Looking for a new Computer Keyboard

looking for a keyboard

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I like the Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 (http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=043) but if you don’t like the split keyboard, you probably won’t like that. The two “straight” keyboards I’ve tried recently that I liked are the Logitech wireless S 510 (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2162,CONTENTID=10710) — this one may be iffy, as it’s fairly different in its ultra-flatness — and Das Keyboard II (http://daskeyboard.com/). I loved the “clickiness” of Das Keyboard, and if it weren’t for the dual facts that A) I prefer the split keyboard and B) Das Keyboard II costs 80 bucks, I’d own one just to swap out for variety.

You’re not a real geek unless you use a buckling spring keyboard.

Chris, I use the Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard. While it’s not wireless it is illuminated and offers 18 programmable “g keys” as well as a neat LCD screen in the keyboard.

Check it out here

Hey Chris

I’ve used a basic Logitech Desktop Deluxe cordless combo set for few years now and it’s by far the best keyboard I’ve tried out anywhere imho.

As far as the receiver being compatible with other mice in the Logitech range, I’ve found my original unit to work just fine with the Cordless TrackMan® Wheel as well as the Cordless Optical TrackMan® Mouse. I also use an MX-700 which uses it’s receiver as the recharging point for the mouse too and they both work fine without any interference.

The Logitech diNovo Edge is a great looking bit of kit isn’t it and the reviews and comments about it I’ve read have all been good, but spending that kkind of money to me, just seems to be way over the top.

“Where do keyboards go when they die? They don’t go to heaven where the angels fly. They go to the lake of fire and fry. Won’t see ‘em again until the fourth of July.”

Is this a reference to the Meat Puppets reunion? If so, cool. If not, still cool.

The logitech S530 Laser for Mac is a GREAT option if you’re using a mac. I love the keyboard and mouse they both work flawlessly. If you really want live though, get the DiNovo Cordless Desktop. Oh my gosh that thing is heaven!

Keyboards are overrated, me thinks, but…that diNovo sher look fancy

My my, someone else disgusted with the keyboard market.

I’ve been searching literally high-and-low for a REAL keyboard. I’m so sick of all of these fancy keyboards that do EVERYTHING but … let you type.

I’ve been in the business of gaming, umm … computers forever – so – I know what a keyboard did a long time ago. You know, F-keys and that Alt key, Ctrl key – then that block of 6 keys ( home, pgdn, end, you know) that we always used in the past… but worst, absolutely the worst of all – is how these manufacturers decide “Hey! Nobody cares whether or not we resize the Return key, or maybe rearrange the \ and Backspace – hey, GREAT IDEA!

Yeah, right. Headaches & typos galore.

In my case – Money’s not an object. If I find a good keyboard – I don’t care HOW much it is. I need to type, and type fast – get my work done – no mistakes – no fuss – NO F-LOCK KEY FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

I’ll save you my headaches and give you my own experience:

Microsoft Digital Media Keyboard.

This is a regular old keyboard – regular old keys – all the same places, shapes, sizes – just a plain old keyboard. Sure, MS has thrown in those stupid “special” keys that I never use … well, maybe except for the track forward-back media control keys. But that’s about it. The best feature of this board: It’s what all of us folks who have been typing since these NEW computer users were in diapers. It’s a keyboard. :D

For Wireless: Sure, it’s great for a remote controlled car. Not good for a computer. I’m a wireless Luddite. Of course I’ve used it, but I hate it. I don’t have patience to play with batteries. If you’re still using wires – stick with em.

On a side note, I came here thinking of complaining about you.

Your keyboard complaint … seems to fall in the same area as mine. I guess I just related.

:)

Good luck finding a keyboard.

Stick with MS.

Sure, Windows is a mess, but their keyboards are great.

Keyboards over the years, TRS-80 Models I, II, III, 16, Monroe 2000, Tandy 2000, Victor 9000, IBM PC/XT PC/AT, several generic keyboards (both 84 key and 101/102/103+ keyboards. I won’t go into the keypunch keyboards and other terminal keyboards I’ve dealt with.

I got hooked on the original MS Natural, and really prefer the split keyboards. Went through a white Natural, which lasted until the kids spilled something in it and washing it proceeded to make it unworkable, had a black Natural that lasted for awhile and then the Escape key died (and only the Escape key), which I needed. Grrrr. Then it was on to the Internet Natural keboard, which started to go bonkers with the extra keys, then I played with a couple more keyboards, when MS came out with the Natural 4000, and I bought one of the first ones. I’ve bought another at a ridiculous price to have a spare. I just wish I could set the zoom key to up and down arrow instead.

The best keyboard was the Monroe 2000, which I could break typing speeds on for some reason.

1 word: Optimus. This has got to be the nicest keyboard I’ve ever seen, not really sure if it’s in stores thought..

http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus-concept/
http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/

Let’s get serious. This is what you shall buy: http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/8193/

I can see it now, some poor shmuck opesn up a store for accessories, where geeks like us can come in and try before we buy. Come on, be honest, you go in there and test out a bunch of keyboards and find the one you want, then you buy it from there at “a small mark up”? Or do you walk out the door with model number in hand and order it online?

That’s what I thought :)

I’m a Tablet / UMPC guy, so I have to ask….what’s a keyboard? ;) OK, I did the compromise because I don’t like the split ergo ‘boards, but I figure I’ve got a good 30 years of blogging in me yet, so I’m trying to avoid killing my wrists. I opted for a package that included the Microsoft Wireless Comfort Keyboard and MS Wireless Laser Mouse 6000. I think the combo was around $75 on sale. The mouse is great and has extra buttons plus a scroll wheel. The keyboard has a slight curve to the keys (hence the above referenced ergo compromise bit) but isn’t a split keyboard. It has a nice Zoom lever that works well, plus dedicated buttons for common tasks. In fact, there are 21 buttons that I would call “extras”. About 6 are geared for the web/favorites, 4 are for media playback and control, 3 for volume. Heck, even CALCULATOR gets it’s own li’l button! Good luck…and when you’re ready for some real fun, try a Vista Tablet or UMPC. :)

Best keyboard I have ever owned (and I have spent some pretty coin on keyboards, mind you) would be coming from this vendor:

http://www.i-rocksusa.com/products/keyboards.html

And yes, they are simple, comfortable, textile feedback is outstanding and I am in LOVE with this one. I will never use anything else.
http://www.i-rocksusa.com/products/ir6810.html

Logitech G15, I wouldn’t use anything else~

Chris, you HAVE to wait for the Microsoft Wireless Desktop 8000. I’ve never lusted after a keyboard before, but this is a must-have.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=080

Logitech diNovo. Expensive, but worth it – though I wish it had a backlight.

Ahhh….. the diNovo ‘EGDE’ WITH backlight.. yessssss!! Time to upgrade my 2ndGen diNovo now. mmmmm.. want want want

The first generation had the bluetooth hub in the mouse dock./charger, now its a usb bluetooth dongle – but this also acts as the bluetooth hub for other stuff too – audio etc. But I have found that while using bluetooth audio, it can affect the performance of the mouse.

I take that back. It (the diNovo Edge) does not have a full backlight for the keyboard. Just some lights behind some of the button labels. hmmmm. boo.

I love my Saitek Eclipse keyboard. It’s beautifully backlit so I can compute in the dark, the keys have wonderful feel when you type, it’s got volume control and backlight luminance control right on the keyboard. I bought one for my wife and she loves it too.

Sorry, all wrong.

I’m using the good ole IBM server keyboards (http://www.dansdata.com/ibmkeyboard.htm) for about ten years now and they are still unreached with their special click. Unicomp licensed the tech and is selling them even with Windows keys http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/en104bl.html (but who need that?). You can get the original one fairly cheap on ebay.

I have to agree with Mike in an earlier post. The classic “Model M” keyboards (buckling spring) have the absolutely best typing feel on the planet.

I bought two in the last 6 months. I have an IBM “Model M” for use at work, and I have a brand new Unicomp keyboard for home. The folks at Unicomp took over IBM’s keyboard business when Lexmark decided they were no longer interested.

You can pick up any of a number of keyboards on eBay. Check http://www.pckeyboard.com for information on new keyboards and http://www.clickykeyboards.com on information regarding the older IBM, Lexmark, and Unicomp models.

Hello,

I have been using a Creative Vision Technologies’ Avant Stellar keyboard for quite some time and am very happy with it. It is PS/2 only and has function keys both above they alphanumeric characters (PC/AT style) and to the left of them (PC/XT style). I find that very convenient.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

Nice keyboard, does it come in Dvorák?

Hi. I got a nice rock solid Cherry keyboard about 15 years ago, no fancy pain in the butt F lock key, just nice keys that work and still work after being taken to bits and drowned in isopropyl alcohol, the foam keyboard cleaner I used is conductive (great idea…not) so I had to flush it all out as it shorted all the keys out. But it’s still working.

So if you find a good one stick to it.

Ha? you don’t like the split “natural” keyboards? I like it so much. I can type very fast with it.

anyway, I also want to buy a new keyboard right now. Some of the letter in my keyboard already gone. So I type in here by feeling. lol.

Hey, tell me why you considered going wireless?

- Ruri

I realize that I’m a bit late to the party and that others have already mentioned the Customizer/Model M, but I’ll chime in with a long and positive review. It’s an acquired taste, as not everyone likes the noise or sensation, but I’d never go back to a regular OEM keyboard. At $70, it’s also less expensive than some of the keyboards you are (were?) considering.