Recommended keyboard?

[cscs]

Hello, I'm currently using a MS Natural Multimedia Keyboard. It does the trick, but it's noisy as all hell, to the extent that my SO asks me to shut the door when I'm typing cuz she can't stand the click. Honestly, it is really noisy, and it doesn't serve any purpose. I've used old IBM keyboards that are sturdy and have a nice clink response, but this keyboard just feels cheap / plastic so the noise is inexcusable.

What do you all recommend for good keyboards? And more importantly, do you think the split / natural style keyboard is of any use? I'm on the comp for many hours a day, but I'm not convined that the split style is actually doing me any good. Is it proven? As for my wrist/hands I'm considering a trackball mouse, and am not convinced that the keyboard makes a difference as long as it has a wrist wrest.

Suggestions? Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Dragonbate]

I picked up a bunch of keyboards at microcenter for $3.99 on sale.

 

[Zepper]

I'm currently using an A4Tech wireless that works great. But the markings on the keytops are already wearing off (about a year). BTW, the "pyramid" keys are an optical illusion not really diff from standard.

,bh,

:moon:

 

[Bojangles139]

Originally posted by: cscs
am not convinced that the keyboard makes a difference as long as it has a wrist wrest.

Suggestions? Thoughts?

Thanks

the wrist rest is the the point. with a normal keyboard, your wrists are at an angle compared to your forearm. having them at that kink or angle for long periods can create soreness for some people. with the split keyboard, your wrists are not forced to be at an angle, they are nearly straight with your forearms.

i prefer the split keyboard. my wrists will get sore after long period of typing on a normal keyboard. it affects different people differently. some don't notice it, others do.

if your not sure if the split is helping, try a normal for a bit and see how your wrists feel. normal layout keyboards are hella cheaper.

noise... couldn't tell ya. head to best buy or office max, pound the keys on the display models and see whats up. or just buy one, see how "loud" it is and if nothing else, take it back and try another. major retailers don't care why your returning something, only that you have the reciept. ;-)

brandon

 

[So]

hmm...I've often thought, what if you were to put some sort of soft foam under the keys...not much, just thick enough that it would slow the very last portion of key travel...hmmm...experiment time?

 

[beatle]

Logitech Ultra-X! Your SO won't be able to hear you. It's a full size laptop style keyboard with a proper layout. I've had mine for about a year and I love it.

 

[BDawg]

I like the wireless keyboard that came with my logitech LX700 combo. Of course, I still use my MX700 mouse instead of the one from the combo.

 

[NumbaJuan]

How about this one

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: beatle
Logitech Ultra-X! Your SO won't be able to hear you. It's a full size laptop style keyboard with a proper layout. I've had mine for about a year and I love it.

Wow! That looks sweet! And you can't beat the price. I was thinking about the IBM one that they sell that is like the Thinkpad keyboards, but its like $100!! :Q
Question: What are the buttons at the top right of the keyboard? I like volume/mute controls

Anyone know of a good, quiet keyboard like this with media controls? Thanks in advance!

 

[Muse]

I used to be very picky about my keyboards. The touch and feel of the keys had to be just so or I wasn't happy. I was recommended to try the MS ergonomic keyboards simply because they are less stressful. I got one and haven't used anything else (willingly) since. The touch is OK, I guess. It's never bothered me. The price is right - I paid less than $20 for both of mine. It's just plain easier on the wrists. Also, I've never had an issue with either of mine. No sticking keys, etc. Everything has always worked fine.

Never seen a black MS ergonomic keyboard - mine are beige. I have to admit they look funny, because my monitors have black surrounds, and my AV receiver (next to this stuff) is also black. But color matching is secondary to other concerns.

 

[beatle]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Question: What are the buttons at the top right of the keyboard? I like volume/mute controls

They are in order:
Media (starts Winamp)
Play/Pause (does nothing)
Mute (mutes speakers)
Favorites (does nothing)
E-Mail (starts/switches to Outlook)
WWW (opens new tab in Firefox)

Sorry, no volume, but I never touch these keys anyway. The big knob on my receiver works even better for volume. These are just what the keys do on my computer, no drivers required. I'm not sure if there are drivers to get more functionality out of the keyboard. These keys aren't important to me.

I recall there being another keyboard similar to this one that had an identical layout, but it was usb. It also had a couple of usb ports on it.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Ooohh!!!! PLAY/PAUSE!! What do you mean it doesn't do anything tho? I guess it doesn't have software to configure those buttons?
I guess that's ok, Winamp now has the global shortcuts are whatever.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Wow! That looks sweet! And you can't beat the price. I was thinking about the IBM one that they sell that is like the Thinkpad keyboards, but its like $100!! :Q

The IBM I think is worth it because it has TWO pointing devices built in (a pointing stick and a track pad) plus a 2-port USB hub.

Whether or not it's worth it to you depends on whether or not you want the additional pointing devices I guess..

 

[fbrdphreak]

I agree, but the price differential is huge:
$30
$100

Hmmmm...what can I do with $70?

 

[wisdomtooth]

What can you do... Quality keyboard/pointing device combos loaded with features costs mucho cashola these days...

For a while I was considering Logitech's DiNovo Wireless Desktop, and that setup costs ~$130!

It looks NICE though.

I think if I have to spend money on a quality keyboard/pointing device combo, it would either be the IBM Ultranav (too bad they don't have an RF wireless version) or a Logitech DiNovo..

 

[beatle]

Actually, the play/pause button does work in WMP. It doesn't work in Winamp

The favorites button opens the favorites pane in IE, but it does nothing in Firefox.

 

[fbrdphreak]

I gotcha. Thanks for the info!

 

[Rhin0]

Get the logitech elite, I got one and love it. I was skeptical at first but it is a really nice keyboard

 

[fbrdphreak]

Hey all,
Just thought I'd let everyone know that I found a pretty nice wireless keyboard (no mouse). I specifically need this 'cuz I have an MX510 & a Logitech MediaPlay wireless, but I'm getting tired of my old Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse set. I found this Viewsonic wireless keyboard and it looks pretty nice, has my requisite volume/media control buttons.
Viewsonic
Not bad for $30 total

 

[beatle]

fbrdphreak, do you have this Viewsonic keyboard? What is the touch on the keys like? It's hard to tell from the picture whether they'd be more like a laptop or desktop keyboard. As much as I love my Ultra X, I'd love a wireless one even more.

 

[blackinches]

keytronic keyboard

blackinches just bought one and its great. not to loud has nice tactile feedback and it's sturdy as hell. blackinches has another white one that still works great after many years.

 

[fbrdphreak]

I can't saw I have it yet, but I should be ordering it in the coming weeks (Poor college student needs to pay bills b4 new keyboard ). I'll post a review on it when I receive it.

 

[Falc]

I ordered an Ultra-X yesterday. I'll let you guys know how I like it when I get it.

 

[TRUMPHENT]

IBM has a new program "ViaMind" You think, it types. You only need several free contiguous, uninterrupted months for the program to monitor your brain patterns to train it. The only problem is that several dozen subcutaneous implants need to be hardwired to the proprietary interface card for the training period. A three foot cable is included with the retail package. That means you will spend your training period in the room with most bodily activiity. However, it is worth it.

Once the program announces that your brain has been resolved, all you do is connect the umpteen implants with CAT6 rating and think away!

You do have to memorize every language code, script, subroutine, shortcut, file extension, file name, macro, micro, zipcode, postal code and the entire contents of the worldwide phonebook. in order to register the program online.

Minimum system requirements are to be announced once they are determined to even exist in the realm of near term reality.

In other words, keyboards are now dinosaurs!

 

[fbrdphreak]

I smell M$ behind this one