are there no good corded keyboards out there?

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beamerxl

Junior Member
Jul 19, 2004
17
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every corded keyboard i find falls into pretty much two categories:

1. basic , ugly, cheapo keyboard with no extra features
2. annoying f-lock button that can't be set to boot up with it turned on

does anyone know of any keyboards that have some decent features (for example, i like multimedia functions like the play, pause buttons etc) that don't have f-lock or have the ability to boot up in f-lock mode? thank you for your help.

(fyi i am trying to stay away from wireless because they are more expensive, and i've never been a fan of equipment that is wireless when it really doesn't need to be)
 
VirtualLarry

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,574
10,211
126
Originally posted by: beamerxl
every corded keyboard i find falls into pretty much two categories:

1. basic , ugly, cheapo keyboard with no extra features
2. annoying f-lock button that can't be set to boot up with it turned on

does anyone know of any keyboards that have some decent features (for example, i like multimedia functions like the play, pause buttons etc) that don't have f-lock or have the ability to boot up in f-lock mode? thank you for your help.
Click to expand...

Like this one?

That's the keyboard that I'm using right now. However, I didn't buy it because it had a pile of those extra "multimedia/internet function keys", I bought it because it was on sale for $4. :)
The feel isn't too bad, kind of like the newer Logitech ones, but fairly stylish, and if you're interested in the extra function keys, this one has them in spades. There's even a scary "power off" key, be careful not to hit that one when you meant to hit F9. But definately no "F-lock" functionality.
 
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BillBright

Member
Feb 17, 2004
25
0
66
The A4Tech KBS-8 keyboards are my favorite - I have them on all my PCs and several of my friends now use them too. They have a nice feel, the "a-shaped" layout is totally natural - but it is not a big wavy thing like the Microsoft ergo keyboards, No F-Lock - none needed. The wrist rest is removeable.

My only complaint of no NUM, CAPs, or Scroll lights I now no longer consider a problem - that is because the iKeyWorks program adds a small system tray icon whenever you select one of those - since over the years I have managed to learn to type without looking at the keyboard, my brain is now trained to see if there is a "1" button, or an "A" button or a down arrow button in the tray aread (next to the clock). The program integrates perfectly with XPs custom system tray options so no problem.

And they are inexpensive - $12USD from DealSonic - but I see now they are backordered. At that price, if you don't like it, no major loss.

-bill
 
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nortexoid

Diamond Member
May 1, 2000
4,096
0
0
Originally posted by: BillBright
The A4Tech KBS-8 keyboards are my favorite - I have them on all my PCs and several of my friends now use them too. They have a nice feel, the "a-shaped" layout is totally natural - but it is not a big wavy thing like the Microsoft ergo keyboards, No F-Lock - none needed. The wrist rest is removeable.

My only complaint of no NUM, CAPs, or Scroll lights I now no longer consider a problem - that is because the iKeyWorks program adds a small system tray icon whenever you select one of those - since over the years I have managed to learn to type without looking at the keyboard, my brain is now trained to see if there is a "1" button, or an "A" button or a down arrow button in the tray aread (next to the clock). The program integrates perfectly with XPs custom system tray options so no problem.

And they are inexpensive - $12USD from DealSonic - but I see now they are backordered. At that price, if you don't like it, no major loss.

-bill
Click to expand...


they've a wacked out key design...
 
F

Frew

Platinum Member
Jul 21, 2004
2,550
1
71
Originally posted by: BillBright
The A4Tech KBS-8 keyboards are my favorite - I have them on all my PCs and several of my friends now use them too. They have a nice feel, the "a-shaped" layout is totally natural - but it is not a big wavy thing like the Microsoft ergo keyboards, No F-Lock - none needed. The wrist rest is removeable.

My only complaint of no NUM, CAPs, or Scroll lights I now no longer consider a problem - that is because the iKeyWorks program adds a small system tray icon whenever you select one of those - since over the years I have managed to learn to type without looking at the keyboard, my brain is now trained to see if there is a "1" button, or an "A" button or a down arrow button in the tray aread (next to the clock). The program integrates perfectly with XPs custom system tray options so no problem.

And they are inexpensive - $12USD from DealSonic - but I see now they are backordered. At that price, if you don't like it, no major loss.

-bill
Click to expand...

I think those are for left handed people....
 
B

BillBright

Member
Feb 17, 2004
25
0
66
What? No, it is not wacked out - if you look and compare it to a standard and to a split ergo design, you'll see it is much closer to the standard qwerty keyboard. In fact, if you put your hands in front of you, they fall in place right over the keys of this keyboard.

Left handed? Maybe in North Dakota but not the rest of the world - I have a left handed keyboard and the number pad is on the left.

I'll just say this then drop out of this thread - if you have not used this keyboard, then don't slam it.
 
B

BillBright

Member
Feb 17, 2004
25
0
66
No, it is a full size, full "travel" keyboard - if I understand you correctly. Some laptops have keys that seems to travel down maybe a 1/16th of an inch when you press them - I don't like those either. These have a good feel and normal travel, not a lot of pressure required but still, there is a tactile feel - a little resistance at first, and then the key "gives-away" in a reassuring movement (not adept at describing a feeling but that seems to do it). No audible clicks, but no doubt that a keystroke was entered.

For those that might be interested in the software or just want to see what it does, it works with any keyboard and can be found here. And here is the Keyboard Layout. If the naysayers would look at the layout, they will see that the keys are aligned under the keys above just as on a normal keyboard. It is the keys themselves that are shaped on a slant.

They take absolutely no getting used to.
 
N

nortexoid

Diamond Member
May 1, 2000
4,096
0
0
Originally posted by: beamerxl
Originally posted by: nortexoid

my favorite by viewsonic w/ USB hub
Click to expand...

i'm curious, does this keyboard feel like a laptop keyboard? i like the look of it, but i despise laptop keyboards, and i don't know if that's what it means when it describes how the keys sit lower and are flat.
Click to expand...


yeah, it feels like a laptop keyboard, which is why i like it so much. they feel much softer, quieter and responsive. i can type slighter faster on my laptop keyboard than i can with a regular "desktop-style" keyboard.
 
J

John

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
33,944
3
81
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bcoupland

Senior member
Jun 26, 2004
346
0
76
Logitech "Elite" KB. It is the same as their top-level wireless combos except, it's well, wired.
I've used the wireless version and it's very nice.
 
n7

n7

Elite Member
Jan 4, 2004
21,281
4
81
Originally posted by: Viper96720
A logitech thing. Function lock. Look at a logitech keyboard and you'll see.
Click to expand...


Microsoft has it too :|

I still find it the dumbest thing ever.
 
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beamerxl

Junior Member
Jul 19, 2004
17
0
0
Originally posted by: John

beamerxl, are you looking for a black or white keyboard? Here's a nice Logitech black internet keyboard and here's a White one
Click to expand...


I'm looking for black. However, I found a download online that swaps the functions of the "enhanced" and "standard" F-keys, so essentially your keyboard boots up with the regular F-keys and you can press F-lock if you want to switch to the other functions. I think I'll probably get the Logitech Elite now since F-lock doesn't really matter (assuming this thing works :p).
 
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Nickc19

Member
Jun 21, 2004
130
0
0
Yeah there's a registry change you can download that reverses the role the of F-lock on that Microsoft keyboard, so when you boot up the function keys will be the standard f1-f12.

-Nick-
 
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BD2003

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
16,815
1
81
The f-lock really isnt THAT big of a deal. Just press it once on bootup and youre done. Youll get used to it in a week, and if you rarely reboot like a lot of people, who cares?

Personally I use the microsoft office keyboard. Love that scroll wheel, the alt-tab buttons, and the cut copy paste buttons. Cant live without em now.
 
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BillBright

Member
Feb 17, 2004
25
0
66
Update on the A4Tech KBS-8 - just received my latest shipment of these great keyboard and note that now, at no added price, they now have LEDs on the board too.
 
Metron

Metron

Golden Member
Oct 16, 2003
1,163
0
0
Originally posted by: beamerxl
[I'm looking for black. However, I found a download online that swaps the functions of the "enhanced" and "standard" F-keys, so essentially your keyboard boots up with the regular F-keys and you can press F-lock if you want to switch to the other functions. I think I'll probably get the Logitech Elite now since F-lock doesn't really matter (assuming this thing works :p).
Click to expand...

Beamerx,

I have the Logitech Elite, and I really like it (other than the annoying F-lock switch). Can you post the address or PM the utility you found?

Thanks in advance,
Metron
 
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