What is wrong with keyboard manufacturers

[Googer]

Blacks are on the opposite end of spectrum, sometimes dubbed "linear". As the name suggests, there isn't any tactileness at all to them.

Steelkeys 6g/7g have black-axis switches in them, and the reviews on those are mixed. Some weren't happy with bottoming out while typing, since it is hard to tell when exactly each stroke is getting registered. Actually, most cherry switches used in north america seem to be black-axis for some reason for that matter.

I suppose, Silence would be the biggest reason or they are closest in feel to rubber dome which most people are used to.

 

[Tsavo]

I hope you paid the extra $20 bucks or so and got the retail version the OEM edition is not as well made and there are multiple complaints about stuck keys &/or wobbly/stiff space bars.

I got both versions the retail on my main workstation & the oem on a secondary system that doesn't get that much use.

I do love this keyboard the built in gel pad keeps my hands much warmer than resting on the cold plastic of my older model MS ergonomic keyboards.

Retail and OEM are the exact same device.

 

[Googer]

Retail and OEM are the exact same device.

Retail version comes with a warranty and usally technical support, OEM Does not. There are some exceptions to this rule* here and there but yeah, you are correct if it's the same device; oem and retail are usually 99% of the time the same device. In this scenario, his logic makes a bit of sense; buy retail for the computer that gets heavy use and will likely wear out or break sooner; then send it in for replacement under warranty.


*Some Creative Audigy, X-Fi, Ageia Physx Processors, Nvidia/ATi Graphics, LSi RAID controllers, etc (and more) are custom tailored versions (of the retail product) for a particular OEM.

 

[TBSN]

I have a Unicomp, and although most people are like, "whoa what the f*&k is that? It sounds like a type writer!" It actually does type well. The keys don't take any more effort to press and I am pretty confident it will NEVER break.

 

[Googer]

I have a Unicomp, The keys don't take any more effort to press and I am pretty confident it will NEVER break.

The guy who runs Unicomp says the same thing about their keyboards. It's part of the reason why they are having a tough time keeping their doors open (unions are another part). What puts bread on the table for them is mostly their custom manufacturing operations for their business clientèle.


http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100076874
http://www.npr.org/templates/player...n=1&t=1&islist=false&id=100076874&m=100073953

 

[PieIsAwesome]

I use this:

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=KB-819EB&title=iMicro-KBJ-819-Basic-PS-2-English-Keyboard-Black

Got 3 of them for like $12 shipped. Gets the job done, I actually like the feel better than my old Logitech Office Pro keyboard. It had some media keys but I never used them.

 

[Googer]

I use this:

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=...Keyboard-Black

Got 3 of them for like $12 shipped. Gets the job done, I actually like the feel better than my old Logitech Office Pro keyboard. It had some media keys but I never used them.

Bubble Dome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZIvgQ9ik48

 

[bigboxes]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzivgq9ik48

lol

 

[GaryJohnson]

Das Keyboard Ultimate
German-engineered mechanical key switches:
Das Keyboard compares to the legendary IBM model M. Its best-in-class mechanical gold-plated key switches provide a tactile and audio click that makes typing a pure joy.
N-key rollover:
Model S allows full n-key rollover with a PS2 adapter, and 6 keys with USB. Great for fast typists and gamers alike.

/thread

 

[Googer]

Das Keyboard Ultimate
German-engineered mechanical key switches:
Das Keyboard compares to the legendary IBM model M. Its best-in-class mechanical gold-plated key switches provide a tactile and audio click that makes typing a pure joy.
N-key rollover:
Model S allows full n-key rollover with a PS2 adapter, and 6 keys with USB. Great for fast typists and gamers alike.

/thread

One problem.. there are no printed letters or symbols.

 

[PieIsAwesome]

Bubble Dome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZIvgQ9ik48

Oh, I didn't realize this became a thread about mechanical keyboards.

 

[sportage]

Tried tons of KB's & mice. This one (wireless to boot) is best I've found. Wireless receiver unit is different from all the others, a square desktop block. I actually have two S520 sets in the same room on two pc's and they do not interfere with each other. I get more than 6+ months on batteries. Assignable keys, low battery flashing red light on both KB and mouse. Only neg is the KB has no (on keyboard) caps lock-on lite, but u get an on screen msg when hitting the caps-lock on or off. First KB, including many MS KB's I've tried, that has 100% reliable KB & mouse wireless to receiver reception. Just like using wired.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126047

 

[Googer]

why in the hell are all keyboards either the cheapest things ever made or they cost $100+ and have a million useless media/macro buttons that no one wants.

Its fing impossible to find a standard keyboard with a minimal amount of function keys (volume and play/stop/adv/back as they are the only important ones) that does not either have useless F keys or is a stupid ergonomic shape

the last time i had to buy a new keyboard i actually found one, and now its no longer made and not available.


gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Though I have never cared for bubble dome; Way back when, I used to have one of these. It's one of the few bubble dome keyboards that I did not mind much (still not as good as ole clicky) the other is an old Silicon Graphics USB keyboard with 10ft cable that mimicked mechanical switch feel. I features both USB and PS2 with built in USB hub and a minimal amount of multimedia keys like volume, back, forward, etc.

If your looking for a no bs keyboard with mechanical switches, this one is the one I'd go with; The Cherry eVolution STREAM XT Corded Multimedia Keyboard.

Key benefits
�� Spill resistant – not sensitive to fluids
�� Plug & Play for easy commissioning with no software
installation
�� Ultra-flat ergonomic top-design for fatigue-free work
�� 6 HotKeys for comfortable volume control and the most
important Mediaplayer functions
�� Standard keyboard layout (including cursor and number
block)
�� Includes adapter for PS/2 interface


http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/keyboards/Desktop/G85-23100/index.htm
Read the manual for more details.
http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/keyboards/pdf/G85-23100.pdf

 

[konakona]

On a side note, I do not mind logitech's classic 200. It does not compare well to the awesome filco, but can be had for $15-$20. No media keys or excessively large footprint, has short-travel keys (I am guessing scissor switch) that work fairly well.

 

[Aluvus]

Retail version comes with a warranty and usally technical support, OEM Does not.

I think the central point there is the claim that the OEM version is worse-made.

One problem.. there are no printed letters or symbols.

The "professional" version has letters printed on it, a USB hub, and probably-annoying blue LEDs.

If your looking for a no bs keyboard with mechanical switches, this one is the one I'd go with; The Cherry eVolution STREAM XT Corded Multimedia Keyboard.

Any idea of price?

 

[Googer]

I think the central point there is the claim that the OEM version is worse-made.



The "professional" version has letters printed on it, a USB hub, and probably-annoying blue LEDs.



Any idea of price?

I was merely pointing out the differences between oem and retail packaging. The original das keyboad appears to be based on unicomp designs.
Price here (after a second look, it appears that it may not have cherry mechanical keyswitches)

If you want multimedia funtionality, i'd suggest buying the mechanical keyboard of your choice then getting some programmable X-Keys and/or a griffin powermate (win7 drivers not yet released) for your multimedia purposes.

 

[WelshBloke]

I just ruined one of these... spilled a half a glass of Moylan's Kilt-lifter right on the most useful part of the board... the left side. I cleaned it up the best I could but at least 8 keys were very sticky and the left shift kept sticking completly... now looking for a replacement for a great keyboard

Rinse it off under the shower and stick it on a radiator for a few days to dry out.

Damn, I'm blaming you for this. I've just tipped a full glass of red wine over my keyboard, time to see if the shower works on this one.:awe:

 

[0roo0roo]

damn kb failed, "nm," keys stopped working rendering it useless. ms was nice and sent me another but its kind of sad it failed after a few months use.
took the chance to rip it apart, there was no simple point of failure or fix i could id.
so now its spare parts. the front plate and keys are built pretty solid, it doesn't bend.

if you've ever wondered how to take the thing apart, there are 4 screws under the space bar. the rest are on the back. nothing hidden behind stickers or feet. a paint can opener works pretty well for prying off keys.

the inside is filled with those plastic circuit sheets as ever. anyone putting that through a dishwasher is taking their chances.

 

[lsquare]

Interesting thread here. Any suggestions for a good, no frill wireless keyboard? A lot of the suggestions here involves a wired keyboard, but I need a wireless version.

I do agree with the OP that it's kind of stupid that a lot of keyboards these days cost close to $100 or more. I don't need most of the functions of the keyboard. I just need one that's comfortable to use, wireless, black colour, and that's it!

 

[Anubis]

Interesting thread here. Any suggestions for a good, no frill wireless keyboard? A lot of the suggestions here involves a wired keyboard, but I need a wireless version.

I do agree with the OP that it's kind of stupid that a lot of keyboards these days cost close to $100 or more. I don't need most of the functions of the keyboard. I just need one that's comfortable to use, wireless, black colour, and that's it!

if you find one that has basic media buttons LMK

this is what i had before

http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-Wireless-Desktop-Combo-X805/dp/B000227PDQ

its exactly what you want as well but alas its no longer made

 

[Tsavo]

damn kb failed, "nm," keys stopped working rendering it useless. ms was nice and sent me another but its kind of sad it failed after a few months use.
took the chance to rip it apart, there was no simple point of failure or fix i could id.
so now its spare parts. the front plate and keys are built pretty solid, it doesn't bend.

if you've ever wondered how to take the thing apart, there are 4 screws under the space bar. the rest are on the back. nothing hidden behind stickers or feet. a paint can opener works pretty well for prying off keys.

the inside is filled with those plastic circuit sheets as ever. anyone putting that through a dishwasher is taking their chances.

Those keyboards don't survive being wet at all. I had an MS natural that was practically waterproof.

 

[zagood]

damn kb failed, "nm," keys stopped working rendering it useless. ms was nice and sent me another but its kind of sad it failed after a few months use.
took the chance to rip it apart, there was no simple point of failure or fix i could id.
so now its spare parts. the front plate and keys are built pretty solid, it doesn't bend.

ugh. I've been planning on taking mine apart and cleaning it, not too thrilled after looking at that...

 

[Mr. Pedantic]

Actually what I hate is how most keyboards don't use a L shapped enter, instead they make the backspace huge, or I've even seen some make the \ key huge instead of the enter. WTF is up with that? I actually don't mind ergo keyboards now that I have one but it took me a good month or two to get used to but it is better in the end. This is the one I use:

Honestly, no exaggeration, that ergonomic keyboard I got a few years ago and apart from my 22" LCD, it's the best piece of hardware I've ever bought. Makes typing a lot more comfortable, faster (even though I don't use the 'conventional' touch typing style), and it's definitely a lot easier to type continuously for long periods of time on end. The only problem is that it's marginally worse for FPS, but seeing as I don't game anymore that's no problem.

 

[lsquare]

if you find one that has basic media buttons LMK

this is what i had before

http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-Wireless-.../dp/B000227PDQ

its exactly what you want as well but alas its no longer made

Yes, that's exactly what I want! How much was it retailing before? I'm disappointed that BenQ stopped producing that keyboard!

Why can't Logitech or even Microsoft just release a simple, but good wireless keyboard? I can't justify spending more than $100 for a keyboard. It's just ridiculous!

 

[Anubis]

Yes, that's exactly what I want! How much was it retailing before? I'm disappointed that BenQ stopped producing that keyboard!

Why can't Logitech or even Microsoft just release a simple, but good wireless keyboard? I can't justify spending more than $100 for a keyboard. It's just ridiculous!

less then 50$ came with a mouse. mouse was pretty crappy but the KB was the best one ive ever used, shape, key feel, wireless.... everything about it was excellent