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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Scrappy1850 on Sat, 16 July 2011, 09:27:49

Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: Scrappy1850 on Sat, 16 July 2011, 09:27:49
I can't seem to find what I'm looking for and I dont understand why. I need a backlit, ps/2 keyboard with a USB hub and macro keys. I am using a 13 year old Microsoft Internet keyboard that still types surprisingly well. Thanks.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: flatlined on Sat, 16 July 2011, 09:56:03
how would you use the usb ports on the hub on a ps/2 connection?
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: The Solutor on Sat, 16 July 2011, 10:26:36
The only backlit mechanical keyboard (with macro keys) available at the moment is the black widow ultimate.

In august should be released the termaltake meka G unity (dont confuse it with G1) that looks as a better choice
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: Rafen on Sat, 16 July 2011, 10:36:08
I have the black widow and its a really nice board. If i had to do it again though, i would get another board just because i don't use the back light or the macro keys.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: Waterdr1nker on Sat, 16 July 2011, 11:03:46
Quote from: flatlined;381424
how would you use the usb ports on the hub on a ps/2 connection?

I need a USB keyboard with a PS/2 hub.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: flatlined on Sat, 16 July 2011, 15:21:07
the solutor, what about that backlit deck one? the various xarmour/ione (cl)ones, the qpad, and the zibal 60? i think there was also a stray backlit ducky somewhere?
pretty much none of them are available right now though, it seems.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: Waterdr1nker on Sat, 16 July 2011, 15:32:57
I would wait for the Ducky Shine. It isn't available yet AFAIK.

Also, there are people that mod their Pokers and 1087s for use with backlights.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: The Solutor on Sat, 16 July 2011, 15:36:29
Quote
the various xarmour/ione (cl)ones, the qpad, and the zibal 60? i think there was also a stray backlit ducky somewhere?
 pretty much none of them are available right now though, it seems.


He asked for something with macro keys, so I mentioned just that two models.

Xarmor and qpad are still the best keyboard available, considering the clean design, the good features and accessories, the flexibility of PS2/USB connection (indeed I bought both), Z60 and the upcoming duky shine are black switch based boards, so better suited for gamers and/or for the people who like that kind of switch.

Decks are ugly, unreasonably priced, unpleasant to type on, and lacks any additional feature, not merit to be mentioned IMO.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: The Solutor on Sat, 16 July 2011, 15:56:08
Where you saw macro keys in ducky shine ?

AFAIK it has media keys in first function and swappable modifiers, not macro keys.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: Waterdr1nker on Sat, 16 July 2011, 17:42:11
Quote from: The Solutor;381613
Where you saw macro keys in ducky shine ?

AFAIK it has media keys in first function and swappable modifiers, not macro keys.

The macro keys are EVERY key on the keyboard with software such as AutoHotkey. I'm sorry, but I think macro buttons are by far the biggest rip off in terms of features on keyboards in the entire keyboard industry. Just get AHK and assign an unused button to whatever you want—it's that easy.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: The Solutor on Sat, 16 July 2011, 17:46:34
Quote from: Waterdr1nker;381653
The macro keys are EVERY key on the keyboard with software such as AutoHotkey.


I'm perfectly aware about what AHK is, but that is not the point discussed here

I'm sorry, but I think macro buttons are by far the biggest rip off in terms of features on keyboards in the entire keyboard industry.

No, by far the biggest ripoff discussed here is the inexistent quality advantage of filco boards.

A macro key can be considered useful or not, depending on the user needs but, at least, is a real thing.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: alaricljs on Sat, 16 July 2011, 17:52:22
And there are enough places where AHK fails to cause people to want a hardware solution to the problem they are trying to solve.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: peapody on Sat, 16 July 2011, 18:11:21
does the black widow not fit this? black lit cherry blues with macro keys
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: The Solutor on Sat, 16 July 2011, 18:17:34
read post #3
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: Waterdr1nker on Sat, 16 July 2011, 18:21:05
Fair enough =)

As for my recommendation, I would go with the Razer if you absolutely need macro keys. If not, wait for the Ducky!

Good luck with your search, sir!

Edit: That Thermaltake looks better than the Razer..white > blue. G-G-G G-G-G G Unit!
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: Scrappy1850 on Sun, 17 July 2011, 06:25:02
Quote from: flatlined;381424
how would you use the usb ports on the hub on a ps/2 connection?


The keyboard i have now has a PS\2 connection and a USB connection for the hub. It works well.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: Scrappy1850 on Sun, 17 July 2011, 06:32:13
Quote from: peapody;381674
does the black widow not fit this? black lit cherry blues with macro keys

It's not PS/2.
Title: I'm new here and looking for a backlit keyboard.
Post by: The Solutor on Sun, 17 July 2011, 07:07:38
Quote from: Waterdr1nker;381688

Edit: That Thermaltake looks better than the Razer..white > blue. G-G-G G-G-G G Unit!

 

Better for two reason:

#1 white is better than blue as is.

#2 white can be easily filtered to have the colors/combinations you like more w/o  any LED replacement.