Thinking of getting a new keyboard--suggestions?

[eLiu]

Hey all,
I'm currently using a Dell QuietKey keyboard that's ~8 yrs old (got it with a PII 266 system back when those were top of the line). It has served me well...but now the left shift, left ctrl, and b keys are dying. I've tried dismantling & cleaning it but that doesn't really help much

Anyhow...it's probably time for a replacement. What do you guys think I should get? I've never used one of those ergonomic keyboards before, so I dunno if those are any good...

Also, I'm currently in a college dorm with a small-ish desk, so I don't want an enormous keyboard that will occupy all the space (this kb is pretty small...think of the size of one of those really old IBM keyboards with the really loud clicking keys...those things were cool). A little bigger is fine...just not a monstrous one, if that makes any sense.

Just looking through newegg and zipzoomfly, it's obvious that there are LOTS of choices...I just don't know which to get.

Lastly, I only want a kb--I have a logitech mx500 mouse that I'm very happy with. I prefer the [Insert Home PageUp;Delete End PageDown] 2x3 setup (b/c I regularly use all of those keys)...so many kb's have destroyed that . And I don't want to spend more than 20-25 bucks unless it's a damn special kb, lol.

Thanks,
-Eric

 

[Slappy00]

I suggest anything microsoft, all of their equipment (in my exp) dies hard. IBM KB are good too but GL finding one, and Logitech may have good featured KB but their return service is awful, so I would only get it if i could get it cheap i.e. less than $15.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Originally posted by: eLiu
Also, I'm currently in a college dorm with a small-ish desk, so I don't want an enormous keyboard that will occupy all the space

Well, if you have a smallish desk, maybe this here keyboard is for you:

IBM Ultranav USB

It even eliminates the space needed for a mouse.

 

[eLiu]

ack that thing is expensive...

actually logitech's Ultra X keyboard has caught my eye...it seems nice...

 

[beatle]

The Ultra X is an awesome keyboard. I love mine so much I've thought about picking up some spares in case another keyboard like this is never made again!

 

[funggorgor]

i m using genius keyboard
so far no problem

 

[Nye553]

I've got another Dell quiet Keyboard that I never used cause I got a wireless keyboard. If you want it.

 

[eLiu]

Originally posted by: Nye553
I've got another Dell quiet Keyboard that I never used cause I got a wireless keyboard. If you want it.

Hm I'll think about it. Really starting to like the idea of laptop-style keys b/c I love typing on my T42... We'll see...

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: eLiu
ack that thing is expensive...

actually logitech's Ultra X keyboard has caught my eye...it seems nice...

kind of expensive for a ps2 keyboard, isnt it ?

 

[eLiu]

Originally posted by: skunkbuster

Originally posted by: eLiu
ack that thing is expensive...

actually logitech's Ultra X keyboard has caught my eye...it seems nice...

kind of expensive for a ps2 keyboard, isnt it ?

Well, there's also this from I-ROCKS. Seems pretty similar, but I don't know if I-ROCKS is any good as a company.

 

[wisdomtooth]

If you are worried about the quality of the brands, then just spend a little more for the IBM. You know it's IBM quality, and you already know you like the feel of the keyboard from your T42. Worthy investment, you get what you pay for.

 

[beatle]

The I-ROCKS looks identical to the Logitech, but with different media key placement. I'd pony up the extra $5 for the Logitech though.

 

[bassoprofundo]

You mentioned the old IBM "clicky" keyboards... Why not go with one of them? They're absolutely indestructible, and I've actually found that they increase my typing accuracy by a sizable amount. You can find them all over ebay. I was lucky enough to score two brand new ones of the only black model they ever made, and they're just awesome. All keyboards made nowadays are just cheap, mushy keys with a sheet of rubber membrane under them that registers keystrokes. They're terrible on your hands and provide no tactile feedback whatsoever. The old IBMs were made with real spring and switch mechanisms. Do a little searching on the net, and you'll find that they have quite a "cult" following among enthusiasts. Count me among them... Just grab one, add a PS2/USB adapter for future-proofing, and click-clack your way to keyboard nirvana...

 

[eLiu]

that's a good point too, lol...

grr i suck at decision making...

 

[Dragonbate]

Link

 

[Zepper]

Take a trip to http://www.Zippy.com. They have some neat keyboards. Not too widely stocked though - newegg has a few. http://www.pckeyboard.com has the original IBM clicky kbds and quite a few others. I'm currently using an A4Tech wireless that works great but apparently the key tops aren't "double shot" as the markings are already wearing off...
Benq makes some of the laptop style kbds too.
.bh.

:moon:

 

[So]

:thumbsup: to MS hardware.

I'd recommend logitech, but the KB that came w/ the MX duo is starting to feel worn after ~1.25 yrs, and my much older MS keyboard from 2k1 still feels new.

My advice...for a KB, go MS.