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Are expensive mouses and keyboards worth it?

This sort of thing is always a matter of personal priority. I get by with a cheap logitech on both fronts. I play fighting games with a $150 arcade stick...

I would like a better mouse, but I can't see spending more than $60 on one.
 
No, it's not worth it.

One of the cheapes mechanical keyboards goes for something like 90€ (g6v2) and it's one of the best. You can invest up to 200 bucks on a keyboard but it's not worth it.

Mouse-wise you can get tournament level sensor performance for 40-50 €. Anything above that is just paying for a brand (looking at you, razer). There's A LOT of misconception about sensors and dpi and the producers are betting on the ignorance of the buyers.

Also, mouse surface is important as well. A steelseries qck+ (40x45cm) goes for 20 bucks and should be a must buy at least for entry level stuff.
 
Mechanical keyboards are an absolute. Mouse, you can get by with whatever's comfortable (read, whatever's not in the box the PC came with).

Regular keyboards almost hurt at this point.
 
I'd say for keyboards, absolutely if it's mechanical. As for mice, ehh I'd say maybe not so much. The gaming mice are mostly packed with features that probably won't make any sort of noticeable difference. But those are the mice that tend to have more buttons on them. I like more buttons.
 
Well I use a fingertip grip and this is the mouse that I finally fell in love with personally after trying quite a few:



It is no longer in production but it was replaced by the Xornet II which has the exact same shape.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017M4FT34/?tag=neogaf0e-20

But in the end it is such a personal preference thing. A mouse that fits your grip perfectly feels so much better.

Yes, the original Xornet and the Spawn were both replaced by the Xornet 2. Great ergonomics for claw grip. I have big hands so I claw a "standard" mouse anyway, so it totally made sense for me to go with an actual claw grip mouse. I still am rocking the original Xornet but may go for a Xornet 2 if for no other reason than the increased customization options (the better sensor doesn't hurt either).


EDIT: Everybody preaching the religion of mechanical; more people need to delineate between the variants. I stated upthread that I think mechanical is grossly overrated, but I can at least see the argument for red or brown. Blue or green I'd potentially argue are objectively worse for gaming than a 'good' membrane keyboard.
 
Mice with very good sensors, comfortable grips, and decent build quality can be picked up for £35-40 or so. I don't see any reason to go over that.

For keyboards, mechanical keyboards can easily be worth it. Especially if you find Cherry switches at a reasonable price. If you look around, £50-60 can get you a good one.

Don't buy Razer. Just don't.
Yes, the original Xornet and the Spawn were both replaced by the Xornet 2. Great ergonomics for claw grip. I have big hands so I claw a "standard" mouse anyway, so it totally made sense for me to go with an actual claw grip mouse. I still am rocking the original Xornet but may go for a Xornet 2 if for no other reason than the increased customization options (the better sensor doesn't hurt either).


EDIT: Everybody preaching the religion of mechanical; more people need to delineate between the variants. I stated upthread that I think mechanical is grossly overrated, but I can at least see the argument for red or brown. Blue or green I'd potentially argue are objectively worse for gaming than a 'good' membrane keyboard.

Blues are typing switches though, always have been.

For games, I can absolutely see why people wouldn't want them.
 
I thought the people who raved about mechanical keyboards sounded like crazy people until I actually tried one. You don't even need to spend that much on one. I bought a Cooler Master mech for maybe $60 or 70 after rebate and I love it. I highly recommend getting one.
 
I guess it depends on what you consider "expensive." I think I paid around 90 bucks for my Logitech G9 when it first came out and I'd easily pay that again. That's *nothing* for a piece of hardware that you're going to use all the time, imo.

Anything under $100 for a quality piece of hardware is a no-brainer.

Sadly I don't know what I'll replace my G9 with if something ever happens to it since they don't make them anymore. Maybe the G502. It looks like the closest to it and is only $80 on Logitech's site, so I assume I can get it for pretty cheap elsewhere.
 
Getting a more expensive mouse probably wont fix your pains

Do special excercises to release the stress on your hands.
Try to find an anchorpoint on your desk, your elbow or lower arm is fine.
Find a relaxed grip on your mouse. Palm/slightly clawing is preferable. Get a mouse that supports that kind of grip.
Lower/higher your dpi/windows sens. You got pain in your wrist? Lower your DPI so youll move your whole arm instead of micro adjustments.

Also, if we're talking about basically any other use case than gaming: get a graphics tablet. They tend to be way more wrist-friendly than mice.
 
Before investing in new peripherals, you have to go hands-on to figure out whats best for you. My logitech g400 and my brown switches mechanical keyboard is my prefered combo, but yours could be entirely different. Physically go in a store to check out what they have and test the different keyboard switches to see wich one you like. Once you figured that out, shop for one with the prefered design or set of features.
 
Blues are typing switches though, always have been.

For games, I can absolutely see why people wouldn't want them.

I don't like the other extreme (red) for gaming either, truthfully. A stiff breeze could activate a bunch of keys inadvertently (though I'll concede red is probably marginally better strictly for WASD movement; for everything else I find it inferior to brown). And red of course is not great for general typing.

Brown is the only way to go imo, if I had to use mechanical (even in a gaming vacuum with no general use typing).
 
prag16, you should try Topres some time if you ever get the chance. They basically feel like incredibly high quality rubber domes because that's kind of what they are, and the build quality on the first party boards is amazing.
 
Browns are what I decided on also.

They're light enough that they don't tire my fingers and heavy enough that they give a nice feedback.

Also, on the topic of mice, there's always the trackball option. They're not as glamorous, but they're better on your hands in terms of ergonomics. Obviously not as great for shooters, but perfectly fine for everything else.
 
Turning off enhance pointer precision is worth it too, but that's a software thing.

Yes mice above 30$ tend to offer a lot more precision and consistency then shit below it. What's expensive to some is expensive to others. For instance my bro JRES thinks 40-60$ mice are cheap I don't same for games when it comes to that price. After that point sans buttons I rarely see the point as you can get most of that good hardware cheap when new stuff comes out.
 
I had the MX518 for years and now have a Proteus G502. The logitiech software is pretty great for setting macros and what not. Mechanical keyboards are great too. I have a corsair k70. Love the click clack. Definitely worth the money IMO.

I have the exact same keyboard and mouse and they were definitely worth the money.
 
If you're not getting a mechanical keyboard, sub $15 basic keyboards are totally functional. I had one serve me well for over 5 years.

However, mechanical keyboards are 100% worth the price and you will never want to go back to regular keyboards after.

Mice vary a lot so it's up to you to decide what you want. If you want a normal mouse with no other extra buttons $10-$20 mice will do the trick. If you want a higher dpi then don't cheap out on the mouse, $50 at the very least.
 
Speaking of mechanical keyboards? Do they make "ergonomic" ones?

My favorite keyboard design was the Logitech Office Comfort Keyboard one that's split down the middle, but they don't make those anymore so I use a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 which has the next best split ergo layout for me.

Are there any mechanical keyboards designed like those two?
 
Mechanical keyboards are worth the price. I paid around $90 for my Corsair K70, and it still works as good as the day I bought it (had it for almost 3 years now). Before I used to replace keyboards every year due to the keys getting mushy or popping off, so in the long run, it has already saved me money.
 
If your mousing at work isn't time critical stuff, I recommend shifting it to your off-hand. Less muscle stress that way and you can learn to be (somewhat) ambidextrous.
 
Mechanical keyboards are worth it. They type better and faster, the tension is customizable, the feedback feels really good. They're also solid and made to last, unlike cheap membrane keyboards.

Most expensive mice are a waste of money. The best gaming mice I've used have been in the $40-50 range. All that matters is how accurate and responsive the laser is.

This has been my experience as well.

I agree. Expensive keyboards are usually mechanical, and they're easily worth it. Expensive mice, though... I don't see what they add to the table a $20 or $30 mouse doesn't.

Though to be fair, I'm not a mouse expert. But I use this mouse, which has two DPI settings and two extra buttons:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826146009 ($15)

It works well and has great reviews (see Amazon).
 
I agree. Expensive keyboards are usually mechanical, and they're easily worth it. Expensive mice, though... I don't see what they add to the table a $20 or $30 mouse doesn't.

Though to be fair, I'm not a mouse expert. But I use this mouse, which has two DPI settings and two extra buttons:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826146009 ($15)

It works well and has great reviews (see Amazon).

RE mice - a lot of what they bring to the table is Ergonomics and Weight adjustment. Sometimes you just can't get a mouse that "fits" you right and feels right in your hand without going to the $60-80 mice (which I don't view as expensive, personally).

Buying mice blind is pretty much a nightmare and why I've had my G9 for so long and hope it never fails. I'm afraid of not finding something that fits me just right again. Prior to my G9 I used a Logtech Trackman Marble Plus, because there was simply no mouse out there for me.
 
Depends on the game.

If you're playing an MMO with lots'o'button. A Naga type mouse is really a life saver.

Also, Mechanical Keyboard are very nice, but not mandatory.
 
I spent 80€ on my mechanical keyboard and I just love it. It is soo much better. It's one of those things I'd buy another right away if something happened to it.

My mouse cost 21€ like 5 years ago. It's an X7 and I like it for what I need. Don't see a reason to spend more money on a mouse.
 
logitech g303 is much more comfortable than a xornet for my fingertip grip


i have a topre keyboard and its the next level above cherry switches, but it cost over 200 bucks
 
I reckon any decent mech keyboard with a mouse that feels right and you're set.

If you're into MMOs though, I would definitely recommend a Naga or something similar with heaps of side buttons, for mappable goodness. I currently use a Razer Blackwidow KB + Corsair Hyperion mouse (or my Naga when playing MMOs/Turn-based RPGs).
 
Don't know about keyboards but the G502 was worth the money.

Why don't I know anything about keyboards? Because this damn thing is still working fine, I'll probably kick the bucket before it does.
 
RE mice - a lot of what they bring to the table is Ergonomics and Weight adjustment. Sometimes you just can't get a mouse that "fits" you right and feels right in your hand without going to the $60-80 mice (which I don't view as expensive, personally).

Buying mice blind is pretty much a nightmare and why I've had my G9 for so long and hope it never fails. I'm afraid of not finding something that fits me just right again. Prior to my G9 I used a Logtech Trackman Marble Plus, because there was simply no mouse out there for me.

I can see that, to be honest. I have used expensive mice before and really enjoyed the feeling of more weight and better ergonomics, though I guess for me personally, the bump from $40 -> $100 doesn't show a big enough difference to justify the price (especially considering that I found the $15 mouse I mentioned to be very comfortable as well, though it is a little light).

But that's just my experience. Plus, in reality, even a small improvement can go a long way, especially if you use it every day and/or for hours at a time.
 
I didn't spend much on the KB but I spent a little bit on the mouse.
I feel a good mouse is important and the mouse I had worked very well (a G500). Some months back it started breaking down (right button would double click etc) and I switched to a Logitech G502. I couldn't be more happy with a mouse. It costed a bit (60 or 80€) but it's really comfortable, with some great neat things (the infinite scroll wheel is really awesome) and nice software to go with it.

So, while I'm not too concerned with spending big on a keyboard (I use a K200 which still works fine), I feel it is worth it to spend a bit on the mouse.
 
I can see that, to be honest. I have used expensive mice before and really enjoyed the feeling of more weight and better ergonomics, though I guess for me personally, the bump from $40 -> $100 doesn't show a big enough difference to justify the price (especially considering that I found the $15 mouse I mentioned to be very comfortable as well, though it is a little light).

But that's just my experience. Plus, in reality, even a small improvement can go a long way, especially if you use it every day and/or for hours at a time.

Yeah, I'm with you. I paid something like $70 for the mouse I have now (Logitech MX Master), which is more than I wanted to pay, but was the closest thing comparable to the mouse I was used to (Logitech MX1000), and I had used that for around 10 years. So I figure paying $10 or $20 extra for something that I'll use for a decade really isn't that outrageous.

I only play FPS or MMO games casually though, so I'm not super interested in DPI settings of the mouse or 20+ keybindings. I was most interested in a shape/weight that felt natural to me, and a wheel the scrolls left/right (sooooo useful).
 
I can see that, to be honest. I have used expensive mice before and really enjoyed the feeling of more weight and better ergonomics, though I guess for me personally, the bump from $40 -> $100 doesn't show a big enough difference to justify the price (especially considering that I found the $15 mouse I mentioned to be very comfortable as well, though it is a little light).

But that's just my experience. Plus, in reality, even a small improvement can go a long way, especially if you use it every day and/or for hours at a time.

The price bump isn't a big deal for me because I don't expect those mice to die or for something to happen to them. It's a buy it once and not worry about it thing and an extra $40-60 more for more comfort over 10 years time is one of the best investments you can possibly make. I've had my G9 for about that long now I think and I don't imagine it just dying on me.

Now that I've said that something is going to happen to my fucking mouse, isn't it?
 
if you are super into FPS games a 5000 DPI mouse can allow you to perform multiple high precision shots against scattered targets in miliseconds, but otherwise just about any mouse without acceleration will do.
 
Keyboards, yes. All about the switches.

Mouse to a certain extent, no. Mice break down within one year usually with double clicking or click + drag problems.

So much marketing fluff is thrown at these accessories.
 
What the hell mice are you buying that break down in one year? I've have my G9 for nearly a decade now.

Logitech G602

Warranty is worthless.

Customer service is useless and unresponsive.

Best mice have been in the $10-$30 range in terms of longevity. Still have that iconic red laser Microsoft white mouse that works to this day.
 
Mice? Not really. The Logitech G400 is the best mouse I've ever used and I've used mice that cost hundreds of dollars. It's kinda hard to find now though, especially for a sane price. Keyboards are worth investing in, I refuse to buy anything that isn't mechanical.
 
Haven't played aroun with keyboards but nice yes but depends on why . I def needed to upgrade my mouse and mousepad when I played cs in LAN tourneys . It comes down to one having a good sensor wwhich are normally in the 30 plus range (but there was this one at 15 but think they fazed it out )also ergonomics matter depending on your grip style especially when playing reflexive aim based games you want to be super comfy with your mouse
 
So regarding mechanical keyboards, are they worth it for fps? I was always under the impression mechanical keyboards are more useful for MOBA games. Also does the sound bother you guys ? Assuming you get use to the sound.

If anything I normally use my computer for typing papers and some gaming here and there.
 
So regarding mechanical keyboards, are they worth it for fps? I was always under the impression mechanical keyboards are more useful for MOBA games. Also does the sound bother you guys ? Assuming you get use to the sound.

If anything I normally use my computer for typing papers and some gaming here and there.

There's not a great deal of additional sound unless you get something with clicky switches. There are more varieties of non-click available.
 
Mouse prices can vary a lot, but how much they cost often has very little to do with how good they really are. I know mkenyon has posted this list before, and I've seen similar on other sites. These mice have near-perfect sensors. There are some differences, but it mostly comes down to ergonomics, and other details such as click latency at this point.

- Microsoft WMO 1.1
- Microsoft IMO 1.1
- Microsoft IME 3.0
- Zowie FK
- Zowie AM
- Zowie FK1
- Zowie EC1 CL
- Zowie EC1 eVo
- Zowie EC2 CL
- Zowie EC2 eVo
- Razer Deathadder 3G
- Razer Deathadder 3.5G
- Razer Deathadder 2013
- Razer Abyssus
- Logitech G302
- Logitech G400
- Logitech G400s
- Logitech G502
- Logitech G402
- Steelseries Kana V2
- Steelseries Rival
- Mionix Avoir 7000
- Cooler Master Storm Spawn
- Cooler master Storm Alcor
- Roccat Savu
- Roccat Kone Pure Optical
- Roccat Kone Pure Military
- Mad Catz R.A.T. 3
- Corsair M45
- Corsair Sabre Optical

The list might be missing some recent releases. A lot of people recommend the G502, but the weight is a serious problem.

Mouse click latency:

8e56a60d_button_latency_testing_overall_150718.png


As for keyboards, get a mechanical keyboard. It's worth it. The difference between brands basically comes down to build quality and whether you care about extra features.
 
There's not a great deal of additional sound unless you get something with clicky switches. There are more varieties of non-click available.

Hmmm didnt know that. I just remember when my friend bought a mechanical keyboard, it was very clickly. I prob should look more into it. But does anyone have suggestions or recommendations? Assuming Cheery is good from what I saw in this thread.
 
Hmmm didnt know that. I just remember when my friend bought a mechanical keyboard, it was very clickly. I prob should look more into it. But does anyone have suggestions or recommendations? Assuming Cheery is good from what I saw in this thread.

Been a long time user of Cherry MX blue switches (5+ years).

My wishlist has Cherry MX Red switches next.

I think Cherry MX Browns are disappointing.
 
Expensive mice are a waste IMO, I'm fine with my ancient MS WMO, but mechanical keyboards are rather nice, I'm speaking more as a typer than a gamer though .

They don't need to be expensive. I bought a Qisan one as a second mechanical keyboard to to try out linear switches and it's great. They range from £30 to £50 for a backlit one (Amazon) , and are available with a variety of different switches - Cherry, Gateron etc. No doubt there's some improvement in the super pricey ones, but to try them out, it's a pretty cool little thing. I'd recommend it for starting out.
 
It's important to know how you grip your mouse:

Yep. I use a fingertip grip, replaced my broken MX518 with a G602, and it's just not the same. The thumb buttons are very awkward to use (and not comfortable) with this grip, so the main feature I bought it for is kinda useless.
 
Mice don't matter, but a quality mechanical keyboard is vital.
Vital for what? Been playing on a high competitive level on a few games with $10-15 dell keyboards for over 15 years.

917JWjNse3L._SX522_.jpg



Cheap and built like a tank.
This guy/gal gets it.

Using this right now and WASD letters are almost completely faded. I get that people like the click clack loud keyboards and that you can press like 80 thousand keys at the same and they all register but a mechanical keyboard isn't going to make you magically better at typing or at playing games i wish people would stop acting like you are at some kind of disadvantage for not having a $150 keyboard. Shit, the only reason i don't use the Intelli 3.0 anymore (which i have been using since i think the late 90s) is because i ran out of my bulk ones i bought like 15-16 years ago because they stopped producing them.
 
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