What gaming keyboard(s) will work with Ubuntu?

Question

I've been looking at gaming keyboards to use on my 11.04 Desktop.

Microsoft has a few popular ones (e.g., Sidewinder X4, X6), but the programmable function keys appear to be unusable without the Windows software. (Though here's a post from someone who has a more recent project that uses usbmon and xdotool to add functions to some keys.)

Another choice in my budget is the Cyborg V.05. It seems about right for my needs, but I would be depressed having a bunch of useless, nonprogrammable keys on it.
Logitech has some models (e.g., the Logitech G110), though again I expect that the extensive macro capabilities (which I don't need) would be lost under Linux. There's a project called g15tools which has some code to work with older Logitech gaming models, but I don't know what the current status is. Last entry there was in March 2010. There are also a number of very old posts around the internet with regard to the Logitech G11 and G15. Compatibility with the current keyboards, Ubuntu version, and Linux kernel are suspect.

I'm in the U.S., and so it appears that few of the Roccat keyboards are available, and they're over-priced. Support might be OK for these, though -- there's a short Phoronix article about Roccat improving their Linux support, and there's also a project and webpage for "Using Roccat Hardware with Linux".

Honestly, the only feature I have to have is good backlighting for the keys, and if it's not wired (which is fine), the wireless capability should function. I could probably live with dead function keys, as long as they weren't in places that would interfere with things like Unity/compiz shortcuts.

Any experience or suggestions?

I've not seen much to inspire confidence with programmable/macro keys. There is a thread (with no solutions) on the Sidewinder X4 on ubuntuforums here.

I'm also considering the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard as a possibility, even though it's not specifically a gaming keyboard. It is backlit, and it's supposed to be a nice keyboard.

Answer 1

I tried a Razer Arctosa once, and it ran fine without any issues. It does not have any programmable keys, so I can't vouch for that, but the backlight & the multimedia keys ran fine.

I'm pretty sure that would be the case with other models as well. A little bit of searching reveals the following blog post http://blog.stebalien.com/2008/09/linux-razer-lycosa-wtf.html, which mentions the additional USB and headphone jacks not working on Ubuntu for a Razer Lycosa.

My advice would be to try them out before buying them. Hardware compliance with Ubuntu is not something very strong at the moment, esp in the Gaming sector.

Answer 2

Please have a look at the following:

https://github.com/Wattos/LinuxSidewinderX6

I implemented a user space driver for the Microsoft Sidewinder X6. Has all the same functionality as the windows drivers with the exception of macro recording and run button.

Answer 3

I ended up trying then sticking with mechanical keyboards. These worked "out of the box" with Linux/Ubuntu -- no problems. They are a step up in terms of durability (with the mechanical switches rated for tens of millions of keystrokes), and many, including the ones I use, have "n-key rollover" -- if you hit several keys at once, they all register flawlessly.

The only issue I had to correct was the scroll lock key and light not functioning correctly (and this fix is documented elsewhere). I've ended up using two keyboards -- a very nice black Leopold, and a flashier Cooler Master "CM Storm". Both are 87-key "tenkeyless" keyboards. (I'd also recommend looking at WASD Keyboards, which I didn't go with simply because they stocked only full-size boards.)

The 87-key keyboards don't have the number-pad, so you get full-size keys but with a smaller footprint. This is especially nice because you can (assuming you use your right hand for the mouse) get your mouse in closer to the keyboard. This is more ergonomic, and it may keep your arm and hand from tiring as quickly. I opted for Cherry MX brown keyswitches, but a lot of gamers prefer the MX black switches.

Ultimately, I opted not to get backlit keys, but there are several mechanical keyboards that have lighting of various or variable shades.

Also of note: I tried the Cyborg keyboard mentioned in the question, and was not happy (I returned it). It felt too cheaply made for what it cost, and I thought the backlighting was blurry and distracting.