So I dont really like my keyboard.

[Susquehannock]

Originally posted by: Markbnj
I remember when you could still get the original from Lexmark. I loved those keyboards. Stupid enough to give my last one away when I passed the machine it was plugged into off to a younger relative. In addition to the link above (which is for originals) this company is making them new.

Very nice - thank you for that. I will have to read more about how they are designed.

In case anyone is wondering why the 'model M' is such a highly coveted keyboard, and why they are thought to be so ergonomic, here is a post from another forum which spells this out very well IMO.

http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1029265293&postcount=84

In addition to the more tactile responce afforded by buckling springs, pay particular attention to the curve of the internal board.

If you were to draw an imaginary line along direction of key travel, those lines would meet somewhere around 1.5 feet above the 'model M' board. In contrast those imaginary lines for virtually all other keyboards would be parallel. Off to infinity without ever crossing. Building a curvature into the key buttons is not the same thing.

 

[Tegeril]

Originally posted by: BOLt

Originally posted by: twitchee2

Originally posted by: Tegeril
I use the Logitech Media Elite keyboard and I couldn't be happier. I wish every computer I sat at had one. http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Logitech...atOid/-12961/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

thats the one I have.

lmao

Heh, I was pretty amused too. He clearly has done something to his keyboard, because it's reeeeaaalllllyyyy easy to type on, minimal resistance.

 

[TBSN]

Regarding the choice between USB and PS/2, is it still a good idea to use a usb to ps/2 adapter on most motherboards? This could just be an quirk of ancient motherboards, but my last computer liked the KB to be in the PS/2 slot; more stable...

 

[beemercer]

Originally posted by: TBSN
Regarding the choice between USB and PS/2, is it still a good idea to use a usb to ps/2 adapter on most motherboards? This could just be an quirk of ancient motherboards, but my last computer liked the KB to be in the PS/2 slot; more stable...

I never run into any problems using USB, but who knows. I only use a PS/2 adapter if I need the extra USB slot.

 

[twitchee2]

Originally posted by: Tegeril

Originally posted by: BOLt

Originally posted by: twitchee2

Originally posted by: Tegeril
I use the Logitech Media Elite keyboard and I couldn't be happier. I wish every computer I sat at had one. http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Logitech...atOid/-12961/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

thats the one I have.

lmao

Heh, I was pretty amused too. He clearly has done something to his keyboard, because it's reeeeaaalllllyyyy easy to type on, minimal resistance.

Well it works just fine, the buttons are really lose all around, I also use a KVM switch, which riquires to have the mode button selected when when that happens, the stard "f" hot keys dont work. I also do not use any of the extra short cuts on the baord. I prefer something just pain and simple, I like the model M for its simplicity. That is the reason I liked the Saitek, it has what you need, and that is all I ever use.

I have an old keyboard from my old sony viao, it has a very soft feel and is just a normal keybaord. If it didnt have a propratary plug I would probly be using it.

Question on the M. Is it actually a clicky type button similar to the power button of a computer, like a tempory switch type thing with the feel and click sound?

 

[twitchee2]

I take that back about the sony board begin propritary, the sony mouse is. I am currently typeing on the sony. it is more similar to a model M.

 

[KeithP]

I have the Logitech Media Elite. It is okay but after using it awhile I am not thrilled with the function keys. They are slightly smaller than the normal keys and the action on them isn't very smooth. It is annoying enough to me that I am starting to look for a replacement.

-KeithP

 

[emilyek]

I wanted to blow some money on something ridiculously unnecessary recently.

I dumped my Logitech media keyboard for the Razer Tarantula:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823114001

I picked up a blue Copperhead to go with it.

Anyway, I find the tarantula quite nice. The keys are both clicky and soft. It feels kind of like a pricey, HTPC keyboard with some lights and macro functions on it.

For gaming, the key feel and response time are perfect.

 

[SparkyJJO]

I'm still typing on a Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro. They don't make them anymore. I kinda want to replace it because it is getting worn after several years of use now and the white clashes with my black/silver case, monitor, mouse, and speakers Problem is I have yet to find another keyboard that has the hotkeys I want, have the normal insert and delete keys (not the huge delete key and no insert!) AND work properly in games. I liked the look of this one except people complain it doesn't work with certain key combinations in games which is a problem. So I'm still looking....

 

[beemercer]

Originally posted by: emilyek
I wanted to blow some money on something ridiculously unnecessary recently.

I dumped my Logitech media keyboard for the Razer Tarantula:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823114001

I picked up a blue Copperhead to go with it.

Anyway, I find the tarantula quite nice. The keys are both clicky and soft. It feels kind of like a pricey, HTPC keyboard with some lights and macro functions on it.

For gaming, the key feel and response time are perfect.

Wow, thats one purty keyboard.

 

[Susquehannock]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
Question on the M. Is it actually a clicky type button similar to the power button of a computer, like a tempory switch type thing with the feel and click sound?

Well, I am not sure I understand the comparrison. Did you read that Hard forum post I linked above? Good explanation there, espcially the image which illustrates the non-linear pressure profile. VERY different than the linear profile you get from your typical membrane boards.

Removing the resistance in the keys is a step in the wrong direction IMO. Removes all the tactile feel & responsiveness. Also, there have been studies which show that a small amout of resistance is better for you long term. Carpel tunnel etc ... One of the reasons I switched over to this 'model M'. My fingers & wrists feel much better after extended typing or gaming sessions than they did in the past when I was using Dell "quiet key" membrane type boards. Yes, no doubt about it.

While we are on the subject ..... I think it is a real shame that the trend in keyboards in recent years has been toward flashy colors, lights and the like, instead of building quality units. The majority of modern keyboards are only good for a couple years of continual use. There are many 'model M' which have been in continuous service for over 20 years & are still going strong.

If anyone thinks all the above is trivial, consider how many keystrokes you perform in a year. Kind of brings it into perspective I think.

 

[TBSN]

This thread got me thinking; I think I have an IBM Model M sitting around at home. I should go check it out. Too bad it won't work with my Mac laptop, which I'm stuck with until I get a new computer. I actually really like the feel of my laptop keyboard, but that is mostly because I'm so used to it. Now whenever I go to a "traditional" keyboard, The keys seem way too tall and clunky.

With the M-style keyboards, is the clicking loud? If I had a roommate (which I do...) would it be loud enough to be considered, umm, annoying?

 

[TBSN]

P.S.: is there a way to "clean" an old IBM keyboard? Maybe I'll take it apart or something; I think the keys come off......

 

[Susquehannock]

Yes the model M is fairly loud. Likely not be good for your situation TBSN. They aren't called "clickys" for nothing.
One reason many makers went to "quiet key" membrane boards is likely because of the noise, besides saving on production costs. Was probably quite loud in a busy office with several secretaries typing away.

The model M is very easy to take apart & clean. I had to do that a couple years ago when a friend spilled a 16oz soda on it. After half an hour it was good as new. Quite sure many modern boards would have been trashed by such accidents.

Spent a few minutes and disconnected my keyboard to snap off these images.

1] - http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4929/ibm1ci7.jpg
2] - http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1246/ibm2bn6.jpg

#1= the label on the back of my board. Production date is over 20 years ago.
#2 = cable connectors. The more desirable older model M have the removable cord at the board. In that image you can also see the AT to ps/2 adapter at the lower left. Bought mine for $2 from an online electronics supplier. ClickyKeyboards has an excellent page on that. http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cf...n/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/146730

From what they say, you can get USB capability by using an active ps/2 to USB converter. Not the passive kind they give away with many mice and boards. http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cf...n/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/124184
Haven't had need for that myself, but nice to know USB is an option.

 

[Craig234]

The Microsoft ergonomic 4000 gets good reviews and seems nice. I have one here I haven't hooked up yet. I use the old MS natural keyboard but a leg broke.

Haven't been able to find a new leg.

 

[uclaChris]

I just recently got the Razer tarantula as well...its seriously got the best tactile key feel out of all the keyboards I tried out. They also have it for 79.99 at compusa this week.

 

[benplaut]

If you want the best feel ever, get a buckling spring. Model M are nice, but i'm a bigger fan of the very hard to find dell models with clackers. It's quieter, with pretty much the same feel.

Which brings me to the huge disadvantage of the Model M: it's really, really loud.
Anyway, i'm buying a Ultra X soon... hopefully it feels somewhat similar to my thinkpad (yea, right).

 

[Seekermeister]

I just changed from a Logitech Media keyboard, to a MI Internet keyboard, due to a malfunction in the old one. I don't like the new keyboard, but not because of touch, but because the keys are slightly closer together, causing me to make alot of typos. If you replace your's, I would pay more attention to this, than touch.

 

[Aikouka]

I use the Logitech G15, and it has a great feel, but the keys are a little smaller than my old Logitech Elite. Also, Logitech's great software is at work and the G15 requires almost a 1:1 ratio of executables per LCD function, which means a good 4-5 processes running just to display junk on the keyboard's LCD. So you may want to hit up the G11 if you like how the G15 feels.

 

[cparker]

I use any old keyboard that's lying around. I have an old Microsoft ergonomic on one machine. That's fun to use. I feel very ergonomic with it, my hands seem to be grasping something due to the elevation and curve. Then I have an old IBM OEM keyboard that came with a PC in 1997 or so. It's not the clicky one (sadly!), but it's kind of compact and it makes a "squishy" sound and seems to work pretty well. Makes me feel squishy kind of good using it, although not ergonomic at all (although I don't think this hurts in any way). Then I got my girl friend a G15 as a gift, mostly because she wanted backlit keys and a very classy looking keyboard for the new rig I built her (with a new 19" lcd and an aluminum case that's kind of Blade Runnerish. The G15 does look very cool. The backlit keys are understated, but they work, they are useful in the dark, and just look and feel great. Actually, the G15's tactile qualities are my favorite, right now. We don't bother with all the extra features and the lcd screen. Just use the keyboard as it comes out of the box. But for 65-70 dollars, it's a pleasure.

 

[Susquehannock]

Originally posted by: benplaut
If you want the best feel ever, get a buckling spring. Model M are nice, but i'm a bigger fan of the very hard to find dell models with clackers. It's quieter, with pretty much the same feel.

Which brings me to the huge disadvantage of the Model M: it's really, really loud.
Anyway, i'm buying a Ultra X soon... hopefully it feels somewhat similar to my thinkpad (yea, right).

The Dell sounds interesting. You know of any pages where one can look into that?

Darn right the model M can be loud. Doesn't realy bother me though. My PC is at the opposite end of the house so no worries about the woman yelling at me. Not for the keyboard clicking anyway - LOL

Oh , you forgot how big and bulky the model M are. Very sturdy construction but they are big. Have to fold down the rear feet before I can slide the keyboard tray into the desk. Oh well, small price to pay for the superior typing experience.

 

[twitchee2]

well i dont think i could stand a M eventhough they are tanks. Im liking this older sony though. its working well and the feel is nice but its not very eranomic so i need to go to best buy and places like that to look around at whats out. I need to look at the elcpise somemore.

 

[stillkicking]

CompUSA had a $20 AR deal last weekend on the Saitek Eclipse so I picked one up. I am really happy with it so far. Besides the nice blue backlighting (off, low, high) the keys have a smooth tight feel to them.

 

[Arcanedeath]

This keyboard the Microsoft Natural 4000 is prolly the best ergo keyboard on the market atm if you want an ergo keyboard its the way to go.

If you like the clicky keyboards the IBM Model M and its siblings are very good.

and finaly if your a gamer and want a gaming keyboard but don't need split keys the Logitec G15 is the way to go

 

[imported_RedStar]

You can be the first of 130+ to pre-order a special oled keyboard one ...for only 1200$
(unfortunately the first ones will only show black and white pictures on keys)

!!

Ima too lazy to find link ...but i saw it again just today...i think on dailytech.

edit:

http://venture.neoseeker.com/news/story/6326/