I have been looking for a keyboard that does not have a number pad and is preferably less than 15 inches long, but width does not matter. I would prefer NOT to have a multimedia keyboard with dozens of useless single function buttons like "Access the Internet" or "Volume and Mute" as these are already either easy to access or on my sound system's controller.
A gaming keyboard is what I am looking for but not one dedicated to a particular genre such as WASD optimized FPS keyboards or Zboards designed for a particular game. I am aware of the new Logitech G5 keyboard with a tiny LCD screen on the top of the keyboard and its hefty $80 price tag and find it interesting but unneccessary. I also became interested in the Saitek Eclipse gaming keyboard but it is too large at 17x9 inches with its number pad although I DO like the layout and design.
Any suggestions of keyboards that are relatively small and somewhat designed for gaming with either backlight keys or sleek ergonomic designs would be greatly appreciated for this discriminating gamer.

If you want something just for gaming, look at the Ergodex DX1.

Ok, so I sort of limited my options when I said I wanted a gaming keyboard. When I mean gaming I am including games that require a lot of typing and the full spectrum of letters like MMOs and the 25 keys, $150 dollar price, and time and hardcoreness required to align all of the keys together, assign them functions using the included software, and painstakingly place stickers on each key is too daunting a task for me. Thanks for the suggestion though Speedo. I have read and enjoyed some of your other posts.