Looking For Peripheral Recommendations

[TehKeebz]

Hey all. I'm in the midst of building a new PC and have come to the realization that I'm no longer happy with my peripherals. At the moment, I have a Corsair Vengeance K90 (Lovely board, but the red switches don't do it for me. Oh, and I'm finding that I like the brushed aluminum chassis less and less), Logitech G600 (Solid mouse, but I didn't realize the large amount of buttons would throw the balance off for me so much), and a Logitech G930 (Loved the headset while it worked 100% correctly. The charging cable has shorted out, the headset has started to switch off randomly, and from time to time I have volume issues). What I'm looking for:

 

Keyboard - I love mechanical keyboards. The K90 was my first and I will never revert to dome. I recently tried out my buddy's BlackWidow and fell in love with the switches. The reds are leaps and bounds above dome, but the added break point on blues gives a better feedback. I also like the crisper sound they produce. I also like the media area on the K90 (volume scroller and media keys). Backlight and macro keys aren't necessities.

 

Mouse - I like the weight of the G600, but as I stated above, the buttons throw me off. I want to avoid Logitech products (I find LGS to be lacking).

 

Headset - Prefer wired. No retractable boom. Not sure if there are any with braided cables, but that'd definitely be a huge plus in my book.

 

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

[Jaybird]

I'm just along for the ride. I would like to see what is recommended and what you choose.

[Youbetternot]

Keyboard - Razer blackwidow ultimate 2013

Mouse - cyborg R,A,T 5

Headset - Steel series Linus recommends it!

[Kayn]

keyboard - ducky shine II, Rosewill RK-9000 (I have and love it)
mouse - Corsair M65

headset - I have no idea....

[Volbet]

• Keyboard: If you want dedicated media keys, go with a Logitech G710+. It uses brown switches, so you will not get the sound of blues, but you will still get the tactile feedback. If you are set on blue switches and don't care for dedicated media keys, go with any Ducky, Filco or CoolerMaster keyboard that uses blues.
• Mouse: I often find it very tough to recommend mice to other people on the internet, since I don't know their hand size or play style. But something like a Cyborg R.A:T. 7, a SteelSeries Sensei or Razer Deathadder 2013 might suit your needs
• Headset: Do you have a dedicated soundcard? If yes, SteelSeries, 7H (or if you can wait, the 9H) If you don't have a dedicated coundcard. go with a pair of Logitech 430s

And it would be really helpfull if you could post a budget

[Air tree]

Keyboard - cm storm trigger

mouse- razer deathadder 

headset- steelseries siberia v2

[CoolBeans]

Keyboard: K90 with blues when they come out

Mouse: G9x if you can find it if not mionix naos

Headset: Steelseries 7H

[TehKeebz]

 

• Keyboard: If you want dedicated media keys, go with a Logitech G710+. It uses brown switches, so you will not get the sound of blues, but you will still get the tactile feedback. If you are set on blue switches and don't care for dedicated media keys, go with any Ducky, Filco or CoolerMaster keyboard that uses blues.
• Mouse: I often find it very tough to recommend mice to other people on the internet, since I don't know their hand size or play style. But something like a Cyborg R.A:T. 7, a SteelSeries Sensei or Razer Deathadder 2013 might suit your needs
• Headset: Do you have a dedicated soundcard? If yes, SteelSeries, 7H (or if you can wait, the 9H) If you don't have a dedicated coundcard. go with a pair of Logitech 430s

And it would be really helpfull if you could post a budget

 

 

I don't really care for the look of the R.A.T series, but I like the Sensei. Do you have any idea if the LED in the mouse-wheel is toggle-able? Also, as to my hand size, I'd say it's average (the G600 is actually a perfect fit for my palm grip).

 

I won't have a dedicated sound card, unfortunately, and I'm trying to stay away from Logitech products with any sort of programmable functionality due to issues I've experienced with the Logitech Gaming Software. Do you know if the 430s has any features that require use of the software?

 

Finally, budget is honestly not an issue. I feel comfortable spending anywhere from $300-500 on peripherals, so long as they're quality and are ensured to last me a while.

 

EDIT: I just want to point out that the budget I used is just an example. I'm not actually expecting to spend that much on peripherals, but I will if they're great quality.

 

Keyboard - cm storm trigger

mouse- razer deathadder 

headset- steelseries siberia v2

 

I can dig the Deathadder and Storm Trigger, but I'm leery about headsets with a retractable boom. To me, common sense would dictate that the arm of the boom would be much more flimsy, making me want to retract it when not in use. The issue with that being the more you retract the boom, the more wear you put on it and it will end up breaking anyway.

 

Keyboard: K90 with blues when they come out

Mouse: G9x if you can find it if not mionix naos

Headset: Steelseries 7H

 

I wasn't aware Corsair was going to be releasing the K90 with blues... do you know if they have plans to release the K95  (I prefer the solid black color over the brushed aluminum) with blues as well?

 

Thanks for the recommendations everyone! Keep 'em coming!

[Volbet]

I don't really care for the look of the R.A.T series, but I like the Sensei. Do you have any idea if the LED in the mouse-wheel is toggle-able? Also, as to my hand size, I'd say it's average (the G600 is actually a perfect fit for my palm grip).

 

I won't have a dedicated sound card, unfortunately, and I'm trying to stay away from Logitech products with any sort of programmable functionality due to issues I've experienced with the Logitech Gaming Software. Do you know if the 430s has any features that require use of the software?

 

Finally, budget is honestly not an issue. I feel comfortable spending anywhere from $300-500 on peripherals, so long as they're quality and are ensured to last me a while.

 

EDIT: I just want to point out that the budget I used is just an example. I'm not actually expecting to spend that much on peripherals, but I will if they're great quality.

The Sensei allows you to turn off any of the led's on the mouse, I have average sized hands, and the Sensei is a very good fit for me. 

 

As for the Logitech headset. I don't know if it have any programmable features, since I have had very limited time wit a pair. My point is really, that if you don't have a dedicated soundcard you sould go with a USB headset. 

[Langdon]

I don't believe Corsair is releasing K95 with blues, and K90 is outdated so they're not releasing that with blues either.

The K70 is being released with blues and browns but assuming you need the macro keys, get the CM Storm Trigger. If not, the K70 is very solid.

The M95 is a good mouse to have with many buttons, but they shouldn't throw you off as the G600 did as the keys are very conveniently placed. There is a place to rest your thumb and it's very comfortable to hold. If you really don't want the extra buttons, go for the M65.

I'm not a fan of headsets and I like the good headphones + separate microphone combo so I can't help you there.

[GamerDude]

Not a headset guy, so I can't advise on that, but for MK:

Ducky Shine II, Filco Majestouch 2 (no back light though), CM Storm Trigger or Quick Fire TK, Logitech G710+ (as someone had suggested), or a Ducky Shine 3 (not out yet though)

 

As for mouse, I'm a fan of the G9, now G9x I suppose, fantastic little mouse that is really comfortable for a guy with smaller hands, like moi. It's a pity you don't like Logitech mice, I've heard good things about the G400S is a pretty good mouse....

[TehKeebz]

The Sensei allows you to turn off any of the led's on the mouse, I have average sized hands, and the Sensei is a very good fit for me. 

 

As for the Logitech headset. I don't know if it have any programmable features, since I have had very limited time wit a pair. My point is really, that if you don't have a dedicated soundcard you sould go with a USB headset. 

 

I agree 100%. I never intended to go the 3.5mm route. I'll dig around and see what I can find out about the 430s. Thanks for all your suggestions!

 

I don't believe Corsair is releasing K95 with blues, and K90 is outdated so they're not releasing that with blues either.

The K70 is being released with blues and browns but assuming you need the macro keys, get the CM Storm Trigger. If not, the K70 is very solid.

The M95 is a good mouse to have with many buttons, but they shouldn't throw you off as the G600 did as the keys are very conveniently placed. There is a place to rest your thumb and it's very comfortable to hold. If you really don't want the extra buttons, go for the M65.

I'm not a fan of headsets and I like the good headphones + separate microphone combo so I can't help you there.

 

Oh! I completely forgot about the K70! I'll probably end up going with that. I love the overall feel of the K90, but the switches and brushed aluminum are truly not what I prefer. Oh, and the macro pad has WAY too many keys for me, so... yeah, the K70 seems like it'd be a no-brainer for me.

 

I've looked at the M95 and don't really care for the layout of the buttons. I'll look at the M65 and see what people have to say about it. Thanks for your suggestions!

 

 

Not a headset guy, so I can't advise on that, but for MK:

Ducky Shine II, Filco Majestouch 2 (no back light though), CM Storm Trigger or Quick Fire TK, Logitech G710+ (as someone had suggested), or a Ducky Shine 3 (not out yet though)

 

As for mouse, I'm a fan of the G9, now G9x I suppose, fantastic little mouse that is really comfortable for a guy with smaller hands, like moi. It's a pity you don't like Logitech mice, I've heard good things about the G400S is a pretty good mouse....

 

I've never heard of Ducky Shine, so I'll do some research on them. Overall pretty decent boards?

 

Also, it's not that I don't like Logitech mice... I think Logitech mice are superior to the majority of other mice on the market. However, LGS is absolutely terrible and, unfortunately, is required to use the nifty programmable functions that they build into their peripherals.

[GamerDude]

I've never heard of Ducky Shine, so I'll do some research on them. Overall pretty decent boards?

 

Also, it's not that I don't like Logitech mice... I think Logitech mice are superior to the majority of other mice on the market. However, LGS is absolutely terrible and, unfortunately, is required to use the nifty programmable functions that they build into their peripherals.

Whoa, Ducky is the mechanical KB of choice here at LTT, sure, some use Logitech, Razer, Filco, CM....but those are the rebels, trouble makers. :P

 

I'm a big Ducky head case, only because they make standard and classic shaped KBs that do not require a driver or bloatware to work.....much like Filco and the Topre I have. Since they have this regular rectangle shape, swapping key caps and such changes its look, but they still look great. I don't think swapping key caps on a Razer would yield a similar result.

 

This is my Ducky Shine II 78 Version, I had swapped out the regular black key caps with grey ones...as well as use transparent key caps for the WASD keys.

 

This is my Filco MJ Ninja Brown with Ducky white on white key caps

 

Yet another Ducky Shine II Special Ed Cherry Blue with white key caps with green LED

 

With a change of key caps from regular black to these blue ones, my serious looking Topre looks a little more fun to use

 

CM makes very good MKB's as well, this is my Quick Fire TK

 

One thing you'll notice about my KB's, they all have this regular rectangular shape, and they will look pretty good when you swap out the key caps to suit your mood.

[TehKeebz]

...

 

One thing you'll notice about my KB's, they all have this regular rectangular shape, and they will look pretty good when you swap out the key caps to suit your mood.

 

Your keyboards look amazing! Very nice collection.

 

After looking around, I've figured out what I'm going to get:

 

Keyboard - CM Storm Quickfire TK

 

Mouse - SteelSeries Sensei

 

Headset - SteelSeries Siberia V2 (I've decided I'll take the risk of the retractable boom)

 

Thanks again, everyone, for all of your advice!

[Youbetternot]

Your keyboards look amazing! Very nice collection.

 

After looking around, I've figured out what I'm going to get:

 

Keyboard - CM Storm Quickfire TK

 

Mouse - SteelSeries Sensei

 

Headset - SteelSeries Siberia V2 (I've decided I'll take the risk of the retractable boom)

 

Thanks again, everyone, for all of your advice!

Good choice CM storm quickfire TK is very good and steel series Linus recommends

[whatthe_fuzz]

CM Quickfire Rapid keyboard with Blue Cherry MX switches

Mionix 5400 mouse

Plantronics 780 Gamecon 7.1 Dolby surround headset.

[brocessornz]

If you still haven't managed to get those items -

 

KB; Ducky Zero OR one of those cheap Cooler Master doodads.
Mouse; Steelseries Sensei RAW, Logitech MX518 (if you don't mind going back to Logitech). Also I wouldn't reccomend the RAT; so uncomfortable.

Headphones; Audio-Technica ATH-M50 (well respected; solid pair of cans.)