What's the best keyboard you've ever used

[ndhskp]

The best keyboard I've ever used is the "CVT Avant Stellar". I just bought this baby on Saturday Febuary 11 and all I can say is wow. I paid $189
for it and it's worth every penny. I bought it because when I was a kid and teenager in the 80's my parents had an Tandy 1000 something 286 pc and this spurred my interest in computers. So every time I went somewhere with my parents to like an office or doctors office I would always hear the clackety clack and see these gigantic keyboards and I found them strangly reassuring.

Some times my parents would give in to my begging and buy me a computer magazine and I would leaf through them (Esp Shopper) and it was page after page of battleship keyboards. I probaly saw and heard the Northgate Omnikey somewhere and that has probaly stuck with me especially the clackety clack. It just has some kind of cool emotional factor to it.

This Avant Stellar that I bought just feels incredible. It sounds just like those old office machines and as I never really typed on those office machines as a kid I will have to take other peoples word about the feel. This replaces my absolutely ****** mush Dell SK-8110 and that keyboard was blehhh.

What's your favorite keyboard of all time and what are you using now? Maybe include links to your favorite keyboard. Heres mine:
http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/stellar.htm \\:D/


http://www.nathaniel-homier.net/images/cvt_avant_stellar_1.jpeg

http://www.nathaniel-homier.net/images/cvt_avant_stellar_2.jpeg

http://www.nathaniel-homier.net/images/cvt_avant_stellar_3.jpeg

[briancurtin]

right now im on a laptop, using the laptop keyboard, but i really love the Microsoft split ergonomic keyboards. microsoft makes great keyboards and mice, ill give them that much.

[ndhskp]

right now im on a laptop, using the laptop keyboard, but i really love the Microsoft split ergonomic keyboards. microsoft makes great keyboards and mice, ill give them that much.
I prefer straight keyboards as all that ergonomic stuff turns me off with all it's relearning. Yeh Microsoft made my mouse. Maybe they should ditch the software side of things eh.

[briancurtin]

definitely. i can say with almost absolute certainty that my next mouse (probably in the next 6 months) will be another microsoft one just like this one i have. it really is a comfortable mouse and works very well. i can also say with almost absolute certainty that i wont be buying another MS software product again for my personal use ever. i use them where i have to (school and work) and thats all, but their keyboards/mice are something ill use on a personal machine.

i got used to the ergo keyboards when my dad got one downstairs. he's used one at work since they came out, so we've had them around the house for quite a while now. it would take a little bit of an adjustment for me as i havent used one in probably a year and a half now, being at college and having my own laptop, but i liked them a lot when i was using them.

[PsychoTrauma]

I use a silitek sk-1688 keyboard and it is easily the best I have ever used. I have to admit though that's not saying much since before this one I bought cheap walmart keyboards ;) .

[ndhskp]

I use a silitek sk-1688 keyboard and it is easily the best I have ever used. I have to admit though that's not saying much since before this one I bought cheap walmart keyboards ;) .
I like your keyboards name silitek (silly tek). Gave me a chuckle. I had to save my money quite a while to afford that cvt needless to say I don't think walmarts going to carry them any time soon.

[byen]

I have to admit though that's not saying much since before this one I bought cheap walmart keyboards ;) .
oh no! are they that bad..I was lookin in to buyin it in a day or two,believe it or not! Oh man...

[PsychoTrauma]

The cheap keyboards I used to buy from walmart cost me like $10 usd and they would last for a couple of months. This silitek I got from newegg after reading some very good reviews about it and I have been satisfied with it for about 3 months. The next keyboard I get will probably be a ergonomic logitech (since I don't like to buy anything microsoft). My experiences with logitech have been good so far since I use a mx-1000 laser mouse and love it.

byen the keyboards you find there are not that bad just don't expect them to last very long.

[byen]

yeah... thanks buddy... actually you got me thinking and I think Im better off waiting a little and spending a little more on something like logitech. Thanks PT!

[mstlyevil]

I have a logitech keyboard and I love it. I also have a Logitech trackball mouse and it is the first trackball I found that I like to use over a standard laser mouse.

http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/125.gif

http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/22000511/Images/3/967487-0403__1.jpg

[Deaf_Head]

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=043#

Tat's wat I use.


http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000A6PPOK.01-A9B09ZK9BZJQ6._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[benplaut]

dude... you left out the origional!

IBM Model M is my clacker. Took forever to find one, but it was worth the wait.

[dada1958]

The Matias Tactile Pro (http://matias.ca/tactilepro/) keyboard is the the best one I ever had, not cheap, $149.95 but worth every cent.
It uses high-quality Alps mechanical keyswitches for a genuine typing experience. It's build like a tank and ships with 5 years warranty.

[ndhskp]

dude... you left out the origional!

IBM Model M is my clacker. Took forever to find one, but it was worth the wait.
Yeah I forgot about old blue. I heard also they make pretty good mainframe terminal keyboards. Supposedly they can survive a nuclear war.

[ndhskp]

I have a logitech keyboard and I love it. I also have a Logitech trackball mouse and it is the first trackball I found that I like to use over a standard laser mouse.
How can you use a trackball. The picture don't show any buttons. Do you push down on it.

[mstlyevil]

How can you use a trackball. The picture don't show any buttons. Do you push down on it.

The buttons are on the sides of it. I use the thumb for my left click then the next three fingers are used to scroll the ball. The pinky is used for the right click. It is very comfortable and easy to use and get used to. The best part about them are they are only $20 USD at Wally World. (Wal-Mart)

[byen]

Yes! I have a similar one too...$20 at circuit city. you have no Idea how good they are until you use one! Infact I recommend it to anyone who wants to try it. They are pretty amazing!!

[ndhskp]

Okay guys can xorg and ubuntu handle 2 inputs at once. I want to keep my ms mouse for gaming but this trackball sounds interesting so maybe I'll plug that into the usb port (ms is on ps/2).

[byen]

Yes you can..I use my synaptic touchpad at school(laptop) and the trackball mouse when gaming at home and Xorg has two settings. One of the synaptic touchpad and the other for the trackball. SO it should not be a problem (Infact what is surprising is... they both work at the same time too).

[mstlyevil]

Okay guys can xorg and ubuntu handle 2 inputs at once. I want to keep my ms mouse for gaming but this trackball sounds interesting so maybe I'll plug that into the usb port (ms is on ps/2).

I am not sure but I would guess it will probally work if you just plug it in since xorg by default configures all mice to be two or three button.

[Gustav]

There are three features that is essential in a keyboard:

1) metal springs (that goes *CLICK* *CLICK* *CLICK* when you type)

2) weight (it should be at least two kilos)

3) no fancy buttons (win, the one to the right of the win or (god forbid) some kind of multimedia keys)

[Derek Djons]

I mostly use my laptop keyboard. I'm one of those persons who adepts to a lot of everything. It's a simple and plain keyboard without any weird oval design the way Acer like to make them sometimes.

For my normal desktop computer I use an Logitech UltraX keyboard. It's an very simplistic and stylisch keyboard. The keystroke is the same as on a laptop. So it types very light and hardly makes a noise. I've waited a half year on that keyboard, it's very exclusive in The Netherlands.

http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/3252.jpg

[Alpha_toxic]

The best one?
It's a very old (about 7-8 or even 10y) Compaq keyboard. It's my roommate's and he still uses it.
The life-path of the keyboard:
it started in a game-club, when it closed it went to another. It changed 3 or 4 diff clubs before ending at one of the local ISPs' office. My roomate is working there so he took it for him self at home. I was making fun of it (old and dirty), but one day we were playing sth on NeoGeo emulator (using that very keyboard), he got mad that he's loosing and started hitting it madly. A normal keyboard would shatter immediately, but not this one. The legs of the keyboard left few milimeters deep holes on desk, but it was OK(!!!). Just imagine: it has suffered years of bashing, abusing, cigarettes falling on it, spilled drinks and it is still working perfectly. The pefect gamers keyboard!!!

Actually it looks much like ndhskp's keyboard, only it has Compaq written on it. And yea, oldschool keyboards rock!!! More than 2 kilos heavy, nice "clicking" sound, would outstand a semi-truck rolling over it...

[Kvark]

My keyboard costed $10 and doesn't have any brand written on it. I've never encountered any keyboard that has any advantage over cheap junk. That super-ergo stuff just looks cooler and costs a lot more but does the same thing.

[public_void]

TBH I like my laptop keyboard better than my Desktop because key dept. On my laptop you don't have to press really deep, your fingers can tap move to the next key easily. My desktop, it feels like my fingers going into a hole with each key press, its also on a slope unlike my flat laptop keyboard.

[bonzodog]

This is my keyboard, and it has the laptop style keys, only cost me €25.
http://images.gfx.no/22/22224/1_3.jpg
It's made by labtec, called the Ultra Flat Keyboard, but is also compact as well.

[wrtrdood]

That Avant looks a lot like the IBM keyboard I'm currently using. It's one from the early days of the PC where the keys give that clackety-clack you talk about. Yeah, it's a bit noisy but the comfort of the keys and the excellent tactile feedback cannot be beat. Thing is, I found it at a surplus store and paid a whole $5 for it. I'm not sure I'd shell out that much for a keyboard but as mushy as most of these things are, I might change my mind it this one ever gives out. The only other keyboard I really enjoyed was the one on my Amiga 1000. Great feel to it.

[briancurtin]

That super-ergo stuff just looks cooler and costs a lot more but does the same thing.
while it does do the same thing in that it puts letters on the screen, i feel the difference in using them

[briancurtin]

The best part about them are they are only $20 USD at Wally World. (Wal-Mart)
good old wally world. i didnt know other people called it that haha

[ndhskp]

My keyboard costed $10 and doesn't have any brand written on it. I've never encountered any keyboard that has any advantage over cheap junk. That super-ergo stuff just looks cooler and costs a lot more but does the same thing.
I can definitly feel the difference and yeh it does give me bragging rights. Some times you just have to treat yourself to an special treat and I did it for me by buying this keyboard. To each his/her own I suppose.

[arctic]

This is my keyboard, and it has the laptop style keys, only cost me €25.
http://images.gfx.no/22/22224/1_3.jpg
It's made by labtec, called the Ultra Flat Keyboard, but is also compact as well.
I am using that one, too and it works very very well, is pleasant to work with and does not cost a hundred bucks. A 9 Euro keyboard would do the same job, too, but i wanted something flat. :)

[pmj]

Microsoft Natural Keyboard, the old ones, before they ruined the layout of the arrow keys and the group of keys above them (Insert, Delete etc). The old ones feels better to type on too.

I haven't had one of these keyboards for years so I was really happy when I found one that someone had thrown away a few days ago.

I cleaned it inside and out and now it both looks and feels like it's new. I absolutely love this keyboard.

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/710/keyboard8vm.jpg

[angkor]

This (http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/) will be my favourite keyboard....after they release (if they ever) it at the end of 2006. :D

Right now I don't really care as long as the touch is nice, just an ordinary keyboard.

[alfonz]

Derek Djons:
That is a sexy looking keyboard

At the moment I use a Viewmate (viewsonic) keyboard, its great but im begging to get turned off the its bulkyness now. However, the best keyboard that I have every used believe it or not is a POS $4 I bought at the corner store to have a spear one just incase some client brings over his box that needs fixin. I find myself using that more and more now.

[Alpha_toxic]

What do you think about this one?
link (http://photos5.flickr.com/4865350_0fc9bcef70.jpg)
I suppose it's not very easy to use, but it's definately much, much smaller and convenient.

[nalmeth]

I have a viewsonic keyboard, very sleek slick, has extra function button's (programmable) I just realized do indeed work with ubuntu!

Beyond that, so long as its a qwerty board, I'm fine with it!


What do you thnk about this one?
Link

Very cool!

[vertigo]

Microsoft Natural Keyboard, the old ones, before they ruined the layout of the arrow keys and the group of keys above them (Insert, Delete etc). The old ones feels better to type on too.

I haven't had one of these keyboards for years so I was really happy when I found one that someone had thrown away a few days ago.

I cleaned it inside and out and now it both looks and feels like it's new. I absolutely love this keyboard.

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/710/keyboard8vm.jpg

Same keyboard as i use and love it, had mine for a couple of years now

[mips]

Another vote for the Logitech UltraX keyboard.

I also use a Logitech MX310 mouse.

Had a MS natural keyboard & mouse and my current setup is much better. The MS keyboard was heeluva expensive compared to my Logitech but I gave it away as I did not like it one bit.

[rfruth]

$ 189 for a keyboard, I'm in the wrong business !

[miscz]

I don't know if this keyboard (http://www.a4tech.com/en/product2.asp?CID=2&SCID=14&MNO=KB(S)-8533RP) is the best one in existence but it's serving me well. Pyramid layout is quite comfortable and I like clicking sound it makes. Bundled mouse is pretty good too, it's big and heavy so I can rest my hand on it.

pics (so I can show off my mod ;)):
1 (http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/3505/17lz.jpg), 2 (http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7995/28om.jpg), 3 (http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/2090/30pu.jpg)

[mips]

That Avant looks a lot like the IBM keyboard I'm currently using. It's one from the early days of the PC where the keys give that clackety-clack you talk about. Yeah, it's a bit noisy but the comfort of the keys and the excellent tactile feedback cannot be beat. Thing is, I found it at a surplus store and paid a whole $5 for it. I'm not sure I'd shell out that much for a keyboard but as mushy as most of these things are, I might change my mind it this one ever gives out. The only other keyboard I really enjoyed was the one on my Amiga 1000. Great feel to it.

Come to think of the Amigas did have very nice keyboards, I had a A500 & A1200 and the keyboards were great!

[Klaidas]

Logitech :)
Can't find this keyborad on internet, here's (http://stuff.klaidas.tinkle.lt/keyboard.JPG) my own picture.
I like those extra keys + it's wireless

[oblivion]

My current $10 keyboard is the best i have tried. I'm thinking about buying this one http://www.typematrix.com/ezr2030/ it's quite a bit over my budget, but i heard a lot of great things about it.

[TrendyDark]

beat this:

http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus-mini/


oh yeah.

[futz]

My old Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro. They're discontinued now, or I'd buy a couple more. It's a curvy split ergo keyboard, so if you don't touch type they're not so good. But I do, and fast, so I love it... :mrgreen:

[Zeroangel]

My old Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro. They're discontinued now, or I'd buy a couple more. It's a curvy split ergo keyboard, so if you don't touch type they're not so good. But I do, and fast, so I love it... :mrgreen:
Ah but you forgot about this one:
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/9/0,1425,sz=1&i=98967,00.jpg
The MS Natural Multimedia Keyboard.

You know how you can tell at the first impression that you are using a good product? It is made of good-quality plastic. With no loose or flimsy parts.

Even if you think MS makes a crappy OS, you gotta admit they make a hell of a keyboard. :mrgreen:

[ow50]

While we're on the subject of keyboards, what's their Linux compatibility? I'd expect any basic PS2 or USB keyboard to work with Linux. What about keyboards with extra buttons (e.g. multimedia) or keyboards with weird layouts (e.g. non-QWERTY)?

[Zeroangel]

While we're on the subject of keyboards, what's their Linux compatibility? I'd expect any basic PS2 or USB keyboard to work with Linux. What about keyboards with extra buttons (e.g. multimedia) or keyboards with weird layouts (e.g. non-QWERTY)?
Well, I am using a Compaq keyboard with a full set of extra buttons (media control buttons, volume control, as well as 9 app shortcut buttons).

Only the multimedia control and volume control buttons work. The Volume control controls the master volume in Gnome and the mute button mutes sound completely, all this without any setting up. The multimedia buttons are different, they work right out of the box in rhythmbox, but you have to set them up as 'global hotkeys' in Amarok.

There is an applet in gnome that will let a user adjust the keyboard shortcuts, but it doesnt recognize some of the shortcut buttons on the keyboard. I can only get 2 out of 9 of the non media/volume buttons to do anything.

[cro.smiley]

laptop keyboard owns all

[mstlyevil]

laptop keyboard owns all

Laptop keyboards! Ewwwwwwwwww!!!!!

[ndhskp]

You know I got to say after reading the responses and looking at the pictures and clicking links that we must be in a heavy keyboard development era. What with all the newfangled things there doing to keyboards now like putting mini LCD displays on the keys and all or splitting the keyboard in half or what not. Goldin times really for input devices.

Ultimately though here I am still typing instead of telling the building to take out the trash or complaining to the fridge about not enough milk. When those days come and the world no longer needs keyboards or mice or other stuff well be creatings threads like what's your favorite machine voice! Cheers.

[futz]

Ah but you forgot about this one:
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/9/0,1425,sz=1&i=98967,00.jpg
The MS Natural Multimedia Keyboard.

You know how you can tell at the first impression that you are using a good product? It is made of good-quality plastic. With no loose or flimsy parts.

Even if you think MS makes a crappy OS, you gotta admit they make a hell of a keyboard. :mrgreen:
I have one of those. I'm typing on it right now. MS messed with the PageUp/PageDown/End/Delete/Home keys. That sucks.

Then they made the F keys disabled in favor of keyboard shortcuts on every bootup. You're stuck with no F keys until you remember to hit the toggle to enable them. Very annoying.

Other than that, I like it.

[Stormy Eyes]

Korg X-3. Man, I could f---ing wake the dead with that thing.

[iMav]

I find this poll listing severely lacking. It lists the Northgate and Avant lines separately...when the Avant is simply the modern-day Northgate keyboard (complete with the same Alps slider keyswitches). And it's missing other great keyboard tech.

I'd list the poll like this:

Buckling spring (IBM, Lexmark, and Unicomp)
Cherry switches (Cherry-branded, Das Keyboard 2, etc)
Alps sliders (Northgate/Avant, MCK-142, Matias Tactile Pro, etc)
Other crap. :)

[davtaine]

Im using OLD Key Tronic's ErgoForce keyboard and its goog enough for me...

[jrusso2]

Still using my old buckling spring IBM from my old IBM PS/2 286

[macogw]

Why is the classic buckling spring keyboard not an option? The ultimate keyboard is definitely the IBM Model M, or any of the newer boards made using IBM's patented (licensed to Lexmark and now to Unicomp at pckeyboard.com) buckling spring keyswitch technology. I just got a 101-key (I would've preferred 105 since I use super for starting apps in Beryl) for free from a nearby college when they were cleaning out the basement.

[macogw]

Ah but you forgot about this one:
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/9/0,1425,sz=1&i=98967,00.jpg
The MS Natural Multimedia Keyboard.

You know how you can tell at the first impression that you are using a good product? It is made of good-quality plastic. With no loose or flimsy parts.

Even if you think MS makes a crappy OS, you gotta admit they make a hell of a keyboard. :mrgreen:

In my experience, MS's QA on hardware is as bad as it is on software. I got a MS mouse/keyboard wireless set that was dead within a month. I only used it once. Yes, I replaced the batteries. Twice.

[LookTJ]

but i really love the Microsoft split ergonomic keyboards. microsoft makes great keyboards and mice, ill give them that much.+1

[Spr0k3t]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000A6PPOK.01-A9B09ZK9BZJQ6._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I use the same one. However, I sanded smooth and repainted some of the keys. I removed the words "Microsoft" and ripped the F-Lock completely out and glassed over it. My next step is to remove the four keys above the numberpad that shouldn't be there. I have three of these keyboards and have had to use parts from one of them. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the slider, otherwise I'm going to relocate the LED indicators to that position.

[southernman]

It's the only crutch I have requiring Microsoft...

Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard. I can barely type on a flat keyboard any more... well, that's not entirely true but it takes a moment to adjust to one... ok that's not true either... I can barely type at all! ;)

This reply took me two weeks to hunt and peck my way through!

[bluenova]

Saitek Eclipse II

http://www.saitek.com/images/300dpi/keyboards/PK02_EclipseII_main_image_lit.jpg

[phalkon30]

I used to be a Microsoft keyboard/mouse user, they were cheap and worked very well. But then I tried a Razer mouse and the Saitek Eclipse keyboard, and haven't turned back. I love my Saitek. The thing's built like a tank, and the keys feel awesome. Plus it looks cool :D

[popch]

Best keyboard I ever used was the noisy one by IBM.

[D-EJ915]

SGI's USB keyboards are the best ones you can get right now imo, they have a very good & heavy key response and are freaking heavy, lol. Not as heavy as old IBM ones but heh, these have more keys. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/enthauptet/bin/sgi_kb.jpg

[popch]

Thank you for that information. I just might buy one of those monsters. But why are 'more keys' better? If I need more keys I buy a piano.

[hessiess]

cheepo tesco own make:)

[iPower]

Apple Design Keyboard

[-grubby]

microsoft "split" keyboards

[Billy_McBong]

i use an old dell QuietKey
don't really see any reason to buy a "better" keyboard

[TR82]

I've got a .... left handed keyboard ! I didn't even know such things existed until we were all hauled into a health & safety talk at work. These keyboards are being introduced into the British civil service as part of an anti-RSI initiative .... myself & a colleague got one. Cost to the government ? £200/$400 each.

Funny that. I bought an identical one for home and it came in at £45/$90 ... with a free mouse too.

Tell you this though. No pains in my fingers/hands at all since I started using them. Quite an innovation.

[diesel1]

The only Microsoft product I would ever endorse ...

Wireless MultiMedia Keyboard & Mouse 1.0A.

There I said it.

Now lets never talk about this again!

Diesel1.

[Depressed Man]

I'm in love with Logitech products, especially their keyboards and mouse.

[jdorwin]

I can't believe that the one true keyboard, the glorious, the mighty, the indestructible IBM Model M keyboard has not even been mentioned in this thread! I wouldn't trade my M for any of the wimpy (though the CVT Avant isn't as wimpy as the others listed) keyboards here! Clickety clackiey clickety clackety oh how I swoon when I hear the sound of my own keystrokes!

[popch]

I can't believe that the one true keyboard, the glorious, the mighty, the indestructible IBM Model M keyboard has not even been mentioned in this thread!

That's the one I meant:

Best keyboard I ever used was the noisy one by IBM.

[Onyros]

Best oneI've used, and I own an IBM model M, is a laptop's keyboard, also by IBM - the X31's. I kid you not!

[klange]

My Acer laptop's keyboard is the best I've ever used. It's the smoothest and has the most extra buttons. Granted, it has some problems (the caps-lock light doesn't work with the current drivers, I had to found out how to set everything up on it myself, etc.), but the hardware is definitely the best I've ever used.

[jviscosi]

The PC Concepts Wave keyboard with PS2 and serial split connectors. Unfortunately it doesn't work with USB adapters (maybe they don't supply enough power, I don't know) and for reasons I don't understand, my PC won't boot with a PS2 keyboard plugged into it, so I don't use it anymore. :-(

[BlowflyBob]

I've been using a Fellowes ergonomic keyboard for many years now, find it very comfortable and its held up extrememely well for all the drinks it has worn. Only thing about it I don't like are the arrow key placements, but I've gotten used to them now.

Fellowes Split Design (http://www.fellowes.com/Fellowes/site/products/ProductDetails.aspx?Id=98915)

And I'm using a Logitech MX1000, I love this mouse! Lots of people have complaints about it, but for me its perfect. It has also lasted the longest of any mouse I have used.

[sumguy231]

1989 IBM Model M. Weighs about 5 pounds - you could knock someone out with it. I've become so spoiled typing on it that I basically hate typing on non-mechanical keyboards. They're well worth the money.

I love the new laptop I just got, but typing on its keyboard is a real bummer. It's a decent laptop keyboard, but it's just not the same. And my laptop doesn't even have a PS/2 port, so I'll have to buy an adapter to use my old keyboard at home.

[konungursvia]

An old IBM -PC 101 Keyboard from 1984, used it until last year. It was a real IBM, with very tactile clicky keys. Mmmmmmmm.

[EMCGFX]

My best choice would be "ADESSO ACK-595UB Black USB Wired Mini Keyboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823166016)" I've bing using this keyboard for five years now :)

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/23-166-016-01.jpg

Really nice small design, just how I like it, matrix style ;) I've will buy something really similar to this one but maybe with more functions. *Highly recommended!*

[Jeff Rage]

I'm in the process of trying some different keyboards. It is one of my pet peeves that most keyboards are poorly designed for people that use a computer a lot I did a lot of research when I started having trouble with Golfer's Elbow.

If your mouse is right side of the keyboard, ideally, you should not have the number pad on the right side. This is so you don't ahve to reach for your mouse. The best options are to use a left handed keyboard, or to use a mini keyboard (you could use a separapte number pad on the left.)

On my Ubuntu box, I'm using the A4Tech KL-5 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823141120) mini keyboard. I'm liking it a lot. It's taking a little bit to get used to it, as some of the keys are in differnt places than a standard keyboard. I have a separate number pad, but haven't been using it. When I go back to a standard keybaord, I find it very awkward - especailly having to reach so far for my mouse.

Despite what I just said, I did get one of the MS Wave keyobards to try out. If I was a touch typist, I would try the MS Ergonomic keyboard.

Eventually, I want to try the Kinesis Maxim (http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/max-spec.htm) or Freestyle (http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/freestyle.htm). These offer these advantages or a mini keyboard and an egonomic keyboard. But, they are not cheap!


EDIT: That one EMCGFX just posted looks very similar to my A4Tech Mini.

[jimrz]

ThinkPad

[vishzilla]

Currently I use a Microsoft keyboard, but the best I ever used is a Logitech

[jrusso2]

IBM PS/2 Buckling Spring Keyboards is what us old geeks used to like

[hhhhhx]

i use a riped apart Saitek Eclipse I, the top half of it is gone, but it still works :lolflag:

[pbpersson]

dude... you left out the origional!

IBM Model M is my clacker. Took forever to find one, but it was worth the wait.

Yes, I do remember the Northgate Omnikey but nothing ever measured up to the ancient built-like-a-tank IBM clackity-clack ones.

I was telling a woman at work how much I adored those things......and one day she brought one in for me at Christmas - totally free! Apparently her boyfriend has a computer museum at home and she's trying to convince him to give up some of that stuff.

I have it here in the master bedroom, hooked up to a KVM switch and I'm using it on all my Linux machines.

Man.....life just does not get any better. :guitar:

[jrusso2]

Yes, I do remember the Northgate Omnikey but nothing ever measured up to the ancient built-like-a-tank IBM clackity-clack ones.

I was telling a woman at work how much I adored those things......and one day she brought one in for me at Christmas - totally free! Apparently her boyfriend has a computer museum at home and she's trying to convince him to give up some of that stuff.

I have it here in the master bedroom, hooked up to a KVM switch and I'm using it on all my Linux machines.

Man.....life just does not get any better. :guitar:

Mine came with my 286 and I have been using it on every computer since.

[bluewraith]

Best? Probably my Microsoft wireless ergo keyboard. Its got the keys stretched in the center, and kind of curved around.
Next? IBM Thinkpad laptop keyboard. I use it for work, so i'm fairly used to it.
Worst? My Toshia Satellite keyboard. Its a widescreen laptop, so the keys are much larger then they should be. I'm used to it by now, but going from my work pc to my personal is hell because I have to reach so far on the Tosh.

Next to test out? The tiny eeePC keys. I'm a decent one-handed typer, so I think the eeePC should be an interesting test.

Edit: Gotta love the clackety clack keyboards though. Back in highschool networking class, there was only one of them in the room. They made me move to another computer because I was making too much noise. Apparently they thought I was just smashing random keys whenever I was actually doing work. I miss that thing. Might have to stop by Goodwill later this week and see if they have any in stock. :)

[SunnyRabbiera]

My logitech elite keyboard, I bring it out of mothballs every so often

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

My age old Dell Keyboard by Honeywell is slowly giving up the ghost.

I tried a labtec/logitech and it did not work like I wanted.

I tried a MS 6000 today.

So far easier than using in WinXP, for I did not have to load any drivers.

[Pethegreat]

I am currently using a gateway keyboard. I assume it is at least 5 years old. I got it from my job when they were going to get rid of it.

I have a collection of about 5 or 6 keyboards. All of them are used keyboards that i bought for a few dollars at a church sale. I should be good on keyboards for the next 10 years.

[hhhhhx]

my friend has an ibm model M, and i tried it, now i just haft to get one :)

[Bubba64]

Steinway 9 feet long and 88 keys, but there is always the Bosendorfer more bass keys

[popch]

Steinway 9 feet long and 88 keys, but there is always the Bosendorfer more bass keys

A student with two grands? A friend of mine (not a student) has two grands: a Steinway and a Fazioli. Now, that's a precision machine. I got to play on the Fazioli several times. I love it.

[blithen]

Razer Trantula. ;D

[Bubba64]

A student with two grands? A friend of mine (not a student) has two grands: a Steinway and a Fazioli. Now, that's a precision machine. I got to play on the Fazioli several times. I love it.

The question was keyboards you have used, I wish I owned those two piano types I could actually pay my full tuition with the proceeds. Either one in decent shape would be at least 25,000$ and up.

[popch]

The question was keyboards you have used,

Yes, you are right, and I haven't noticed. Sorry. Still, those are very good keyboards, indeed.

Our piano tuner calls the Bösendorfers 'angry villager', BTW. German 'böse' translates to evil, cross or angry, and 'Dorf' is village or small town.

[xclegend]

my all time favorite is an ancient IBM with the steel spring keys. It os loud and it is big but it find that it is the best i have ever used.