Author Topic: Best Competitive SC2 Board (Read 14081 times)

Depetrify · « **on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 08:18:14 »

Herro,

I've had a blackwidow for a while and its slowly dying on me.. some keys taking longer to activate that others.. etc.

This keyboard would be mainly for competitive SC2, I don't really care how it types. I hear tenkyless ones are better because the function keys are closer to the numbers. I understand that red are the best if you can get use to them because they are the easiest/fastest to press down. I would prefer red or brown. A topre keyboard definitely seems interesting also.

If money didn't matter at all, what do you guys think would be best? Here is what I'm looking at now.

elitekeyboards /products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se1900 == Topre Tenkyless all 45g (I think I want all of the keys to activate on same pressure)
elitekeyboards /products.php?sub=leopold,tenkeyless&pid=fc200rrabn == Red leopold otaku

Rosewill Cherry Red from amazon/Ducky Cherry red from amazon

The WASD keyboards seem interesting, but when I think of keyboards with really high customization I can't help but think they are a little cheap.

While you're here and I don't want to make another thread, I'm looking for a mouse too. I have a Razer Imperator now and have had it for an incredibly long time. I hear Steelseries Senseis and the Logitech G9xs are two of the best out right now. Thoughts? I'm currently using the steelseries glass like mousepad if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

Depetrify · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 08:18:33 »

Sorry for no links, wasn't letting me post urls as a new member

Glukos · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 08:21:26 »

PM Ripster - he will help you!

Glukos · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 09:36:26 »

I hope you've done it, so now you can look here: http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?13769-Replacing-my-Steelseries-7g-need-guidance&p=269809#post269809

Depetrify · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 10:23:17 »

Thats an old post :-(

HaiiYaa · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 10:41:01 »

Ripster is not a pro gamer and hes probally the one that recommended the guy to get a blackwidow in the first place.

I would recommend a high quality tenkeyless with a switch with a tactile switch like the cherry mx brown as its quite useful when switching between control groups

Cm storm quickfire rapid
Filco majestouch-2 tenkeyless
Leopold fc200r

I'm getting a topre 45g tomorrow so I can't recommend that yet before trying it

Depetrify · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 10:45:45 »

Quote from: HaiiYaa;499560

Ripster is not a pro gamer and hes probally the one that recommended the guy to get a blackwidow in the first place.

I would recommend a high quality tenkeyless with a switch with a tactile switch like the cherry mx brown as its quite useful when switching between control groups

Cm storm quickfire rapid
Filco majestouch-2 tenkeyless
Leopold fc200r

I'm getting a topre 45g tomorrow so I can't recommend that yet before trying it

Wouldn't a red switch be best for switching control groups? The bump won't slow you down, and the low pressure needed will make it much faster to switch?

trax · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 11:08:54 »

Bump wont slow you down.
Id get a qpad. It has macroz.
Get blues though.

Id also get their 5k and mousepad.

Inb4 qpad fanboy.
Of all sponsors qpad had the best products. Still use their mice and i like it more than the xai, kone, kone plus or g9 i used.

peda · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 11:11:33 »

Quote from: Glukos;499484

PM Ripster - he will help you!

haha, made my day!

on topic: i prefer my noppoo choc mini with reds for sc2 (as the F-keys are close to the number keys) but you will not get a straight answer here as it comes down to personal preference.

Depetrify · « **Reply #9 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 11:26:57 »

I mainly want to know how the topre ones are compared to cherry for gaming.

laffindude · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 11:28:35 »

SC2 thread wouldn't be complete without DT35.

mbc · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 11:43:33 »

Quote from: peda;499595

haha, made my day!

Show Image

on topic: i prefer my noppoo choc mini with reds for sc2 (as the F-keys are close to the number keys) but you will not get a straight answer here as it comes down to personal preference.

LOLOLOL i read an article about the guy who took that foto sending invoices to websites that host his pictures illegaly and threatening to sue
here it is.. http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/0,1518,806756,00.html

Gawkbasher · « **Reply #12 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 11:59:51 »

Topre Realforce 87U 45g owner and SC2 player here.

I like it and have no issues with this board in SC2. I was having problems with my old scissor-switch Logitech Illuminated Keyboard (which I kinda liked otherwise) in game and that's why I ended up getting this Realforce. However, when weighing a decision between boards I was like 10% gaming / 90% typing and this is definitely a typing keyboard for me. I still like gaming with it better than any other keyboard I've had but ultimately it has to be something I can type on for 16-20 hours a day.

To be honest though, SC2 pros generally play with "cheap" keyboards -- in fact, the most expensive keyboard I'm aware of in the SC2 scene is LiquidTyler's who uses Filco, there's not a single SC2 pro using Topre that I'm aware of but I would say they're excellent keyboards. A lot of the Korean pros tend to use the same board (Qsenn DT-35) and it's like $35. I don't feel like a keyboard can really make that much of a difference in SC2 play other than use something you're comfortable with where you won't hit the wrong keys. I've used a Blackwidow Stealth with browns and I wasn't too fond of it, but the Reds should be somewhere in the ballpark of what a Topre 45g feels like. I hate browns for gaming. I. hate. browns. for. gaming. Some people love em...

I would definitely say go tenkeyless though. I actually have a KBC Poker on the way with Blues (I couldn't get Reds...still waiting for those...) that I might try out with SC2 (might lock the top row to F keys and use a numpad on the left). The reduced footprint between kbd and mouse (i have my pad arranged vertically) does reduce travel and how much i have to focus on when playing.

One question I do think needs answering though -- how competitive is your SC2 play? If you're planning on traveling with a keyboard, you won't want something that can't handle the travel abuse or is hard to replace if stolen or it fails. This is one of the main reasons I think the pros use keyboards that are ubiquitous and easy to replace at LAN events (since those Razers and Steelseries are being sold by EVERYONE -most have blacks or blues btw). Like, if you spill a drink on your Topre, is it going to sink your whole tournament because you aren't comfortable playing on what you'll have to replace it with.

tl;dr: I think the boards that HaiiYaa recommended are all top-notch as is the topre. The question about if you travel to LANs might outweigh those though.
As for the mouse - go with the G9x

hazeluff · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 12:46:21 »

Diamond Zerg here = 3

I've been playing on my Filco Majestouch 2 w/Browns for like 6 months. The Filco boards are nice and solid = ), but pricey imo. Nonetheless I still recommend them.

If you liked the blue switches on your BlackWidow than you sohuld stick with blue switches.

I think you might like Brown/Blue for the tactility/click. But it's a personal thing so you're going to try that. If you're travelling with your board, a TKL might be what you are looking for.

HaiiYaa · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 14:10:58 »

Quote from: Gawkbasher;499662

To be honest though, SC2 pros generally play with "cheap" keyboards -- in fact, the most expensive keyboard I'm aware of in the SC2 scene is LiquidTyler's who uses Filco, there's not a single SC2 pro using Topre that I'm aware of but I would say they're excellent keyboards. A lot of the Korean pros tend to use the same board (Qsenn DT-35) and it's like $35. I don't feel like a keyboard can really make that much of a difference in SC2 play other than use something you're comfortable with where you won't hit the wrong keys. I've used a Blackwidow Stealth with browns and I wasn't too fond of it, but the Reds should be somewhere in the ballpark of what a Topre 45g feels like. I hate browns for gaming. I. hate. browns. for. gaming. Some people love em...

oGsMC is using a fullsize Topre Realforce

nksharp · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 14:17:52 »

I think the funny part for me here is the OP is using razer gear

I don't play much SC2 anymore but as per the mouse my steelseries sensei has a few different configurations for it.

wongster · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 14:21:00 »

The best keyboard is the one that suits you. You will probably have to try a few to figure out with switch you like best. What switch you end up choosing is what feels best to you, and you alone. I can echo some of the sentiments above by saying that I recommend a tenkeyless board because it's nicer having the mouse closer to your board.

Just please keep in mind that getting a new keyboard will not suddenly make you a much better player. That comes with practice (and getting used to the feel of your board)!

Slowhand · « **Reply #17 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 14:21:13 »

Quote from: HaiiYaa;499815

oGsMC is using a fullsize Topre Realforce

Recent photos shown him using a 6Gv2

Also, TT1 recently purchased a Realforce.

tsangan · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 14:29:48 »

Quote from: Slowhand;499820

Recent photos shown him using a 6Gv2

Also, TT1 recently purchased a Realforce.

Well he's on SK now, and they're sponsored by SteelSeries only makes sense he uses a SteelSeries board

Gawkbasher · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:18:20 »

Quote from: HaiiYaa;499815

oGsMC is using a fullsize Topre Realforce

I've seen pictures of him using a DT-35 (currently what the wiki says he uses as well). Also what slowhand said about the 6Gv2.

Quote from: ripster;499822

I'm putting my miles in this winter on a Motobecane All Reynolds 531 Road Bike with my Kinetics Road Machine.

Please stay on topic.

I wonder if she rang his bell?

Nice. I live where it doesn't get cold or snow now so I can use my Surly Cross-Check all year round. Probably getting a Steamroller in a few months too. Some of the Motobecane bikes are pretty nice.

Quote from: Slowhand;499820

Recent photos shown him using a 6Gv2

Also, TT1 recently purchased a Realforce.

When did TT1 stop using the 7G? Edit: Nevermind, mTw doesn't have an input device sponsor so I guess in November.

HaiiYaa · « **Reply #20 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:19:07 »

Quote from: Slowhand;499820

Recent photos shown him using a 6Gv2

Also, TT1 recently purchased a Realforce.

most likely forced to use the 6gv2 at tournaments and using the topre at home

nokcha · « **Reply #21 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:30:55 »

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=172579

The majority of progaming teams are sponsored so they have to use certain brands for their keyboards. But for most korean progamers they prefer the Filco Blue/Brown.

Gawkbasher · « **Reply #22 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:31:58 »

Quote from: nokcha;499900

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=172579

The majority of progaming teams are sponsored so they have to use certain brands for their keyboards. But for most korean progamers they prefer the Filco Blue/Brown.

http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/Pro_gear (more frequently updated and sometimes picture citations)

Zamorph · « **Reply #23 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:35:45 »

Quote from: Gawkbasher;499904

http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/Pro_gear (more frequently updated and sometimes picture citations)

The real pros use plain cheap rubber domes. Some of the nonkorean players use mx blk, blue, or brown. But, you can't take the data too seriously because they are sponsored...the best gaming keyboard is the one that you can use well and feel comfortable with.

Currently I use mx red, before that I had rubber domes and gamed on them for years, never had a problem skill wise with games. Do I prefer mx red over domes? Hell yeah. Has it made me better? Probably not, practice did that.

nokcha · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:41:56 »

Quote from: Zamorph;499909

The real pros use plain cheap rubber domes. Some of the nonkorean players use mx blk, blue, or brown. But, you can't take the data too seriously because they are sponsored...the best gaming keyboard is the one that you can use well and feel comfortable with.

Currently I use mx red, before that I had rubber domes and gamed on them for years, never had a problem skill wise with games. Do I prefer mx red over domes? Hell yeah. Has it made me better? Probably not, practice did that.

It is true that the type of keyboard certainly won't make you better. It may change certain things about your gameplay but nothing drastic. Just go to bestbuy and try out different keyboards and see what fits your style the best. The reason why the DT-35 is so popularly used is because it was the standard keyboard used in most PC Bangs(PC Cafes) where most progamers started out playing.

JPP · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:42:44 »

Quote from: Zamorph;499909

The real pros use plain cheap rubber domes.

That's not really true, a lot of progamers have switched to mechanicals, even koreans. Among foreigners, the 6Gv2 and the blackwidow are probably the most common keyboards. Of course many are still using their DT-35's, but more and more are switching to mechanicals.

Also while were talking about TT1, I remember him posting a picture of a Noppoo choc mini with black switches

Gawkbasher · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:43:22 »

Edit: sorry, nevermind, other replies beat me to it.

Edit2: Overall though, it's not really surprising to see pro players switch boards with or without sponsorships. There's really not much difference between them and us other than they play more/better. They likely have the same exposure to a variety of boards that Geekhack does.

tsangan · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:47:08 »

Yeah most just use DT-35s and just get ones when the old one wears down every so often

As for TT1 he was using a choc mini till he bought his RF86u not long ago

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?26519-Realforce-86u-87u-or-filco-majestouch-tenkeyless-w-red-switchs&p=498115&viewfull=1#post498115

Quote from: mTwTT1;498115

im currently gaming on a noppoo choc mini w/ red switchs and im extremely satisfied with the board but ive always wanted to test a filco/topre out

http://twitter.com/#!/iamTT1/status/162229587529564162

Gawkbasher · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 15:53:24 »

Quote from: tsangan;499924

As for TT1 he was using a choc mini till he bought his RF86u not long ago

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?26519-Realforce-86u-87u-or-filco-majestouch-tenkeyless-w-red-switchs&p=498115&viewfull=1#post498115

http://twitter.com/#!/iamTT1/status/162229587529564162

What's hilarious is that I glanced at that thread several times over the last few days and didn't even realize who it was askin'...

Shogunner · « **Reply #29 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 17:09:15 »

To my understanding Blacks are amazing for games with a cluster of primary focus buttons (FPS, MOBA's) and Reds were amazing for games where you have like 200 APM (Starcraft). These are just things I've picked up browsing other forums though.

I play Dota and FPS's on Blues and I'm a happy camper (but not actually a camper, because campers are lame).

mTwTT1 · « **Reply #30 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 17:58:21 »

i would try to stay away from black switchs, i own a choc mini and a 6gv2 w/ black switchs are i feel much more comfortable on my choc mini w/ reds, i personally like linear keyboards but everyone has their own preferences.. for example ret's favorite board is a filco mj w/ brown switchs

edit: oh and hi HaiiYaa, read ur artisan hayate over @ oc.net, needless to say u convinced me into buying one ^_^

Depetrify · « **Reply #31 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 18:27:11 »

Quote from: mTwTT1;500047

i would try to stay away from black switchs, i own a choc mini and a 6gv2 w/ black switchs are i feel much more comfortable on my choc mini w/ reds, i personally like linear keyboards but everyone has their own preferences.. for example ret's favorite board is a filco mj w/ brown switchs

edit: oh and hi HaiiYaa, read ur artisan hayate over @ oc.net, needless to say u convinced me into buying one ^_^

Hows your realforcE???

mTwTT1 · « **Reply #32 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 18:32:59 »

Quote from: Depetrify;500084

Hows your realforcE???

once u go topre u never go back -_-;;, topre keys feel so good lol

Depetrify · « **Reply #33 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 19:02:30 »

Quote from: mTwTT1;500090

once u go topre u never go back -_-;;, topre keys feel so good lol

even for playing SC2?

hazeluff · « **Reply #34 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 19:19:24 »

Quote from: mTwTT1;500090

once u go topre u never go back -_-;;, topre keys feel so good lol

But you can't cover it in lovely lovely SC2 novelty keycaps.

I'm quite lost for words knowing TT1 is part of our forums. = D

Welcome to Geekhack. @_@

But in the end, there is no "best" board/switch. It's all personal.

guilleguillaume · « **Reply #35 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 19:44:45 »

Quote from: mTwTT1;500090

once u go topre u never go back -_-;;, topre keys feel so good lol

I used to play SC2 with my Realforce keyboards and It was a pleasure.

nar · « **Reply #36 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 20:23:56 »

I play SC2 on my Topres, it's quite good. I find topres are more conductive to smooth flowing kind of keypresses like those in high apm situtations but thats compared to Cherry Blues and Browns. Haven't tried the linear cherrys yet.

On the topic of SC2 pros. If I remember correctly...

BoxeR uses a Skydigital Mechanic with Browns (Korean Filco Clone, and if what I read from this forum is correct, was made for the sole purpose of giving FruitDealer a keyboard to replace his Filco) and used to used a Filco with Blues
Taeja uses a Filco
Most of the rest of SlayerS seem to use the Razer Marauder
All of Startale uses the Zowie Celeritas
All of TSL uses Skydigital keyboards, either the nKeyboard membrane one or the Mechanic one.
And most of IM if not all use the DT35.

Depetrify · « **Reply #37 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 21:16:17 »

Quote from: nar;500153

I play SC2 on my Topres, it's quite good. I find topres are more conductive to smooth flowing kind of keypresses like those in high apm situtations but thats compared to Cherry Blues and Browns. Haven't tried the linear cherrys yet.

On the topic of SC2 pros. If I remember correctly...

BoxeR uses a Skydigital Mechanic with Browns (Korean Filco Clone, and if what I read from this forum is correct, was made for the sole purpose of giving FruitDealer a keyboard to replace his Filco) and used to used a Filco with Blues
Taeja uses a Filco
Most of the rest of SlayerS seem to use the Razer Marauder
All of Startale uses the Zowie Celeritas
All of TSL uses Skydigital keyboards, either the nKeyboard membrane one or the Mechanic one.
And most of IM if not all use the DT35.

It brings a tear to my eye that so many people know about the pro starcraft scene xD

I think I'm going to grab this for now http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,tenkeyless&pid=fc200rrabn

Gin · « **Reply #38 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 21:24:24 »

Blacks are much better than red for sc2.
Also. Steelseries mouse sensors have acceleration. Which isn't too good if you're trying to be very precise with your unit controls.
http://www.esreality.com/index.php?a=post&id=2024663

Also, the keyboards don't help with competitive play in my experience.

Shogunner · « **Reply #39 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 22:26:49 »

Can't you turn it off? I know you can with the Sensei.

Gin · « **Reply #40 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 22:28:30 »

Quote from: Shogunner;500247

Can't you turn it off? I know you can with the Sensei.

You can't. It's not a feature.

mTwTT1 · « **Reply #41 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 22:37:51 »

btw does anyone know which keyboard has the lightest black switch? it def varies from keyboard to keyboard because my 6gv2 was much lighter than my noppoo choc mini

Gin · « **Reply #42 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 22:48:29 »

TT1, I think it might be the keycaps making the switches feel different. It's the same case with my Filcos and Leopolds. Although I don't think there's a variation in required forces.

mTwTT1 · « **Reply #43 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 22:59:00 »

hmm dunno.. my noppoo has pom keycaps and my 6gv2 has abs caps, arnt poms lighter than abs caps?

Gin · « **Reply #44 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 23:07:05 »

I guess the best way to test it is to take some of the noppoo keycaps and put them on the 6gv2. See if there's any difference when you do so.

mTwTT1 · « **Reply #45 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 23:20:08 »

it def is because i found it unbearable to play w/ my noppoo blacks whereas i was gaming with my 6gv2 for close to 2 years, some blacks just feel stiffer then others but i dunno why
i also got white-ra to try my choc mini w/ blacks once and he felt like the keys were much stiffer then his meka g1, or it could be that i just didnt put enought time breaking it in

flyball · « **Reply #46 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 23:36:34 »

Quote from: mTwTT1;500287

hmm dunno.. my noppoo has pom keycaps and my 6gv2 has abs caps, arnt poms lighter than abs caps?

would be less than 5% difference. its probably lubrication.

Gin · « **Reply #47 on:** Thu, 26 January 2012, 23:42:35 »

That's very strange. I have never owned a noppoo so I can't tell from experience. But it seems like it's the case.

Cherryblossom99 · « **Reply #48 on:** Fri, 27 January 2012, 03:37:18 »

The current best Brood War Pro-Gamer "Flash" uses the Zowie Celeritas. Keep in mind that Brood War players need twice as much APM than a SC2 Player. That, of course, doesn't mean it will make you a better Player, but you can be sure that it is even good enough for the best of the best.
As already mentioned for Starcraft II, nearly the whole Startale Team uses this Board too - Bomber and Julyzerg for example.
So if you want a Board just for Gaming, you can't go wrong with the Zowie.

Twig · « **Reply #49 on:** Fri, 27 January 2012, 03:53:25 »

Quote from: Cherryblossom99;500437

The current best Brood War Pro-Gamer "Flash" uses the Zowie Celeritas. Keep in mind that Brood War players need twice as much APM than a SC2 Player. That, of course, doesn't mean it will make you a better Player, but you can be sure that it is even good enough for the best of the best.
As already mentioned for Starcraft II, nearly the whole Startale Team uses this Board too - Bomber and Julyzerg for example.
So if you want a Board just for Gaming, you can't go wrong with the Zowie.

Looks like Flash still uses the Qsenn Dt35, the only time I've seen him with a Celeritas is on the Zowie website

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8cWf1gMYtTQ#t=41s

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Author Topic: Best Competitive SC2 Board (Read 14081 times)