In search of a non-squishy keyboard

[kennyj]

I'm one of those rare funky individuals that likes both the older Buckling Spring keyboards (like the IBM Model M) and the split layout of ergonomic keyboards (especially if adjustable.) However, I've beeh having a hell of a time finding any buckling spring keyboards nowadays.

In fact, http://www.pckeyboard.com/ seems to be the only real purveyor of the real keys.

I did manage to find one ergonomic keyboard with BS keys, http://www.datadesktech.com/desktop_base.html but every place that sold them has them on backorder (though the company does still seem afloat. I can only assume it to be manufacturing problems or a case of demand far exceeding supply.)

I have had no luck, however, finding an *adjustable* ergonomic BS keyboard, and that's a sort of dream of mine. Though I find "normal" ergonomics to be more comfortable, IMO you need an adjustable to really get the full benefit. The Smartboard above seems like its wavy design would compensate quite well, but... yanno.

Has anybody else taken on this endeavor and had any success?

 

[Peter]

I recommend the one you found, the SmartBoard. Typing on one of them right now, got two at work, and have three more on backorder. They're worth the wait - not only for having actual switches for each key (with very light trigger force), but also because they did away with the silly left-slanted arrangement of the keys. Finally, the fingers on the left hand move in their natural direction as well. As obvious an improvement as it seems, this one keyboard is the ONLY one to get that right.

You'll know what you missed as soon as you have to return to a "normal" keyboard, even if it's a so-called ergonomic one.

www.ergocube.com is the place to buy them from.

 

[kennyj]

Kickass. I guess I'll just have to wait for them to get their stuff back together... the ETA on the backlog ending at ergocube is "toward the end of 2004" but it appears they've been out for some time. Can't even find any used.

Anyone else have other models to suggest? I'd really like to see an adjustable one...

 

[Peter]

You need to be patient - they've been pushing the availability back for almost a year now. It's well worth the wait though. You'll hate all other keyboards.

 

[kennyj]

Damn.... that long? Are you certain it's still going to be produced at all? It's starting to smell a bit vaporous, if you know what I mean.

If you haven't already, I'll do the honors sometime tomorrow.

 

[Peter]

Well since Ergocube aren't charging your credit card until they actually have something to ship, there's no wrong doing in placing an order there. At least DataDesk then have one more reason to get their arse in gear and finally do a production run of these.