Advice on new keyboard and mouse mat

[machineman9]

I'm doing a little bit of updating on my peripherals. I recently bought an A4Tech X-748K mouse which is really nice to use, but now I am looking at a new keyboard and mouse mat.

I do a good bit of photographic editing (and I would like to start up screenshot editing again too) so I would like a mouse mat which will be suitable for this. It should allow the mouse to move smoothly.

For keyboard, just something comfortable and nice looking. I was looking at the Saitek Eclipse II keyboard with the changing lights which I think looks really nice. Would this be a good purchase?

For mouse mats I have seen the Razer Exactmouse (including mouse mat rest). Upon finding reviews, it seems this mouse mat is really quite scratchy sounding and loud when using it. Is there something similar but better? My mouse is, for the first time in my computer history, optical.

I'm looking to spend probably up to

[Skittles]

This is my biased opinion so take it for what you think it's worth...

A mouse is good for one thing... catching in a mouse trap.

10-15 years ago, when Doom was the hottest game of all time, I switched to a trackball. I'll never go back again.

I still use the Kensington ExpertMouse 5. I looked at the newer versions but they are too tall for my keyboard tray.

I have software which allows me Axis control and Speed control for that fine work.

It only has a 5x7" footprint (including cord).

Again, a mouse is simply a toy for my cat.

Sorry this doesn't answer your question, but I wanted to let you know there may be something better for you.

[machineman9]

Ooh heck. I don't think I could ever used a trackball ever again.

I am really happy with my new mouse. There's a button to change DPI from something as low as 600 in increments up to 3200. I can program the buttons and there's a scroll wheel. I can even change the weights within the mouse to get just the right feel in the mouse to prevent it feeling too heavy or too light.

I just need a good surface to put it on and something new to type with.

[Steve M]

I tried using trackball and just couldn't get used to it. Now you have optical as I use, try out things around the house.
For me, my desk has just the right finish on it for smooth movement. (When its clean).   

[machineman9]

My desk is made out of glass and although the mouse is still useable, at times the cursor will not move quite as I had intended. So a surface of some kind is definately needed. Most mouse mats I've used seem to restrict movement a little bit though. It doesn't glide quite like it should.

[Fozzer]

My trusty Keyboard....>>>>

My Keyboard

Does everything I need without any unnecessary frills....

...and all for under

[machineman9]

Paul, that keyboard is probably more advanced and better produced than mine!

I'm not the sort of guy for no frills... I love frills. Yeah that's probably not the best thing to admit on the internet 

[Fozzer]

[quote]Paul, that keyboard is probably more advanced and better produced than mine!

I'm not the sort of guy for no frills... I love frills. Yeah that's probably not the best thing to admit on the internet

[machineman9]

I am hoping the Saitek keyboard will have the usual Saitek quality, which should make it last a good while. Cardboard would cause even more problems than I have, that would be quite nasty to use 

[Mictheslik]

For mouse mats, go to Ikea and buy a few of the circular white ones for about 50p each....they're perfect for optical mouses (plain white) and let the mouse glide quite smoothly ....anyone who spends more than a few quid on a mat is a bit of a looney....most mouses can do perfectly well without them anyway.....and a brightly coloured stripey spotty one will just mess up an optical mouse's ability to detect the light....

.mic

[CD.]

Pop into your local friendly carpet/flooring store and ask for any old vinyl flooring samples that they're getting rid of. You can cut then to your desired size and they're better than any mouse mat you can buy. 

[The Snake 87]

Logitech G series is pretty good. But again any keyboard should do its job.

[BSW727]

I haven't used a mouse mat in years, the desktop is perfect. I have a very nice trackball in the cockpit since there is no where to use a mouse and I don't want it rolling off the glareshield.

I don't like cheap keyboards, but I do like simple, rugged, indestructable keyboards like this:

IBM Model M keyboard

[Skittles]

I haven't used a mouse mat in years, the desktop is perfect. I have a very nice trackball in the cockpit since there is no where to use a mouse and I don't want it rolling off the glareshield.

I don't like cheap keyboards, but I do like simple, rugged, indestructable keyboards like this:

IMB Model M keyboard

This is what I use and when it gets dirty, I just open it up and wash it in the sink. I've had the same keyboard for 10+ years.

[richardd43]

For a mouse pad I use the steelseries pads.

My mouse glides across it very nicely and they come in varying sizes. If you have room for the big ones you do not have to pick up your mouse and move it to complete what you are doing.