A Geeky Question
This has nothing to do with Israel or Iran or Hamas or midterm elections. This is a cri de coeur to any helpful geeky types who might read Ricochet.
I spend all my worktime typing on a computer and am extremely picky about keyboard feel. I need a new external keyboard to go with my Mac laptop, but am not near any handy warehouse-sized computer accessories stores where I could type-test lots and lots of them. I've done some reading and have concluded that my tastes run (I think) to mechanical switches, probably Cherry browns (let me just adjust my propellor hat as I type this). I like me a well-made rubber dome switch a la Unicomp's late, lamented Mighty Mouse (confusing name; no relation to Apple), but they're totally ungettable now, and my Mac wouldn't cooperate with an old one I tried to hook up to it in any case.
Here's the lowdown. I need good tactile feedback, I don't mind some clickiness (not too much, though), I like some travel, I hate mush, I don't need a numerical keypad, and I loathe flat, chicklet-style keys. I touch-type, and without little depressions in the middle of the keys to keep me oriented, my fingers stray all over the place. I actually feel my blood pressure rise when I'm typing on chicklet keys.
What should I order? I'm on a budget, so unless you can point me to a screaming deal, don't tempt me with those yummy Topre RealForces. (Is that thing hot or what?) Macally IceKey, maybe? Apple's older model wireless with real keys? Help!
- Comment (15)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (1)
Comments :
Feb '10
Re: A Geeky Question
Like you, I spend most of my day at a keyboard. I can't speak exactly to your preferences, but I like my Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. Specifically, the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 v1.0. It keeps my wrists properly aligned and has a reasonably good feel. I used to be a fan of the clicky, hard-tactile feel keyboards. This one is not clicky, but it does have travel. Overall quality is probably average for a $40 keyboard, but because of the proper angling of the hands, average is good enough for this code monkey.
Another thing that helps me a lot with comfort is the Dvorak keyboard layout. It is a bit faster to type with, but the real benefit is comfort-- all the most commonly used letters are right in the home row, so you have less stretching for your fingers to do, and less risk of repetitive strain injury. I did the switch in college. The first two weeks were miserable-- it felt like intentionally walking around on crutches when both legs were just fine. The next two weeks I spent getting up to my original typing speed. I have not looked back since.
Aug '10
Re: A Geeky Question
I recently went through the same quest for a decent replacement keyboard, and ended up with a DasKeyboard (see http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-silent/). I've had it for about a week, and so far I'm very pleased. It uses Cherry brown keyswitches. I would also have liked to ditch the numeric keypad, but I couldn't find any model with mechanical switches that came without it.
Oct '10
Re: A Geeky Question
I have been quite pleased with the logitech K-350 paired with the Anywhere MX mouse which both use their relatively new unified USB reciever. I too spend all day in front of a keyboard and find the ergonomic design quite good. I travel a bit and when I do I take the mouse with me but use the crappy, flat keyboard on my MacBook Pro.
Jul '10
Re: A Geeky Question
I'm still delighted with my late '80's Hello Kitty keyboard.
Oct '10
Re: A Geeky Question
You've pointed to the Topres, so you know there is a massive rabbit-hole you can disappear down on this, but for others, here is some reading to get one hooked on keyboard geekdom: http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=START+HERE+--+The+Geekhack+Mechanical+Keyboard+Guide+-+Includes+Glossary+and+Links And the best thing is, the more you polish your tools, the less actual writing you have to do...
Aug '10
Re: A Geeky Question
I am also picky about my keyboard and generally do not like the new ones I try. So what I do is to go scrounging through the bins at used computer stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. These types of stores seem to have the widest VARIETY of keyboards, and because they aren't packed away in a box you can try them out to gauge the "feel".
My current favourite is an IBM keyboard circa 2002.
Oct '10
Re: A Geeky Question
A good cheap bet is the older IBM keyboards that Misthiocracy mentions. The IBM KB-9910 is one of the best models - under $20 used. About $150 NOS or refurbished. A man who can help you in Tel Aviv is:
Eli Barsheshet
Harel Computer,
34 Habarzel Street,
Ramat HaHayal,
Tel-Aviv, 69710
03.6758821
03.7658888
03.6496620
Re: A Geeky Question
Thank you all for your ideas! I will check into them. (The Das looks fabulous but it's outside my budget, alas.) Timothy, thank you for that contact in Israel; I'll call him tomorrow.
Genferei, it is indeed a rabbit hole. I had no idea.
May '10
Re: A Geeky Question
I use a Moshi Celesta, which meets none of your criteria. But I really love it!
Aug '10
Re: A Geeky Question
...and just in case your budget ever multiplies by a couple of orders of magnitude, there's always the Optimus Maximus keyboard.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/keyboards-mice/9836/
lol
Edited on Nov 1, 2010 at 8:52amAug '10
Re: A Geeky Question
Timothy Thompson: About $150 NOS or refurbished.
This cannot possibly be the same keyboard I have. I got mine from a great big barrel full of keyboards at a computer recycling depot, and I paid three-for-$5. (Always good to pick up a couple of spares when buying used computer equipment.)
Oct '10
Re: A Geeky Question
Misthiocracy
Timothy Thompson: About $150 NOS or refurbished.
This cannot possibly be the same keyboard I have. I got mine from a great big barrel full of keyboards at a computer recycling depot, and I paid three-for-$5. (Always good to pick up a couple of spares when buying used computer equipment.) · Oct 31 at 2:44pm
Please note that I priced the IBM KB-9910 at "under $20 used". This would encompass your 3-for-$5 treasure find. Popular classic keyboards always command a price premium when they are found NOS fresh in the box or are offered refurbished with warranty. And, yes, I did check refurbisher prices just before posting.
May '10
Re: A Geeky Question
Wow! How could anyone not love Ricochet?
Aug '10
Re: A Geeky Question
Timothy Thompson
Please note that I priced the IBM KB-9910 at "under 14.36€ used".
I just looked at the underside of my keyboard. It's a KB-7953. So there. Nyah nyah nyah! ;-)
Re: A Geeky Question
Geeky fellow travelers: for those interested, I just posted a little something on this subject.