best Dreamcast keyboard solution?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Hey guys, one of the reasons I keep my Dreamcast hooked up is to play some of the funky exclusives for it, including the Typing of the Dead.

I'm currently using a cheapish Microsoft PS/2 keyboard and a Dream Connection 2 adapter (Saturn, PS2, and PS/2 keyboard support on DC).

I'd like to upgrade to something better. Does anyone have any keyboard recommendations? I know I could go with the OEM one, but I'd like to know if there's maybe a PS/2 keyboard that would be ideally suited for Typing of the Dead, or perhaps, a USB keyboard option?

[noiseredux]

why wouldn't you want to just use regular DC keyboards? They're so cheap. I have a boxed US and boxed JPN one now, but jeez, I've sold 3 or 4 extra ones in the past year just because I kept finding them so cheap. Plus, they're actually very well made. Personally, I prefer the Japanese one because of its smaller form. It actually feels a bit more "console-ish" than a full-size keyboard I guess.

[Hatta]

Where do you find them cheap?

[CRTGAMER]

Another non Dreamcast solution is to get the PC version. (Ducks from DC keyboards being thrown) The PC at the computer desk might be more suited for hitting the keys. Or better yet, hookup the Dreamcast thru VGA to the computer monitor to get the desk keyboard action.

As far as the keyboard, the Dreamcast keys are nice. However, there are tons of PS/2 keyboards to choose from on the cheap at the Thrift Store and Swap Meet. Tap away before buying you might discover one to your liking.

[noiseredux]

Where do you find them cheap?

let's see. I know I had gotten one from JJGames, one from eStarland, one from a local retro store, the Japanese one and a loose US I bought from mjmjr25. All were boxed except that one I mentioned, and I never paid more than $12 (including shipping if applicable) for any of them. I don't know if they've gone up - the last one I bought was around February, but they just seem really common and cheap to me.

@CRT: How easy/cheap is it to find the PC version? I'd be interested, although Fast has mentioned that it's not as good as the DC version... buggy or something?

[CRTGAMER]

@CRT: How easy/cheap is it to find the PC version? I'd be interested, although Fast has mentioned that it's not as good as the DC version... buggy or something?

Had mine for years, bought from a bargain bin somewhere. Last time I ran it was on a Windows XP PC, unsure of Win 7 compatible even if set to XP compatibility. If I remember right, looked a little sharper then the Dreamcast version since I did not have a DC VGA setup at the time. I would think the Dreamcast version with a VGA adapter would be the best version. This is based on since the game is programmed specific to the console and not having to compromise to all the various PC configurations.

Just checked Amazon, the PC version is pricey! Definitely one to grab if found at the Thrift Store pile of PC games.

[jay_red]

If you already have a PS/2 adapter, then you could look into a PS/2 mechanical keyboard if you are wanting a better quality keyboard. As mentioned before, the Dreamcast Keyboards are pretty well made, I have 2, a "Sega Net" version that is a little more compact, and one that just says Dreamcast, that is more like an old style full size.

As for the PC version of Typing, I have played it, and it felt no different than the DC version, the people are even still wearing the Dreamcast backpacks with the huge battery.

[fastbilly1]

As for the PC version of Typing, I have played it, and it felt no different than the DC version, the people are even still wearing the Dreamcast backpacks with the huge battery.

It has some frame rate issues on the later stages, it just suffered from a bad port. It is playable, but the Dreamcast version is widely considered better. The advantage of the PC version is that you can play Typing of the Dead 2...but that never got translated so it is even harder.

Honestly the Dream Connection 2 is the best way to play. The ability to replace it with a multitude of keyboards makes it superior to the DC keyboard. I went through three keyboards before I borrowed a friends set of DC2s and a mechanical keyboards, but that was only because we were doing it at conventions and it was getting 18ish hours of gameplay a day.

[Hobie-wan]

If he's using a 'cheapish' PS2 keyboard, then buying an official Sega keyboard isn't really going to make a difference other than removing the need for the adapter. They're the same kind of cheap membrane keyboard you get free with your PC you bought at Best Buy or whatever. Aside from the different cord, they just have S1, S2, and S3 instead of windows and menu keys. If not upgrading to a mechanical switch KB or wanting to not use the adapter, there's really not a reason to change.

[Hatta]

Honestly the Dream Connection 2 is the best way to play.

Where can these be found? I'd rather have small adaptors than a big clunky keyboard anyway.