What keyboard should I get? *got a MS multi natural*

[xizor]

My Microsoft Natural Pro is about to kick the bucket. My new keyboard must be a natural one. I really like Logitech's wireless designs, but their split keyboards are horrendous. Microsoft's Multimedia Natural baffles me with its moronic button placement, but looks like it could be an adequate replacement for my similar Natural Pro. Any others out there?

 

[Heinrich]

Good question. The spacebars on Microsoft's keyboards don't register with me sometimes, while I don't have trouble on other PCs or on my laptop. I might try the ergonomic Belkin one. They have two. This isn't really a recommendation - I haven't tried either one.

Belkin's

Belkins

 

[tenoc]

Warranty?

M$ is pretty generous at times.

 

[xizor]

Bought it July 2000, 3 yr warranty is way over. Decided to buy a Natural Multimedia last night for $25.

 

[heartsurgeon]

i just bought a microsoft wireless optical desktop elite keyboard/mouse combo....absolutely fantastic. the keyboard has GREAT feel, lots of extras, wireless works great, the mouse is fantastic as well..highly recommend both/either.

linky

 

[xizor]

just an update, I just got my multimedia natural and I'm quite impressed.

the hand rest is MUCH smaller than my natural pro. i don't think its better, but it has a much different feel. i was quite surprised my OEM kb was ps2 only!? Glad I don't have a non-legacy mobo otherwise I'd be SOL. The buttons on the keyboard are excellent, and I already appreciate having a my pictures and my documents hotkey. The key feel is great, and while I don't like the redesign of the home/end/del buttons, I can live w/ it.

Got the keyboard for $22 shipped, its OEM but I didn't buy a computer, but I can't complain. Great deal.

 

[Zap]

I've used the Microsoft Natural Elite (OEM) for a few years. Have one at work (which I'm using right now) and one at home. I like the feel compared to a few other ergonomic keyboards I've tried (Chicony, Logitech, some other crappy generic). However, I liked the Chicony layout better because it was pretty much standard while the Microsoft uses a different layout for the arrow keys and Home/End/Del/PageUp/PageDown/Ins keys, also the number 6 is on the left side. For regular touch typing I don't use those other keys so the Microsoft wins (and number 6 I can get used to). Also, it has lasted longer than the Chicony I used before. I used the generic for a minute and hated the mushy feel. I used the Logitech for a few weeks and hated it. It had some really strange layout for some of the keys besides the regular alphabet. I really really really hated it because it was causing me to screw up all the time. I relegated the Logitech for use as a tech bench spare. It actually died (stopped being detected) after not much use. BTW, none of these keyboards have any "multimedia" keys, all are just standard 104 key.

For computer gaming I use a non-ergonomic keyboard. I use these "Monorail" branded keyboards made by NMB. Monorail was a company that sold these cheap computers built into LCD screens a few years ago. They went out of business and all these keyboards started showing up for cheap on places like Compgeeks.com. They make for nice beater keyboards and are pretty darn reliable and actually have a decent feel. I think I got a case of them for around $3/keyboard.