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    Steelseries Chiclet Backlit keyboard for P150EM/P170EM

    Discussion in 'Sager/Clevo Reviews & Owners' Lounges' started by vuman619, Jun 14, 2012.

  1. PauldC

    PauldC Newbie

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    I've just installed the steelseries in my Clevo P170em. Just one word: 'Great'. They should have put this keyboard in as the stock keyboard.
    No more missing letters when fast typing.

    They only thing I could not get done is to have the top lid under the speaker bar fit as before. This keyboard was somewhat bigger, and I did not get it better.

    But i'm fine with it, the lid is fixed and not loose. I will have a go at remapping the Fn keys later, but that not a real showstopper for me.

    Paul.
     

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    PauldC, Jul 4, 2012
    #51
  2. orlyowl_11

    orlyowl_11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well--

    I've got to be honest. I am less and less happy with this SteelSeries keyboard on my P150EM. It is CONSTANTLY missing keystrokes, on the rate of every 10-15 keystrokes unless I intentionally slow down my typing.

    I am a fairly quick typer, averaging over 100 WPM when really working, but this is killing me....

    I'm coming from a Dell Latitude E5420 with a non-chiclet style keyboard, and I NEVER had any problems with missed keystrokes and missed spaces in between words when typing. Can't tell yet if the keyboard is the cause, or if the keyboard layout is so much different and you really have to hit the "center" of the key for it to register...

    really, really annoying though.

    As far as I can tell there isn't any software or driver either to adjust the sensitivity of it. Is anyone aware of any? All the built in windows driver gives me the option for is to adjust the speed and frequency of repeated characters should I hold down a key, i.e., aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, bbbbbbbbbbbbb, etc.

    Going to try and install the stock Clevo 150EM keyboard later today and see if I see the same issues, but as of right now, this is definitely a deal breaker.
     
    orlyowl_11, Jul 6, 2012
    #52
  3. xxpawnerzxx

    xxpawnerzxx Notebook Consultant

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    tbh i would get an external keyboard if i am gonna type that intensively, i could never type fast on a laptop keyboard :(
     
    xxpawnerzxx, Jul 6, 2012
    #53
  4. orlyowl_11

    orlyowl_11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have an external keyboard at my main desk (wireless logitech MX5500--love this thing, truly one of the best keyboards I've ever used unless you really want a mechanical one). The problem is though I often times bring this laptop around with me to various places and perform different work on client sites, etc. That's why I went with a Clevo/Sager over an Alienware or something else... I can bring this with me to an office environment and people don't look at me like I'm weird.

    Either way, still not impressed thus far with this chiclet keyboard.
     
    orlyowl_11, Jul 6, 2012
    #54
  5. buuky

    buuky Notebook Enthusiast

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    Which one do you prefer - the stock keyboard or the SS one?
     
    buuky, Jul 9, 2012
    #55
  6. nambinhvu

    nambinhvu Notebook Evangelist

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    Who uses the sleep button anyway? o_O That is one of the first things I disable when doing a fresh Windows install, along with autoplay disable, system properties visual effects, aero snap, sticky keys and all those other ease of access shortcut things, and a bunch of other things.
     
    nambinhvu, Jul 10, 2012
    #56
  7. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    I disable hibernate but not sleep. Sleep is very useful. Instant on, very little battery drain as it only charges the RAM.
     
    HTWingNut, Jul 11, 2012
    #57
  8. poketape

    poketape Notebook Consultant

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    Is the typing experience of the stock keyboard bad enough to warrant paying extra for this or is this a choice just based on the type of keyboard?
     
    poketape, Jul 11, 2012
    #58
  9. awakeN

    awakeN Notebook Deity

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    i think it just depends more on if you're lucky or not to receive a good keyboard than the actual kind of keyboard itself.
     
    awakeN, Jul 11, 2012
    #59
  10. Vergeofinsanity81

    Vergeofinsanity81 Notebook Consultant

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    Does FN-1 work for this keyboard to turn on the fans? Also, do you have to be in game for the fans to turn on or can u just turn it on whenever?
     
    Vergeofinsanity81, Jul 13, 2012
    #60
  11. GaresTaylan

    GaresTaylan Notebook Consultant

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    It works on mine. I can turn it on whenever.
     
    GaresTaylan, Jul 13, 2012
    #61
  12. Vergeofinsanity81

    Vergeofinsanity81 Notebook Consultant

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    Is it noticeably loud? I guess mine just doesn't work.
     
    Vergeofinsanity81, Jul 14, 2012
    #62
  13. fantomasz

    fantomasz Notebook Deity

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    so anyone install steelseries and want to sell original US keyboard? I want replace my german keyboard.
     
    fantomasz, Jul 14, 2012
    #63
  14. orlyowl_11

    orlyowl_11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well, wanted to give it some time to really get a good idea of one versus the other.

    Definitely prefer the stock keyboard. While I still miss a letter here or there while typing because it just misses it, it isn't once or twice every sentence like with the SteelSeries...

    I guess its also possible I just got a really bad SteelSeries keyboard? Not really sure at this point--I can't imagine a keyboard that responded that badly could honestly be sold by any company/other people would enjoy it as much as they do.

    One thing to note, the stock keyboard is much sturdier on the backside with almost like a metal plate/frame that the keyboard ribbon cable is glued/taped to. On the SteelSeries, this plate doesn't exist, and the keyboard is much flimsier. Does anyone that has a SteelSeries know if your keyboard came with a backplate type thing attached?
     
    orlyowl_11, Jul 16, 2012
    #64
  15. Heihachi_1337

    Heihachi_1337 Notebook Deity

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    The SteelSeries keyboard does not have the heavier plate on the back that the Sager keyboard does.
     
    Heihachi_1337, Jul 17, 2012
    #65
  16. Sycraft

    Sycraft Notebook Geek

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    I can't compare to the Steelseries keyboard as I don't have one but I can confirm the stock keyboard does have more than a few ghosting issues. It can ghost with as little as three key presses. I can get it to ghost with E, left shift, space (for that is forward, run and jump in BF3). It has a strange layout it seems to I can't really predict what will cause it to ghost or not, but ghosting is an issue. Rather annoying comming from an MS 4000 which has no ghosting, ever, for any key set that I've found (just the 6 key USB limit).
     
    Sycraft, Jul 21, 2012
    #66
  17. shadowprophet99

    shadowprophet99 Notebook Guru

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    Just in case you are misunderstanding (as some have) the correct key combination is the Function key (Fn) and the "1" key. Not "F1".
     
    shadowprophet99, Jul 23, 2012
    #67
  18. Pemmz

    Pemmz Newbie

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    are u sure "FN + 1 " works with P150EM..?
     
    Pemmz, Jul 28, 2012
    #68
  19. awakeN

    awakeN Notebook Deity

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    Yeah, it works for me. Apparently there's been some BIOS mixups, some people having a certain version that enables fn+1, others that don't work.

    Either way i absolutely #!@$ing hate this stock keyboard, but the SS keyboard doesn't seem to be much better... looks like external keyboard it is, then.
     
    awakeN, Jul 28, 2012
    #69
  20. sindrikhorn

    sindrikhorn Newbie

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    you know who can send a AZERTY Keyboard SteelSerie? :confused:
     
    sindrikhorn, Jul 30, 2012
    #70
  21. sha7bot

    sha7bot Company Representative

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    You'll have to check with your local MSI dealer or repair shop in France to find an AZERTY Steele Series keyboard.
     
    sha7bot, Jul 30, 2012
    #71
  22. sindrikhorn

    sindrikhorn Newbie

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    After several mail at dealers, i found local MSI dealer who can send a AZERTY SS, with this serial:

    S1N-3EFR261-SA0

    You know if this SS backlight Keyboard can operate on 150EM? Or it just the Keyboard S1N-3EUS271-SA0 who operate on 150EM?
    Its too hard to find a AZERTY SS lol.... :eek:


    EDIT: 160€ for AZERTY Keyboard SS....wub
     
    sindrikhorn, Jul 31, 2012
    #72
  23. poketape

    poketape Notebook Consultant

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    I've been using the stock keyboard and I've had no problems with it. Ghosting's a situational thing and I guess I haven't played any games where it's been a problem.
     
    poketape, Jul 31, 2012
    #73
  24. RGSPro

    RGSPro Notebook Enthusiast

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    I got my NP9150 today from Xotic and it looks like they had to cut the keyboard to get it to fit in the 9150. Do yours have the same look to it? It looks like someone took a dremel to the top and left side of the keyboard. The top right of my keyboard looks particularly shotty.
     

    Attached Files:

    RGSPro, Aug 2, 2012
    #74
  25. Support.3@XOTIC PC

    Support.3@XOTIC PC Company Representative

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    The SS keyboards do need some modification for them to fit but the pictures you posted are a bit more then usual. Send me and PM and we can get you a need one if you're comfortable taking that one out and putting the new one in.
     
    Support.3@XOTIC PC, Aug 3, 2012
    #75
  26. anjro

    anjro Newbie

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    i have the backlit chiclet keyboard and i think it's great with the exception of one thing which i THINK is an isolated issue.

    the plus (+) sign on the numpad has a distinct clicking sound when pressed and only registers when pressed on the right side. if you press on the left side the left side of the key is depressed but does not register.

    isolated issue? other folks have this problem?
     
    anjro, Aug 13, 2012
    #76
  27. ronaldo0o90

    ronaldo0o90 Notebook Enthusiast

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    guys I just checked the steelseries website to verify whether the remaping program is out or not (in the FAQ section), but I think they removed the question, anyway I am wondering if you know about it or not and if you can recommend a program to remap the function keys on the steelseries keyboard and thanks
     
    ronaldo0o90, Aug 13, 2012
    #77
  28. _untitled_

    _untitled_ Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm pretty sure it's already out (I may be wrong)
    SteelSeries - SteelSeries Engine
     
    _untitled_, Aug 14, 2012
    #78
  29. Support.3@XOTIC PC

    Support.3@XOTIC PC Company Representative

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    Havent seen a remapping program yet. Last we've heard is by end of this year but no dates at all.
     
    Support.3@XOTIC PC, Aug 15, 2012
    #79
  30. jaug1337

    jaug1337 de_dust2

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    jaug1337, Aug 15, 2012
    #80
  31. brugernavn

    brugernavn Notebook Enthusiast

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    SO!, I have a P170EM and a W150ER i want the backlit keyboard for both of them IN DANISH/NORDIC, where can i find that? :/
     
    brugernavn, Aug 17, 2012
    #81
  32. jaug1337

    jaug1337 de_dust2

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    Heh.

    Only possible to get a backlit in the P170EM (ask MM-Vision)

    The W150ER has no way of getting one.
     
    jaug1337, Aug 17, 2012
    #82
  33. brugernavn

    brugernavn Notebook Enthusiast

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    well the W150ER is for my GF, and i just saw that my vision is HM model :(
     
    brugernavn, Aug 18, 2012
    #83
  34. extide

    extide Notebook Deity

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    They are selling you last year's model now, or do you already have the system?
     
    extide, Aug 23, 2012
    #84
  35. Othello123

    Othello123 Newbie

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    I have a similar problem, I've ordered a P150EM and from what I've heard the stock keyboard will really be an issue for me.

    I've tried searching for a good replacement nordic/swedish keyboard with no success (partially because I'm not entirely sure what I should be searching for..), so if anyone can find a link it'd be much appreciated.
     
    Othello123, Aug 24, 2012
    #85
  36. jaug1337

    jaug1337 de_dust2

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    PWNPC's has one. MM-Vision has one. MySN has one.

    Pick a reseller and talk to them :)
     
    jaug1337, Aug 24, 2012
    #86
  37. sindrikhorn

    sindrikhorn Newbie

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    i received my AZERTY Steelserie Keyboard for my 150EM :cool:

    I understood where i has to cut, but i don"t know what set as tool to make it. I have plastic and little métal to be cut. (if i'm not stupid :D).
    People can help me? ^^
     
    sindrikhorn, Aug 25, 2012
    #87
  38. jaug1337

    jaug1337 de_dust2

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    Could you provide a picture so we know what you mean? :)
     
    jaug1337, Aug 25, 2012
    #88
  39. Speednynja

    Speednynja Notebook Enthusiast

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    Use a Dremel, it's a small hand held rotary tool that can cut metal and plastic both. They cost about 20 bucks/euros and are very simple. Just keep a steady hand.
     
    Speednynja, Aug 28, 2012
    #89
  40. _untitled_

    _untitled_ Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is modification absolutely necessary? I'd be ok with the speaker bar being a bit out of place.

    I also don't have a dremel, but I do have sandpaper (up to 2000 grit). Would that work (I'm willing to spend an hour or two on it)?
     
    _untitled_, Aug 29, 2012
    #90
  41. arg8

    arg8 Notebook Consultant

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    Maybe try heating an exacto blade (or razor blade held with pliers) with a torch, ligher or stove element and carve it like a hot knife in butter. You can finish-off with the sand-paper.
     
    arg8, Aug 29, 2012
    #91
  42. _untitled_

    _untitled_ Notebook Enthusiast

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    But is it absolutely necessary?
     
    _untitled_, Aug 29, 2012
    #92
  43. jaug1337

    jaug1337 de_dust2

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    Not if you want a unfit keyboard.
     
    jaug1337, Aug 30, 2012
    #93
  44. ackack47

    ackack47 Notebook Geek

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    Can someone tell me the difference? I thought the SS kb was chicklet/mult-colored/better fn keys, but i got my p170 and the keyboard feels great. Was suprised to see it can do multicolored backlighting, the keys look pretty much the same . (idk what makes keys chicklet) and as often as i use FN keys, that much money is not worth it since these KBs are pretty much the same.
     
    ackack47, Sep 1, 2012
    #94
  45. extide

    extide Notebook Deity

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    Steel Series:
    msi-steelseries-keyboard.jpg

    269702_408782872512314_610777886_n.jpg

    MSI-GT780R-and-the-GX780-17-inch-Gaming-Notebooks-keyboard.jpg

    Stock: (NOTE: Stock KB also changes colors like the SS keyboard. Look around the edges of each key for the main differences.)
    9150_3.jpg
     
    extide, Sep 1, 2012
    #95
  46. Caden

    Caden Newbie

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    For those who had trouble fitting the Steelseries keyboard into a P150EM, I had to sand down the top part to get it to fit. I also didn't like how flexible and flimsy the steelseries felt, and typing on it felt hollow. So I then decided to take the metal backplate on the stock keyboard and placed it underneath the Steelseries one. Things feel much better now.
     
    Caden, Sep 3, 2012
    #96
  47. _untitled_

    _untitled_ Notebook Enthusiast

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    Out of curiosity, what grit(s) did you use, and how long did it take?
     
    _untitled_, Sep 3, 2012
    #97
  48. Caden

    Caden Newbie

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    I used a metal file, it took me about an hour to get it to fit.
     
    Caden, Sep 3, 2012
    #98
  49. _untitled_

    _untitled_ Notebook Enthusiast

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    How'd you secure it without the screwholes?
     
    _untitled_, Sep 4, 2012
    #99
  50. Caden

    Caden Newbie

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    Fortunately I didn't have to do anything with the screw holes. It was only the top ledge of the keyboard that was causing the speaker-bar-cover thing to not fit, so I just filed down the top ledge but left the holes intact.
     
    Caden, Sep 4, 2012
    #100
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