Time for a New KB

[Signal2Noise]

I'm getting bored with my aging yet reliable first gen. G15 kb. I want to get a new kb for my main rig that can fit on my desk's slideout kb tray (2.5" high space, the G15 can't) and feels good. Here's my criteria:

Important:

Tactile keys
Slim & smaller footprint
Macro key ability

Not Important:

Lighted keys
USB/Audio jacks

I think I have it narrowed down to the following

• Microsoft Sidewinder X6 (detachable number keypad)
• Steelseries 7G (mechanical keys)
• Razer Lycosa (good feel)
• Logitech Illuminated (aesthetics) *

(*) - I know the Logitech Illuminated kb isn't a gaming board per se but I'm curious if anyone here uses one as such. I saw it in-store and I liked the size of it. If the LED lit keys are anything like my Harmony One remote I'm sure it will look great even though lighted keys aren't too critical for my use. Overall I want best bang for the buck and a kb that will last several years.
I am not considering another Logitech gaming specific kb like the G11 or G19 because I feel it's time to try something different.

[Sushi Warrior]

OCZ elixir.

[Signal2Noise]

^Hmm, hadn't heard of the OCZ kb before. Didn't even know they made keyboards. Why do you recommend it?

[Zero82z]

I would go with the Logitech Illuminated. I tried one out and the feel is really awesome. It's a bit pricey, but it's one of the better keyboards out there.

[Signal2Noise]

Originally Posted by Zero82z

I would go with the Logitech Illuminated. I tried one out and the feel is really awesome. It's a bit pricey, but it's one of the better keyboards out there.

Yeah, I'm really leaning towards this one. I just wonder how it is as a gaming keyboard on a somewhat daily basis.

[Zero82z]

Any keyboard can be a "gaming keyboard" as long as it feels good to you. I'm sure it'll do fine.

[headsh0t]

Yes the OCZ elixer is like $10 on sale and has all the functionality you listed. Never used one so I don't know about the tacile part though. Should be ok. Saitek Eclipses are sweet (any version) although there are no Macro keys on versions 1 & 2. The newest eclipse will probably be my next keyboard choice. Already have the Eclipse II which has lasted me for like 4 years.

[Signal2Noise]

I ended up getting the Illuminated today. I have been using it for a few hours web surfing and playing a trial of Fallen Earth mmo. It's a really nice keyboard overall.

[icarus2]

I have the Logitech Illuminated at home and it's really nice. So thin that it actually seems kind of fragile but its actually really sturdy. The key press also has a very nice feel to, I would have to say this is my favourite keyboard at the moment.

[Moneyless]

If you've got the money to spend on it I would of recommended getting a nice mechanical keyswitch keyboard (I love my Filco Majestouch with Cherry MX Browns, but after tax+duties it cost me like $180... but it should last me a lifetime or two, so it's all good ), but it looks like you've already made up your mind and bought the Logicra... Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, which looks like an alright 'board, although expensive for what it is really. (Membrane though... ewww )