article: peripherals

[CSN NewsBot]

LuftWaffle has written a new article about gaming peripherals. Although they don't really count, he even includes stuff about sound cards. Basically, it rounds up what he missed the first time. Here's a tidbit:

User input is one of the most important parts of a game. Without your input, it isn't a game at all! In today's fast-paced shooters, life or death can be decided by your split-second reactions. Thankfully, most modern keyboards and other peripherals are good enough for playing games, but some do stand out.



First, the keyboard. The input device almost as old as the computer itself. Over the years, there haven't been many innovations in keyboard design. The exception is the ergonomic keyboard. Chances are that if you have a relatively new computer, you have an ergonomic keyboard. If not, I do not recommend purchasing one. First of all, you're probably used to using the standard square keyboard, and trust me, the learning curve is significant

Go read it and be sure to post your comments.

[Arc]

Edited by [user="2423"] @ [time="1013544825"]

Clearly, Luftwaffe, you have not heard of the Model M Keyboard. This keyboard, which just happens to be the best keyboard in the entire world, is ideal for gaming. Keyboards that REQUIRE drivers usurp system resources, and are in one word: evil

[hotsw4p]

Edited by [user="2887"] @ [time="1013547537"]

i use one that looks like that only it's not "klikity klik" it's quiet... but has the same 101-key style as the model-m

[Scarecrow]

Go optical all the way. I got a Razer Boomslang (purely for research reasons) and discovered that it did indeed blow, I went back to my intellimouse after two weeks of playing on a Boomslang.

[Half-Pint]

Luft bravo on the article. Good follow up.



Finally someone hits the point everyone else misses. Sound is everything baby. Take a nice 3D sound card, add quality 3D speakers and you can hear a terrorist break wind at 100m.

[thirdbanE]

Audigy's have major issues with Windows XP and 2000, be careful...

[TGL_Stealth]

I enjoyed most of what u said luft but really how many people can afford a $400 set of speakers? You can get altec lansings top notch 4.1 set for $280 MSRP or drop to the $180 or the $150 set. The only thing about altec is that they don't sell real powerful 5.1 sets. I personally can't use the 5.1 anyway because i have a live value card, so i went with the atp4 4.1 set and they are great! A big step up from the old multimedia speakers i had before. Oh by the way the atp4 set is the coolest looking speaker set i've ever seen!

[RockSteady]

dude i have to have a DSP-500 headset. that thing looks so sweet.

[LuftWaffle]

Thanks for the positive feedback so far guys! Do any of you have an idea for an article? I need to write one but I'm not sure about what would be a good topic! Email me with your ideas.



TGL_Stealth wrote..

I enjoyed most of what u said luft but really how many people can afford a $400 set of speakers? You can get altec lansings top notch 4.1 set for $280 MSRP or drop to the $180 or the $150 set.

Well, I listed the 4.1 and 2.1 setups as well, and the prices are a near match for Altec Lansing's. Klipsch speakers are so highly recommended, and the price is so good, I cannot recommend anything else.

[gorktic]

optical speakers are the better

[[R]Ice]

I love how I can hear a terrorist break wind at 100m with 500watts of pure Klipsch 5.1 power.



Ahhhh the joys of Alienware. I love you Alienware!!!!!



*passes out in his puddle of drool*

[ThrasheR]

Edited by [user="2178"] @ [time="1013552487"]

Only newbies edit their posts.

[Animal Mother]

I agree; sound is the most important. Btw, speakers are a joke compared to a good headset. I use the DSP 500 myself and it is well worth the 80$.



Intellimouse Optical rules too!



Anyone else not use a keyboard?

I use the microsoft strategic commander, every keystroke I need without the hunt and peck method!

[haunted_glory]

You said go with a good sony headphone /wout the mic... how about a sennheiser? they make the best headphones, my HD570 beats any sony headphone in it's price range. :)

[JdeFalconr]

Edited by [user="2579"] @ [time="1013553420"]

Btw, speakers are a joke compared to a good headset

I very much disagree. A 4.1 speaker system with a positional-audio soundcard will allow you to hear exactly what direction someone's comming from. That's something that headphones just can't provide, and it's an invaluable gaming tool, especially in CS. It's certainly helped my game quite a bit.



By the way, I picked up some Klipsch v.2-400 (Essentially the same as the Klipsch 4.1's but a slightly older model) for only about $200 via Vanns.com. Add on about $50 for a Soundblaster Live! 5.1 and you've got a decently priced high-power sound setup.



By the way, has anyone else had problems with the Microsoft optical mice "skipping" and tottally loosing their tracking in CS with exceptionally jerky movements? When I jerk the mouse I end up aiming off in some bizzare direction...ugh.