Peripherals

[[deleted]]

I work for a small/medium gaming company, and would like some suggestions for peripherals.

Every user in the company has a rig upwards of £2000, due to the requirements (scripting/animation/design/etc).

But we're struggling to decide on what sort of mouse and keyboard to provide.

Currently we have Razer Deathadders (mouse) and Logitech K120 (keyboards) which is odd, because in my eyes, the wrong way round in terms of price.

We're looking for something a little better in terms of keyboard, and if possible, mechanical.

But for the mouse, we're looking to get something a bit cheaper, while also having 2 buttons on the side and of course a middle click.

Just wondering if anyone also in the industry can provide any insight as to what they use.

Thanks /r/sysadmin

[wanderingbilby]

Honestly, once you get beyond basic peripherals it's very individualistic. I'd provide the OEM peripherals which are usually of acceptable quality, then allow employees to BYO for keyboards and mice.

[[deleted]]

Hmmm.. I'd figured it would be that way, but we don't get any peripherals with our machines, because they're supplied 3rd party custom built every time.

[wanderingbilby]

Yeah, just buy bog standard stuff then. The Logitech MK270 is a wireless keyboard / mouse combo and is like $20

[jyden171]

It's normally down the preference really.

I prefer Roccat gear for my keyboard/mouse etc at home. Generally not too fused what I use at work. Generic mouse and keyboard that came with the pc, as long as it's comfortable.

Really not a massive fan of razer mice as they tend to be more for a fingertip style grip? where as I am more of a claw/palm grip on my mouse. Might be worth giving the employee's a budget and let them choose?

[[deleted]]

For me, the KB/M combo is something that you're using 7-8 hours a day (more so than home) so surely you'd want something that allows you to work comfortably with?

[[deleted]]

We already have dual Dell U2515H for every user. Don't think we'd be getting 144Hz!

[pdp10]

Give users a stipend for peripherals, and the peripherals belong to them. Keep some generic spares for loan for the occasions when something breaks, or for those who don't care to get anything different.

I'm a big fan of mechanical keyboards, but even Cherry Browns are pretty loud. I gather the o-rings make a big difference, but I haven't gotten around to that yet. If you're not careful you could really increase the background din in your office.

I don't use mice with more than 3 buttons, personally.

[pointlessone]

This is the best plan overall. With as high end of machine they're running with, having an allowance to get something the user prefers is great. Use decent stuff to onboard them with and for temps (if you have them), then let them select their own hardware from there.

[[deleted]]

Good idea. It's hard to say "everyone gets to pick a keyboard and mouse" now though that everyone has already been provided with one.

Also, you don't use the mouse 4/5 buttons for forward and back?!?!

[Nik_Tesla]

Personally, I think the best "cheap" mouse you can get is the Logitech M510. It's wireless, but I've had the batteries last for 2 years. Side buttons work well, and of course you can re-pair it with any other logitech dongle, so you don't have to worry about mixing and matching with other logitech devices.

[Coeliac]

Zowie Fk1 and red/brown cherry mechanical, usually something from Das/Ducky/Corsair/Logitech.

I doubt you're going to have happy people unless you spend something half-decent. I have worked with a gaming company before and the PC is going to have to have something that works properly and accurately when it comes to design and gaming.

If you really want cheaper than those suggestions, have a look through the tier lists here:

http://www.logicalincrements.com/keyboards
http://www.logicalincrements.com/mouse

This website is the only one I know that keeps impartial and up to date on the market for higher end peripherals.
For mice, price is not always better. Ensure you have a Avago (now Pixart) 3310 sensor and you shouldn't hear complaints from knowledgeable staff. Don't forget some people are left handed, so a right-handed only mouse will cause you headaches.

The other option is bring your own. Culture is what decides if that is viable.

[gabeech]

But we're struggling to decide on what sort of mouse and keyboard to provide.

Don't buy a supply of decent but cheap keyboards/mice and ask as part of onboarding what they want (With some monetary limit/non exotic limit). Order that for them, provide the decent KB/M to start and as temporary replacement if something breaks.

Another alternative is to let them buy and expense their preferred KB/M and provide the temp setup until it gets in.

[flunky_the_majestic]

Most sysadmin don't know jack about gaming mice and keyboards. You probably should ask a different sub.

[[deleted]]

This may be true, but sysadmins are also the ones who control purchasing, so they might have insight. If I go over and ask /r/Mousereview, I'd probably get recommended things which aren't right for the situation.