what cheapie keyboard is as good as a dell quietkey?

[johnnqq]

i need a new keyboard...but i don't see a point in spending over $20 for one. are there any cheapies out there that have basic keys and feel good that aren't rediuculously expensive?

 

[Thump553]

If you can hold off until Thanksgiving, and if you are willing to put up with rebates, you will probably have a large number of good keyboards to choose from at dirt cheap net prices in the Black Friday sales.

 

[Cerb]

Lite-On, Keytronic, and Mitsumi are pretty good cheapies, IMO (...and I like tactile feedback, having an IBM Model M ).

If you ever need a used PC, you could try buying them with keybaords and mice. Retrobox, FI, gives a Quietkey with every Dell--easy way to get one, if you need such an old-but-in-good-shape PC (like for a firewall or small server of some kind).

 

[Eureka]

You could always try and wait until a rebate has a super-hyper-multibutton keyboard for cheap.

If you need one now and for cheaply, there are two I would recommend (one of which I am currently using):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823126167
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823126164 (currently using, out of stock though because it is so good)

Norm

 

[Zepper]

Yes, Dell keyboards are mostly LiteOn/Silitek (SK-???? model numbers). Newegg carries several for under $10. or $20 shipped. The Keytronics unit that the Metadot "Das Keyboard" (there is a thread on it with links in this section) is based on is excellent for around $20. +sh. The Das Keyboard got a Kick A55 award from Maximum PC :roll:

.bh.

 

[johnnqq]

those logitech keyboards look ok...but they're too big. i only need basic keys like those on the dell quietkey (and those super cheap $5 keyboards)

 

[Eureka]

They're basically the same size as a regular keyboard, the wrist pad is removeable, and you only have a little panel on the top.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823107127
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823107123

These are from Lite-ON, and don't have the extra wristpad.

Norm

 

[johnnqq]

yea i was considering the white lite-on

 

[Zepper]

Check these first:

http://www.keytronic.com/home/keyboards/keyboards/keyboards.html - the E03600/3601 series the 3600 has the OTK (One True Keyboard) layout and the 3601 has the big L . Come in beige, black and gray - PS/2 or USB The strength of the springs under the keys vary by the relative strength of the fingers that press them while most other kbds are one pressure for all keys.

Best prices here: http://www.provantage.com/xc_KTRN.htm They are all around $20. shipped

I'd avoid a USB only keyboard but that's just me. PS/2 can be converted cheaply to USB but not vice versa. Most KVMs use PS/2 mouse/kbd for the master, etc.

.bh.