PC Keyboards

[Felicity Grope]

Originally Posted by gmw

The one in the "Desktop 7000" is not a patch on the earlier models

Heck. I didn't know. I've been on the cusp of buying a new keyboard a couple of times this year. People see this keyboard and grimace because it's now a yellow/brown colour and that's after cleaning...

I'll definitely stick with it. Thanks for the info.

[gmw]

Originally Posted by Felicity Grope

Heck. I didn't know. I've been on the cusp of buying a new keyboard a couple of times this year. People see this keyboard and grimace because it's now a yellow/brown colour and that's after cleaning...

I'll definitely stick with it. Thanks for the info.

Yep, I know all about what the colour the old Pro turns. I can't remember exactly went wrong with mine - I might have just decided it was time to get a clean one without that over-used/over-cleaned polish to most of the surface.

I should be fair and add: During the research that I did before changing over to the Kinesis I found a lot of people that seemed happy with the 7000 (and the 4000 - the cabled version). But there were also quite a few with similar problems to myself (on both versions). I got the impression that it may be a quality control issue. Maybe most do come out fine, but mine barely saw out 12 months. Given the premium price (and the included mouse in the 7000 that I didn't like very much) I wasn't willing to try again. I am very happy with the Kinesis, but I can understand that it wouldn't be for everyone.

[Felicity Grope]

Holy guacamole! Just checked the price on Amazon for those Kinesis keyboards. Look drool-worthy but I'd have to sell a lot more ebooks before I can afford one of those! A lot more!

[Rbneader]

I love mechanical keyboards. The one I have isn't 'ergonomic', but using it still helped a lot with hand strain. They usually cost more ($100+) and they're a little noisier than a typical keyboard, but they're very, very sturdy and feel great to type on.

I'm using the Matias Quiet Pro (http://matias.ca/quietpro/pc/) right now for noise control, but if you find a mechanical keyboard with Red Cherry switches that will also be relatively quiet.

[gmw]

Originally Posted by Felicity Grope

Holy guacamole! Just checked the price on Amazon for those Kinesis keyboards. Look drool-worthy but I'd have to sell a lot more ebooks before I can afford one of those! A lot more!

In Australia the RRP on the MS Natural 4000 (cabled) is $99.95, and the MS Natural 7000 (wireless) is $199.95. Actual sale price is usually lower but that gives you an idea. I got the Kinesis (with VIP accessory etc.) delivered from the U.S. for a bit over $160. That didn't seem so bad to me - though it was a big decision at the time, since I hadn't been able to try one here before I committed. I suffered from wrist problems before I started using the natural keyboards many years ago, so I've always been willing to spend the extra to remain comfortable and able to work.

[gmw]

Originally Posted by Rbneader

I love mechanical keyboards. The one I have isn't 'ergonomic', but using it still helped a lot with hand strain. They usually cost more ($100+) and they're a little noisier than a typical keyboard, but they're very, very sturdy and feel great to type on.

I'm using the Matias Quiet Pro (http://matias.ca/quietpro/pc/) right now for noise control, but if you find a mechanical keyboard with Red Cherry switches that will also be relatively quiet.

They are very nice looking keyboards. If they only had a bend in the middle I might be interested in trying one.

[Ankh]

Originally Posted by mr ploppy

The best keyboards are the ones made in the 1980s, but apparently modern ones with Cherry MX switches are almost as good.

This weekend, I just bought my son one of these:
http://www.amazon.ca/Das-Keyboard-DA.../dp/B008PFABI8

I looked for IBM model M replacement for years, and this is it. Expensive, but really-really good.

Cheaper "Cherry MX Blue" switch based keyboards are offered as "gaming" models. For those who don't need, or don't want a numeric keypad, this one might be a nice and space savvy alternative:
http://www.amazon.ca/Quickfire-Rapid.../dp/B0068INSUM

[JSWolf]

I had a temp job once working computer systems and one of the things that got replaced was the keyboard. I ended up with a bunch of old HP keyboards. Full size and they feel very nice. Not too old not to have Windows keys. They do not make a lot of noise. Free is good for keyboards of this quality.

[BeccaPrice]

I settled on the Goldtouch GTU-0088 V2 Adjustable Comfort Keyboard. The Kinesis was just too radical a redesign for me, and I really couldn't justify $260 for a keyboard. We'll see how it all works out.

[VydorScope]

Please let us know how it works for you!

[BeccaPrice]

sure, I'll check back in when it arrives.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Same. My current home and work wireless keyboards both have been on the same batteries for many, many months.

Same here. I use Logitech wireless keyboards and mice at home and work and I may need to change the batteries once a year. Never turn them off.
I'm not a daily-grind touch typist, so I can't speak to the other requirements, but modern wireless is excellent and I couldn't imagine going back to wired.

[twowheels]

Originally Posted by PeterT

Maybe look at the IBM M-10 keyboard --> http://pckeyboard.com/

I was going to suggest the same... the only thing that I can type on all day without getting tired is a Model M. I usually find them at thrift stores. The one I'm typing this on came from Goodwill for $6. They last FOREVER and feel awesome!

You can get NOS ones from here:

http://www.clickykeyboards.com/

...or newly manufactured ones (different company, same technology) from the link that Peter posted.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by twowheels

They last FOREVER and feel awesome!

I do love the feel of those.

They are about as loud as an old-style electric typewriter, which is great for a newsroom-like din, not so good when your family is sleeping in the next room. :-)

I still have one. I resisted switching for many years. The noise, and my need for Windows keys eventually won out. My kids play with it now.

[Ankh]

Originally Posted by ApK

I'm not a daily-grind touch typist, so I can't speak to the other requirements, but modern wireless is excellent and I couldn't imagine going back to wired.

Is that wire really a problem?

If the keyboard is a media centre controller, whose rightful place is somewhere on a coffee table, and is operated 5 meters from the device, sure... But workstation keyboard? It should be weighted or placed on a rubber mat, to prevent its movement, IMHO.

Why bother with the batteries if the only benefit is aesthetic, the loss of one (ugly) wire?