I've decided to update my mouse and keyboard for 2016, as both the G9 and G15 were getting to be a bit long in the tooth. Specifically the G15, of all keys that could die, the F7 key kicked the bucket. This isn't so bad, but I do use it pretty regularly for EVE. I decided with a new board, I wanted to try mechanical switches. I also decided that macro keys and screens weren't a huge deal, and I wanted to keep it under 125 bucks (Amazon credit FTW). I also wanted a full sized keyboard with a pretty normal layout and normal key caps.
My pick was the Coolermaster Quickfire XT with Cherry MX brown switches. The browns are a good compromise between tactile feedback and quietness. I personally didn't notice a lot of difference initially, but switching between my work keyboard (membranes) and the Quickfire XT really showed me the difference. I find typing emails for extended periods of time at work tends to feel a bit more fatiguing, and the key presses just aren't as good. Gaming wise, the keyboard layout, although very similar to my G15, has taken some time to get used to. My guess is it might be due to the lack of wrist rest. Other than that, I find performance wise, it feels the same for gaming. Overall I'm happy with the keyboard. If I was to go back and re-buy with a bit more of a budget, I'd probably look at a model with back light, but everything else is perfect. This may come in the future anyway, and I may end up transitioning the Quickfire XT to work in favor of a Ducky brand board with back lighting.
For my mouse, I swapped the G9 with a G502 Proteus Core. With Logitech updating the Core to the Spectrum, and replacing the LEDs with fully customizable RGB ones, the Core got a price cut! I was able to score a pretty sweet deal, and got the Core for 30 dollars off retail. The G502 is pretty much the G9 evolved, and the evolution is perfect. The shape is very familiar, except extended in all the right places. The sensor is just as accurate. There's more programmable buttons. The hyperscroll switch is in a much better spot. I've heard complaints about the scroll wheel design, but I actually like the feeling better than the G9. I'm happy with the replacement, and I feel it's gonna last just as long.
My pick was the Coolermaster Quickfire XT with Cherry MX brown switches. The browns are a good compromise between tactile feedback and quietness. I personally didn't notice a lot of difference initially, but switching between my work keyboard (membranes) and the Quickfire XT really showed me the difference. I find typing emails for extended periods of time at work tends to feel a bit more fatiguing, and the key presses just aren't as good. Gaming wise, the keyboard layout, although very similar to my G15, has taken some time to get used to. My guess is it might be due to the lack of wrist rest. Other than that, I find performance wise, it feels the same for gaming. Overall I'm happy with the keyboard. If I was to go back and re-buy with a bit more of a budget, I'd probably look at a model with back light, but everything else is perfect. This may come in the future anyway, and I may end up transitioning the Quickfire XT to work in favor of a Ducky brand board with back lighting.
For my mouse, I swapped the G9 with a G502 Proteus Core. With Logitech updating the Core to the Spectrum, and replacing the LEDs with fully customizable RGB ones, the Core got a price cut! I was able to score a pretty sweet deal, and got the Core for 30 dollars off retail. The G502 is pretty much the G9 evolved, and the evolution is perfect. The shape is very familiar, except extended in all the right places. The sensor is just as accurate. There's more programmable buttons. The hyperscroll switch is in a much better spot. I've heard complaints about the scroll wheel design, but I actually like the feeling better than the G9. I'm happy with the replacement, and I feel it's gonna last just as long.