New Keyboard

[The Professor]

I have a Saitek Eclipse III keyboard atm and while its a nice keyboard the r, y, shift and ctrl keys are pretty tempramental which gets on my raving titties. I want a new one but my budget is tighter than a duck's arse. It needs to have media keys (pause, play, back, forward, mute, other keys would be a bonus) and a blue backlight to match my mouse and case. I know the saitek eclipse II is an option, what else is there for under £35?

Thanks in advance :)

[Kieran]

I managed to get a Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 7000 Keyboard/Mouse for £35 off eBay new. It's an £80 deskset if you can get it cheap. I highly recommend it, absolutely love it :)

[Stephen!]

Wouldn't recommend anything wireless especially if you're gaming.

[The Professor]

Same I never really considered it tbh

[Cheryl]

this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-967560-0120-Media-Keyboard/dp/tech-data/B000CST67S/ref=de_a_smtd) looks pretty good not sure though
or this one (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/microsoft-sidewinder-x6-gaming-keyboard-01991920-pdt.html) for £37 online @ pcworld <--- I would go for this

[HotelUser]

I'd recommend a wireless Microsoft keyboard. I had one, a Microsoft wireless comfort keyboard. Best keyboard I've ever had, batteries lasted for well over 1/2 a year. I was sad to see it die.

[Kieran]

Agree with HotelUser. My Microsoft wireless batteries have lasted ages and the mouse is rechargeable on its own base, so no need to worry about that. :)

[The Professor]

Are they backlit though? I'd prefer it if they were tbh :)

[Kieran]

Nah, they're not backlit :P

[Cheryl]

the sidewinder x6 is but it's red then amber on the num. pad, it is adjustable, not sure what you can change though??

[HotelUser]

Are they backlit though? I'd prefer it if they were tbh :)

If you're considering the Microsoft one get the wireless one, but with the USB dongle. I'd honestly stay away from bluetooth keyboards and mice, I haven't had comparable battery life with bluetooth to what I get with the USB wireless ones.

[Flisker]

I have a Logitech G15, it's a pretty nice keyboard and the little screen is pretty useful for system specs (i.e. temps and speeds). If you want a colour screen on the keyboard get the Logitech G19.

It's also backlit.

[lazerman]

If your going to go wireless, make sure you get bluetooth! Otherwise you will get lots of interference with other products nearby.

If you do a lot of gaming, I highly recommend you get a wired one.

Other words, get only:

Wired or Bluetooth.

[The Professor]

Yeah i was looking at the G15 it was my first port of call, its a bit on the expensive side tbh I could afford it at a push but its more money than i really wanna spend on a keyboard. The microsoft one looks pretty nice but again is a bit pricey, I suppose for what I'm asking for I'm going to have to compromise on price though :(

[HotelUser]

If your going to go wireless, make sure you get bluetooth! Otherwise you will get lots of interference with other products nearby.

If you do a lot of gaming, I highly recommend you get a wired one.

Other words, get only:

Wired or Bluetooth.

Oh, we both just said something completely different. I suppose we've had different luck with bluetooth.

[Kieran]

I'd also recommend bluetooth. Never had a problem with it on my keyboard :)

[HotelUser]

I'd also recommend bluetooth. Never had a problem with it on my keyboard :)

The cheese stands alone on this one then :P

[lazerman]

It will depend on what he has in the room I suppose, If he not tech savvy or doesnt have lots of stuff. He rather be better going off with a USB.

Mind you, I do have wireless internet, TV aerial, separate wireless mouse ect

[Kieran]

Haha... Maybe it depends on the quality of the bluetooth product you used?

[lazerman]

As far I know, most Bluetooth products are very good, no matter how cheap I think.

The problem with Bluetooth is that it drains your battery life and can only work so far. The best ones are the one which have the longest range basically. However, it is good because it does not interfere with other wireless products.

[The Professor]

Yeah I don't really have any need to go with wireless where wired options are available for the same price, I only go round the back of my pc once in a blue moon the odd wire won't bother me