Last week, I wrote about my old keyboard kicking the bucket…so it’s only fitting that this week I write about my new keyboard.
When it comes to computer components, I usually don’t skimp, inside or out. I like cases with lights and windows, I like mice with removable weights so I can customize it’s feel, I like slapping new user interfaces on top of Windows so I don’t have to deal with the Windows GUI.
That said, last year, I put together an entirely new system based on a decent dual core Pentium chip. I tossed in a GeForce 8800
I only had a couple of requirements this time when I started doing my keyboard research after the old one crapped out. Price wasn’t a concern (though I’m not nearly crazy enough to drop $1500 for this beauty). I just wanted a quiet keyboard with backlighting and programmable macro keys. What I found, though, went far beyond my requirements.
Normally, I’d be turned off by it’s Star Trek-ish angular features, but when I say it looks 100x better in person, I’m not kidding. Plus, it more than fulfills my needs. The backlighting features are awesome (6 different zones, each can have it’s own color hue and brightness, or the backlights can be turned off altogether). 12 programmable macro keys. Media buttons (volume, mute, play, stop, etc.). Touch-sensitive control panel (this is tough to explain…basically the buttons aren’t buttons, they respond when you touch the plastic, kinda like the iPod control wheel–very cool). Metal caps on the arrow and WASD keys to help guard against wear and tear from heavy usage. Anyway, I could go on, but believe me, after using a generic Logitech for so long, this is downright luxurious.
So now, I am one step closer to achieving my perfect setup. Barring an utter system failure, my next purchase will be two 22″ LCDs. I think the HP swiveling monitors are probably what I’ll get, but we’ll see!
