For Christmas, I got $150 in gift cards for Best Buy. My computer is in good shape and doesn't need any upgrades, so I was thinking about upgrading the final two sucky things about my layout... my keyboard, which is a Zboard (yes you can stop laughing now), and my speakers, which are about... 8 years old.

There are only two catches. One is that I need to be able to buy them from Best Buy (preferably in the store since I want to actually be able to rest my hands against the keyboard). The other is with the sound, which is that it can't be full surround sound (with speakers behind me) because my husband sits nearby on his computer and the sound would overlap his.

Any suggestions?

saitek eclipse 2 board.

Of those two components I would definitely recommend you concentrate on the keyboard first.  The keyboard is your primary method of interacting with your PC.  That said, what you like in a keyboard is very likely different than what I like.  I don't like ergonomic keyboards or board with ramps on their front. I also don't like wireless keyboards. Replacing batteries once a month /is/ a hassle especially if they die during a big battle.  You end up with fresh batteries and dead batteries all over the place.  The best way I can describe the keyboard I like is to say it would be an old style IBM clicky keyboard with stiff keys.  Your idea of a hands on test drive is the best suggestion I could make there.

As for the speakers the only set I could recommend on the Best Buy website are these and they cost $150.00.  My personal preference, and what I have, are Klipsch speakers. Whatever you do, don't buy cheap ass $30 speakers and do seriously consider a speaker set with a separate sub-woofer like those in the link.

As far as keyboards are concerned, I do like that little ramps, but otherwise the only thing I don't like are those flat keyboards where the keys are barely sticking up (I have long nails, so it's impossible to type without the clicky keys, plus I like clicky keys). I'll stay away from wireless... I've had one in the past which actually wasn't too bad, but considering I play a lot of MMOs, I definitely can't have my keyboard dying randomly.

I'll be sure to look at Klipsch speakers. Any other brands to look at/avoid?

Rage, will definitely check that keyboard out.
 

Klipsch speakers are amazing and they're also VERY expensive.

Best Buy has the Creative T20 speakers for $90

As for a KB, I'd recommend the Logitech G15 Gaming KB for $100

I know that's more than you got in gift cards but look at it as getting some really good stuff for about $50 outta pocket, depending on taxes in your area.

Sarkazmo

I love my Klipsche speakers, however, Nemmers recommendations are great too. I have some Creative speakers and they work just fine.

I would also recommend the Logitech G15 v2 Gaming Keyboard which runs about 100 bucks. It's a very nice, durable keyboard. As for the sound, I'd say go for a headset. Not only can you then talk to people (typing is much too slow during battles) but if your computer is next to someone elses the sounds don't get mixed up. As for specifics, I use the Creative Fatal1ty Gold-Plated Jack model which costs 40 bucks. Avoid the USB one, twice the money nothing much new about it.

If you do want a good set of cheap speakers, maybe check out Edifer brand ones. They're what I'm using on one of mine. They come with a sperate subwoofer and volume-knob.  The sound covers every range is just great. I got mine from a local RadioShack for 50 bucks. I know one of my friends just recently picked a pair up from the same store for 20 - 30 bucks. They're really quite cheap but they sound great.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I decided to go with the Creative T20 speakers. For the keyboard, I typed some on the Logitech gaming kb and just didn't really like the feel of it on my wrists. Next to it though was the Saitek Eclipse II, which actually felt right, so (after checking a few reviews) I decided to pick it up. With tax it put me a little over my budget, but not too badly.

Saitek Eclipse III keyboard is better then the Saitek Eclipse II keyboard, but the Eclipse 3 costs near $100.  For speakers, I wish they would make wireless speakers now.  I am tired of running wires every-bit around a room to setup surround sound.

Originally posted by streea

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I decided to go with the Creative T20 speakers. For the keyboard, I typed some on the Logitech gaming kb and just didn't really like the feel of it on my wrists. Next to it though was the Saitek Eclipse II, which actually felt right, so (after checking a few reviews) I decided to pick it up. With tax it put me a little over my budget, but not too badly.

How do ya like the T20's????

I'd have recommended the Saitek in the past but I've had two Saitek keyboards just up and die on me for no reason.  Went to bed and it was working, turned on my PC the next day to find it dead.  :(  I hope you have better luck.

I'm glad we were able to help you out.  Enjoy.

Sark