8. Backlit Conclusions
My intent was to modify or use an off- the-shelf backlit keyboard with sufficient contrast, so that someone with limited vision could successfully use it. I was unable to obtain LEDs to replace those of the Saitek keyboards in time for this review. The Merc seems to use a different type, but because it is so hard to reassemble, I would only try to modify it as a second choice. But the Merc had a great keyboard feel, which was maybe the best of this bunch.
The Ideazon Merc Stealth and Saitek Eclipse II size compared in daylight
I did verify that the contrast on the Eclipse II and even on the Merc is greater than the on the older original Eclipse. In particular, the between-key lighting on the top keys of the Eclipse II is much better than that of the Eclipse. I also believe that the laser etching of keys on both the Merc and Eclipse II is much better than the original Eclipse, so the key characters show more contrast. I hope to try the LED replacement some time in the near future, and would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this.
The Microsoft Reclusa Razer keyboard has a similar, but harder feel than that of the Saitek. Because of Reclusa’s limited backlight option, I did not spend much time using it.
Either the Merc or the Eclipse II would be good for astronomers who wish to preserve their night vision. Actually, they would be good for any task where night vision and computer use are required.
Microsoft Keyboard Summary
I was surprised by the Microsoft keyboards. I added them late to the evaluation, at my editor’s suggestion. I didn’t like Reclusa for its limited backlighting and the tough key response. The Microsoft keyboard that stood out was the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000.
The two Microsoft keyboards size compared in daylight
The Microsoft Desktop 8000 keyboard is extraordinarily stylish, but is designed for media center use, as opposed to general duty. Though the small keys and lack of numeric keypad probably preclude it from use by visually-impaired users, the back light was impressively strong. Desktop 8000 had a number of advanced, unique features, and battery power functionality was well thought out.
Unfortunately, the way the unit recharges is not well designed for desktop use. The dual recharging base for the keyboard and mouse looks cool, but it simply isn’t practical for most desks. Microsoft could have preserved the look and added functionality by having a second connection via an optional thin wire plug-in to the keyboard. That way, the recharging station could be placed off to a desktop corner or on the floor. That this keyboard exists says that backlighting can be very bright, with battery and other indicators clearly shown in a wireless configuration. Because of the key design, lack of contrast and price, this is one keyboard I won’t be modifying.
You might want to add Logitech G15 to the list, which is not only a backlit keyboard, but comes also with superb 3x 18 programmable "G" keys and universal LCD display.
No Logitech G15? The best keyboard I have ever owned.
Any indication of durability of the keys wrt the coatings? These keys are usually made of a transparent plastic that is then coated in black - with the characters masked.
On my G15, I found that prolonged use has caused the black masking to come off, leaving large "blue" keys that have no recognisable markings left. I bought another since there was no alternative at the time, and had to resort to applying several layers of clear nail-polish before I started using the new keyboard. So far it's working, but I'd love to know how the newer models stand up to heavy use - specially for female users with long nails that will probably wear off the masking even faster
Backlit keyboards? Heresy of the first sort. Model M or death for me.
Backlit keyboards review and no G11/G15? Shame on Tom's again.
I Use the Eclipse II myself... I liked it so much I bought a 2nd one for my other computer. I had 2 reasons...
1st, I'm a corporate IT geek and if I get a page in the middle of the night, it's really nice to not need to turn on the lights. The red is the best, no eye strain as I'm half asleep. With a black desktop background and the red light I can fix what ever it is and get back to sleep.
2nd, Gaming. I love the feel of these keys. I actually looked for a keyboard w/o the L shaped key as it fit's my hand positioning better when gaming. Plus being the aforemention IT geek, I'm so used to having the pipe and backslash sitting above the enter key as I use them often while writing code. Using a keyboard is a lot like driving a car, you get used to where all the butons and switches are and you feel more comfortable. I can switch between my PC's at work and my home machine without mising a beat. I almost brought in a Saitek Eclipse II for work, but they backlite might have been frowned on.
My key paint came off on my G15, Logitech sent me a new one no charge! They had something wrong with the paint, it's fixed now. Mine WASD keys were blank, but the new ones show zero wear and I've had the replacement much longer than the original.
what about the Deck Legend keyboard?!
BOOOOO! Like most other posters, where is the G15? I owned a Saitek Gamer Keyboard w/commander pad for awhile, but then the veil was lifted when the G15 hit. I play Battlefield 2142 every night and with 18 programmable keys and M1,M2,M3 settings gives you 54 programmable keys. Then there is the mods for the LCD screen that gives you real-time data(i.e. Kills,deaths, ammo count,map, ping, number of players, etc....) Media Center controls, man I could go on and on!!!! I see why you DIDN'T add it, cuz then everyone would read it and be like,"Why did they mention the other 3?" The article would then read,"The uberest backlit keyboard EVEA!" Hell the only way they could improve it is add a can cooler and a toaster oven!! Mod that!!!
We miss the Logitech G11 and G15 and the Razer Lycosa
I agree I have the logitech G15 and I wouldnt trade it for anything in the world.
Logitech recently redesigned the G15 -- in a bad way, IMO. Gone are the three sets of 6 programmable G keys and in their place are a total of 6 (three pairs of 2 -- vertically stacked at that!!). The LCD is no longer flip-up, but integrated into the unit itself and appears smaller. Glad I got my old G15!!
Deck keyboards have great, high contrast backlighting with no seepage between keys. The keyboard construction is more industrial but is easy to type on. Deck also encourages keyboard modding.
I have a G15 and have had the same problem as concerned_user. While I think that omitting the Logitech backlit keyboards from the review is a rather large oversight, I do not think that the G15 is God's gift to the gamer.
The programmable keys are indeed excellent but the 'erosion' of the black masking is an unforgivable oversight on the part of Logitech. Had they spent any amount of time in R&D proving their product, they would have easily noticed such an obvious problem. I guess that's why they stand behind their G15 keyboards with an embarassing 1 year warranty while every other Logitech keyboard outside the G11 comes with a 3 year warranty. This difference speaks volumes about their own confidence in the 'G' series keyboards.
Why isn't the logitech G11 (wich I own) of G15 not in this review. Huge letdown from tom's hardware @ the start of 2008. Best keyboard ever and you guys missed it.
I am also working on modifying the backlit led's. I have a Logitech G15 k'board, it has only blue colour available. Human eyes don't seem to respond very well to blue light, the contrast level is much lower than white on black. This should be an easy mod to do for Logitech, access is relatively easy, and the LED's are not special.
Yes, the G15 really should have been featured here, it is built solidly, which is something that I cannot say about Saitek or Ideazon. Mine is the first generation one, so I cannot speak for Rev.2
I like the idea of the Microsoft/Razer unit, but there's nothing on it that would cause me to replace my G15. The Desktop 8k is just silly... neat, but pretty much pointless for my needs, especially at the price. (Besides, I use a Razer Copperhead, which I would put up against any mouse Microsoft has it's name on, making the 8k sorta redundant)
Shame on you for not including the G15
!
I'm very disappointed that no one has come out with a backlit version of a split keyboard such as the Microsoft Natural 4000. I would love to see a G15 in a split-board configuration!
Surely there are enough users of this type of keyboard for companies to take a serious look at offering a product like this for us. I will never go back to a standard keyboard again, no matter how many neat features it offers. I simply cannot hold my hands and wrists together so closely in the position required on a standard keyboard.
I was looking for keyboards for use by my blind friend, not necessarily for the purpose of gaming. Though the G15 has 3 brightness levels, it only has one color, if I am not mistaken. If I can't yet mod a board for a brighter color, I wanted something that would have very high (insanely) bright contrast. So though the G15 may be great for gamers, I wasn't looking at them in this article for that purpose. (I know, hard to understand).
I was only looking at two keyboards, and this wasn't intended as a comprehensive review. I added the MS keyboards as a lark at the very end.
AS far as durability, I have heard of reports of Saitek (I) not II - colors flaking off, but that apparently has been fixed. My Saitek I has been in nearly constant use for nearly two years, (I pound a lot as I don't touch type) and there are very few scratches on the silver. So far, no other keyboard has any paint coming off, but I have only used the Saitek II and Merc for 2 -3 months. I have only had the MS keyboards for a month or so - too new. I have had paint wear off other keyboards, however, so I guess the Saitek I, so far, is impressive. I hope the others are at least as good. And I probably won't use the Reclusa. I did think the action on the Saitek, and esp the Merc was very good.
Obviously the MS 8000 is not for gaming: the action on this slim keyboard is 1/2 the travel, and the styling is not gamer or heavy typing friendly. It is designed to control media appliances, and work portably. I take that to mean the couch or my lap. But the backlight was the best of the bunch, and has all sorts of portable controls that most other remote/portable keyboards miss. So MS is showing what can be done, if you put your mind and some dollars to it.
Valid questions about the G15, though. I will see if I can get one to review and hope my editor lets me post an addendum.
Hope this answers some of your concerns,
Doug