• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 23:21
CEST 05:21
KST 12:21
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
RSL Season 1 - Final Week6[ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall10HomeStory Cup 27 - Info & Preview18Classic wins Code S Season 2 (2025)16Code S RO4 & Finals Preview: herO, Rogue, Classic, GuMiho0
Community News
Firefly given lifetime ban by ESIC following match-fixing investigation17$25,000 Streamerzone StarCraft Pro Series announced7Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles7[BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China10Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL76
StarCraft 2
General
RSL Revival patreon money discussion thread The GOAT ranking of GOAT rankings Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles Server Blocker RSL Season 1 - Final Week
Tourneys
RSL: Revival, a new crowdfunded tournament series FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event $5,100+ SEL Season 2 Championship (SC: Evo) $25,000 Streamerzone StarCraft Pro Series announced Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament
Strategy
How did i lose this ZvP, whats the proper response Simple Questions Simple Answers
Custom Maps
External Content
Mutation # 481 Fear and Lava Mutation # 480 Moths to the Flame Mutation # 479 Worn Out Welcome Mutation # 478 Instant Karma
Brood War
General
BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL BW General Discussion A cwal.gg Extension - Easily keep track of anyone Script to open stream directly using middle click
Tourneys
2025 ACS Season 2 Qualifier [Megathread] Daily Proleagues Small VOD Thread 2.0 Last Minute Live-Report Thread Resource!
Strategy
Simple Questions, Simple Answers I am doing this better than progamers do.
Other Games
General Games
Path of Exile Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread CCLP - Command & Conquer League Project The PlayStation 5 Nintendo Switch Thread
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine The Accidental Video Game Porn Archive Stop Killing Games - European Citizens Initiative
Fan Clubs
SKT1 Classic Fan Club! Maru Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Movie Discussion! [Manga] One Piece Anime Discussion Thread [\m/] Heavy Metal Thread
Sports
2024 - 2025 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion NBA General Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 NHL Playoffs 2024
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Men Take Risks, Women Win Ga…
TrAiDoS
momentary artworks from des…
tankgirl
from making sc maps to makin…
Husyelt
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Trip to the Zoo
micronesia
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 623 users

Monitor, keyboard, earbuds, mousepad

Blogs > Froadac
Post a Reply
1 2 Next All
Froadac
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States6733 Posts
May 23 2011 00:21 GMT
#1
So first, I am going to say I bought a mouse.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826249049R

I got it for 28 dollars as an open box special. That's quite awesome. Although maybe it's not the best mouse possible, used mice of the same model are going for 40 on ebay Unfortunately, it sold out in about 3 hours, so although I was going to blog about it I was too late.

Secondly I've been pestered more than ever to spendspendspend. Also grandma asked what I did with my 100 dollar birthday check. Answer is nothing

Thirdly, I have a large bestbuy giftcard that has yet to be spent But everything there is overpriced >.> It's making me lean towards a blackwidow keyboard because they carry it. So let me break down everything...

Mouse: Check

Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236112&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL052011&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL052011-_-EMC-052011-Latest-_-LCDMonitors-_-24236112-L0D (After all rebates it's 160 USD)

I would like a larger monitor than 19", ideally 1080p. I got my mom a 22" from Costco, but she wanted something from a retail store, so it cost more than it should have. A 24" that is 160 or less would be great. Although I might go for a 22" as well. For those of you who have upgraded, how does a 19" compare to a 22" compare to a 24"?

Keyboard: This is tough. I have never used a mechanical keyboard, and no store within 35 miles carries them. So deciding on the type of switch is tough. =/ Can't decide on what I want exactly. What have you guys observed in terms of resistance and loudness? I've read various forum posts, but it's hard to liken things. Looking at blackwidow (because of bestbuy value) blackwidow ultimate (depending on what exactly is different apart from cosmetics?), 6gv2, or any of the das keyboard stuff (although it's expensive)

If none of this pans out I'll just get a dt-35 ^^ Thoughts?

Earbuds: I already have a failheadset, need earbuds. Figure after most all of hte feedback was positive I'd get a steelseries headset. Question: does the mic detach? I can't seem to find that. Now the decision is between those two. Mic, or no mic. Does anyone have it. how is the mic quality? Does it detach?

Mousepad: Qck Standard? Good mousepad? Cheap? Any objections?

I think I'll order all (if any) steelseries stuff at once to minimize shipping.

**
Backpack
Profile Blog Joined March 2010
United States1776 Posts
May 23 2011 00:33 GMT
#2
On May 23 2011 09:21 Froadac wrote:


Earbuds: I already have a failheadset, need earbuds. Figure after most all of hte feedback was positive I'd get a steelseries headset. Question: does the mic detach? I can't seem to find that. Now the decision is between those two. Mic, or no mic. Does anyone have it. how is the mic quality? Does it detach?


What are you referring to? You start talking about earbuds but switch to steelseries headest?

The siberia v2 (what myself, and many others including EG use) has a retractable mic so it can be 95% out of the way when you aren't using it. Sound and voice are very clear and its very comfortable.

I know nothing about earbuds though.
"You people need to just generally care a lot less about everything." -Zatic
Froadac
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States6733 Posts
May 23 2011 00:36 GMT
#3
Oh, the steelseries siberia earphones.

http://shop.steelseries.com/us/index.php/audio-us/steelseries-siberia-in-ear-headset.html
Snaiil
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
Sweden312 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-05-23 00:48:11
May 23 2011 00:46 GMT
#4
Mousepad: If you don't want anything fancy, just a solid nice mousepad, go for a standard SteelSeries QcK. I use one and they are really good. It never moves even slightly on the table and the mouse glides perfectly.

Earbuds/Headset: The SteelSeries Sibera V2 are well worth their price. They're really comfortable and have acceptable sound quality. If you prioritize sound quality though, you shouldn't go for any gaming headsets since there are better ones. As for earbuds, I have no idea.
EDIT: Didn't see you meant those earbuds. The mic looks like the same one SteelSeries Siberia V1 had, if so, it's completely separate from the earbuds. It has a separate cord and everything.

Keyboard: I don't know if it's only the European version, but the SteelSeries 7G has a very weird key layout, so if you want a SteelSeries mechanical I would recommend 6Gv2. That's the one I use and it has great build quality (I've literally slammed my fist on it from losing and nothing happened haha), great feel on the keys and is overall a good keyboard. Can't comment on the BlackWidow, but from what I've heard the keys have louder click noises (the 6Gv2 actually doesn't have very loud click noises, just loud presses), and the keys are supposed to have less resistance. However, it's impossible to know which one you would prefer if you haven't tried both, so I'll just say that 6Gv2 is a really good keyboard which I recommend!
deathly rat
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United Kingdom911 Posts
May 23 2011 00:47 GMT
#5
I know you already got your mouse but Lazer Mouse>>>>>>Optical Mouse. I mean, as long as you have a mouse pad that doesn't give you trouble then I guess it will be fine. I only mention it because it sounds like you want to get nice stuff and maybe you might want to exchange it.

The one thing that has really helped me is getting a mouse pad with a gel filled wrist rest, like this one. It stopped me getting a sore wrist and reduced RSI significantly.

I know nothing about keyboards, but get a wired one FFS. What is the point of a wirelss keyboard other than running out of batteries at the wrong time?
No logo (logo)
Z3kk
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
4099 Posts
May 23 2011 00:51 GMT
#6
Since you're urged to spend, why don't you think about buying some *ahem* gifts? ;D

In terms of mousepads, I like ones with little wrist pads/supports--those feel amazing. Though if they supposedly impair gaming etc. then it's performance over comfort, I suppose. I just personally think they're ridiculously comfortable.
Failure is not falling down over and over again. Failure is refusing to get back up.
Froadac
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States6733 Posts
May 23 2011 01:00 GMT
#7
Haha.

@rat Well, generally. I don't need a really high cpi though, and to be able to get that for 30 bucks is excellent.

I dunno, I don't care for the little support :/
Sxcerino
Profile Joined August 2010
Canada58 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-05-23 01:30:02
May 23 2011 01:27 GMT
#8
Hello

My preferences and opinion:

Mouse: Logitech G9X (I know you already have a mouse, but I would like to input this anyway)

Mousepad: If you prefer hard plastic/mesh surface, the Steelseries 4HD will suffice.
If you prefer cloth, then any of the steelseries QCK would be nice.
If you're like me and care about looks as well as usability, I personally like the SteelSeries I-2 Experience. It's the old IceMat which is acid washed glass essentially

Mousefeet - Mousetape.com, Hyperglide.com, or if you could find custom cut ones for your mouse, it will work fine too. It's just teflon so vendors may overcharge it when they specify for a certain mouse

Keyboard - A lot of people tend to like Blackwidow, but I personally have found Razer stuff to be cheaply made and flimsy. Moreover, the Blackwidow is basically and old iOne mechanical keyboard if I recall correctly, and it didn't receive that many great reviews. Also, it's a blue switch Mechanical, meaning that it will be noisy.
The steelseries 6gV2/7g is a black switch, for me, it's too "tiring" after a while, since you need to exert a lot of force when pressing down the keys.
You really have to try out the keyboards yourself if you want to find the one you prefer. Blackwidow has the arrow pad cut out for tryout. Try going to local bestbuys and see if they would let you to try it out.
I personally prefer Cherry MX-3494 and Filco Brown. But that's just me

Monitor - If budget allows, I would try to get either
1.) 120Hz - everything would be smoooooth
2.) IPS (Dell most commonly) - Dell UltraSharp, for prettiness in display quality

Headset - I don't like the Razer headsets, they weren't that comfortable for me. The steelseries Siberia v2 isn't that comfortable for me either. The steelseries 7H w/ the Mock Leather padding feels pretty good, but I think it's quite expensive. I personally like the Creative Arena Sound Blaster, it's comfortable and 40-50$ when you meet a sale

Hope it helped, again it has a lot to do with personal preference. I would really spend sometime in Bestbuy/Computer equipment stores to try some stuff out.

Edit: for the monitor, if you're looking for a "normal" one. I would recommend 24 over 22. 24 Feels right, 22 still feels a bit small. I would go with a Samsung one.
Arisen
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States2382 Posts
May 23 2011 01:28 GMT
#9
I wouldn't buy a mechanical keyboard, they're just not worth the extra price. A cheapo 10 dollar keyboard from wal-mart is just as good if not BETTER than a mechanical keyboard. Tasteless has an article floating around somewhere where he talks about this.
"If you're not angry, you're not paying attention"
Zlasher
Profile Blog Joined February 2010
United States9129 Posts
May 23 2011 01:36 GMT
#10
Get a QCK Mass instead of the standard, if you want a cloth mousepad.
Follow me: www.twitter.com/zlasher
djcube
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States985 Posts
May 23 2011 01:40 GMT
#11
On May 23 2011 10:28 Arisen wrote:
I wouldn't buy a mechanical keyboard, they're just not worth the extra price. A cheapo 10 dollar keyboard from wal-mart is just as good if not BETTER than a mechanical keyboard. Tasteless has an article floating around somewhere where he talks about this.

I'd like to hear how a cheap rubber-dome keyboard is equal to or better than a mechanical keyboard other than you just saying it is.
Megaliskuu
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States5123 Posts
May 23 2011 01:45 GMT
#12
On May 23 2011 10:40 djcube wrote:
Show nested quote +
On May 23 2011 10:28 Arisen wrote:
I wouldn't buy a mechanical keyboard, they're just not worth the extra price. A cheapo 10 dollar keyboard from wal-mart is just as good if not BETTER than a mechanical keyboard. Tasteless has an article floating around somewhere where he talks about this.

I'd like to hear how a cheap rubber-dome keyboard is equal to or better than a mechanical keyboard other than you just saying it is.


Just preference, I bought into the mech keyboard craze and got some blues, Idk why I ever left my old rubber keyboard it feels so much better.

In the end keyboard doesn't really matter though..its just the player.
|BW>Everything|Add me on star2 KR server TheMuTaL.675 for practice games :)|NEX clan| https://www.dotabuff.com/players/183104694
Froadac
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States6733 Posts
May 23 2011 01:45 GMT
#13
On May 23 2011 10:36 Zlasher wrote:
Get a QCK Mass instead of the standard, if you want a cloth mousepad.

Thanks for the post. Is this because it actually has some sort of weight to it?

Also what do you think about a cloth vs synthetic MP.
reprise
Profile Joined May 2010
Canada316 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-05-23 01:50:49
May 23 2011 01:50 GMT
#14
On May 23 2011 10:28 Arisen wrote:
I wouldn't buy a mechanical keyboard, they're just not worth the extra price. A cheapo 10 dollar keyboard from wal-mart is just as good if not BETTER than a mechanical keyboard. Tasteless has an article floating around somewhere where he talks about this.


What? Are you referring to Tasteless' keyboard articles on Gameriot? Because I'm pretty sure he never made that claim. Either way, it's pretty well known that mechanical keyboards are far superior to rubber dome keyboards, and whether or not the high price is worth it is subjective.
for graphs of passion, and charts of stars
Froadac
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States6733 Posts
May 23 2011 02:00 GMT
#15
Tasteless just says "a keyboard is a keyboard, having a mechanical keyboard doesn't make you better by default"
decafchicken
Profile Blog Joined January 2005
United States20017 Posts
May 23 2011 02:27 GMT
#16
Wait so do you want a headset or earbuds? If you're looking for a headset just get a nice pair of headphones (think sennheiser, audiotechnica, akg, grados, etc) and a zalman clip mic, you'll get way better quality for your $. What's your budget?
how reasonable is it to eat off wood instead of your tummy?
Froadac
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States6733 Posts
May 23 2011 02:32 GMT
#17
On May 23 2011 11:27 decafchicken wrote:
Wait so do you want a headset or earbuds? If you're looking for a headset just get a nice pair of headphones (think sennheiser, audiotechnica, akg, grados, etc) and a zalman clip mic, you'll get way better quality for your $. What's your budget?

Earbuds. I have some nice senns and a desk mic.
shindigs
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
United States4795 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-05-23 03:24:13
May 23 2011 03:23 GMT
#18
Mechanical keyboard are worth the price if you find yourself spending a lot of time in front of the computer gaming and working and the feel is a world's worth of improvement over standard rubber dome keyboards. Spending that much money on a keyboard won't make you a better gamer or anything, but in the end it's all about the feel and comfort if you find your fingers getting tired easily. I highly recommended a mechanical keyboard if you can afford it, make sure to make it last.

Here is a really extensive guide to mechanical keyboards: http://www.overclock.net/keyboards/491752-mechanical-keyboard-guide.html

However, the switches that are probably most available to you are Cherry MX Blues, Browns, and Blacks. Cherry MX Blacks are the switches offered by Steel Series, Razer, and Thermaltake. Blues and Browns you have to check online retailers for, but are the more popular kind that people usually look for.

Blues have the clicky sound and a strong tactile feedback (you can hear Destiny using Das Keyboard Ultimate with Cherry MX Blues). People relate these to the oldschool IBM Model M keyboard with the loud clickiness, though they are a bit lighter.

Browns don't have the clicky sound but feel extremely smooth whille still providing a decent tactile feel. IMO Browns are the best for gaming as Blues tend to feel "heavier" when you have to be tapping buttons at 100+ APM. Blues feel really smooth to type on so your hands glide over each key while playing StarCraft

I haven't had much experience with blacks but I believe they're similar to browns, but IMO browns are probably the better choice as they feel good both typing and gaming.

Some people use Cherry MX Red switches but I have no exp with those at all and I heard they're pretty hard to find outside of Asian providers.

So the cost:
For blues or blacks you're usually looking at a $100 minimum. A full size keyboard will usually run you at least $130, while a tenkeyless keyboard will be $100 ish.

www.daskeyboard.com
The best place to find a cheap full size keyboard IF you have a student discount. Blues are the standard model while browns are the "silent" model. They've sponsored some SC2 tournaments in the past as well. They also have a 30 day money back guarantee if you're unsatisfied IIRC.

www.elitekeyboards.com
There tenkeyless keyboards carry the browns and blue switches from Leopold (same build as Filcos) but they don't carry any full size keyboards with browns or blues and there full size keyboards are like $245 topre switch keyboards. However, the build of the tenkeyless Leopold's are solid and if you don't mind not having a numpad, I highly recommended them.

I'd suggest looking up some reviews on youtube to see if you like the sounds as well. However, with whichever one you pick, you will definitely feel the improvement over a cheapy $10 keyboard. I actually can't stand the regular keyboards anymore!
Photographer@shindags || twitch.tv/shindigs
Megaliskuu
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States5123 Posts
May 23 2011 03:25 GMT
#19
Be a man, get the DT-35, PM me if you wanna know where to get them.
|BW>Everything|Add me on star2 KR server TheMuTaL.675 for practice games :)|NEX clan| https://www.dotabuff.com/players/183104694
Golgotha
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Korea (South)8418 Posts
May 23 2011 03:46 GMT
#20
On May 23 2011 10:28 Arisen wrote:
I wouldn't buy a mechanical keyboard, they're just not worth the extra price. A cheapo 10 dollar keyboard from wal-mart is just as good if not BETTER than a mechanical keyboard. Tasteless has an article floating around somewhere where he talks about this.


lol....maybe better in regards to comfort, but in terms of quality and longevity the mechanical keyboards usually trump the $10 cheapos. I use a mechanical keyboard and I can't go back to the regular stuff anymore.
1 2 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 6h 39m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
Nina 216
RuFF_SC2 192
StarCraft: Brood War
NaDa 117
Noble 24
Icarus 5
Dota 2
NeuroSwarm134
League of Legends
JimRising 1074
Counter-Strike
Stewie2K366
Heroes of the Storm
Khaldor190
Other Games
summit1g12706
WinterStarcraft340
ViBE204
Livibee60
Trikslyr57
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick48049
BasetradeTV29
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 16 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Berry_CruncH199
• Adnapsc2 5
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• OhrlRock 0
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• Azhi_Dahaki21
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Doublelift4324
• Jankos2111
Upcoming Events
Sparkling Tuna Cup
6h 39m
RSL Revival
6h 39m
Classic vs Clem
FEL
11h 39m
Elazer vs Spirit
Gerald vs MaNa
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
14h 39m
Bonyth vs Dewalt
QiaoGege vs Dewalt
Hawk vs Bonyth
Sziky vs Fengzi
Mihu vs Zhanhun
QiaoGege vs Zhanhun
Fengzi vs Mihu
Wardi Open
1d 7h
Replay Cast
2 days
WardiTV European League
2 days
PiGosaur Monday
2 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
3 days
Replay Cast
3 days
[ Show More ]
The PondCast
4 days
Replay Cast
4 days
Epic.LAN
5 days
CranKy Ducklings
6 days
Epic.LAN
6 days
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
6 days
Bonyth vs Sziky
Dewalt vs Hawk
Hawk vs QiaoGege
Sziky vs Dewalt
Mihu vs Bonyth
Zhanhun vs QiaoGege
QiaoGege vs Fengzi
Liquipedia Results

Completed

KCM Race Survival 2025 Season 2
HSC XXVII
NC Random Cup

Ongoing

JPL Season 2
BSL 2v2 Season 3
Acropolis #3
CSL 17: 2025 SUMMER
Copa Latinoamericana 4
Jiahua Invitational
2025 ACS Season 2: Qualifier
BSL20 Non-Korean Championship
CSLPRO Last Chance 2025
Championship of Russia 2025
RSL Revival: Season 1
Murky Cup #2
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 7
IEM Dallas 2025
PGL Astana 2025
Asian Champions League '25
BLAST Rivals Spring 2025
MESA Nomadic Masters

Upcoming

CSL Xiamen Invitational
CSL Xiamen Invitational: ShowMatche
2025 ACS Season 2
CSLPRO Chat StarLAN 3
BSL Season 21
K-Championship
uThermal 2v2 Main Event
SEL Season 2 Championship
FEL Cracov 2025
Esports World Cup 2025
Underdog Cup #2
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate marketing links that support TLnet.

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.