What keyboard do you use?

I use a usb Roswill Media keyboard I got from newegg. It's basically a generic version of the logitech multimedia keyboard it has a similar layout and design. It works well for games and typing I like it.
 
I was about to get the G15, then came upon a thread about the clicky keys. So I bought a Dell AT101w that was black and had the clicky keys. It may not be the same as the IBM model M, but it sure is close. I type a lot faster using this keyboard than any other type of keyboard I have ever owned.
 
Stellar said:
1. Superior tacticle feel from buckling springs.

That's completely subjective. I prefer the softer quiet membrane feel, similar to laptops keyboards. Less pressure to depress the keys, no godawful annoying clicking. Moreover, the M is a non-ergonomic layout. 20 years of using that thing will give you CTS no doubt. It doesn't have a wristpad of any kind - my keyboard has a built-in leather wristpad.

2. Because most keyboards made these days are crap.

Well that's quite a generalization isn't it, given the enormous number of various keyboards available. What's superior, from an engineering standpoint, about the model M? It's made of the same old plastic. If anything plastic manuf. processes have advanced since then. The use of springs? Personally I think a membranous keyboard that can be put through a dishwasher, dried, and come out fully functional is better built.

Will my MS Ergo 4000 last 20 years? Damned if I'll ever know, I don't intend to be stuck on the same keyboard for even 2 years, much less 20.

As far as the Windows / Context menu keys... have you ever had to use a Windows box without a mouse? Those keys are vital. The context menu key is also useful if you hook your keyboard up to an older Mac.
Click to expand...

I remember seeing a graph a while ago that was the result of keypress measurement which proved the superiority; I can't seem to find the graph on the internet, so here's my approximation of it (please excuse my poor drawing skills):

model_m_graph.gif


The graph is pretty self-explanatory, but in case you don't follow: The graph from left-to-right charts the amount the key is depressed (0% on the left to 100% on the right); the amount of force required is on the y axis. The important point to the graph is where I've marked "click" in red; this is the point of depression at which (1) the keyboard makes its distinctive noise, and (2) the keypress registers and is sent to the computer. This is what makes the Model M so special among keyboards: the point at which the keypress registers coincides exactly with a drastic drop-off in the amount of pressure required to press the key. A Model M user hears the keypress register, feels the keypress register, and sees the keypress register; that's 3 of the 5 senses involved in letting you know, simultateously, that the key has definitely been pressed. (And I don't think you'd want the other 2 senses involved! :p ) This combination makes it very easy to touch-type, since I can hear and feel exactly when I can move my finger off the key I'm pressing and onto the next key.

It's true that the layout is not split down the middle for ergonomic purposes; however, I think this only really matters if you hold your hands straight onto the keyboard - I have my right hand at a 45 degree angle to the keyboard, and my left hand at about 10 degrees off from "straight," which is more comfortable. The Model M is a bit more ergonomic than it might first appear, though, because if you look at it from the side, you can see that the board has a gradual slope to it, rather than having all the keys lying on a straight plane:

curve.jpg


This makes a very large amount of difference, and puts the IBM ahead of generic keyboards in ergonomics as well.

As far as durability, I don't think you can get away questioning the construction quality of the Model M. ;) The buckling spring mechanism holds up to wear much better than a plastic membrane - how many membrane keyboards from the 1980s are still working? And even if they do work, do they have the same level of tactile feedback that they did when they were new? The M does.

As far as putting a keyboard through the dishwasher: this can be done with the M. I've put my own keyboard through the washer a few times (though there's a website out there that recommends disassembly instead). In fact, most models out there have drain holes in them, to make cleaning easier.

Are they made of the "same old plastic"? I don't believe so. I couldn't tell you what plastic my keyboard is made of, but I know it's not the same generic plastic that most keyboards are. True story: I once accidentally spilled some juice on a keyboard that a friend had left at my apartment, and it dried and got sticky. When he came back to claim it, he noticed the stickiness, and wanted to clean it off. "No problem," I said, and gave him a can of Goof-off to clean it up. I didn't think anything of this, since I'd used the same cleaner on my Model M before, but the Goof-off (which uses the solvent xylene) melted the keys on his keyboard together. :eek: Reading the back of the Goof-off, it says that it may melt some plastics... I had to buy him a new keyboard.

And lastly, Windows keys. I'm not using Windows, so why would I want the Windows keys? ;) There are also reasons for not wanting the Windows keys, even though one is running Windows: how many times have you been playing a game, and accidentally hit the Windows key, only to find that the computer backs out of the game and displays your start menu? Besides, all the functions from the Windows key have alternate keypresses anyway (for instance, the start menu is control-escape; bringing up the task manager is control-shift-escape. Much harder to accidentally press). But if you must have Windows keys, Unicomp (which purchased the rights to the design) sells new Model Ms both with and without Windows keys, so you have your choice.

I think I've typed enough to scare people away. Any more questions?
 
the basic logitech elite.. $25 at target.

i was trying to justify spending $70 on the G15.. but, no, that wont happen.

im actually really impressed by this kb, i was expecting.. well, not much for $25, and its nice as hell. can barely hear the keys
 
I've used some form of the Logitech Elite keyboard (both wired and wireless, using the USB and PS/2 ports) for the past three or four years. I've had no problems with either version whatsoever -- in fact, I'm typing this on a wired Elite keyboard as we speak.

But, I've recently found (and jumped on) a good deal on Logitech's new G15 keyboard... but I'm keeping my Elite keyboard around just in case.... :cool:
 
I have the Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard. I really like it, it is black and silver, it has a button that controls my winamp. It is very comfortable to use.

The problem is, the letters are rubbing off the keys not less than a year after I bought it :mad:

You know microsoft always finds a way, don't they? ;)
-PHiZ
 
Recommendations, although personally I think this thread has turned into one of those pages long threads that never really answers the question, more or less confuses the origional poster.

1. Logitech UltraX Keyboard. Uses scissor type mechanism, very VERY slim with notebook style keys, a few good shortcut buttons, and is good overall. PS2.
2. Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 - Update to the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard Elite. Features reverse tilt addon, very nice palm rests, very quiet, very comfortable, many hotkeys. USB/PS2 Rubber mechanism, regular style caps
3. Microsoft Comfort Keyboard 2000 - Cross between #2 and #1. Flat slim keys with rubber mechanism, quiet, BUT with keyboard layout of #2, although continuous and curved. Not raised. USB2.
 
My keyboard is 8 years old now. It's a square, heavy copy of the old-style IBM "clicky". It used to have those three lovely Windows function keys, but those were popped off in 1999 because I kept accidentally pressing them while playing Counter-Strike. It's ugly as sin but it works great, has a great tactile response, and doubles as a self-defense weapon should things ever get out of hand at a LAN party.
 
Belkin Ergoboard Pro, ya baby! I love this thing, it fits my hands better and doesn't have any of the bs keys i never use.
 
..I use the Dell that came with my SC420......It works fine :)
 
I have several wireles setups from microsoft but I use a combination of an MS wireless comfort key keyboard, MS Wireles Optical 2.0 mouse and a logitech mx310 for gaming

Dual mice rules for helicopter gunner application and its real cool for driving tanks as well

dual-mice.jpg
 
This is the keyboard I use.

keyboard5su.png





Ok, seriously. I use a BenQ X-touch x800. Reletivly comfortable, good clicking, short keystroke, and 4 position height adjustemnt. Not bad for $15
 
acaurora said:
3. Microsoft Comfort Keyboard 2000 - Cross between #2 and #1. Flat slim keys with rubber mechanism, quiet, BUT with keyboard layout of #2, although continuous and curved. Not raised USB2 .
Click to expand...

Damn dude, USB2.0! Dude, how fast do you type?! :D

Since we are discussing keyboards anyways, we have all seen the Das Keyboard, right?
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/input/7727/

-PHiZ
 
holy thread resurrection, Batman!

domoMKIV said:
logitech elite
FTW

dscn53114iy.jpg
Click to expand...


heck yeah.... erm, ditto. the only component older than my keyboard is my Ratpadz and my APC UPS.

I have used an Eclipse though, and I was quite surprised at the durability and "cool" factor. Could use a little more tilt at default though, imo.
 
Saitek Eclipse...

Flat black, flat non-angled design, nice weight..no indescript and do-nothing-I-rarely-ever-use-useless-buttons..serious elegant keyboard; no flashiness, no lcd panels, no batteries, softly backlit (of course)..simply the most a keyboard should ever be....
 
I use an Emachines keyboard. It has silent key support, and the letters aren't rubbing off as easily as some other keyboards I've used. Also, the keys seem pretty durable. It also has a volume + and - and a mute, Search, Email, and Internet button. I like it; it accomplishes the purpose -- even for gaming.
 
Microsoft Natual Multimedia. Love it. I have had a spilt keyboard since my first windows based comp and well I cant go back I just like the way they type
 
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