Wireless mouse & keyboard recommendations

[GoaThief]

Whilst I mainly use a 360 controller for all PC games these days, the immanent launch of Rise of Triad has thrown a spanner in the works due to it's fast paced multiplayer which is right up my alley. Currently I have a Razer diamondback and MS (wired) keyboard combination which I do enjoy but now pretty redundant due to my rig being hooked up to a HDTV.

I've had one poor experience with a wireless bluetooth mk years ago, where the range was poor over a metre or so. This time I'm needing about three and I'm hoping my fellow Escapists might be able to come up with a reliable option to recommend, even better if you've had experience with the product, or even scrapping the idea and opting for USB extention cables.

I'm open to anything you can suggest, and it goes without saying all advice will be much appreciated.

 

[GoaThief]

Anybody at all?

I know there's a lot of you here, where you hiding PC gamers? ;-)

 

[Worgen]

I use wired on my stuff since I don't like the idea of running out of batteries. Really the only suggestion I can make is go with logitech. I've been happy with all the products of theirs I've bought and they have an awesome warranty service so if something breaks, chances are they will send you a replacement.

 

[veloper]

Same here. Only use wired periphials.

 

[tranceformat]

I wouldn't recommend getting a wireless mouse or keyboard for that matter,the responses are rather delayed on most and also the battery's limited life may be a pain in the arse at times,that being said if I you'd insist on getting a wireless one,I'd say go for logitech.Their wired mice are amazing,and the wireless ones are supposedly also up to snuff.

If you were to get wired accessories - keyboards really don't matter,anything with a price tag of 10 euros or up will be enough,depending on how many extra buttons you want or if you want it backlit you could go for something more expensive but that's all up to you.

As for mice - Zowie AM,Razer Abyssus are both good if you have smaller hands,Razer Deathadder or Logitech G400 if you don't.But if you were to invest in one of these,you'll need an appropriate mousepad like say Steelseries QcK or Razer Goliathus.
Hope this helps.

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

Why the fuck would you want wireless? It's going to be right in front of the screen at all times, why would you want to constantly work with battery life and wonky connections and potentially losing the hardware?

You don't need anything special. I've never used anything special. My keyboard is a standard Alienware plinker, my mouse is a default Microsoft three-button (left, right, middle click). I say stick with what's easy and what works, instead of going out for something with built-in lights or looks like the Batmobile.

 

[erbkaiser]

Normally I'd recommend against using wireless as batteries will run out when it's least convenient, and you probably need to use them in a fixed location anyway because of the mouse pad and keyboard placement.

However if you absolutely must go wireless, you can't go wrong with Logitech. Get the Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX and any of their wireless keyboards that use the same universal receiver.

For wired, get any of their G-series mouses. I use a G500 myself, with a G105 keyboard.

 

[Zyst]

I mostly use wired stuff, namely a Ducky Mechanical keyboard (all of them are awesome) and a Razer Deathadder.

Now, I would advice pro my own setup. It just doesn't get better than that, the mouse might have some room for improvement depending on what you need to use it for but for my uses it's perfect.

I'd highly recommend this, if you insist on having a wireless setup for whatever reason (I can think of a multiple of valid reasons for needing a wireless setup) I recommend you go to /g/ from 4chan instead of asking here, you'll likely get a lot more valid (Although elitist) feedback. A good setup of mouse/keyboard should run you around $220USD if you are serious about it, if you do decide to go to /g/ expect that as a near minimum.

 

[WhitbyDragon]

I game on wireless kit, got my lappy hooked up to my telly so the cables would be really annoying. That said, I went for the basic Microsoft one, go for something else. Not the most responsive mouse with a conversely over sensitive middle mouse wheel, and a very soft touch keyboard with tiny function keys. If you can get past the learning curve and have the cash (£50/60 rather than £20, I'm not at the AlienWare price bracket by far), the unergonomic one is pretty good.

Oh and I'm still on my first set of batteries after nearly 3 weeks of hard use, don't worry too much there unless you're majorly into multiplayer stuff.

 

[SinisterGehe]

My suggestion for wireless is:
Don't get wireless.
They are unreliable even at high price point and it takes luck to get the right combination. I had to install a computer for my mother's dental clinic new Xray machine and I found that most reliable of the wireless for office use was the microsoft brand wireless office kit.

But logitech should have some good ones. Just make sure you can choose the channel individually to each device and that they have USB wire interface just incase.

 

[gigastar]

Dont get wireless.

If range is an issue with your M&K, then get a pair of USB extension leads.

 

[Ruley]

Yeah, sorry to join in but yes. use wired. Wireless has let me down twice. once when the battery died mid game and once when it became so unreliable due to interference.

As for what i'd recommend. I've had a Microsoft Sidewinder X6 keyboard and X5 mouse for years now. best keyboard/mouse i've ever owned.

 

[Upbeat Zombie]

Logitech is usually a good brand. Although I mostly just use wired peripherals so I couldn't tell you the best. But you should just look around at reviews and prices seeing which give you the best quality for your buck. Thats what I do all my gaming peripherals.

 

[endtherapture]

Go wired unless you have a laptop.

 

[Velociferocks]

If you want a wireless mouse with fast Response times (1ms), you'll have to be prepared to pay at least 100$. I've been using the Cyborg R.A.T. 9 (~130$) since august last year, and it's without a doubt the best mouse (wired or otherwise) I've ever used. It comes with 2 rechargeable batteries that lasts for about 8 hours of constant use, it has customizable grips and palm rests. It has absolutely no noticeable lag.
As for keyboard? I have no idea, I'm still using a Saitek Eclipse which I bought in 2005.

 

[Charli]

To get decent (with rechargers) reliable wireless peripherals you're usually going to have to pay through the nose.

I'd say it's not worth it unless you're someone who needs to sit far away from your screen...

 

[GoaThief]

Seems quite a few of you missed the part where my rig is hooked up to a HDTV, hence no desk and looking for a replacement for my beloved Razer Diamondback (owned three of these bad boys in differing flavours over the years). Perhaps I should have emphasised that part a little more, sorry. Keyboards I'm not so fussy with, I think the best one I've owned for gaming was a Cherry White flat notebook style one for around $15. Beat the Razer Arctosa before it's untimely tequila drenched demise.

But I digress, the RAT 9 could be very interesting, range would be a concern however. Not really interested in battery life as my maximum session time on it will be about three hours. Doesn't have to be a gaming mk setup either, I used to play Quake and Kingpin tournaments at semi pro level using a MS Intellimouse (if anyone remembers those).

Thanks for all the posts so far, keep them coming by all means.

 

[loc978]

I've had decent luck with a Logitech RF wireless KB/M combo... though the most demanding game I've used it for is Terraria. When playing fast-paced FPS games on my TV, I lay on my back on a yoga mat with my keyboard propped up against my left leg, mouse on the floor to my right... on a single USB extension with a tiny 2-port hub attached to my keyboard.

I'm still waiting for an inclusive RF system (with the range and response time of my Logitech peripherals) supporting peripherals with lithium-ion batteries that charge via a mini USB port. Sony did that very right with the PS3. Shame it was for thumbstick controllers running on bluetooth.

 

[V da Mighty Taco]

I tried going wireless when I first started getting into PC gaming over a year ago. However, the delay that would appear at the most random times got really annoying real fast and the lack of precision was biting me. Sucked it up and got a Razer Deathadder, and besides the bullshittery that is Razer Synapse 2.0 (seriously, why the fuck do you need an internet connection to change your mouse settings?) it's been phenominal. Far better precision when the DPI is cranked up combined with no delay would make going back to a wireless mouse impossible for me. It's also quite a comfy mouse even for a laptop gamer like myself. Definitely worth the ~$60 I payed for it.

As many others have said, wired is definitely the way to go. Doesn't have to be a Razer mouse, but you definitely want something with at least 2400 DPI and no wireless delay even if you don't play shooters.

 

[xDarc]

I use a solar powered wireless keyboard with rechargeable battery for the media center box I built for my HDTV in my living room:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126199

Sometimes you can find it on sale for 30 bucks; normally 60.

I've had the same battery for over a year at this point. I also have the Logitech wireless mouse (m305) and I've had to change batteries in the mouse like 3-4 times so far.

I also have no idea what people are talking about as far as delay issues go; my media center has a wireless network adapter; wireless mouse and keyboard; bought my own Motorola cable modem/wireless router combo... everything works peachy. I don't really game on the living room computer; it's just a cheap $400 build with a fanless gfx card for hd video and dual core processor w/ 2TB HD. I still don't think delay would be issue, but the wireless keyboard is quite flat and may not be comfortable for gaming, even if you use the kickstands.