Need help choosing a mechanical keyboard with backlight

[SplitTitan]

Hello there!

So, here is my "problem" I would like a new keyboard (I have a Razer BlackWidow AZERTY Version, since I'm french) with backlight!
I also would like to have a more "compact" keyboard, the razer is quite Large, and I would like to have a smaller one (but I still want the num pad.)

I'm mostly a "gamer" since I play minimum 2 hours a day, and I write texts for my studies.

So there it is, can you guys help me?
thanks a lot!

[dorkvader]

If the keyboard is too big: Get a smaller one. I would highly recommend getting a TenKeyLess (TKL) keyboard. If you really need the numberpad, you can plug in another keyboard with one, or (better yet) get a separate tenkey. There are many that feature cherry MX keyswitches. When you're gaming or otherwise not using the tenkey, you can put it to the left, or hide it altogether.

The problem you see, is that since the keycap size and key spacing is all pretty standard, you can only save an inch or so on the Razer BW, be getting one with a frame that doesn't extend past or hang over as much as the Razer BW one does.

For a non-backlit keyboard, you might consider the CMstorm QuickFire Rapid. I believe you can get it in ISO.
If you want a smaller-sized keyboard with a tenkey, you can look at some space-saving layouts, like Cherry G80-1800. I have a full-size WASDkeyboard, and it's about the same size as the keys, so a little smaller than the Razer BW. They also come in ISO.

I don't know what you're looking for: a smaller keyboard with a numberpad.... You can't make it too much smaller and still fit all the keys on there.

[JSaintS]

Hello there (it's SpliTTitan, I changed my account with my new email adress)

the thing I'm looking for is a smaller keyboard for sure (the Blackwidow has macro keys at the left that take place) but most important I want backlight, that's the main reason why I want to change my Blackwidow Now when i say I want a smaller one, doesn't mean I want a little one! I just want one a bit smaller than mine (maybe less borders, less space beetween the numberpad and the rest of the keys, something like that)

Thanks a lot

[theultrazord]

The Blackwidow is slightly larger because of the side macro keys. Any other backlit keyboard will be slightly smaller. Ducky shine and qpad Mk80/Max Keyboard Nighthawk and Durandal are full size and offer the tenkey but won't give you much more desk space. You need to get a 10keyless model.

Unfortunately i think http://www.kc-keycool.com/product.php?mod=detail&id=16 is the only normal 10keyless I know of. The others are 75% size like the KBT Race and 60% size like the KBT Pure. I believe the other deal with the smaller keyboards are that they have PCB mounted switches rather than plate mounted which means they are less secure.

For quality most people say the Ducky Shine is the way to go.

[JSaintS]

Thanks for the advice you both gave me, I Think I'll give a chance to the Ducky one, as I already read something about it saying it was pretty good.

[Johan]

I highly recommend the ducky shine, I really enjoy typing on mine with brown switches and green LED's.

[JSaintS]

definitly going for those green lights ♥ I loved the pics I saw about them!

Another thing, Where can I find custom key caps (or order them) that let the light through

[Johan]

I haven't found any made from PBT but if you find a retailer for ducky they generally also sell key caps that are of the same type that come stock. I think if you use the highest light settings then you could probably use a set of white  caps.

[newtrekemotion]

Unfortunately i think http://www.kc-keycool.com/product.php?mod=detail&id=16 is the only normal 10keyless I know of. The others are 75% size like the KBT Race and 60% size like the KBT Pure. I believe the other deal with the smaller keyboards are that they have PCB mounted switches rather than plate mounted which means they are less secure.

I don't know of any other backlit TKL, but there are certainly other normal ones. For example Leopolds http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold#tenkeyless and Filco http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Tenkeyless-FKBN87M-EFB2/dp/B004ZJPSGI/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1342798419&sr=1-2

[JSaintS]

I love that filco ninja! *_* so sad it's not backlighted