So, my old keyboard was a $4 compact IBM model. (not the giant ones with the loud clicky keys...I hate loud clicky keys) It worked fine, but it was pretty darn grungy after several years of abuse. (LAN parties, spilling drinks into it on several occasions, etc.) Thus my search began for a high-quality keyboard that retained the relative compactness, and didn't have 87 bajillion extra keys that I have no use for.

My original intent was the sexy new(ish) Apple keyboard... (The wired one) ...until I discovered that it doesn't work with Windows. Gnosis suggested I send them an email just saying "gg Apple, you're out fifty bucks." I'm still looking for an actual email address on their site.

Eventually my search led me to the Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Keyboard.

Placed my order on Sunday, with the free Super Saver shipping, and it arrived Tuesday. (Holy crap, <3 Amazon)

Basically, this thing is just what I was looking for. The keys have a great laptop-ish feel. (i.e. relatively flat keys with relatively short travel) Some people hate this; I personally love it. It's nice and compact (actually a little smaller than my old keyboard) and looks great. (the transparent keys are pretty awesome) The backlighting has the typical easy-on-the-eyes EL soft blue glow, and can be easily toggled on and off by a key in between the right Alt and Menu keys. (I never use any of the modifier keys to the right of the spacebar anyway, so it's safely out of the way)

My only 'complaint', and it's a very, very minor one, is that there's a second (??) backslash key in between the left Alt and the spacebar. I don't know why they put it there, but I tend to sometimes hit it instead of Alt. (That said, I've only had this thing for like 18 hours, so I'm sure I'll get used to it.)






I'd certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, but high-quality keyboard.

My guess on the repeat of the key - bad design - they had to find something to stick there.

I've never been a big fan of lighted keyboards, they annoy me for some reason and those clear keys seem like they would be tough to get used too. Though that's a good looking keyboard.

For a gaming board I use a

MERC

It's got a nice layout for the keys and though the game pads 1-0 buttons are a bit smallish, I find them better than the Wolf Claw's huge ones for reach.
You can program the layout for specific games if you wish and it does have an illuminated version as well.
Plus it runs as a second one so I can just pop it in and out of one of the front USB ports.

Well, I do use a Nostromo n52 Speedpad for FPSes and the like.

Really though, as far as the transparent keys - I really almost never look at my keyboard anyway.

Well, I hardly look at my keyboard either (until I start seeing "wotjom" instead of "within" and realize my right hand missed the home position ), but I think there's something you and Creative might've overlooked on the subject of transparent keys - all the dust and 'gunge' that's going to build up under them will be quite evident.

On a side note, how easy is it to clean? (If it's easily cleanable, rescind my objection )

As for the 'extra forward slash', my 101enh has another 'Windows' key immediately to the right of the space bar, followed by the 'substitutes for a right-click' key. And no, I never use them either...in fact, I edited my Registry to disable those keys because I found once in a blue moon I'd strike them by accident whilst busy reaching for Alt; having the full-screen task relegated to background while the Start menu and the Taskbar pop up can be disastrous if that task happens to be an online FPS.

All-in-all, it sounds a handy dandy thing; I personally grew up on those big ol' IBM PC 101+ 'clickers' so I've gotta have something that's roughly the same size for familiarity - and I do kinda miss the 'click' action, even if the switch technology has been surpassed... *sigh*

It seems easy enough. Like I said, the key travel is relatively short, like a laptop, so they actual cavity that the keys sit in isn't very deep.



Well, I don't have a Start menu or taskbar, so I don't have to worry about that.

Yea but I'm old.

I have a Nostromo as well just don't use it anymore. Actually the new one is still in the box...

Logitech G-15 here. I love the lighted keys cuz the room is always dark. Though it's the LCD display and the info it displays that makes me happy!

I'm using the interchangeable Zboard with BF2 and BF2142 layouts along with the standard keyset. It's worked well with no problems. Looks cool Kalie.

I wonder if that logitech comes in a "natural" keyboard config? ran a search and didn't see any though I am diggin on the merc style illumination.