The Complete Keyboard Shopping Guide

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Your computer is incomplete without a proper keyboard and so it is very important to choose the one that guarantees optimal performance. Whether you are at home or at the office, you should pick the right keyboard that goes well with your typing needs.

click to enlarge

Are you looking for an ergonomic keyboard that ensures total comfort? Or a wireless keyboard for your traveling needs? Whatever your preferences might be, just make sure you take other key aspects into account, such as the keyboard size, extra functions and layout (QWERTY, DVORAK).

Still confused? Check out our in-depth buyer’s guide to choosing and purchasing the keyboard of your dreams and get information, facts and reviews on some of the best keyboards available in the market.

Getting Started

So you have finally decided to buy a new keyboard. Before purchasing one, you may want to find out what the different types of keyboard are, or which design will suit your preferences. If you are bored with your old keyboard layout and planning to buy a brand new product, then this is the perfect place to get started. You will find useful information on keyboard designs, layouts and advantages as well as tips on choosing the right keyboard for your computer.

How to Choose a Basic Keyboard The Many Different Types of Keyboards - Your Choices Choosing the Best Computer Keyboard for Small Hands Why we use the QWERTY Keyboard Learn about the Advantages of Using a Dvorak Keyboard //This is for the ATF unitTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':15,'titleDecoration':'Underline','titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':5,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','adsbyColor':'333333','adstyle':'twolineurltop','adsbyposition':'bottomright','width':640,'ad_width':500,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':1,'row_margin':16,'channel_id':'0736364053'});Top Keyboard Reviews

At times, choosing a keyboard can be difficult. You can get easily confused with the range of keyboard choices available in the market. Instead of jumping straight into online shopping sites, why don’t you start reading reviews first and then make an informed purchase? A review highlights the features, usability and aesthetics of a keyboard and points out its advantages and disadvantages.

If you are looking forward to buying a new ergonomic, gaming, laptop or wireless keyboard, then you might want to check our in-depth reviews on top products, such as Microsoft, Logitech and the SteelSeries brand of keyboards. You will find plenty of information on their unique features, looks and ease of use.

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 Review Microsoft Wireless Keyboard Backlit Review Microsoft Natural Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 Review of the Microsoft ZV1 Media Center Wireless Keyboard The Logitech Classic Keyboard 200 Review Logitech Illuminated Keyboard Review: Light up the Night Logitech Wave Keyboard Review The Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless Keyboard Review Best Razer Keyboard - The Tarantula and Lycosa Compared SteelSeries 7G Keyboard Review Dell SK 3205 Smart Card Reader Keyboard Ergonomic Keyboards

When choosing a keyboard, you might be more interested in ease-of-use and comfort rather than the extra features it offers. If comfort is your primary concern, then you should go for an ergonomic keyboard, which is designed to prevent health concerns like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

When buying an ergonomic keyboard, you should know what Wave and Split Key keyboards are and why you should choose keyboards with soft-press keys. This section will help you in choosing the right keyboard. You will find some great shopping guides and reviews on some of the best ergonomic keyboards available in the market.

The Advantages of Using an Ergonomically Correct Keyboard Choosing the Right Ergonomic Keyboard Shopping Guide for Flat Split-Key Ergonomic Keyboards The Ergonomic, Feature-Rich Microsoft Wireless Comfort Keyboard 4000 Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 Top 5 Ergonomic Computer Keyboards Gaming Keyboards

Gaming keyboards offer plenty of programmable and customizable keys to help you perform various in-game activities and tasks effortlessly. You might be interested in buying a keyboard with an easy-to-use hybrid design, or a macro keyboard that offers quick, on-the-fly macro recording. You may also love to have something that doubles up as a traditional keyboard when you’re in the mood for work rather than play. Your choice of a gaming keyboard completely depends on what features you prefer.

To help you in choosing the perfect keyboard for your gaming needs, we have a collection of top keyboards ranging from Alienware products to Logitech keyboards. You will also find a top ten list of keyboards that highlight the features of some of the best macro, hybrid and illuminated products.

Best Gaming Keyboards: List of the Top 10 Gaming Keyboards Best Keyboards for Gamer Geeks Shopping Guide: Alienware Keyboard Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard Review Wireless Keyboards

If you travel a lot and you are looking for a tangle-free typing experience, then go for a wireless keyboard. But make sure to carry an extra pair of batteries, or else you are in trouble if the battery dies.

Wireless keyboards are available in various designs, from illuminated ones to small keyboards suitable for traveling. In this section you will find a good set of smarter, lighter wireless keyboards for typing on the go.

The Best Illuminated Wireless Keyboards Buyer’s Guide to Wireless Laptop Keyboards Logitech Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard Combos Shopping Guide Guide to Small Wireless Keyboards Dell Bluetooth Keyboards: Drivers, Downloads, and Dealing with Them The Best Choice for a Microsoft Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Tips and Troubleshooting

Now that you’ve purchased the keyboard of your dreams, it’s time to take a look at some tips and tricks to make the most of your new purchase. Here you will find out how to install a wireless, corded or Bluetooth keyboard. You will also learn what the proper way of cleaning a keyboard is and find a basic troubleshooting guide to fix common problems. After all, a keyboard is an important PC component and so it requires as much care as your monitor.

Installing Keyboards; Locating Ports and Connecting the Keyboard Installing Keyboards; Wireless and Bluetooth Finding New Keyboard Drivers How to Properly Clean a Computer Keyboard How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard How to Troubleshoot a Keyboard How to Unlock a Computer Keyboard Why is My Keyboard Not Working at Boot Up? Stuck Caps Lock Key? Here's How to Fix It

We hope this guide will help you choose the right keyboard. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment and we will try our best to answer it.

ReferencesImage Credit: Computer Keyboard by Tom Stefanac Under CC by 2.0 Next Article ?#sharevertical{background-color:#f5f5f5;border:1px solid #d4dadc;width:100px}#sharehorizontal{width:630px;margin-top:15px}#sharehorizontalbox{background-color:#f5f5f5;border:1px solid #d4dadc;height:50px;margin-top:10px}hr{border:0 none;border-bottom:1px dotted #b5b5b5;margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px}.box,.box2{cursor:pointer;cursor:hand}.box2{float:left}div.box:hover,div.box2:hover{opacity:.75}.fleft{background-repeat:no-repeat;height:32px;width:100px;margin-bottom:10px}div.fbButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 0}div.twitterButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -32px}div.linkedinButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -64px}div.stumbleuponButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -96px}div.emailButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -128px}div.sharethisButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -160px}.fleft .countbox{margin-left:40px;height:25px;background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/countBubble.png");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0 4px;color:#727272}.fleft span{display:block;padding-left:18px;padding-top:6px;font-family:"lucida grande","trebuchet ms","myriad pro",arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px}#sharethiscount,#sharethiscount2{text-indent:-5px}#commentsFlag{float:right}.cfLink{color:#888;text-decoration:none}.cfLink:hover{color:#000;text-decoration:underline}.cfSpacer{color:#ccc;margin-left:5px;margin-right:5px}Comments|FlagcommentsURL="http://"+location.host+location.pathname+"#comments";flagURL="http://"+location.host+"/clienttools/problem/?postid="+articleInfo.postId;commentsFlagHTML=document.getElementById("commentsFlag").innerHTML;commentsFlagHTML=commentsFlagHTML.replace(/commentsURL/gi,commentsURL);commentsFlagHTML=commentsFlagHTML.replace(/flagURL/gi,flagURL);document.getElementById("commentsFlag").innerHTML=commentsFlagHTML;document.getElementById("horizontal2").innerHTML=commentsFlagHTML; We Also Recommend... Review of Microsoft Ergonomic Backlit Wireless Keyboard The Top 10 Gaming Keyboards for the Best Gaming Experience Choosing the Best Computer Keyboard for Small Hands The Best Illuminated Wireless Keyboards for Christmas 2010 Troubleshooting Wireless Keyboards and Mice that are Slow, Jerky, or Locked Up//Change the values below for each configuratorvar page_pc_configName = "Laptop";var clickURL = "http://www.brighthub.com/content/laptopconfig.aspx";var showLog = true; //Define adCreative Below, if adding new creative be sure to use a new name for reporting purposesvar productConfig = {"adCreative": [{"name": "Laptop1_slideUp","displayType": "slideUp","divContainer": "slider1"},{"name": "Laptop2_slideUp","displayType": "slideUp","divContainer": "slider2"},{"name": "Laptop2_BOA","displayType": "display","divContainer": "display2"}]}.slider1 {background-color: #4789b3;border-bottom:2px solid #004337;display: none;position:fixed;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 139px;z-index: 100001;}.slider1 .banner {background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/laptop/laptop_adcreative_banner.jpg") repeat-x scroll left top;display: block;height: 100%;overflow: hidden;width: 980px;margin:8px auto; position:relative;}.slider1 .click {float:left;width:650px;height:120px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;}.slider1 .click2 {font-family:arial;color:#fff;font-size:12px;float:right;width:200px;height:20px;bottom:0px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;margin-top:100px;margin-right:120px;}Not interested? 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Best Razer Keyboard - The Tarantula and Lycosa Compared

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If you've narrowed down your new keyboard choices to manufacturer Razer, but you're still not sure what model to go for, then this comparison should help. Learn about the key differences between the Lycosa and the Tarantula before you decide which is for you.

Razer currently offers several gaming peripherals and in this article we compare two of their best keyboards - the Tarantula and the Lycosa. Initially the Tarantula was more expensive, but now both keyboards can be had for under $70 on most online shopping portals. Choosing the right keyboard comes down to your usage patterns, requirements and desk space. To aid in choosing the right keyboard let's compare the features offered by the two.

The Tarantula - Features

click to enlargeThe Tarantula has 10 dedicated macro keys that you can program to perform a wide variety of tasks, from reloading your gun during a deathmatch to jumping to a part of the screen while playing RTS games. It also features an anti-ghosting capability. What that essentially means is that you may press multiple keys at once and have all of them register on your PC; on most PC keyboards more than four simultaneous key presses results in a signal failure and they fail to register.

If backlit keys are your thing, you may have to look elsewhere as the Tarantula lacks them. It makes up for it by being a thick and wide keyboard with oodles of space. If you have meaty paws and the desk space to spare you might be all about it. It comes with a comfortable but permanently attached wrist rest, so if you don't like them or have already have a fave that's a mark against the Tarantula. The Razer logo flashes on the keyboard and gives it a vaguely menacing look.

//This is for the ATF unitTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':15,'titleDecoration':'Underline','titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':5,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','adsbyColor':'333333','adstyle':'twolineurltop','adsbyposition':'bottomright','width':640,'ad_width':500,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':1,'row_margin':16,'channel_id':'0736364053'});The Lycosa - Features

click to enlargeThe Lycosa is a more recent product and one of the immediately noticable differences between it and the Tarantula is that it is completely backlit. It provides a touch panel on the top right of the keyboard which can be used to control media playback. It shares the anti-ghosting capability with the Tarantula along with software profiles that you can switch on the fly.

The Lycosa lacks separate macro keys, although you can program all the other keys to perform specific tasks using Razer software. Both keyboards have an audio out and microphone jack which can be useful for connecting headsets and they also have a USB 1.1 Hub. The Lycosa features a nifty feature called gaming mode, which deactivates the Windows key.

Size and Comfort

The Tarantula with its permanently attached palm rest is significantly thicker and larger than the Lycosa. The Tarantula measures 522mm x 220mm while the Lycosa is 469mm x 221m with the palm rest attached. The Lycosa's keys have a rough finish while the Tarantula's are smooth. The Tarantula's keys are more suited to those who type a lot as they are more responsive. The Lycosa's keys are more forgiving thanks to their slim size which helps to prevent accidental keypresses.

The Lycosa is more suitable if you intend on taking it out and about to LAN parties or with a laptop, since it is smaller in size and packs in all the essential features required by a gamer. The Tarantula would suit someone with a lot of desk space and it is a great keyboard even for general PC usage.

Which One to Buy

Overall both devices deliver as gaming keyboards as well as for general PC usage. Which one you prefer will boil down to your preference for backlighting, size and tactility. If you game a lot in a particular location and backlit keyboards do not appeal to you, the Tarantula is a good choice. If you are looking for a good looking but more compact keyboard minus the dedicated macro keys, you should choose the Lycosa.

ReferencesRazer, http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/DisplayCategoryProductListPage/categoryID.35156900Razer, http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/DisplayCategoryProductListPage/categoryID.35156900Images courtesy of manufacturer. Next Article ? We Also Recommend... Gaming Mice: The Top Ten Options for Hardcore Gamers Seeking a New Mouse How to Choose a Basic Keyboard Doing the Basics Really, Really Well: SteelSeries 7G Free Drawing Games Online Transferring Music to MP3 Players//Change the values below for each configuratorvar page_pc_configName = "Laptop";var clickURL = "http://www.brighthub.com/content/laptopconfig.aspx";var showLog = true; //Define adCreative Below, if adding new creative be sure to use a new name for reporting purposesvar productConfig = {"adCreative": [{"name": "A","displayType": "slideDown","divContainer": "slider"},{"name": "B","displayType": "slideUp","divContainer": "slider"}]}.slider {background-color: #4789b3;border-bottom:2px solid #004337;display: none;position:fixed;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 139px;z-index: 100001;}.banner {background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/laptop/laptop_adcreative_banner.jpg") repeat-x scroll left top;display: block;height: 100%;overflow: hidden;width: 980px;margin:8px auto; position:relative;}.click {float:left;width:650px;height:120px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;}.click2 {font-family:arial;color:#fff;font-size:12px;float:right;width:200px;height:20px;bottom:0px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;margin-top:100px;margin-right:120px;}Not interested? Hide this message

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Complete keyboard shopping guide

Class = "articleContents" >

Computer is the appropriate keyboard is not full therefore, choose to guarantee optimal performance is very important. You must choose the keyboard input needs the proper is whether for home or Office.

Click to enlarge

Ensure total comfort or looking for ergonomic keyboard. Do I need a wireless keyboard for your trip. Whatever your preference, that other important aspects to take into account, such as keyboard size, extra features and layouts (QWERTY and DVORAK) just to check.

Still confused? Selectively checking out in-depth buyer's Guide, retrieves keyboard information, the purchase of the dream, in fact some of the best reviews keyboard use, market.

In the beginning

So I decided to purchase finally a new keyboard. Before you buy one type of keyboard is something, or the design according to may find. If you are bored with the planning to buy a new product brand with old keyboard layout [ideal start this. You will find tips for useful keyboard design, layout, and benefits information as proper keyboard to choose on your computer.

Basic keyboard, many different types of keyboard-small hands, use QWERTY keyboard learn, benefit Dvorak keyboard //This is choice choose choosing to reason about the use of ATF for the best computer keyboard, how unitTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily ':' Arial ',' titleFontSize': 15, 'titleDecoration': 'Underline' , ' titleFontColor ': 'linkPaddingTop': 'descFontSize': '0153a5 ',' titlePaddingTop': 5, 'titleMarginBottom': 1, 12, 8, 'linkFontColor ': '666,666',' adsbyColor':' as 333333 ',' adstyle ':' twolineurltop ',' adsbyposition ': 'bottomright ', ' width': 640,' ad_width ': 500, 'max_ads': 3, 'adsOnRow': 1, 'row_margin': 16, 'channel_id': '0736364053'}); top keyboard review

Keyboard selection can difficult at times. You can easily get confused keyboard selection range market. Instead of jumping straight online shopping site, why review first start reading and you make a purchase? Highlight the pointed out that aesthetics, reviews, features, ease of use, keyboard and its pros and cons.

New ergonomic, may think you want to check the top product reviews, such as Microsoft, Logitech keyboard, SteelSeries brand for more if you're looking to buy the game a laptop and a wireless keyboard. Find more about your unique features, appearance and ease of use.

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 review Microsoft wireless keyboard backlight reviews Microsoft Natural Wireless ergonomic keyboard 4000 review, Microsoft ZV1 Media Center wireless keyboard Logitech classic keyboard 200 reviews Logitech illuminated keyboard review: night Logitech wave keyboard review, Logitech diNovo edge wireless keyboard. Reviews of the best Razer keyboard-, compared the Lycosa tarantula SteelSeries 7 G keyboard review Dell SK 3205 smart card reader keyboard ergonomic keyboard lights.

To select the keyboard and ease of use you are interested, rather than extra features, offering comfort there. You must go to keyboard design, ergonomic comfort, but if the main concern, like carpal tunnel syndrome health concerns to prevent.

You must select the keyboard key to buy ergonomic keyboard and keyboard waves, partitioning key and why soft press must know. This section to choose the right keyboard can help. Some great shopping guide and you'll find reviews best ergonomic keyboard that some in the market are available.

Right ergonomic keyboard 4000 top 5 people between game computer keyboard ergonomic keyboard shopping guide flat split key ergonomic keyboard ergonomics, feature-rich Microsoft Wireless comfort keyboard 4000 Microsoft Natural ergonomic choice the keyboard of the benefits of using ergonomically correct keyboard the.

Offers customizable key programmable gaming keyboards without difficulty performing tasks and activities of many different games. Hybrid designs that can be easily using the keyboard or quick macro recording on the fly to provide macro keyboard buy interested. Rather than something you in the mood for work and play as a conventional keyboard double love has. Prefer a dependent to function fully gaming keyboard is your choice.

To choose the perfect keyboard for gaming needs, to help you we have from the top keyboard Alienware products ranging from Logitech Keyboard collection. Find the top 10 list of features some of best macro, hybrid lighting products to highlight the keyboard too.

For a list of the best gaming keyboard: keyboard top 10 game keyboard best shopping guide gamer geeks: Alienware keyboard Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard Review wireless keyboard

Go wireless keyboard for more travel and typing experience, tangle-free, and that you are looking for. Struggling to run an extra pair of batteries confirmation or the battery dies.

Wireless keyboards are available in various designs from illuminated by small keyboard suitable for travel. In this section, input on the go you can search smarter and lighter and better wireless keyboard set.

Wireless Chief lit ergonomic laptop keyboard Logitech wireless keyboard combo wireless keyboard buyer's Guide shopping guide compact wireless keyboard Dell Bluetooth keyboard: drivers, downloads and best choice for addressing ergonomic wireless keyboard Microsoft tips and troubleshooting

To fully leverage the new purchases of your purchased the keyboard of your dreams, but some tips and tricks to look at is time. You will find how to install wireless corded or Bluetooth keyboard. Also, keyboard a good way of cleaning to resolve common problems, basic troubleshooting guide to find and learn. After all the critical components of the PC with keyboard, and so much attention as your monitor is required.

Keyboard installation; for connecting a keyboard to install location of the port and keyboard; new find wireless and Bluetooth keyboard driver correctly, computer keyboard, laptop keyboard, keyboard, computer keyboard, why of how how how to how to unlock troubleshoot clean to clean boot my keyboard does not work in? Stuck caps lock key? It is a way to correct it.

We are this guide will help to select an appropriate keyboard hope. Leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to our our best answers trying to.

ReferencesImage credit: Tom Stefanac CC 2.0 next article is under the computer's keyboard? also suggest the... best illuminated wireless keyboard, small hand Christmas 2010 troubleshoot wireless keyboard and mouse are slow, unreliable, or lock by using best computer accessories Apple keyboard's choice: wireless keyboard pairing Guide Microsoft wireless keyboard Backlit reviews, the following values to change each configuratorvar page_pc_configName = "laptop"; var clickURL = "http://www.brighthub.com/content/laptopconfig.aspx"; var showLog = true; adCreative //Define a new creative using the new name for the report add purposesvar productConfig to verify whether or not = {"adCreative": [{name: "A", "displayType": 'slideDown' , "divContainer": "slider"}, {[name]: "B", "displayType": 'slideUp', 'divContainer":"slider"}]}.slider {background-color: # 4789b3, border-solid # 004337 at the bottom: 2px; display: none; position: fixed; left: 0; width: 100% height: 139 px; z-index: 100001;}... Banner {background: url ("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/laptop/laptop_adcreative_banner.jpg") repeat x scroll left top, display: block; height: 100%, overflow: hidden; width: 980 px; margin: 8px auto; position: relative;}. Click the {float: left; width: 650 px; height: 120px; cursor: pointer cursor: hand;}. click2 {font-family: arial; color: # FFF; font - size: pixels; float: right; width: 200px, height: 20px; bottom: 0px; cursor: pointer cursor: hand, margin - top: 100px; margin-right: 120px;} Not interested? This message does not display.

Best Laptops

Best Razer Keyboard - The Tarantula and Lycosa Compared

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
class="articleContents">

If you've narrowed down your new keyboard choices to manufacturer Razer, but you're still not sure what model to go for, then this comparison should help. Learn about the key differences between the Lycosa and the Tarantula before you decide which is for you.

Razer currently offers several gaming peripherals and in this article we compare two of their best keyboards - the Tarantula and the Lycosa. Initially the Tarantula was more expensive, but now both keyboards can be had for under $70 on most online shopping portals. Choosing the right keyboard comes down to your usage patterns, requirements and desk space. To aid in choosing the right keyboard let's compare the features offered by the two.

The Tarantula - Features

click to enlargeThe Tarantula has 10 dedicated macro keys that you can program to perform a wide variety of tasks, from reloading your gun during a deathmatch to jumping to a part of the screen while playing RTS games. It also features an anti-ghosting capability. What that essentially means is that you may press multiple keys at once and have all of them register on your PC; on most PC keyboards more than four simultaneous key presses results in a signal failure and they fail to register.

If backlit keys are your thing, you may have to look elsewhere as the Tarantula lacks them. It makes up for it by being a thick and wide keyboard with oodles of space. If you have meaty paws and the desk space to spare you might be all about it. It comes with a comfortable but permanently attached wrist rest, so if you don't like them or have already have a fave that's a mark against the Tarantula. The Razer logo flashes on the keyboard and gives it a vaguely menacing look.

//This is for the ATF unitTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':15,'titleDecoration':'Underline','titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':5,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','adsbyColor':'333333','adstyle':'twolineurltop','adsbyposition':'bottomright','width':640,'ad_width':500,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':1,'row_margin':16,'channel_id':'0736364053'});The Lycosa - Features

click to enlargeThe Lycosa is a more recent product and one of the immediately noticable differences between it and the Tarantula is that it is completely backlit. It provides a touch panel on the top right of the keyboard which can be used to control media playback. It shares the anti-ghosting capability with the Tarantula along with software profiles that you can switch on the fly.

The Lycosa lacks separate macro keys, although you can program all the other keys to perform specific tasks using Razer software. Both keyboards have an audio out and microphone jack which can be useful for connecting headsets and they also have a USB 1.1 Hub. The Lycosa features a nifty feature called gaming mode, which deactivates the Windows key.

Size and Comfort

The Tarantula with its permanently attached palm rest is significantly thicker and larger than the Lycosa. The Tarantula measures 522mm x 220mm while the Lycosa is 469mm x 221m with the palm rest attached. The Lycosa's keys have a rough finish while the Tarantula's are smooth. The Tarantula's keys are more suited to those who type a lot as they are more responsive. The Lycosa's keys are more forgiving thanks to their slim size which helps to prevent accidental keypresses.

The Lycosa is more suitable if you intend on taking it out and about to LAN parties or with a laptop, since it is smaller in size and packs in all the essential features required by a gamer. The Tarantula would suit someone with a lot of desk space and it is a great keyboard even for general PC usage.

Which One to Buy

Overall both devices deliver as gaming keyboards as well as for general PC usage. Which one you prefer will boil down to your preference for backlighting, size and tactility. If you game a lot in a particular location and backlit keyboards do not appeal to you, the Tarantula is a good choice. If you are looking for a good looking but more compact keyboard minus the dedicated macro keys, you should choose the Lycosa.

ReferencesRazer, http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/DisplayCategoryProductListPage/categoryID.35156900Razer, http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/DisplayCategoryProductListPage/categoryID.35156900Images courtesy of manufacturer. Next Article ? We Also Recommend... How to Choose a Basic Keyboard Doing the Basics Really, Really Well: SteelSeries 7G Free Drawing Games Online Transferring Music to MP3 Players 10 Things you didn't know you could do with your Windows PCTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':14,'titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':2,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','linkFontSize':12,'adsbyColor':'333333','adsbyposition':'topleft','width':640,'ad_width':205,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':3,'col_margin':10,'channel_id':'0863484718'});

Best Laptops