones.
And speaking for the complaint about Logitech mice then I must say you really have to stop dissing a whole company for one bad product, I've been using Logitech mice since the beginning of time and I've never had a bad time with them, I love wireless mice and ever since my G7 died on me after 6 years of intensive use and gaming and I must say the G5 is a premium mouse and most recently the G700 is the mouse to have if you want wireless, but given your naive and narrow mind then I would suggest you try the xai or maybe get the deathadder 3g from Razer which is a good mouse for claw grippers.
Then on the other side of the coin Raeleigh once again hits the nail "I like simple shaped, normal mice" well there you go, it's all about personal taste.
So next time consider doing your research a lot more before purchasing something.
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EPT
