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Beautiful but the keys die early
By: Pypur
November 4, 2009 @ 2:50 PM
Ill start off by saying that this keyboard is beautiful to sit in front of if you’re gaming for long periods of time. The customizable lighting system is very fun. I personally haven’t bothered to use the C buttons, because I’m too lazy.
However… Ive had this keyboard for less than three months and two of my keys have already gone down the hole. As you can tell, my apostrophe key is unusable. At one point if I pushed hard enough, it worked. Now it’s completely unresponsive. My h and g keys no long work with my right shift, which is odd…
For such an expensive keyboard, I’m disappointed that the keys are dying or just screwing up so soon.
Rating: 4 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Obviously Some Bugs
By: Delta
October 19, 2009 @ 2:40 PM
Before getting this keyboard for Christmas last year from my girlfriend, I had a Saitek Eclipse, and although the LED on it is all but dead, it was a rock-solid keyboard that got me though the early days of WoW and most other things. The Cyborg up until now has been a pretty solid keyboard, the keys are fine, the layout is fine, and the macro software is pretty good. But as many other people here are experiencing, I’ve had keys die, starting from the number pad and going down the line. I actually decided to open it up and see if there was something to it, and surprisingly the two connectors that connect the actual tactile interface might either be poorly designed, loose, or both, as wiggling them around and trying the keys again, the keys work. My guess is that it could be just how all the wires are seated in there, I tend to push mine back and pull it forward a lot, so the main cable gets pinched or bunched up against the monitor.
I don’t think I’d buy another one of these, might just find another Eclipse or get that tri-colored Eclipse, I don’t use the macro stuff on it anyway, have a Nostromo n52 for that.
Rating: 6 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
A promising start, but a total letdown
By: Killertron
September 6, 2009 @ 7:18 PM
I bought this keyboard to replace a v1 g15 which has served me very well for a long time, and took a hell of a beating before feeling a bit battered. I actually really like the look of this keyboard and reviews are very mixed, so i thought i would bite the bullet and try one myself.
Initial impressions were good. I personally had no problems with the (admittedly poorly documented) software, and once you get used to the macro software it offers a very high level of customisation. As a long-time WoW player and raider it certainly ticked all my boxes there.
The build quality of the actual shell itself is fairly sturdy also, although the pass-through audio connectors and the usb port are not very well finished or mounted; and become quite flappy after a a period of use.
My only real bugbear out of the box is that the keys really need a significant depression (or a good hammering for less patient gamers) for a keystroke to be registered. Perhaps i was spoilt by using the nigh-on bombproof g15, but it seems responsiveness has been lost in an effort to quiet keystrokes. A board that promotes, or even demands, ham fisted key presses is shortening it’s own lifespan by default.
As well as a gaming board my cyborg has seen a lot of use as a general data entry tool, and as a long-term professional unix geek i feel i have given it a more rigorous workout than many who would need it for, say, general word processing etc. From the off i found it a bit clumsy and laborious when trying to bang thru large batches of coding.
It becomes boring having to sift through your work trying to find missed keypresses from the one time that you have not nailed any given key significantly hard to register a stroke.
I took to using a different keyboard for work, and this one for play. It all started to go really wrong once i had been using the board for a couple of months for this purpose. The feel of the keys deteriorated further to the point where it feel like you have marshmallows on the end of your fingers when using it.
The most commonly used keys developed a lateral wobble despite being perilously close together, which also results in the feeling of resting your fingers on a jelly when your hands are resting in “default” positions during raid down times etc.
Within a month of this time, 2 macro keys died which, i hasten to add, are almost never used as they were used for boss-specific macros that are rarely required. 2 of the cursor keys were inoperable shortly after, followed by the “d,t,m,n,p,l” keys shortly after.
After getting bawled out for wiping a raid due to a semi-dead keyboard, i vowed never to use this board again, and gave it a dose of ritualistic lump hammer action, so that it may feel the extent of disdain, before being binned.
To summarise: A visually appealing keyboard (if you like manga bots anyway), with some good ideas and a pleasant touchscreen interface, that suffers from a design brief overburdened with gimmicks, but lacking build quality or sustainability. This board is it’s own worst enemy.
I am now back to the v1 g15, having found one on ebay for ̣̉20, and wish i had never left.
Rating: 2 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Cyborg Keyboard - A+
By: Tim Davis
August 13, 2009 @ 10:56 AM
Excellent keyboard addition for any Flight Simulator/Gamer. The programmable “C” keys work great IF YOU ACTUALLY READ THE DIRECTIONS and load the programming software. The default on the disk is to not autoload and many can’t program the C keys because they did not check the little box to load the software.
Excellent keyboard, great for typing as well with very smooth key action.
The back lighting makes night flying a breeze because you can see both the screen detail “in the dark” and still see all the keys.
Highly recommend.
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Don't waste your money
By: Sean
July 13, 2009 @ 9:31 PM
Just bought this 3 months ago and already the number four key has quit working. Actually I just tried to use a certain letter and it has also quit working. Compared to my last keyboard the typing also seems more awkward. It’s like the keys are too close together or something. Anyway with 2 keys not working in just 3 months you should certainly spend your money on something else.
Rating: 2 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Keys wear out
By: Zaneta
April 14, 2009 @ 8:19 PM
My husband is a gamer and it’s awesome for what he needs, but for such an expensive keyboard, I’m disappointed that 2 keys have worn out, especially since one of them is the letter of my name, I need to sign it a lot and it’s useless if I can’t use that letter. I just wish the contacts were sturdier, other than that, no complaints
Rating: 6 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Crap!
By: Nick
April 7, 2009 @ 5:07 PM
I had no issues with this keyboard, and in fact really liked it. Although I usually kept the backlight off, as a giant green glow before my hands distracted me from where I was typing, but that’s a personal issue and didn’t affect the performance of the Keyboard at all.
However, keys started to die at the right keypad side, starting with some intermittent missing of keystrokes. But now, it not only refuses to accept keystrokes from the Enter and Plus keys on the right, but it seems to be slowly expanding across the keyboard. Now, I wouldn’t feel badly about this if it had lasted maybe a few years, but this keyboard hasn’t made it to three months yet, and for $80, that’s completely unacceptable. Especially when a $15 keyboard that’s been through the dishwasher several times for cleaning still works perfectly.
I liked this keyboard, but now I feel completely taken, and have been noting some other complaints about keys not working. Putting them together, it’s a pretty keyboard with cockroaches inside it, and buy it with extreme, extreme caution before you get taken.
Rating: 2 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Great Keyboard
By: Pedz
March 13, 2009 @ 12:23 PM
I don’t understand these peoples disagreement with the keyboard touch and feel. The metal keys are great and especially good for long gaming sessions on UT3. The macro keys are easily programmable and you don’t need the manual at all, all you do is plug in what keys you want it to press and Hey Presto! its done.
Before I had a Microsoft keyboard (no idea which one), but the buttons started to not work so I bought this and after 3 months I haven’t had any of those problems yet. The touchpad works brilliantly and I love the backlit keys (a bit of a magpie when it comes to bright lights).
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Start key doesn't work
By: Jorge
February 16, 2009 @ 9:07 AM
Hi all i got this keyboard and I love it the lighting, thing is great but I have found that my start key doesn’t work. Any one with the same problem or is just this one that came defective. I think I will exchange it tomorrow anyways but wanted to know if anyone is having the same problem. Thanx
Rating: 7 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Replaced my G-15
By: Monolyth
January 5, 2009 @ 12:16 PM
I used a Logitech G-15 (version 1) for over a year and never had a complaint with it. I bought this keyboard about 2 months ago just to compare and see if it could out perform the G-15. It’s an excellent device and it’s accuracy is unbeatable. The software for programming the macros is extremely simple (who needs a nice GUI or manual to program macros really?) and allows for some very in-depth and time specific macros. After the first few moments of using the Saitek Cyborg I made my decision. I said so-long to the G-15. Sure I’ll miss the LCD and the blue backlighting but what really matters to a gamer is responsiveness and overall accuracy. I must agree with the statment that this keyboard is not visually designed for the office, but then again… it wasn’t made to be stuffed in an office/workplace. The “cyborg keys” are also placed much better than the macro keys of the G-15 and I really like how they are more like “tabs” than keys. This makes it really easy to thumb the keys on the right side while still having control of your mouse (if you’re right handed that is).
The way the typing was described in this review reminded me of the G-15 to be honest.
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
The Pinnacle of Keyboard Excellence
By: VTR99
December 29, 2008 @ 10:49 PM
I’ve waited many, many years for a keyboard like this one. Up till this Christmas I’ve used a Saitek Eclipse for the past few years, and thought it was good. I received a Razor Lycos keyboard for Christmas, and was terribly dissapointed (still want to thank my best friend who tried his best to make me happy). Then I decided to quit fiddling around and got the Saitek Cyborg. In a nutshell, this keyboard does virtually everything right. I don’t like keyboards with wimpy keys, since I’m a big guy with fairly large hands I don’t like accidental key hits. The Lycos has laptop type keys that slight accidental pressure can activate. Both Saiteks in my experience used solid keys made for men. Most of all, being a gamer I like the adjustable lighting on the Cyborg. The old Eclipse was barely visible in front of my 28″ monitor, but the Cyborg stands out. In both style and function I give it a 9.5. Add blue lighting, and a dial for volume and it would be a perfect 10. Those who want a ladylike typing keyboard should look elsewhere.
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Common Sense
By: Josh
December 16, 2008 @ 6:14 PM
If you’re going to be bias on a review, try not to stick a horrible review with a great keyboard. I just bought a new gaming pc and got this keyboard with it, and it works excellent. The chromed keys while, not major, are a big plus. I don’t care so much for the back lighting (as in it doesn’t affect my review)but it’s a nice touch. The functionality of the keyboard is excellent, the keys are precise and capable, do not break, and the response time is very accurate. I don’t know what keyboard you reviewed, or if you’re just a whiny little priss who cares more about self-image than an actual, honest review, and I don’t care. Your review is totally off the mark and should be erased entirely, seeing as how nothing you mentioned in your review is either helpful or accurate.
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
OMG want an office keyboard?....BUY an office keyboard!
By: Brian P White
November 11, 2008 @ 11:19 AM
I replaced my razor tarantula keyboard with this keyboard and have absolutely no regrets at all. This keyboards keys are softer to the feel but also a heck of alot more precise than the razor. And cheap? It feels solid as a rock as far as the typing goes. Many times on the razor I would see spelling errors because the keys would not depress all the way when typing fast. No such issues with this keyboard. Also if you have a problem with the way this keyboard looks at work.. maybe you should A: stop playing games at work and do what you are getting payed for and use a non-gaming keyboard at work or B: stop being so insecure and worrying about what kind of self image your darn computer keyboard represents lol. Also you completely forgot to mention the fact that the keyboard has 12 macro keys instead of ten like with the razor tarantula. And one more point.. obviously you dont game too much because you dont actually realize the tactile value the chrome wasd keys have for a real gamer. Let me explain, you can FEEL wethor or not your fingers are actually on the wasd keys by their smoothness compared to the other keys without even looking at them and taking your eyes off the monitor…. duh. Maybe next time you review a gaming keyboard you should use a reviewer that a: is actually a gamer and b: dosent let his reviews of a gaming keyboard get tainted by his own insecurities about being an adult and a gamer at the same time….
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Excellent keyboard
By: Fastback85
November 10, 2008 @ 1:09 PM
First of all I’m an italian guy, so sorry for my bad english.
I own this keyboard, and I LOVE IT.
Keys are quite silence, and they don’t seem gummy. In my opinion, it’s an excellent keyboard both for gaming AND everyday use.
Why don’t you like “chromed-look” keys?
Their’re a good addition for daily gaming sessions, as customizable keys illumination in cyborg-mode for nightly gaming sessions.
Software (SST) is a bit tricky, but very powerful. I never had problems with it.
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
The best for gamer
By: Or3k
November 10, 2008 @ 9:48 AM
The cyborg keyboard is the best keyboard I’ve ever used.
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Works fine for me
By: Ted
October 22, 2008 @ 10:22 AM
I don’t know what they’re talking about saying that it’s difficult to type on. I’m using it right now and I’ve had no issues. I use cyborg for work and gaming and it works great in both. I use the macro keys for certain repetitive tasks at work and have had no problems. The only issue I had with it was that out of the box the volume LED on the keyboard didn’t work, but a driver update fixed that.
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
From the reviewer
By: Brandon King
October 2, 2008 @ 3:57 PM
The main reason for the low rating was the remarkably poor typing performance. It is literally unusable for any extended period of time. In fact, the Cyborg keyboard marks the first time I have ever thrown up my hands in disgust, walked into Best Buy, and decided that even if I grab a junky generic keyboard, I was walking out with something because I had to get work done. The features are more gimmick than impressive, the design really eliminates anyone over 18, and of the 100+ keyboards I’ve used, it clearly ranks in the bottom 1/3. The only saving graces were the shortcut buttons, LED customizability, and software, which, while unpolished, was very capable.
btw – bring these conversations to the forums. I’m entering a low vote just to average out to the review score (hey, I’m a person too!).
Rating: 2 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No
Strange
By: Concerned
September 9, 2008 @ 2:15 PM
You said everything is great.
Fine LED. Fine macros accessible. But then you say it’s rubbish just because design doesn’t suit you.
Shouldn’t you be less subjective? Or can you explain further?
Rating: 10 :: 0 out of 0 people found this user review helpful. Was this user review helpful? Yes | No