Enhance Your Gaming with Vista-Friendly Peripherals - Part 1
KEYBOARDS AND MICE - cont.WIRELESS AND WIRED KEYBOARDSWhile wireless keyboard-and-mouse combos make pairing input devices a simple matter, it's not the best solution for everyone. Those desiring a more eclectic approach should find the following options to their liking. Keyboards are wired unless noted otherwise. Logitech diNovo Edge | Average Retail Price: $165 / £115 Logitech diNovo Edge Logitech bills their cordless, slim profile, super-sexy Vista-certified diNovo Edge as the "World's Most Advanced Keyboard." Whether true or not, it's definitely among the most visually stunning input devices ever cranked out, period. The Edge's wireless performance is superb, its soft-touch keys are ultra responsive, the unit runs for weeks on a single charge from the included quick-charge base, and its Plexiglas and aluminum frame give the device added distinction (a perfect design match to Logitech's Z-10 speakers and Dell's 2707WFP widescreen monitor). Key features include innovative touch-sensitive controls, programmable backlit hot-keys, a secure Bluetooth connection and basic multimedia keys. Pair it with the MX Revolution mouse for a truly dynamic duo. All this somewhat-pricey work of art lacks is a dedicated number pad (which may limit its appeal to some).
Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Keyboard | Average Retail Price: $55 Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Keyboard Named after competitive gamer Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel, the USB-based Fatal1ty Gaming Keyboard features a patented illumination technology with an on/off switch (most illuminated boards are of the "always on" variety) for better vision in low-light or dark environments. It's a slim, compact, low-profile device imbued with 104 fast-action, short-stroke keys. Great for portability, such as transport to and from LAN parties, it's a bit small for every day use and the function keys are flush against the number keys (a sure fire recipe for errant key presses). Plus, the transparent keys with underlying mechanisms make the text on the keys hard to read. A more opaque material would reduce the problem considerably but would also lessen the illumination effect, which is already rather subdued compared to other illumined boards. If you don't need portability, the G15 or Reclusa (below) are better low-light alternatives.
Logitech G15 Keyboard | Average Retail Price: $100 / £56 Logitech G15 Keyboard Back in 2005, Logitech released their G15 Gaming Keyboard. And, apart from a few shortcomings (size and a less-than-ideal key layout), it was a pretty good, albeit ugly, gamer's board. Well, Logitech listened to user feedback and the all new G15 shows it. The redesigned keyboard offers an integrated GamePanel LCD screen that can be customized to view in-game or system data, it’s back-lighted for greater visibility in dark and dim lighting (with three levels of brightness), has six programmable keys with three shift states for a total of 18 programmable macros per application. There is also a "Game Mode" switch to disable/enable the Windows key, two full-speed USB hubs, an intelligent cable routing system and a detachable palm rest. It looks eminently slick, goes well with Logitech's new G9 Laser Mouse and is fully Vista compatible. It's definitely a contender for those looking for a solid, ruggedly-stylish, game-oriented keyboard.
Ideazon MERC Gaming Keyboard | Average Retail Price: $40 / £28 Ideazon MERC Gaming Keyboard A more game-centric keyboard alternative, Ideazon's MERC combines a multimedia keyboard with a built-in command pad for an all-in-one solution. A bit wider than the norm, the MERC places 34 game keys, a central butterfly layout, three thumb keys and 11 weapon keys on the left-hand side of the keyboard. This hybrid device includes a number pad (combined with arrow keys), the usual contingent of Windows shortcut, multimedia and programmable hot keys, and labels core game commands for quick access. It's also powered by Ideazon's Z Engine technology and features pre-defined key layouts for over 120 PC games along with the ability to easily switch between them. Advanced drag-and-drop key mapping and macro editing makes customization a snap on this value-conscious offering.
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