The Steelseries 6G v2 is cheaper than the 7G, without extra USB plugs and the wrist rest, and otherwise just the same. I've been thinking about getting that one since it is great overall with no unnecessary extras. The only thing that they could do better is make them with thicker keycaps. Don't shy away from using a board with black MX switches, they are actually rather nice.
If you're in Germany, why not get a G80-3000? They are only about 45€ and NKRO is not really a must-have even for a gamer. You get the choice between black, blue and clear MX switches. Cherry's keyboards are not as heavy and sturdy as the more expensive ones, but I don't think that means they'll break.
My first Choice would be a Filco, but the only Source for Filcos with German Layout sells the 104 Key Versions ( http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=filco_keyboards#majestouch_104key )
You see the same pattern over at head-fi.org with the audiophiles. Differences, advantages, disadvantages, are often grossly exagerrated so they don't have to feel bad about shovelling thousands of dollars into their hobby. ;) Consider that any mechanical keyboard will be superior to a rubber dome and that lots of gamers use rubber domes. Black MXes are fine.
The only other affordable alternative I can think of is the Raptor Gaming K1. That's just a G80-1800 variant with NKRO, some self-glowing keys and (possibly) a sturdier construction. Also black MXes.
http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=751 (http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=751)
But you might not like the short enter key, but you can try the UK layout, which has a 'normal' shaped enter
You get the 6Gv2 for 62€, that's using geizhals.at (which you should either way).
I use a US Layout since I started programming, since it's far superior to the German Layout. Keys such as [] {} /\ <> are much more easier to type on the US Layout since you don't have to use the ALT-modifier.
Whenever I want to type german Umlauts I just quickly tap ALT+SHIF - it's really no big problem öäü
But you might not like the short enter key, but you can try the UK layout, which has a 'normal' shaped enter
For Starcraft you don't really want blacks. Too bad Blues are too noisy for ya, a Blue MX G80-3000 from Cherry can be gotten for below €50 and works mighty fine. Also good because it's an inexpensive first step to mechas to see if you can actually appreciate it before you spend more.
That said, as Senor_Cartmenez already mentioned, German FILCO tenkeyless are on their way and will likely find their way to us sometime in February :smile:
I am waiting.
Ah right, ALT+Shift, how does that work exactly, im asking because US Layouts have small Enter Key etc. Keys are little bit different as Germans, right? You sure you can use all German specific Keys? Sorry, i just don't know, never used US Keyboard.
- Buy a U.S. or U.K. tenkeyless board. (Get the latter only if you really want the 7-shaped Enter and the extra key next to Left Shift.)
- If you got the U.S. board, use Keytweak or Sharpkeys to remap an unwanted key to act as the missing key next to shift. Suitable choices would be Right Windows, the 'Menu' key, Scroll Lock, or even Caps Lock.
- Leave Windows set to use the German layout. You now have a German keyboard, despite what is written on the key caps.
- Put stickers on any keys where the legends are wrong. Better yet, print out an image of the German layout and refer to it as needed, you will learn it off by heart soon enough.
Don't let a few silly key markings deprive you of the joy of tenkeyless.
Show Image(http://h-2.abload.de/img/ustodeuxlq.jpg)
those are about all the differences between the layouts. Red is the german layout
You see, thats what i meant, first guys says, blacks are good/okay, mechs are always better than rubberdomes doesnt matter which switches. :)
Now you, saying blacks suck for SC2. But i also heard people saying, blues are bull**** for SC2 also. So, i really guess it depends on personal liking? Or are there special things which makes black unusable for RTS Games? Compared to a robberdome of course.
Ah btw. i need a Keyboard in the next days, i really can not wait until February, my old Keyboard is ****ed up. :)
There is nothing that makes blacks unusable for anything but since they compare to the Clears, they are pretty heavy. I had a Cherry Clear and sold it just about a week later.
For Starcraft the light action of Cherry Blue/Browns is awesome, you can doubletap so speedily, it feels great. Never had any double/mutlitapping issues with my blues, always hit it without a problem. But since you are going for browns, this is nonvalid anyway since their reset point is right where the actuation point is.
You could get a G80-3000 with blues, a tad noisy but inexpensive and feels great. Also well resellable in case you decide to go for a brown FILCO later.
As i said, there is no 6gv2 with German Layout. :( And Steelseries said they are not planning on releasing one. (twitter quote)
And, the next trustable Shop at Geizhals.at/de is Mindfactory, and a 6gv2 there costs 69 EUR + 11 + 2 EUR Shipping = 82 EUR. As i said, 93 EUR for a 7G at Amazon without Shipping Costs. Imho its worth 11 EUR for the extras of the 7G?
Filco should really expand to EU Countrys HAHA :D
Anyways, thanks for the help so far guys. Hopefully someone will come up with a good Idea to get a Filco for like 50% less Money. =)
greets
If you ignore the "Y"-"Z" issue,
Danish ("Nordic") and German layouts are reasonably similar ..Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/GWhEX.png)
That is how I have chosen to "solve" the key-cap compatibility-issue
(Incredibly, we have harmonized cucumbers, tomatoes and potatoes but KEYBOARDS ??)
Even, North-Europe can't agree on keyboard layout...
Regional letters I can understand, but why do "Nordic" and "Nordic" have to be different on other than ÖÄÅ...