Considering the diNovo Edge

[CurseTheSky]

I'm moving away from the flashy "gaming" look my PC(s) once had, and starting to like the more elegant look of "multimedia" and "office" PCs. There was a time when I'd take a multitude of lights over brushed aluminum; now it's the complete opposite.

With that said, I'm getting tired of the look and feel of my second generation G15. It's a great keyboard, but now that I use a laptop more than I used to, I'm beginning to prefer flatter keys. I also don't like the feel of rubber membrane keyboards (too mushy), but I can't STAND loud clicky keypresses either. Sorry guys, buckling springs aren't for me.

The diNovo, while expensive, has some perks that will definitely be a benefit from me. Though I've stayed clear of wireless / bluetooth keyboards in the past, I now use my PC for movies as well, usually watching them from 5-10 feet away - just far enough where getting up to press play can be annoying. With the diNovo, I could take it with me and use it in place of a MCE remote (still haven't gotten around to buying one of those). Having the built in trackpad gives me that much extra control, versus just having a remote.

My main concerns are the shape, size, and material. The smaller size will give some extra desk real estate, but it lacks a number pad - not a huge deal for me, but I use it once in a while to type special characters (ALT + ###). The G15 has a soft plastic wrist rest that provides just enough of an arch to support my wrists comfortably - the diNovo doesn't. Additionally, I've read that due to the aluminum, it's cold to the touch and takes some getting use to (though that might be great during the summer). Finally, while I don't care for the "bling," I really do like the key backlighting on my G15. I don't NEED to look at the keys, but it's nice for remembering which of those three is the print screen button in the dark, for example. Anyone know if the diNovo has backlight keys?

Overall, what do you guys think? Is it a waste of money, or should I put it on my short list of things to get?

 

[greenbean]

Hmm, if you're looking at this keyboard, then you probably DO care for the "bling" even if you don't want to admit it Also, I've never been in a situation where there isn't enough light coming off my screen (even if the room lights are off) that I can't read my keys; in any case the diNovo doesn't have backlit keys - and I've yet to see a wireless board that does due to battery consumption. Also, I believe the diNovo is a rubber membrane board; I don't think logitech makes anything else.

However, there are some nice alternatives to rubber membrane AND to clicky keyboards. I'm currently partial to mechanical switch Filco keyboards with brown Cherry switches; it's a soft tactile switch that doesn't click. The FKBN104M/EB is very sexy, built like a tank, and has n-key rollover to boot if you're a gamer. There is a version without the keypad too I think if you are interested.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Backlighting isn't a huge problem, just a plus. Like you said, it's usually still easy enough to read the keys, but it's even easier with a backlight.

I read that the diNovo uses scissor switch keys, like most laptop keyboards. The review said that the keys have a very short key travel, but still provide some tactile feedback.

And I guess you could still call it bling, but it's definitely a different type of bling. A more tasteful type

 

[greenbean]

Scissor switches are still rubber membrane/dome technology; to quote ergocanada.com:

"A special case of computer keyboard membrane switch is the scissors switch. It still uses rubber domes, but a special plastic 'scissors'mechanism links the keycap to a plunger that depresses the rubber dome with a much shorter travel than the typical rubber dome keyboard."

http://ergocanada.com/ergo/key...brane_keyswitches.html

 

[ivan2]

if you have to ask, anything that's not mechanical is a waste of money... a comparable mechanical keyboard will be the Cherry one's "ML" switch for tactile with short key travel. I saw them on ebay they were about 20 bucks.

 

[nerp]

Yes. Get a quiet cherry switch. Or import a Filco or a Topre. If you want to invest in a top quality keyboard, be willing to spend the money. Like a super nice case or PSU, it should last quite some time before you need to replace it.

I strongly recommend against the DiNovo. I mean, it's OK and all but I'd say it's horribly overpriced for run-of-the-mill keyboard switch technology.

Getting an elite mechanical keyboard would be more distinctive than a Logitech, too.

 

[Jules]

Bought it for my dad a few months back. He really likes it a lot.