Keyboard, mouse, joystick, game pad... etc.
What works best for you and what would you recommend to others?

Huh?
It depends what type of game, although you can't go wrong with the Mouse + Keyboard for whatever game.

Ah. let me be more clear...
I don't mean to ask what you prefer to use, but if you have a recommended brand/model.
I am looking to get a new keyboard and joystick, so I am in the market and looking to see what others would say is their equipment of choice.
:)

For a joystick... Well, I just use my PS2 controller.
As for a keyboard, i'm using a Logitech one. It's fine, except I can't simultaneously hold W and D while holding shift. It's a particular nuisance on Half-Life 2 and such.

-Keyboard.
I have a Compaq no-namer with all the multi-media and internet app buttons. Hate it.
-Mouse.
I have a Microsoft Optical. No frills, does the job. Clean and simple.
-Joystick.
Logitech Extreme 3d Pro. Loved it when it worked... but that wasn't long. Won't stay calibrated and the stick is much more sensitive on one axis than the other.
-Game pad.
Not a fan of game pads, don't use 'em.

For joystick I'd recommend the Logitech Extreme 3d Pro. The keyboard - old A4 Tech KB-6.

Keyboard: Logitech G15
Joystick: Logitech Extreme 3d Pro
Gamepad: X360 for Windows

Playstation 3 controller via bluetooth
Wii remote via bluetooth
Xbox 360 Controller via usb
Ps2 controller via usb adapter
those all work great for me!

I prefer old keyboards that offer some real solid heft to them. Modern keyboards just seem flimsy to me.
Anyway, for gaming I use a no-frills logitech optical mouse, though I used to have a good gaming mouse before it met a sad end. Wireless is nice, but I'm not sure if it's worth it.
The Xbox 360 wired controller works great for most games and I really like it for old SNES games on emulators. It's also cheap and has a proper heft to it.

Agreed. The old IBM's and such are incredibly durable with a great feel and sensibly sized and arranged keys.
For now I really like my Saitek keyboard. Very solid and good key sizing and layout. It has backlight, which I usually don't use but do occasionally.

For a gamepad I use the MadCatz MicroCon Xbox360 controller.
I love the compact feel of it.

Saitek Eclipse Keyboard. (Solid, but quiet key action. Only frill being the backlight)
Razer Diamondbck (4 side buttons for most common actions in game)
Had a Microsoft Sidewinder back in the day when I used to play Flight Sim 2000 and Combat Flight Sim.
I also have a logitec gamepad that has the same layout as a playstation controller... Can't remember the model and can't check at the moment. I am considering a 360 controller however since I find them more comfortible.

I agree with you on keyboards, however it's difficult to find a good one. Also, the Xbox 360 wired controller isn't that great because the D pad has less functionality than a SNES or even NES controller. I prefer to use a PS2 controller in that instance, but a Xbox controller isn't that bad.

Mouse: Logitech G5 Laser Mouse

Keyboard: Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard
Controller: Xbox 360 Wired Controller (Using third party XBCD)

Joystick: Saitek X52 Flight Control System
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I can't use a 360 controller without XBCD. Microsoft's native stuff is horrible.

Logitech Rumblepad 2
[url=]http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/gamepads/devices/264&cl=US,EN[/url]
Cordless version
[url=]http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/gamepads/devices/287&cl=US,EN[/url]
Both excellent gamepads. They work in every game, emulator or program you throw at them. They include a "mode" switch for games which do not support the D-pad (older titles) so you can quickly switch from the analog to the digital pad. Force feedback is also included.
I'm never buying anything else until someone tops them.