Keyboards

[Chriz]

I will be looking for a new keyboard soon, and there are three that are on my mind. I have not tried any of them so I was wondering if anyone has tried at least two of them and can say which they've liked better:

-Saitak Eclipse - People seem to really like the lighting and the feel of this keyboard

-Das Keyboard II (http://www.daskeyboard.com/) - The industrial key switches, clicks and potential to help typing make this one desirable also.

-Razer Tarantula - I like the idea of the USB /audio ports and programmable keys/profiles on this one.

I am really stumped on this. I guess being able to the letters in the dark isn't a big deal to me but seeing the actual keys themselves might be, although it's not a necessity for me.

 

[Zepper]

At least the DKII might be worth 50% of its price with the cherry switches. The DK1 is a $20. Key Tronics with the keys blacked out (one of the better "Nothing for Something" schemes I've seen - but the Int'l Star Registry is the All-Time Champ of NfS) - hard to believe the gullibility of people. Even Maximum PC magazine got pwned by the DKI. Much more cost-effective to get a roll of electrical tape or some spray paint and black out your own... :roll:

I did what I could to see that they got to hold on to a warehouse full of the DKI... They're still selling them, but at at a discount (still 200% over the standard KT).

.bh.

 

[Peter]

The fun bit being that they don't even "black out" the keys. Lasering/printing the keycaps is the final production step in a keyboard, and they're simply skipping that.

 

[Eureka]

I'd go for the Eclipse or Tarantula... haven't used the Tarantula yet but the Saitek is really good.

Norm

 

[andrewbabcock]

I've used the logitech ultra x at a friends house and soon will buy one myself. Its a great keyboard that truly makes typing more efficient. Look into that one as well. I've heard plenty about the eclipse and the eclipse 1 seems to be at a good price right now but it seems to be overrated overall ie don't go for the eclipse 2 unless you have a big wallet. Look for a cheaper alternative like the ultra x that will feel great and do the job just as well as a tarantula or eclipse 2. Hope this helps...

 

[LOUISSSSS]

i'm currently using the saitek eclipse and love it for its beautiful looks, backlighting, and size, but i think you should also consider the microsoft natural 4000 keyboard, they used it in maximum pc's DM this year
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...0&Submit=ENE&N=0&Ntk=all&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

 

[andrewbabcock]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
i'm currently using the saitek eclipse and love it for its beautiful looks, backlighting, and size, but i think you should also consider the microsoft natural 4000 keyboard, they used it in maximum pc's DM this year
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...0&Submit=ENE&N=0&Ntk=all&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

I looked at the natural 4000 and liked it but the problem i have with it is that my left index finger often flies over to the right side to hit keys y, h, or b. This keyboard really wouldn't work for me because those letters are way over on the other side of the divider. I could change my method of typing but he seems more logical to just get a keyboard without a divider. I have liked the feel of my wireless comfort keyboard because of the different sized keys but still the hitting of the keys was not as good as the ultra x.

 

[AndeeG]

I've heard that the Ultra X uses the same scissor-key or whatever it's called design as in used in laptops. Is it just like a separate laptop keyboard or is it more of a mix between that and classic PC style keys? If so, I'm definitely interested as I'm looking for an inexpensive keyboard with good key feel that doesn't need to be wireless or have any fancy back lighting (saitek eclipse).

 

[Jumpem]

Eclipse II

 

[Chriz]

I don't even see this Ultra X keyboard on Logitech's website, anyone have a link to it?

 

[AndeeG]

Originally posted by: Chriz
I don't even see this Ultra X keyboard on Logitech's website, anyone have a link to it?

It's not on their website anymore but is available at a number of retailers. It's 20 bucks on amazon (free shipping on orders over $25) and no tax in california. Newegg usually has it but they're out of stock now.

 

[Zepper]

The Ultra-X is an OEM item for System Integrators and VARs. Not too hard to find the PS/2 version singly or in carton lots. Just hit Froogle. Anyone interested in splitting a carton of 'em? PM me.

.bh.

 

[thebigdude]

I've got the natural 4000 and it the split key design does take some getting used to. However it is by far the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used.

 

[Zepper]

TTT

.bh.