Need recommendation for illuminated desktop keyboard.

[Monty]

I'm looking to upgrade my desktop's computer but have no idea who makes quality products & who doesn't. Here are the main features I'm looking for:

1) Regular QWERTY-style keyboard w/ bright backlit keys. Needs to be highly visible in low or no light.

2) For now, I'm going to stick with a wired keyboard (plugs into USB port)

3) I'd like to keep the cost around $40.00 - the "gamer" keyboards are roughly double that, but I'm not a gamer & might be able to do without some of the extras they have on theirs,

I'd appreciate getting recommendations and links from people who actually own & use the keyboards they're suggesting that I buy.

[1930fordpickup]

X2

[ScaleDale]

Anything from Logitech would be top notch. Have a look at the wired keyboard link in this page: They aren't $40, but they are good.

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboards?WT.mc_id=AMR_DR_Q4_FY13_SERP&WT.srch=1&ci=0

Go to a big box electronics store or even one of the big office supply stores and have a look.

Dale

[Harry P.]

All you have to do is a google search and read the reviews...

http://www.google.com/#q=USB+backlit+keyboards&safe=off&tbm=shop&tbs=cat:303,pdtr0:735121%7C735122,vw:l,price:1,ppr_max:30

[Monty]

All you have to do is a google search and read the reviews...

http://www.google.com/#q=USB+backlit+keyboards&safe=off&tbm=shop&tbs=cat:303,pdtr0:735121%7C735122,vw:l,price:1,ppr_max:30

Gosh, Mr Wizard, I wish I woulda thought of that. I've been digging through the listings for hours, but even some of the better boards seem to have issues, so I thought the Borg people on the board might have some insights.

[Quick GMC]

I bought this one http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=597773&gclid=COKH-eTjlb4CFZJbfgodnEUA1A&Q=&is=REG&A=details

I love it. it types very nicely with no effort at all. The lights go on and off easily when you need them too. I paid $80 for mine only to find they lowered the price a few weeks later. worth every penny IMO

[von Zipper]

I bought this one http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=597773&gclid=COKH-eTjlb4CFZJbfgodnEUA1A&Q=&is=REG&A=details

I love it. it types very nicely with no effort at all. The lights go on and off easily when you need them too. I paid $80 for mine only to find they lowered the price a few weeks later. worth every penny IMO

That is the same brand of illuminated key board I bought last year 'Logitech'

Very Nice-Easy to see the keys when the room is dark.

Edited May 5, 2014 by von Zipper

[Harry P.]

Gosh, Mr Wizard, I wish I woulda thought of that. I've been digging through the listings for hours, but even some of the better boards seem to have issues, so I thought the Borg people on the board might have some insights.

And why would the reviews from people here be any more relevant than the reviews from all those other sites? Do people that build model cars have some sort of special insight into computer keyboards that all other people don't have?

[High octane]

My niece has an illuminated keyboard on her laptop and I really liked it. Looks like my next one will have that feature.

[Monty]

And why would the reviews from people here be any more relevant than the reviews from all those other sites? Do people that build model cars have some sort of special insight into computer keyboards that all other people don't have?

If you'd put the amount of effort into researching the comments that I did, you'd know that so many of the Amazon et al reviews are pure fluff along the lines of: "I just took this out of the box and plugged it in & all the little keys twinkle like stars! Can't wait to try typing on it!".

Coloured lights can hypnotize

sparkle someone else's eyes

Conversely, based on model reviews I've read on this and other sites, I'd say modelers are more objective than the average Amazon reviewer. You'll also note that I asked for recommendations from people on here who have (or had) a keyboard they thought I should know about. To me, that's similar to reading one of Car & Driver's 40,000 mile follow-ups on a car they reviewed when new.