"Best" keyboard?

[fentgphx]

I've had a certain logitech keyboard for nearly a year now, and I've been pretty dissatisfied with how it types. Keys never feel like they're going down correctly, and sometimes I will miss a key because if I do not hit it dead on center, it wont register. Also, somehow they gave this keyboard the ability to have noticeable lag. All of the other wireless keyboards I've used haven't had this issue, so I'm thinking it's the specific model.

So, what would you guys recommend? Price isn't a huge issue, but nothing too ridiculously expensive. And, although I tolerate wires, I prefer wireless due to limited desk space for that sort of thing. The only definite is that I require a volume/mute control on the keyboard, because that's one thing I've gotten used to so much I don't want to give it up.

 

[Unkno]

logitech media--$10 CAD

 

[Eureka]

Logitech Internet Office Pro at newegg, $7 USD.

Wireless Logitech desktop at Newegg, $30 USD.

However, do not go wireless if you are planning to game or do accurate mouse work.

Norm

 

[HDTVMan]

Any of you use a KVM with these keyboards? If so what KVM and have you had any problems? I know some KVM's are sensitive to the keyboard you use on them.

 

[fentgphx]

I've currently got a wireless optical Logitech mouse, and it works fantastically. I want to upgrade soon to their laser mouse, only cause it's supposed to be a bit more accurate. Never had any problems with the wireless mouse from Logitech, only the keyboard.

On the other hand, the Microsoft wireless keyboard worked wonderfully.

So, maybe I should buy that again. I only originally returned it because the combo pack that it came in had the mouse with the smooth-scrolling, which is terrible for FPS when you want to use that wheel to change weapons.

 

[Zepper]

I can only comment on those that I've used extensively. The A4Tech cordless I'm using now has a good feel and it's mouse has good feel and response for a ball-type mouse but its sliding pads weren't stuck on very well. See my review at http://www.techimo.com/reviews/ . It was an OEM for Kensington. One of the early IBM "Active Response" keyboards when MicroInnovations first licensed the IBM brand to put on their keyboards (no it's not the clicky one - they are great kbds but I don't need the noise). Very good feel and my favorite styling of any standard kbd.
. I haven't tried the Key Tronic keyboard (E03600 series) that the "Das Keyboard" is based on - but it won't be long - I've been wanting to get back to the OTK* layout for a while now ... See the thread on the Das Keyboard here for mo info.

.bh.

* "One True Keyboard" see http://www.dansdata.com for elucidation.

 

[fleshconsumed]

Logitech UltraX is the best I only wish the keys were a little softer.

 

[Mday]

i cant stand the straight design anymore.

my first non-bundled keyboard was the MS natural pro that I found worthwhile. I used it so much (school) that I wore 2 down. The MS natural multimedia, I did not buy. I ordered the new split key MS keyboard, should be here later this week.

logitech makes nice keyboards, but their split key ones suck ass. I find their newer keyboards better in terms of clickability except for the enter key and space bar. They are also wireless so i will not be getting those. The flat one thats like $200 looks nice, types like ass. you may as well get used to tapping your finger on your desk.

Model M mechanical switch key ones are nice. There were some that are made in taiwan or something that uses membrane contacts, but maintains the mechanical switch, those suck.

also thinking of getting logitech's new keyboard for the gaming functionalities.

 

[Excelsior]

Are there any affordable keyboards with lights?

 

[Oxides]

Memorex MX3300: http://store.yahoo.com/surpluscomputers/memxmuofkeup.html
This is the best keyboard i have ever had. Strong (doesnt flex/creak like my prev logitech), all the multimedia controls i want, stands to spilled junk well. I have another one sitting in the closet if this one ever dies.

 

[Zepper]

MX3300 OOS at surpluscomp - froogled and two places have for $10. The Gyration cordless KB/mse is available at the geeks for less than half price and free shipping (in today's email flyer) - if you're interested, PM me and I'll give you the promo code.

.bh.

 

[Geomagick]

My favorite keyboard ever was the Microsoft Natural Elite of about 7 or 8 years ago. Replaced it a couple years ago and the replacement is just not as good.

I quite like a positve action and the Logitech ones are a bit spongy for my liking.

 

[okb]

I love the Natural keyboard. I wish I had it here with me, not only did my wrists/arms/fingers thank me, my typing skills dramatically improved. MS is putting out a new ergonomic model (don't know if you saw the news clip?) that looks very nice, probably pricey though.

But I just bought a Logitech LX700 (wireless desktop) and it's a very nice keyboard/mouse combo with many features and configurable keys, including master volume/mute and scroll buttons. Not a gaming rig per se, though for regular use it serves us just fine.

 

[QuantumPion]

I can't stand those natural keyboard layouts. They just do not seem...natural to me! I prefer logitech's soft keys and am using the elite at home. I'm going to get the G12 when it comes out though.

 

[us3rnotfound]

saitek eclipse

 

[bdww00]

my uba 1337 emachines gaming board





do they make those?

 

[Zepper]

Soft keys are very hard on the hands.

.bh.

 

[Mday]

got the new MS natural ergo blah blah 4000 in. had it sent to the office, i'm using it now.

The initial key press requires some "effort" so resting your fingers on the keys will not depress the keys. The motion is smooth and the landing is soft. The angle with respect to the horizontal is steeper than the old natural keyboards. This makes things a little easier on the hands. I have a feeling the plastic rest will wear soon.

The spacebar is not perfect, generally the actual actuator spot for the space bar is in the center of it, and it shows. split key = longer space bar. Like i said above, space bar is an important indicator for me in terms of keyboard purchase.

the palm rest is soft, unlike previous gen. It's not gel soft, like some of those dedicated wrist rests. Of course, this being the ergo model, it's not removable. The interesting thing is, MS included a removable support for the bottom of the keyboard. This raises the FRONT of the keyboard, some 1.5 inches. It's intended for use if your desk has a keyboard tray that mimicks the keyboard resting close to your legs. right now, i have it off, and the keyboard resting on the top of the desk (same level as my elbows).

The F-Lock remains annoying as usual. I have not installed any of the software, since this is my personal keyboard, and i am at the office. If i decide to leave hte keyboard at the office, I will obviously install it here, and update you guys.

So far, so good. I have not used a split key keyboard in a while, since my natural pro's died 2 years ago or something. MS included 4 extra keys above the numeric keypad for the calculator function: =, (, ), and backspace. THe insert\home\del\end\pgup\pgdn keys are 2x3 instead of 3x2 (rowxcolumn), which is what I like.

MS decided to put in a zoom toggle at the split of the keyboard, i find it odd. havent tested it since i do not have the software installed. the nub you slide up and down is rubberized, and textured for non slip usage. I would have preferred a scroll wheel here, not the tilt kind.

One last thing.. THERE IS NO SLEEP KEY. =D so I wont accidentally hit.

So far, $51.24 well spent from amazon.com.

--

also, the trailing ends of the keys are straight. so it's like it curves inward and down, then back.

 

[imported_michealo]

IBM model M

 

[overst33r]

Avant Prime ( Northgate Omnikey)

 

[herm0016]

i love my saitek eclipse. just got it. its a joy to type on, very responsive, volume contorls, great light for not wakeing up my roommate with my desk lamp when working late. and a nice palm rest too.

 

[Stretchman]

I have to throw my vote in with the MS Natural Keyboard. I started using it in college after seeing a floor-mate's setup, and with my broad-shoulders I don't think I could go back to a straight-line keyboard.

I'd love to give the new MS Natural 4000 a try as well.

 

[Chucko]

Originally posted by: us3rnotfound
saitek eclipse

or Keytronics LT Designer

LT Designer looks kinda old fashioned but has great feel and will hold up well.

My two top picks

 

[Peter]

I'll repeat myself advertizing the Datadesk Smartboard to those who love "natural" (split) keyboards. This is the only halfway affordable split keyboard with a natural (not staggered) alignment of keys. $99 for a massive improvement in typing accuracy and RSI strain ... you'll never go back.

 

[ohwell78]

I use a Z-board gaming board. It works great. I have the WOW and DOOM 3 custom boards and a generic gamer board, as well as the standard keyboard. You can get them for custom apps like excel as well.