Computer Peripheral Extravaganza

[Eightball]

So I've got a bit of cash earned from my summer work, and I'm looking into buying new computer accessories. To justify it and to show that I'm not idly shitting money here's the situation with my current equipment:

Razer Deathadder (mouse) - One of the two side buttons are malfunctioning; while the mouse still mostly works, it's a bit dated and it's annoying not having that extra utility and having to unbind or rebind things to voice-chat.
Razer Lycosa (keyboard) - Audio ports that I used to use completely stopped working. Keys have started to wear down. Also is kinda dirty and collects dust too readily. Still largely works though.
Razer Carcharias (headset) - Wire got damaged from being caught in my chair casters. Again still works but I have to tape the cord down so it doesn't flip out. Actually the longest a headset has ever lasted me (>1 year).
Steelseries Glass Mouse Surface - Totally fine. Has to be cleaned constantly however.

Ain't that some shit? What I'm hoping to do now is swap out basically everything before I move into my new apartment. But I don't really know what's good out there and most of the review sites I'm coming across are dated or just plain crappy. So I want to know BRBU's choices for the best of the following:

• Keyboard - Additional functionality and macro keys would be nice but are not essential. I'll have an abundance of desk space where I'm moving. I know people like the G15 but I'm wondering if that's the only option.
• Mouse - Ergonomics are pretty critical. I'm not against getting another DeathAdder just because it fits my hand so nicely.
• Headset - I know a lot of BRBU has a hard-on for desktop mics + standard headphones, and I'm not opposed to that, but I'd like to hear the arguments for one side or the other.
• Mouse Surface (maybe)

I have much more arbitrary criteria, but I'll save those for helping to decide between what you guys like. Cheers!

[HeK]

I love the feel of my Deathadder over my G5, but NONE of my three sets of Logitech gaming mice/keyboards have failed.
My 1st gen G15 keyboard has a ton of shortcut/macro keys and the Mumble LCD plugin is awesome.

On a side note, I have ordered 120 Logitech G11 keyboards for a certain room at work two years ago... besides the ones that have *disappeared* none have failed yet.


Seriously, Logitech is pretty damn solid.

I'd also look at Steel Series keyboards... Versus loves his Cyborg mouse.


There are many options for headsets and headphones. I like my Sennheisers, but there are tons of options. Don't cheap out here.

[Didzo]

Keyboard - I have a Logitech G110. I've never used the macro keys, but other than that, it's great. Backlit, has a USB port, mic and headphone jack, and has a nice, clean look. Look into a mechanical keyboard though.

I say get a Logitech mouse. Quality construction.

[CaffeinePowered]

KorJax is selling his old G15 if you want to pick something up on the cheap

[WaR1761]

First, check if any of your products are still under warranty may get a refurb/credit or fix on your old hardware at the cost of shipping.

Gamming Mouse - Logitech G series can't go wrong; just avoid the revolution stuff for gamming I find them too bulky. If you're looking for alternatives I have heard good things about R.A.T.'s wired and wireless mice, however they are pricey.

Keyboards - First read this article (starts on page 38) and make sure to read the side notes about switch types.

Headphones - G35 is pretty sweet and the simulated 7.1 is nice. Haven't had much exposure with other headphones, mostly speakers. I have seen that they have a wireless G930 version but not sure if I would jump on that boat with the first revision of the product. Make sure you look at what type of headphones you want. I personally find supra-aural to be the most comfortable. As for the microphone attached I prefer it over some thing that eats up desk space and another port on my computer.

[KorJax]

KorJax is selling his old G15 if you want to pick something up on the cheap

http://www.brbuninstalling.com/forum/ind...pic=5834.0

Yeahp, $35 free shipping (in us) let me know if interested. Thread has all the details on condition etc. Other than a few minor bits here and there it's in pretty good condition.

[Versus]

I love the feel of my Deathadder over my G5, but NONE of my three sets of Logitech gaming mice/keyboards have failed.
My 1st gen G15 keyboard has a ton of shortcut/macro keys and the Mumble LCD plugin is awesome.

On a side note, I have ordered 120 Logitech G11 keyboards for a certain room at work two years ago... besides the ones that have *disappeared* none have failed yet.


Seriously, Logitech is pretty damn solid.

I'd also look at Steel Series keyboards... Versus loves his Cyborg mouse.


There are many options for headsets and headphones. I like my Sennheisers, but there are tons of options. Don't cheap out here.

cyborg rat7 = boing
g15 = boing, and yes, mumble lcd app is very useful

desk mic has not been a problem in terms of desk space at all for me despite the lack of available deskspace, as i've been able to position the base in otherwise mostly unusable space (underneath monitor, angled towards me)

[Eightball]

Hmm, perhaps I will take up Korjax's offer then since everyone loves the G15. If you haven't found another buyer come September than I'm sold :v if you do however then don't worry about it.

Thanks again for the input everyone.

[KorJax]

Sounds good not in a huge rush to to sell it so no worries.

EDIT: Someone bought it and sent money from the amazon ad I had up on the G15 page. Sorry sold

[Eightball]

All right, so I checked all of my warranties, and all of them were for 1 year (keyboard+mouse are >2 years old, headset just passed 1 year).

Now then, with 3 Razer products in the ground (headset officially died yesterday) and their recent "release", I'm going to distance myself from the Razer brand. Taking everyone's suggestions into account and checking out video reviews and the like, I'm pretty certain I'm getting a logitech keyboard, and perhaps a headset.

So here's what I'm thinking right now:

Keyboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6823126100
Logitech G510. Seems like a very nice full-sized keyboard, and I can think of several applications for the LCD screen. Only downside I can see is that it still uses rubber dome keys, but then, having used Scar's Blackwidow, I'm not sure I particularly need a mechanical keyboard...yet. I can't quite justify shelling out the extra $50 for the G19 since the only real improvement is a crisper display.

Mouse: ??? Still on the fence here. The G500 would be pretty nice. But I'm also curious if there are wireless options that aren't terrible. Really not interested in the R.A.T. though.

Headset: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6826104399
Logitech G930. Going with War's suggestions here. I actually find the idea of this wireless headset very enticing, as long as I don't have problems with drivers/dropping/surround sound being terrible. Weirdly it's $10 cheaper on the Logitech official site, which is where I'll likely buy it if I go through with this choice.

Headset ALTERNATIVE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6826104281
Logitech G35. Basically the cheaper alternative if I find anything to mark off the G930.

Thoughts?

EDIT: Decided against the wireless headset. Figured the pros (not having a wire, being able to talk to people as I'm walking around the apartment) are outweighed by the cons ($30 higher cost, risk of connectivity problems, having to charge it, and missing out on a few minor features offered by the G35).

[Didzo]

Wireless is okay, but it can become a pain. Forget to charge it one day? You'll have to plug it in anyway.

[Eightball]

Shit's ordered: G930, G35, G500. Let's hope Logitech outperforms Razer!

[Didzo]

Shit's ordered: G930, G35, G500. Let's hope Logitech outperforms Razer!

It does.

I have a Razer Mamba, will not buy another again. The quality doesn't match the price for Razer stuff, in my experience.

[at0m]

I use a Razer Lycosa and I have problems with the key controller wigging out and 'holding down' keys all the time. Their mice have been adequate, plus they have BLUE LEDs in them (so cool). I will never buy another headset other than my Creative HS-1000 though, if it dies I'm just buying another. So comfy, and removable mic and inline mute/volume control is so much win.

What's your opinion of SteelSeries mousing surfaces in general? I've been debating buying one since I'm sick of just using my desk, but its a significant investment for negligible benefit IMO.

[Eightball]

I use a Razer Lycosa and I have problems with the key controller wigging out and 'holding down' keys all the time. Their mice have been adequate, plus they have BLUE LEDs in them (so cool). I will never buy another headset other than my Creative HS-1000 though, if it dies I'm just buying another. So comfy, and removable mic and inline mute/volume control is so much win.

What's your opinion of SteelSeries mousing surfaces in general? I've been debating buying one since I'm sick of just using my desk, but its a significant investment for negligible benefit IMO.

Not sure what mine's called, but it's a small glass mousepad. It's frosted glass and the back surface is painted black, so my Deathadder [laser mouse] has no problems with it. However, my laptop Logitech [optical] mouse wigs the fuck out when I use it on there.

For the deathadder though, it's very smooth, feels pretty nice, but requires pretty frequent cleaning. I hit it with hot water and handsoap every 2 weeks or so. Big downside is if you don't keep it clean it starts to feel...well, do you know the feeling of scratching frosted glass? Imagine doing that with the underside of your mouse when dust or particulate matter starts to accumulate.

[HeK]

I use a Razer Lycosa and I have problems with the key controller wigging out and 'holding down' keys all the time. Their mice have been adequate, plus they have BLUE LEDs in them (so cool). I will never buy another headset other than my Creative HS-1000 though, if it dies I'm just buying another. So comfy, and removable mic and inline mute/volume control is so much win.

What's your opinion of SteelSeries mousing surfaces in general? I've been debating buying one since I'm sick of just using my desk, but its a significant investment for negligible benefit IMO.

I like mine. It's massive and thin. Cat likes to sit on it and hairs it all up.

[at0m]

On second thought, I hate the feel of frosted glass. That texture is like fingernails on chalkboards to me.