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The Best Keyboards For Every Occasion
Posted by
ScuttleMonkey
on Mon Dec 29, 2008 03:56 PM
from the right-touch dept.
from the right-touch dept.
ThinSkin writes "ExtremeTech has written an article on the best keyboards in every category, such as gaming keyboards (macro and hybrid), media center keyboards, keyboard gamepads, and so forth. Of course, the big companies like Microsoft and Logitech dominate these lists, while smaller companies like Razer, Ideazon, and others play an important role as well."
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The Best Computer Mice In Every Category 246 comments
ThinSkin writes "Now that the folks at ExtremeTech have finished writing about the best keyboards for every occasion, they conclude their roundup of input devices with the best computer mice in every category, which includes ergonomic mice, gaming mice, notebook mice, and so on. While this year's crop of gaming mice didn't impress much, there were advancements in non-gaming mice and tracking, as demonstrated by Microsoft's Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack technology — which is considered more precise than optical and laser. Even ergonomic mice saw little growth in the year — prompting the reviewer to rely on the older Zero Tension Mouse as a favorite."
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Old-School Keyboard Makes Comeback of Sorts 519 comments
CharlotteShma writes "Some old writer once said that in order to keep going, he needed to hear the scratch of the pen on the page. Some self-proclaimed keyboard aficionados would make the same argument for computer keyboards. Is it possible that the old 'clicky' keyboards are making a comeback? Now that we've replaced the old buckling springs with rubber domes, our keyboards are only getting quieter and quieter. According to the people at Unicomp Inc., all keyboards made since the early 1990s are, frankly, no good. They still use and produce vintage IBM Model M keyboards in their small factory in Lexington, Kentucky. The IBM Model M keyboards are ugly, built like tanks, and, most importantly, have a spring under each key which clicks when you press it." Not sure what's ugly about them — most other keyboards are ugly, when you shut your eyes.
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There is only one keyboard (Score:5, Funny)
Re:There is only one keyboard (Score:5, Funny)
What? I can't hear you from all the clickety-click.
(Seriously though, there's only one sensible keyboard, which happens to be an IBM as well: Space Saver.)
Parent
Re:There is only one keyboard (Score:5, Funny)
Model M was awesome. (Way) back in the day I thought typing code quickly was the same as being a good programmer.
Making my keyboard sound like a machine gun convinced me that I was God's gift to high-school programmers.
Parent
Re:There is only one keyboard (Score:4, Funny)
the other people who have never used a keyboard before hunt and peck for the correct key
However if you had a real typist on your hand it would make us look like hunt and pickers by default.
Don't you mean "hunt and peckers"? Err, on a second thought, never mind.
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
I think that chicks in general don't like loud sounds. I've yet to meet one that enjoys the stereo turned up (car or home) loud....but rather they almost always say "Turn it Down".
There's always exceptions to every rule, but, in my experience women in general (mom's, girlfriends, wives) just don't in general like loud sounds, unless it is the vacuum cleaner, but, other than that, count on them to tell you to turn down the stereo, the tv...and have
Re:There is only one keyboard (Score:4, Funny)
Parent
Re: (Score:2, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2)
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Re:There is only one keyboard (Score:5, Interesting)
I've been using a keyboard from PCKeyboard.com for ages, and it's gotten dirty. I took the keyboard apart, ran it under the shower, then flushed it with 95% ethanol. Put in on the windowsill for 3 days to dry, and voila - looks and feels like new.
I just bought another one, in case the company goes out of business (after all, who's crazy enough to pay $80 for a keyboard!).
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Re:There is only one keyboard (Score:5, Insightful)
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Re:There is only one keyboard (Score:5, Informative)
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A glaring omission indeed (Score:3, Informative)
BTW, if you want to use a Model M with a computer that has no
Re: (Score:2)
The best keyboard ever. I use one of the newer USB derivatives as I can't find a USB adapter that works with them.
Re:Seriously, why model m? (Score:5, Funny)
Sure, the act of bludgeoning another person with a Model M will probably be quieter than actually typing on the damn thing, but such is the price of home security.
Parent
Re:Seriously, why model m? (Score:5, Funny)
8. Reduces instances of cat-on-keyboard syndrome. They'll either weigh too little to depress the keys, or the sound of the spacebar going off like a gunshot will probably traumatize them enough that they won't try it again.
Parent
Re:Seriously, why model m? (Score:4, Informative)
The keys are very easy to take out, and the keycaps themselves can be removed separately.
The sound isn't as important as the tactile feedback, though both help when not looking at the screen (say, copying text from a written page.
I've never had one of my M's keys gum up.
Parent
Re:Seriously, why model m? (Score:5, Funny)
I then take that keyboard, and remap the capslock key to be a second control key. After all, when was the last time you needed to use capslock? Never.
You must lose a lot of your internet debates.
Parent
Re:Seriously, why model m? (Score:5, Insightful)
I've heard a lot of people on slashdot say the model M is awesome, but why? Supposedly annoyingly loud clicky noises are... good?
I agree with these people. The reasons are:
1. Durability. The keyboard is built using the design principles first worked out during the construction of the pyramids. It contains lots of metal. In a pinch it can be used to deflect RPGs. The key switches do. not. wear. out. ever. because they are based on a mechanical switch with a 10,000,000,000 activation duty cycle where the standard rubber dome design is good for at best 100,000 activations. The standard rubber dome designs also become squishy and unreliable with age. Model M keys work the same way always.
2. Ease of maintenance. Easily disassembled and cleaned of foreign debris. Nose hairs, Cheetos, Pepsi, spray from food fights not a problem. If you should spill Pepsi into it, disassemble and cycle in the dishwasher and you are good to go.
3. Tremendous tactile and auditory feedback. There is no doubt that you have completed a keystroke. Yes, I can see where the person you are sharing your cubical might not like this but that is a sign that you should be working for a company that provides its developers with offices.
4. Keypress distance. All too many modern keyboards have 0.001" keypress distance. This drives me nuts.
5. Full sized. No compromise in key spacing meaning people like me with relatively large hands do not have trouble using these keyboards.
6. No newfangled keys. The good old One True Way ANSI-101 design. No learning bizarre key loacations every tine that new age girly-keyboard needs to be replaced.
7. Chicks can tell you are a real man who will satisfy all their needs if they see you using a Model M keyboard.
Parent
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
While I'm sure the Model M defeated Communism and will soon cure AIDS and cancer, I'd just like to point out that the pyramids don't actually contain "lots of metal."
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The problem is, all three of those earlier keyboards listed are only sold in Asia. ;)
But, yeah, there were quite a bunch of great keyboards that they missed. And some that you missed (granted, some of these have already been mentioned:) IBM Model M, the Unicomp boards, CVT Avant Prime or Stellar (successor to the Northgates,) Ione Scorpius M10 (cheap, with clicky Cherry MX switches,) Das Keyboard III (yes, I know about the rollover bug, but...)
I 3 My Kinesis!!! (Score:5, Interesting)
Bought a Kinesis a little over a year ago and I absolutely love it. It's worth every penny. (~$325 for usb contour advantage).
After slaving away on model m's, microsoft natural's (& knock-offs) ,thinkpads and my current mac book pro; I can say that I've tried a lot of different things.
Between my hobbies of guitar and lacrosse, and all of the typing through high school, high school internships, college, college internships and co-ops and my full time job now; I can say with ease my hands and wrists have never felt better.
Prior to the switch my typing endurance was starting to fade somewhat rapidly; I noticed that my guitar playing was suffering. Additionally if I took a couple whacks to the hands during lacrosse my typing tended to really suffer for the next couple days.
Took me about 2.5 weeks to regain full speed on it; but within a month I was typing faster than I ever had. I could go on endlessly. Every one who comes in my office asks me about it, so if nothing else its a great conversation piece :-). Loaned it to my best friend for two weeks while I was on vacation last June, as he had been suffering from what he thought was (what people call mis-label) as RSI or some precursor. He reluctantly put aside his model M (much to his girlfriends delight, as he works at home) and used it exclusively while I was gone. By the time I got back he had already ordered and received one of his own, and had safely secured his modem M away for posterity. (much to his gf's dismay)
My parents came for a visit recently and I brought it to my apt from my office to show them. Immediately after looking at my mother (a licensed O.T. in MA before retiring) saw many of the obvious benefits that I saw immediately in regards to both speed and reducing fatigue/strain: emphasis on our thumbs instead of pinky/index finger. The critical keys (space, backspace,delete, enter, pg up/down, home/end, ctrl,alt,super/meta) are all moved to the thumbs. This single factor is what will make it nearly impossible to ever use another keyboard because of how much I enjoy it. Particularly as an emacs user this is fantastic (and FWIW my friend a vim user found just as many benefits)
Obviously it's probably not for everyone, and it is a little pricey.. but I'd buy it again in a heart beat. In fact I might have to buy one for my apartment after being so spoiled by using it all day at work.
Apologies for the slightly over detailed plug/endorsement. But I freaking love this keyboard if it isn't obvious.
Parent
Really bad review (Score:4, Interesting)
I suppose writers, spreadsheet jockeys, and developers all have to share the "generic" category, which doesn't seem right.
In the generic category, they are going for cool appearance (interesting materials, backlight) over functionality, key layout, tactile feedback, and durability. How else to explain the complete absence of any "clicky" keyboards? The old IBM keyboards are still available. They are fantastic, I'm using one right now. And there are newer keyboards with similar mechanisms -- I expect that they are very good but I haven't tried them.
Re:Really bad review (Score:5, Insightful)
I explain it by the fact that not everyone likes 'clicky' keyboards. Personally, I prefer to have a light-touch keyboard that I can feel the key hit the bottom of the stroke, but makes no noise doing so. It should have a little tension, but not so much that I have to work at hitting the keys.
And yes, I'm talking about office work (programming, emailing, document writing, etc in this case) and not gaming.
Parent
Weird priorities.... (Score:5, Interesting)
Integrated audio chip might annoy those with speaker setups
What? How? Does it force you to use its own audio?
Short of hotkeys.
Ok, first of all, does anyone here find the "Home Page" key to be useful?
Alright, I can see the point of things like volume keys. What I don't see is why it's so hard to map some unused keystroke to those anyway. I tend to map various global keystrokes with the Windows key to Amarok.
Also, WTF is a "Gaming keyboard"? Last I checked, most games are built to respond to keystrokes on a normal keyboard. As for macros, why not do it in software? If it's to foil the game's anti-cheat mechanism, wouldn't this then be considered cheating? Is WASD really that hard to use?
The media center keyboards I can kind of see, but really, it's not that difficult to just use any wireless keyboard (why do you need integrated tracking?) and learn keystrokes, or use a good old-fashioned infrared remote.
As for "clicky" keyboards, at least you've got a valid reason for those -- personally, the keyboard I'm fastest with is Apple's aluminum keyboards (I prefer the wired version), which cost me $50. Most of these are much more than that, even one of the "gamepad keyboards". I just wish someone other than Apple would make one, so I could have an insert key, and not have to swap command/option.
Parent
What is this crap? (Score:4, Interesting)
Get off my lawn.
Model M - Links! (Score:5, Informative)
*Every* category? What about RSI-avoidance? (Score:4, Interesting)
This article hardly covers *every* category. I'm a full-time translator, sometimes spending far too much time at my keyboard, and RSI is a big issue. One big help I found in working around and avoiding RSI issues is the Alphagrip [alphagrips.com].
It looks like a PS2 controller on steroids. Sure, it's a bit funky and takes a while to get used to, but its different key layout means that learning it does not overwrite your muscle memory for regular QWERTY boards, allowing you to swap back and forth with no confusion -- unlike Dvorak layouts, for instance. Plus, it's portable. :) The one drawback is no wireless version yet, but word is they're working on that. I've found the Alphagrip to be very useful in recovering from RSI induced by generic keyboards.
(Note -- I have no relation to the Alphagrip company. I am merely a satisfied customer.)
Cheers,
Mac? (Score:4, Insightful)
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No one makes the keyboard I want (Score:2)
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Because when the machine powers up the default is off - meaning that the F keys do not work as expected
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Scroll lock: Does not get in my way and I do use it sometimes
Num lock: Exists for backwards compatibility with old computers that didn't understand 101 key keyboards. This has been useless since about 1990. I also tend to accidentally push it because of its location
Caps lock: I HAVE NEVER FOUND A LEGITIMATE USE FOR THIS MODE OF TYPING
F Lock: I could tolerate this on
I didn't RTFA (Score:5, Insightful)
The link brought a two paragraph page, designed not for useability but for page views. If a TECH publication can't do something as simple as designing a useable web page, it has no credibility with me whatever.
C|NET was always bad about this, too. Do they still use this incompetent madnes? Whatever these sites are paying their webmasters and visual designers, they're getting ripped off. The site is simply shoddy.
Lastly, does anyone have a link to a "printer-friendly" (i.e., human useable) version?
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
Seven digits makes someone new, junior? :)
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Seven digits makes someone new, junior? :)
You tell 'em, old-timer! :)
If I'd known there were going to be _useful_ features to be gained by signing up, I would have signed up earlier. At the time, the 'first poster' jagoffs weren't around yet, and there weren't enough features being offered to make it the effort. Little did I know... *shrug* Oh well.
am I missing something? (Score:3, Interesting)
Let's ses...
* Best Generic Keyboards
* Best Macro Gaming Keyboards
* Best Hybrid Gaming Keyboards
* Best Keyboard Gamepads
* Best Media Center Keyboards
For "Best Keyboard for Work" I nominate "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000"
Pros: very reliable; mostly Linux friendly; has "Insert" key (VIM friendly).
Cons: "F Lock" nonsense; no USB hub.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
I'm not a fan of ergonomic keyboards, but I have the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000, and I love it to death.
Pros: Basic, non-ridiculous, media keys (Play/Pause, Volume Up/Down/Mute, Back, Forward, Home, Search, Mail, Calculator) all of which work perfectly with no drivers (on Windows and Mac, at least-- I can't speak for Linux.)
Super-easy to disable Caps Lock (if only it was disabled by default).
Cons:
Still includes all of those useless keys that all keyboards should have gotten rid of ages ago, keys like "Pau
Why number pads? (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Why number pads? (Score:5, Informative)
Go to the "Keyboards" section of this course outline [wpi.edu] and follow the link to the PDF copy of the "Bell Labs 1960 study". In short, it's because that configuration ranked highly for inputting phone numbers. If you take a look at the image provided of the button-based phone's predecessor [wpi.edu] you'll see that 7, 8, 9, and 0 are at the bottom and 1, 2, and 3 are at the top. I'd guess that made that structure more familiar to the test subjects, along with the fact that English is read from left to right, and from
Parent
RSI? Get a Kinesis Advantage (Score:5, Informative)
I've been using a Kinesis Advantage [kinesis-ergo.com] keyboard for several years now and I have to say it's probably one of the best out there, specially if you have issues with RSI.
I ended up getting two; one which I leave at home on my workstation, and one that I have at work.
Programmable, very good tactile feedback (almost as good as the Model M), can be switched to Dvorak, and their support staff is phenomenal.
It will take you maybe a week or so to get accustomed to the key positions, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never go back.
If you're in the market for a good keyboard that will last you years, definitely have a look at these. They're a little pricey (about $300 or so, depending on the model), but they'll be the best money ever spent on a keyboard.
WTF? Included the Phantom Lapboard (Score:3, Insightful)
I wish I could get the last 5 minutes of my life back. That list was bad, but so far no one has included the most telling reason that this list came out of left field... it includes the Phantom lapboard!
Cherry Keyboards (Score:4, Informative)
Other than the keyboard with a storage compartment under it that I bought for $5 somewhere, (which is spill proof and dishwasher safe btw) all of my others are Cherry keyboards.
I have one with a smart card reader, and one with a trackpad, credit card reader, and about a dozen programmable keys (no f'ing multimedia keys).... and it beeps when connected which is handy when you are plugging and unplugging things behind a desk.
The POS features aren't particularly useful, but the keyboards themselves can take a real beating and are heavy enough to compete with the Model M for self defense.
I've just been investigating this myself. (Score:4, Insightful)
I wanted to get out of bed and clean then you people post this, lovely - I'll be here 20 minutes typing this one up.
So anyhow I'm in the process of hunting for a new keyboard myself.
I personally feel one of those most important things to focus on first is the layout of the keys themselves on the board, if you don't have a layout you're happy with, what's the point?
You've got several varieties, I'll show several here and my personal opinion on them (and also why you may like or dislike them)
http://img.clubic.com/photo/00351428.jpg [clubic.com]
First up the enermax aurora keyboard.
This is absoloutely 100% standard US key layout, every key is exactly where you would expect it, the only slight change is slimmer and closer function keys to the number keys, I think likely quite acceptable and my favourite layout.
http://ak.cdiscount.com/pdt/0/0/0/1/f/PCK8000.jpg [cdiscount.com]
Here is the Samsung Pleomax Zen edition keyboard, this also has perfect and standard key layout, with NON intrusive multimedia keys at the top, aesthetically they look simple (cmon, I'm a slashdotter) but they also don't look like they will get in the way.
http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_images/microsoft_ergonomic_keyboard_4000_black_usb_large.jpg [keyboardco.com]
An ergonomic keyboard, I have no interest in these at all as I like consistency from machine to machine that I use, if they are good or not, I simply don't care as consistency = speed and that's important to me (I use many, many PC's)
https://ssl11.chi.us.securedata.net/miccomputers.com/merchantmanager/v4/images/microsoft-keyboard.jpg [securedata.net]
Now this is one of the ones a lot of you should be paying attention to.
I used to use a similar model to this, you will note the multimedia keys are again mostly non intrusive, not in an area you could likely hit them accidentally, HOWEVER! This is one of those new keyboards where MS have opted to well..frankly fuck up the delete key and the function keys (3 grouping not 4) - look at that abomination - it's a disaster, I don't know why they've deviated from the norm but I've accidentally hit delete many a time on one of those things.
AVOID - I hope they die out >:(
http://techgasm.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/logitech-g15-gaming-keyboard-2007.jpg [wordpress.com]
Finally a 'gaming' keyboard from Logitech, the G15, nice and backlit and frankly one of the worst keyboards humanity has created.
Firstly, I want all of you to press control escape.
I use left thumb (ctrl) and middle finger or index finger on escape.
Where do your remaining fingers go? Mine dangle off the edge of the keyboard - on the G15 however they hit these stupid keys strapped to the left - UGH.
Next problem, the distance between left shift and right shift (ie the keyspace) seems to be ever so partially smaller than most, maybe it's 1mm maybe it's 2 but the whole keyboard feels slightly smaller AND the physical key caps are small!
What this means is I end up typing something and always hitting S intead of D or F instead of D snd "studd csn rnd up lookung lukw thus"
In conclusion fuck that keyboard!
OK! So we've got the layout out of the way, the only really remaining thing is the keytype
This link should explain it better than I can
http://www.ergocanada.com/ergo/keyboards/mechanical_vs_membrane_keyswitches.html [ergocanada.com]
(regular rubber pushback, laptop scissor switch with rubber pushback, or 'full on' mechanical (likely noisy) with spring pushback but reliable)
Over the past 4 years of owning a laptop I've come to enjoy usin
Optimus keyboard? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Yes
Er, no. Fuck the idiots who spread TFA over three ad-filled pages. Here, enjoy:
http://www.extremetech.com/print_article2/0,1217,a%253D235406,00.asp [extremetech.com]
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
Plus, you've got a little bit of Apple magic in your pocket
But that magic saps your vital life essences and transfers them to Steve Jobs. Sure, everything from the Apple II onwards did that in a small way, which is how he powered the Reality Disortion Field, but that power is now the only thing keeping him alive since he should be long dead from cancer. The energy harvested from iPod buyers was enough at first (and indeed, look at the zombified victims wearing the tell-tale white spirit-siphons, or as Apple
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As I've gotten older, I've learned: if you like something a lot, buy a second one! Some day, they won't make them anymore.
That's why I've got a stack of IBM Model M keyboards around... :)
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The Kinesis contoured keyboard is what I use, which includes palm rests and vastly different shape which reduces the distance your fingers travel, and takes a lot of strain off your arms ...
As someone who's had RSI for a long time ...
Hate to break it to you, but those are directly related. If you didn't learn to type properly in the days when such things were taught, you wouldn't know that:
1. Your arms are supposed to be relaxed and at your sides.
2. Your wrists should be relaxed, up in the air, and in a fa