Why is it so hard to find the right keyboard? I found mine finally and LOVE it.

[s0me0nesmind1]

The Windows logo key is SUPER IMPORTANT for my everyday use. Removing it would absolutely kill my productivity.

[Win]+[R] (Run - I use this hundreds of times daily)
[Win]+[D] (show Desktop, even dialog Windows with no minimize option)
[Win]+[M] (Minimize all)
[Win]+[E] (show Windows Explorer)

[Win]+[+] (Zoom +)
[Win]+[-] (Zoom -)
[Win]+[Esc] (Cancel Zoom)

[Win]+[PauseBreak] (System Properties)

I use the Run menu for nearly everything I launch.
cmd (like 1,000 times per-day), notepad, iexplore , firefox [url], chrome [url], expl...d click on the maximize button in the corner.

 

[Ichinisan]

Very useful, I didn't know about the windows + R for run.

I always use the Windows + M to minimize all my pr0n quickly when someone is coming in thje room :sneaky:

But lately I've found another use with my TV that I hooked up to my computer. You know how it can be rough moving + maximizing windows when it's on the other side of the room? Just use the
Windows Key + (Right Arrow) - Move window to the right - helps me get it on the TV Screen
Windows Key + (Left Arrow) - Move window to the left - helps me get it off the TV screen and on to my main monitor
Windows Key + (Up Arrow) - Maximizes window. Helps when its on the TV screen and I don't have to try and click on the maximize button in the corner.

Ah, yes. The AeroSnap controls. I figured those out seconds after trying Win7 for the first time. Microsoft chose the most obvious / intuitive key combinations for that. [Win]+[DownArrow] also works to restore from maximize, then minimizes.

When you have multiple displays, you can keep pressing one direction or the other repeatedly while holding the Win key to move across positions on each display. Makes it easier to snap to the left side of your right display, for example.

The zoom controls were also quickly discovered based on intuition alone. Microsoft chose the correct mappings for that, in my opinion.

[Win]+[=] is the same as [Win]+[+], since it occupies the same key.

 

[CZroe]

I use the AeroSnap shortcuts frequently but I still use Alt+Space+X and Alt+Space+N for Maximize and Minimize, especially because it also gives me access to Alt+Space+C for closing the window. Note: Alt+Hyphen gives you the same menu ("control box") for a form within an MDI window (a window within a window).

 

[CZroe]

Very useful, I didn't know about the windows + R for run.

But, they got rid of the Start menu shortcut so long ago. What have you been doing? Invoking the task manager and using Run from the menu?

 

[Xstatic1]

I had 2 requirements:

- corded
- chiclet keys

...and found it!

Razer DeathStalker Keyboard

 

[destrekor]

Ah, yes. The AeroSnap controls. I figured those out seconds after trying Win7 for the first time. Microsoft chose the most obvious / intuitive key combinations for that. [Win]+[DownArrow] also works to restore from maximize, then minimizes.

When you have multiple displays, you can keep pressing one direction or the other repeatedly while holding the Win key to move across positions on each display. Makes it easier to snap to the left side of your right display, for example.

The zoom controls were also quickly discovered based on intuition alone. Microsoft chose the correct mappings for that, in my opinion.

[Win]+[=] is the same as [Win]+[+], since it occupies the same key.

This is huge, and is something I miss drastically whenever using OS X. Apple's multi-screen functionality is pathetic compared to Windows. They both have ways they one-up the other, and while Apple is great for general Unix-like work, creative arts, and print-shops (among many others), Windows blows it away for power-user functionality.

 

[destrekor]

But, they got rid of the Start menu shortcut so long ago. What have you been doing? Invoking the task manager and using Run from the menu?

No they didn't.

Right click on the Start button. All the power user/administrative functionality is right there.

Although yes, whenever I use Run, it is Win+R. I don't know all of the key combos and need to dig them up, but multi-window/multi-screen controls and Run are the ones I utilize most.

 

[mnewsham]

I had 2 requirements:

- corded
- chiclet keys

...and found it!

Razer DeathStalker Keyboard

Chiclet as a requirement? Wtf...

 

[destrekor]

Mine is the same one in the picture with the blue background LEDs. The new ones seem to have green LEDs?

Yes, I believe mine is the standard Black Widow Ultimate. I don't really have a problem with the clacking. Now people I am on the phone with while typing... they might

Yeah, I hated the green backlight and was glad they had the blue light when I bought in. The BWU Stealth I have has blue backlighting.

The new BlackWidow series has RGB customizable backlighting, which, frankly, is about time. They are also asking $170. D:

And they are also using "custom" mechanical switches they are produced by a company that basically copies the design of Cherry's MX switches and gives them a different color.

Razer has Green and Orange keys, clicky and silent, respectively, which stand in for Blue and Brown switches. They do have better actuation distance reset numbers, but in real world use, I doubt it has matters much. They claim they outlast "standard mechanical switches", which would imply Cherry, who does list 50million actuations; Razer says these last for 60million. Who knows... :\

 

[Demo24]

Been rocking this for about a year now, been pretty happy with it!

Can be a little hard to find mechanical keyboards with media keys, etc. Also a very solid keyboard.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Chiclet as a requirement? Wtf...

Chiclet is so much easier to type on. I always liked laptop keyboards better than desktop keyboards. There is absolutely no need for massive travel for each keystroke on desktop keyboards.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

But, they got rid of the Start menu shortcut so long ago. What have you been doing? Invoking the task manager and using Run from the menu?

Just using run commands straight from the start menu is how I have been doing it. /Shrug.

 

[Puppies04]

But lately I've found another use with my TV that I hooked up to my computer. You know how it can be rough moving + maximizing windows when it's on the other side of the room? Just use the Windows Key + (Right Arrow) - Move window to the right - helps me get it on the TV Screen Windows Key + (Left Arrow) - Move window to the left - helps me get it off the TV screen and on to my main monitor Windows Key + (Up Arrow) - Maximizes window. Helps when its on the TV screen and I don't have to try and click on the maximize button in the corner.

Been using these for a while they are cool, work really well with multiple screens, if you start at the left it goes centred left screen,right side left screen, left side right screen, centred right screen, right side right screen.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I'm a dedicated Model M user here, but, I have had issues with one thing, which you pointed out in the OP. Multiple keys pressed at once, seems like this KB can handle like 3 keys at once, but depress combinations of 4 or 5 and it gets confused! I wonder if the USB current version sold by Unicomp allows more than 3 or 4 key combinations...

 

[destrekor]

I'm a dedicated Model M user here, but, I have had issues with one thing, which you pointed out in the OP. Multiple keys pressed at once, seems like this KB can handle like 3 keys at once, but depress combinations of 4 or 5 and it gets confused! I wonder if the USB current version sold by Unicomp allows more than 3 or 4 key combinations...

USB cannot support more than a few keys at once. Typically 3 or 4, not counting the modifier keys like Shift, Control, Alt, etc.
I'm pretty sure it's physically impossible for USB to have n-key rollover (unlimited combos). Typically, I always knew mechanical keyboards to have n-key rollover when attached by PS/2.

Do you have yours connected by PS/2? Or to a USB adapter?

Perhaps the Model M is too old, and the contact wiring for the keys has a different design that modern mechanical boards?

 

[BurnItDwn]

USB cannot support more than a few keys at once. Typically 3 or 4, not counting the modifier keys like Shift, Control, Alt, etc.
I'm pretty sure it's physically impossible for USB to have n-key rollover (unlimited combos). Typically, I always knew mechanical keyboards to have n-key rollover when attached by PS/2.

Do you have yours connected by PS/2? Or to a USB adapter?

Perhaps the Model M is too old, and the contact wiring for the keys has a different design that modern mechanical boards?

I use PS2 for 1 of my PCs, and PS2 to USB adaptor for another. Used to use PS2 for my work laptop, but laptops these days don't have a PS2 port, so right now It has my Das 2 Keyboard which is USB. I used to have like 6 or 7 PCs back in the Athlon XP era, but now I work a LOT more, so just keep 2 PCs in the house for myself, my work laptop and a lazy mans NAS. (Fiancee has her own laptop, but she's smart enough not to break it so I don't really every touch it, she uses the built in scissorswitch KB) Mafbe I'm recalling problems with the "n-key rollover" from the AT era, before I had PS2 ports ... I don't game as much as I used to, and with the alcohol in my blood, my memory is a bit ... muddy.

 

[angminas]

I love the easy-to-find pause and mute buttons. Calculator button, too? Best keyboard I've ever had.

 

[mnewsham]

USB cannot support more than a few keys at once. Typically 3 or 4, not counting the modifier keys like Shift, Control, Alt, etc.
I'm pretty sure it's physically impossible for USB to have n-key rollover (unlimited combos). Typically, I always knew mechanical keyboards to have n-key rollover when attached by PS/2.

Do you have yours connected by PS/2? Or to a USB adapter?

Perhaps the Model M is too old, and the contact wiring for the keys has a different design that modern mechanical boards?

My keyboard the Gigabyte Aviva Osmium supports 64 simultaneous key presses over USB.

Multi-Key Press capability supports up to 64 simultaneous key presses via USB connection

http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Mecha.../dp/B008U6SRYW

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

I don't really have any talent on the keys, but my bass player recently brought one of these into the studio, and it sounds pretty freakin' awesome:

 

[Ichinisan]

USB cannot support more than a few keys at once. Typically 3 or 4, not counting the modifier keys like Shift, Control, Alt, etc.
I'm pretty sure it's physically impossible for USB to have n-key rollover (unlimited combos). Typically, I always knew mechanical keyboards to have n-key rollover when attached by PS/2.

Do you have yours connected by PS/2? Or to a USB adapter?

Perhaps the Model M is too old, and the contact wiring for the keys has a different design that modern mechanical boards?

If I understand correctly, simultaneous key presses are not limited by the interface. It's limited by the design / complexity of the matrix (physical electrical connections for addressing each key).

 

[Special K]

If I understand correctly, simultaneous key presses are not limited by the interface. It's limited by the design / complexity of the matrix (physical electrical connections for addressing each key).

More information here:

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Rollover,_blocking_and_ghosting

In short, the PS2 interface supports N key rollover, provided the keyboard itself is wired for it, but the USB interface only supports 6 key rollover + modifiers, even if the keyboard itself is wired to support NKRO.

I have a model M and it registers as few as 2KRO depending on the combination. This is using a PS2 to USB adapter, but as it says in the article above USB supports up to 6KRO + modifiers.

 

[Demo24]

USB cannot support more than a few keys at once. Typically 3 or 4, not counting the modifier keys like Shift, Control, Alt, etc.
I'm pretty sure it's physically impossible for USB to have n-key rollover (unlimited combos). Typically, I always knew mechanical keyboards to have n-key rollover when attached by PS/2.

Do you have yours connected by PS/2? Or to a USB adapter?

Perhaps the Model M is too old, and the contact wiring for the keys has a different design that modern mechanical boards?

Incorrect, the das keyboard 4 supports full n-key rollover and its usb.

 

[edro]

At $30, I would buy a few more for safe keeping.
3-4 years from now when it wears out, you will be in the same boat and this one will be discontinued.

 

[rudeguy]

I'm not a keyboard snob. At home all I need is a backlit keypad and a FULL SIZE BACKSPACE BUTTON. I will never understand not having a full size backspace key.

At work I use a MS Ergo keyboard since I'm on it so much and my wrists are so bad. I also use a MS egg mouse which is great for bad wrists.

 

[Thebobo]

How do you guys stand backlit keyboards?

One of the keyboards I had to return in my long search had the backlight. It was a very highly rated one too:

http://www.amazon.com/Azio-Levetron-...pr_product_top

It was beautiful during the day. But at night... oh my god. My eyes would get distracted from the flow of light coming from bottom of my vision. And those 3 button lights were so bright they would illuminate my entire ceiling, jesus. I had to turn them off.

I think they serve zero practical sense aside from aesthetics. The glow from your monitor is more than bright if you happened to be a grandma who needs to LOOK at the keys.

I have two of these they work great.