new keyboard, need crisp typeing, and a few special keys

[drwho9437]

I have a Lenovo T60 and quite frankly it's keyboard is better than most desktop keyboards that I use. I have a clicky version of it but the tactile feedback is very nice.

I am looking for a desktop keyboard that is not a huge use of desk space and has a mute and volume button, and perhaps a few buttons for opening programs, but no more than just a few.

Most inexpensive keyboards have slop in the keys I'd rather have something stiffer. If anyone has good suggestions I'm all ears, few keyboards get reviews and if they do they have 10000 gee wiz features.

I don't want a split keyboard either.

If anyone has or has used and can tell me what a Lenovo Enhanced Performance Keyboard is like I'm all ears.

 

[chizow]

I don't know what the Lenovo Enhanced is like, but Logitech makes quite a few desktop keyboards that feel similar to laptop keyboards, which I also prefer.

New Logitech Illuminated Keyboard - MSRP $80 due October
diNovo Edge $102 after $50 MIR Wireless and rechargeable, people really seem to like it but it has no numpad.
diNovo Media Desktop Also wireless, MX1000 mouse, keyboard has similar tactile feel to keyboards (I've tried it myself).

I'm going to get one eventually, probably the Illuminated one. I'd recommend going to a local PC store and trying them yourself to make sure they're what you're looking for.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

I have the DiNovo edge and love the thing. I use it as my main keyboard since I don't want to wear out the keyboard on my laptop plus it's far more comfortable. And you almost never need to recharge. I haven't charged mine since I got it 8 months ago :laugh: Still says it has 20% battery remaining.

 

[drwho9437]

Humm I have a logitech keyboard and I don't like it much. I don't think a Thinkpad keyboard is very much like any other kind of notebook keyboard.

Also I def don't want wireless.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: drwho9437
Humm I have a logitech keyboard and I don't like it much. I don't think a Thinkpad keyboard is very much like any other kind of notebook keyboard.

Also I def don't want wireless.

Well like I said, you should really check the keyboards I linked in person. They're very different from standard keyboards and in their literature I believe they mention they are designed to feel like laptop keyboards. Flat/low profile, tactile click with individual micro scissors. I've owned quite a few ThinkPads and their keys aren't much different from any other quality keyboard.

 

[bruceb]

you can try this Dell Keyboard

http://accessories.us.dell.com...&sku=310-7940#Overview

It is intended for the special keys to work with certain Dell computers, but you should be able to download a keyboard customizing tool to make them work with any computer

Note: If you try the Dell on a non Dell PC and the special keys don't work or
work wrong see below:

Re: Setting default multimedia keyboard hotkeys/shortcuts/launchSOLVED
Problem solved thanks to Mark Russinovich and Process Monitor!

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\AppKey\16\Association

(each key will have it's own AppKey # which Process Monitor! would id for you)


By default, pressing "Button 16" on this keyboard launches the default
application associated with .cda files.

Even though winamp and wmp were set to play .cda files, only wmp shows
up in the default programs list in control panel, so it's settings "stuck".

I changed the value in that registry entry to .flac, which winamp plays
but wmp does not. Success! the keyboard shortcut now launches winamp.

 

[RalfHutter]

As a Thinkpad keyboard fanboi, I can certainly relate to your quest!

How about a Thinkpad keyboard for the desktop! Not cheap, but can you put a price on perfection?

 

[drwho9437]

I'd get one of these in a second if it wasn't for the lack of media controls (mute and vol and a calc button are very helpful)

http://www.daskeyboard.com/

Ralf: That's funny but I don't really want a notebook keyboard just something with good feedback.