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Active: 1206 users

Would you use an external keyboard on a laptop?

Forum Index > Tech Support
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ArkSC
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
128 Posts
January 14 2012 07:43 GMT
#1
Hey guys!

As of right now, I'm using an Alienware 17x laptop for gaming, mainly Starcraft. I'm considering getting an external keyboard for gaming.(A mechanical keyboard). Should i do this? I would have to move my computer around, and it would put my further from the screen. I'm considering something like the Blackwiddow from Razer Maybe something from SteelSeries. Have any of you done this and if so was it better or worse? Also keyboard reccomendations would be great if you feel that I should get one.
Creator, Maru, MKP, Illusion, DeMuslim, MVP, Thorzain. ♥
DivinO
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States4796 Posts
January 14 2012 08:10 GMT
#2
Hey. Why not?

I do this. Planning on getting a Das but I've been using a $5 keyboard with my laptop for half a year.
LiquipediaBrain in my filth.
Mtndrew
Profile Joined May 2011
United States174 Posts
January 14 2012 08:12 GMT
#3
When i used to game full time on my laptop, i liked using my full size keyboard. I found it actually allowed me to have the screen in a more natural position because i wasn't having to keep it to the left of me where i like my keyboard to be.
ArkSC
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
128 Posts
January 14 2012 08:53 GMT
#4
Yeah, i Really think it'd be good to get one, still looking for more reviews!
Creator, Maru, MKP, Illusion, DeMuslim, MVP, Thorzain. ♥
VeeGee
Profile Joined August 2011
United States3 Posts
January 14 2012 08:54 GMT
#5
Currently doing so with my Das Professional Silent, works great.
Jojo131
Profile Joined January 2011
Brazil1631 Posts
January 14 2012 08:59 GMT
#6
I'm doing so right now, and plan to take this set up with me to college abroad so that I dont have to carry as much with me.

Since you're getting an alienware, I'm guessing its safe to assume that you're not too worried about keyboard price, in which case get whatever you want. Just remember that a keyboard for mainly starcraft probably wont need macro keys like in the black widow, hence why most players physically remove them from the board, its mostly an MMO feature. The most important thing to keep in mind should be the type of key switch you want, as well as ergonomics, everything else is just extra.
FlyingLigerz
Profile Joined May 2010
United States163 Posts
January 14 2012 10:22 GMT
#7
it's fine to do this. the only problem u might have is some mechanical keyboards such as a das requires 2 usb ports. for gaming you would definately want an external mouse, so you might run short on usb ports.
Lmui
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada6213 Posts
January 14 2012 10:26 GMT
#8
On January 14 2012 19:22 FlyingLigerz wrote:
it's fine to do this. the only problem u might have is some mechanical keyboards such as a das requires 2 usb ports. for gaming you would definately want an external mouse, so you might run short on usb ports.


False. The das only requires two if you want the USB hub on the das to work as well. For typing, or general use you only need one.
Shikyo
Profile Blog Joined June 2008
Finland33997 Posts
January 14 2012 10:57 GMT
#9
of course, the laptop keyboard is terrible so an external one is just about mandatory. I assume you're using an external mouse as well.

After a while I'm sure it becomes tiring looking at a tiny screen that is either so low or so far away, so it'd probably also be a good idea to buy an external screen as well. (And then you begin to wonder why you bought a laptop)
League of Legends EU West, Platinum III | Yousei Teikoku is the best thing that has ever happened to music.
writer22816
Profile Blog Joined September 2008
United States5775 Posts
January 14 2012 11:19 GMT
#10
only if i were a professional tetris player
8/4/12 never forget, never forgive.
tUUTZ
Profile Joined July 2011
Finland122 Posts
January 14 2012 11:54 GMT
#11
Laptop keyboards are awful, of course I would use my Filco.
jacosajh
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
2919 Posts
January 14 2012 12:07 GMT
#12
If you're lugging around a 17" Alienware, that's pretty much a desktop.

I definitely would. In the very least a compact one without the numpad.
simplynick10
Profile Joined April 2011
Brunei Darussalam20 Posts
January 14 2012 13:28 GMT
#13
i use a blackwidow with mine ! yes , use an external keyboard
EG.IdrA . FXO_Leenock . <3
kota
Profile Joined October 2010
Denmark84 Posts
January 14 2012 13:30 GMT
#14
I've got the razer black widow, and i can't say i can recommend it. I've so many problems with. For example it had 2 weeks where it didnt work.. at all. Then when i plugged it in again after a couple of weeks it worked perfectly. Plus it looks kinda vulgar with the lighting and shiny surface.. If i was on the market for a new mechanical keyboard i would have a look at das for sure
bLah.
Profile Joined July 2009
Croatia497 Posts
January 14 2012 13:45 GMT
#15
I used to play on laptop. First I bought external mouse, then keyboard, then monitor, then new PC. That's how it goes (:
so yea, buy keyboard, it's just so much more comfortable.
as for which keyboard to buy, mechanical are great but go into store and try them out. for example blackwidow has different key switches than those from steelseries so it's matter of preference
Lorch
Profile Joined June 2011
Germany3684 Posts
January 14 2012 13:49 GMT
#16
Yes every time I take my notebook to my buddies place to play starcraft I use a external keyboard, can't really play on a notebook keyboard. If you buy one do yourself a favor and buy a mechanical one, from DAS or Steelseries or Razer etc.
ArkSC
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
128 Posts
January 14 2012 17:39 GMT
#17
On January 14 2012 19:22 FlyingLigerz wrote:
it's fine to do this. the only problem u might have is some mechanical keyboards such as a das requires 2 usb ports. for gaming you would definately want an external mouse, so you might run short on usb ports.



I would be fine, my computer has 4 usb ports, enough for my headset, mouse, and keyboard if it takes 2 and then I have a fifth one i believe.
Creator, Maru, MKP, Illusion, DeMuslim, MVP, Thorzain. ♥
Zarieth
Profile Joined November 2010
Canada8 Posts
January 14 2012 17:46 GMT
#18
Yes ! why not ? its just better , personally i use a razer blackwindow ultimate with a deathadder and a 32 inch LCD screen. its all connected by usb and hdmi to my laptop ( hp HDX prenium series ) and everything work fine
-HellZerg-
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States409 Posts
January 14 2012 18:18 GMT
#19
It's so uncomfortable to play SC2 with a laptop keyboard, and that's why I bought an external keyboard. I currently use Deck Legend - Ice (tactile) keyboard, and it's SO comfortable. :D
We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle
MattLz
Profile Joined December 2010
United States69 Posts
January 14 2012 18:31 GMT
#20
I'd recommend you doing this.

A guy on my CSL team uses a Blackwidow with a laptop when he plays, I can only imagine it'd be much more efficient using that than the laptop keyboard.
emythrel
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United Kingdom2599 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-01-14 18:34:37
January 14 2012 18:34 GMT
#21
I use my laptop with the mouse and keyboard from my desktop as i have them setup right next to each other (using a program called synergy). But when I'm out and about I always prefer to use my proper keyboard, especially if wanting to game.... laptop keyboards are too small and you end up playing from a weird position
When there is nothing left to lose but your dignity, it is already gone.
amd098
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
Korea (North)1366 Posts
January 14 2012 18:39 GMT
#22
yea i do this with my laptop as well
im using a blackwidow stealth, so much better than the pos regular bw
North Korea is best Korea!
JeeJee
Profile Blog Joined July 2003
Canada5652 Posts
January 14 2012 18:39 GMT
#23
I've played on the laptop for the past many years.. I've always used the laptop keyboard, /shrug They're pretty good, I don't see what the hate is all about. Convenient too, not having to carry around an extra keyboard.

Of course if you're used to playing on a certain keyboard, then it's one less thing to get used to if you switch to a laptop.
(\o/)  If you want it, you find a way. Otherwise you find excuses. No exceptions.
 /_\   aka Shinbi (requesting a name change since 27/05/09 ☺)
ArkSC
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
128 Posts
January 14 2012 21:01 GMT
#24
Guys, do any of you know where i could find an external keyboard, not online, at an actual store? I'd like to be able to find a gaming keyboard but to test it out at the store, also, anyone else with tips/advice, keep it comming!
Creator, Maru, MKP, Illusion, DeMuslim, MVP, Thorzain. ♥
ChoboFreek
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
Canada83 Posts
January 14 2012 21:16 GMT
#25
I do it.
My laptop keyboard is French cannot be replaced, so using my normal keyboard on it when I bring it places like LANs feels so much better.
Sphinx747
Profile Joined January 2012
20 Posts
January 14 2012 21:18 GMT
#26
I run an M17x as well haha, and I use a Razer Blackwidow ultimate. Unlike one of the other posters, I haven't had any problems with mine and I'd highly reccomend it. I have heard that there is problems with some of them because it'll press the space and alt key at the same time for some reason. So if you buy one I'd buying one where you can return it easily if there's a defect.
Josh_rakoons
Profile Joined December 2011
United Kingdom1158 Posts
January 14 2012 21:21 GMT
#27
Got my das resting on my laptop right now, definitely prefer it.
sawedust
Profile Joined December 2010
United States506 Posts
January 14 2012 22:04 GMT
#28
It comes down to personal preference.

I couldn't play with my laptop keyboard so I used an external one instead. Worked out great for me.

You don't NEED a mechanical keyboard, it would be nice to have. Having one hasn't improved my game significantly from before, but it does make the experience much more enjoyable. It has made typing a true joy; feeling the tactile bumps and hearing the beautiful clicks and clacks as I type make me very happy.

If you have your heart set on a BlackWidow, you could always check a local Fry's or some other shop like that. They might be carrying a BW there.

Good luck and have fun!

On January 15 2012 06:01 Overlord17 wrote:
Guys, do any of you know where i could find an external keyboard, not online, at an actual store? I'd like to be able to find a gaming keyboard but to test it out at the store, also, anyone else with tips/advice, keep it comming!

voy
Profile Blog Joined February 2011
Poland348 Posts
January 14 2012 22:41 GMT
#29
On January 14 2012 16:43 Overlord17 wrote:
Hey guys!

As of right now, I'm using an Alienware 17x laptop for gaming, mainly Starcraft. I'm considering getting an external keyboard for gaming.(A mechanical keyboard). Should i do this? I would have to move my computer around, and it would put my further from the screen. I'm considering something like the Blackwiddow from Razer Maybe something from SteelSeries. Have any of you done this and if so was it better or worse? Also keyboard reccomendations would be great if you feel that I should get one.


most of the bw players uses this on LAN tournaments And at home as well probably.
I'm a man with a dream. And I look good in jeans. graphic designer looking for freelance work.
BradwMD
Profile Blog Joined July 2011
United States43 Posts
January 14 2012 22:43 GMT
#30
I recently bought an external monitor and a filco keyboard for my laptop in preparations for my switch to a desktop pc, and the performance even on my laptop is amazing. I could tell such a huge difference when switching from my awful chiclet laptop keyboard to a mechanical.

Do it.
Stereotype
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States136 Posts
January 14 2012 23:41 GMT
#31
A guy I dated for a grand total of about 3 weeks commented on how bizarre he found my Das ultimate silent professional keyboard hooked into my Asus g72gx. Not in so many words, of course, but that's just to give you an idea of what my setup is. I use it alongside my Logitech g9x mouse, and have had exactly 0 issues, other than my screen being slightly farther away than normal. It's been great while on rotations lately; incredibly portable, yet still capable of writing my papers and letting me relax with gaming.
Imagine there's no heaven. It's easy if you try. -- John Lennon
IRL_Sinister
Profile Blog Joined May 2011
Ireland621 Posts
January 15 2012 00:57 GMT
#32
I use a 6Gv2 with mine and I HIGHLY recommend it.
ArkSC
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
128 Posts
January 15 2012 05:07 GMT
#33
Yeah, im really considering 6Gv2
Creator, Maru, MKP, Illusion, DeMuslim, MVP, Thorzain. ♥
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