Keyboard and Headphones suggestions needed

By clx
in Hardware Hangout

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clx

Posted
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Im looking to get a new keyboard and pair of headphones for xmas but im stuck on what to pick

Background is im an avid (semi hardcore) gamer. I currently have a Logitech G15 (first gen) keyboard, but i dont like the feel of it any more, the keys are the widest spaced i have ever found on any keyboard and it bugs me. For headphones i currently have a wireless set of Sonys which are way too old and need replacing.

Keyboad - Im looking at Razer Lycosa

Headphones - Im looking for a 5.1 set, mic isn't overly important as i have a separate one already

I like the sound of Razer Barracuda HP-1 5.1 Surround Sound Headset, but some people complain about build quality, thoughts?

I know they are both Razer products, any and all alternatives or opinions welcome!

Thanks for your help in advance guys :)

Grand Master

MiG-

Posted
Posted
Really? I didn't think they were that bad. Got any links to reviews?

5.1 Headphones will be rubbish. Much better off with a decent pair of normal 2 channel cans. Something like Sennenheiser (sp?). You will easily get proper soundstaging, and if most games through headphones you should be able to get some sort of distancing on the sound, e.g. Where noises are coming from, which I guess is what your after.

Plus the normal cans will double up nicely for music.

Grand Master

Argote

Posted
Posted

Well I'd go with regular mid to high end headphones as well... I have a pair of Sony MDR-V6 and they are pretty decent. Most games (and consoles) have an option to output to headphones.

I haven't actually used a 5.1 headphone set but I've heard they're not all that good (also, I think that technically they wouldn't be "5.1" but "surround" headphones).

As for the keyboard: That one looks pretty decent, what is wrong with your current G15?

Mentor

clx

Posted
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Posted

The G15 i have just now seems to have "aged" a lot faster than any keyboard i have had before. The backlighting is failing, it flickers some times, and as stated before the key spacing is driving me nuts, the keys are much further apart than any other keyboard i have ever seen, and i'm including ones you would find in a kids play area where they only have 5 keys for different animals. Its just not comfortable (despite me having it for a good few years)

and nice find DarkFiB3R ;)

edit - Just re-reading the thread, has anyone had any experience with 5.1 headphones at all and care to share their experience??

Proficient

vhane

Posted
Posted

I've become a big fan of the electrostatic capacitance switches made by Topre. Realforce boards and the Happy Hacking Pro 2 use them. I have recently purchased a Realforce 86 (space saver), and it is the best keyboard that I've owned so far. The key swithces are smooth, but tactile.

You won't find any gimmicks like backlighting or multimedia keys on the Realforce or HHK boards. What you do get is a keyboard that is really well made, stable, and a joy to type on. They are pretty pricey though, at around $250 USD a pop.

The geekhack.org forum is a great resource if you are researching keyboards.

Here's a photo of the Realforce 86. Sorry about the crappy phone camera quality.

realforce86_1.jpg

And this is a review of the Realforce 86.

Grand Master

Sikh

Posted
Posted

For headphones, I recently picked up the Tutle Beach X1's.

Originally my goal was Xbox, since I needed a good headset, but these became my PC headset too.

The sound quality is AMAZING. It is surroudn sound. I can hear people walking up behind me a good distance away in halo(360) / cod4(pc).

Also, you get a LOT of wire, its a great set tbh.

I thought $60 was crazy for a headset, but from the day i Opened it I love it. It works perfect.

Grand Master

Sikh

Posted
Posted

oooooo yeah.

They fit your ears perfectly. The cushions are soooo soft, ive had them on 10 hours straight(for testing purposes) to see how soft they are. I had them hooked up to xbox, then computer, then my iPod to listen to music.

They are Comfy and reliable!

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