Mechanical Keyboards and 120hz monitors.

**Madmax (Grape)** · 02-22-11, 01:44 AM

So, I've been thinking about getting some better hardware for my birthday (gift to myself) and the two things that I haven't really paid much attention to so far is my monitor and my keyboard.

First, keyboard:
I have been hearing that mechanical keyboards are the way to go, so I looked up some info on them that was very informative, but they didn't really help me decide if I would like one or not. So I have a few questions.

Anyone here have one or ever used one? What are your thoughts on them? Are they worth the money ($80-$150)? Is it something that I'd have to try for myself?

Second, 120hz monitors.
I am much more certain that I do want a 120hz monitor, but I have no idea which one would be best. I currently have a 19" 1440x900 75hz monitor.

Anyone have a 120hz monitor? If so, how do you like it? And which one do you have?

Any input about both or either of these things would be greatly appreciated.

**DancingCorpse** · 02-22-11, 01:54 AM

I got the Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Mechanical keyboard, and I love it. Very responsive, the keys don't stick, and they are spaced just right to where I am not hitting two keys at once or not hitting the right key because it is too far away. I have noticed it has increased my typing speed a good bit too.

**HeavyG** · 02-22-11, 04:35 AM

What is your budget on a monitor? And why do you need the 120hz?

The only real current benefit from a true 120hz monitor is that you can use nVIDIA 3D Vision to play games and watch 3D BluRay movies. There are a limited number of monitors that currently support this technology and they are listed on nVIDIA's site. Here is the link:

3D Vision Requirements

These monitors can be pricey. So pricey, in fact, that you could really start looking into a high quality 27"-30" monitor, which can provide more benefits than the 3D Vision technology. I highly recommend the Dell UltraSharp monitors. I have the Dell U2711, which is an 2560x1440 resolution IPS panel. With a coupon code, you can get this monitor for just over $800. They also offer a more affordable 24" panel and an uber expensive 30" panel. Here is a link to CNET's list of top 5 gaming monitors:

CNET's Top 5 Gaming Monitors - CNET Reviews

As for the keyboard, that is a bit more subjective, but I am also using a Razer Keybord, but mine is the dated Razer Tarantula. I love this keyboard, but 1) Razer doesn't sell it anymore and 2) it is tough to find new for under $100.

**Madmax (Grape)** · 02-22-11, 12:04 PM

I don't really want a monitor bigger than about 24", any bigger and I don't like the feeling I get from using them. And I have no interest in 3d gaming.

The reason I want a 120hz monitor is for the 'smoothness'. I recently plugged my old CRT back in to my computer and I had forgotten how smooth it was. I then decided I wanted that experience but with a larger widescreen (my CRT is 17" 4:3... Loss in FOV is horrible). Unless I am mistaken, I thought having a 120hz monitor would make things look a lot smoother and therefore, in my opinion, better.

Budget for a monitor is a little fluid. It just has to have what I want and so far I haven't seen a 120hz monitor above 500 dollars.

**vafaskillz** · 02-22-11, 12:41 PM

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**Gumby** · 02-22-11, 12:43 PM

I just bought Heavy's old monitor and I expect to be very happy with its gaming performance, so I completely agree with his assesment of 120hz monitors. I am currently using a 75hz Samsung that is butter smooth in games. I just wanted something bigger. Size matters

As for the mechanical keyboard thing, I still pine for my old IBM PS/2 mechanical keyboard (I am very old-school) and if the Razr keyboard is anything like the old IBMs, you will love it. I have not gotten one yet because my wife loves the wireless keyboard and I do not use a keyboard for gaming so no need.

**vafaskillz** · 02-22-11, 12:45 PM

I have the 24 inch alienware 120hz 3d monitor....picked it up for 350 last summer. In all honesty, there is not much difference in smoothness from a 60 hz, but the. 3d aspect is awesome. If you like 3d movies (like me), then get a 120hz monitor. If not, save your money. And if you do want to do 3d gaming, you better have a McBeefy card.

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**deputyfestus** · 02-22-11, 02:37 PM

Mechanical Keyboard Guide - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net

**Madmax (Grape)** · 02-22-11, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by deputyfestus

Mechanical Keyboard Guide - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net

I read this before making this thread. Its really in-depth about the technical side of it, but I would also like some more opinions on them like Gumby and Corpse gave.

Originally Posted by vafaskillz

In all honesty, there is not much difference in smoothness from a 60 hz, but the. 3d aspect is awesome.

It is similar to the effect of using a high refresh rate CRT? Because for me that is a big enough difference to justify the purchase.

Originally Posted by deputyfestus

This guy also says its a big difference. Maybe I just need to go to Fry's and make them set one up.

Thanks for the input so far, I really appreciate it.

**HeavyG** · 02-22-11, 07:39 PM

For $469, I would rather have something with a higher resolution. This monitor should be great for single card solutions. Serious SLI/Crossfire rigs crave higher resolution, which this monitor simply can't deliver.

I would make sure your gaming rig will even benefit from the 120Hz before buying. If you are running 60-80 FPS on the highest detail, then you will not likely notice a difference between 60Hz and 120Hz.

The beauty of CRT monitors was not the refresh rate, but more the response time. While a good gaming LCD screen would be 2 milliseconds, CRT monitors refresh in microseconds (much faster), so there is never ANY ghosting when gaming.