Good Keyboards

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 4:58 pm

I'm not sure if this should be here or in Tech Support... so SYM mods, please move if needed

Anyway, I'm planning to replace my keyboard and I'm looking for suggestions.

Parameters:
*The lettering on the keys needs to be resilient, I don't want the paint to fade after two months
*I'd like it to be ergonomic
*I'd actually prefer wired over wireless (though I'm open to arguments

)
*Ideally, I'd like to pay less than $100 (Cdn or US)
*I'd rather avoid a mouse and keyboard package, I have an excellent mouse (Logitech G5) and I have no desire to replace it.

I have been considering the [url="http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=043"]Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard,[/url] but I've read in a few places that the keys lose their paint quite quickly....

Another option I'm exploring is the [url="http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2935483&CatId=3463"]Microsoft Reclusa[/url].

Thoughts? Advice? Suggestions?

Thanks!

Bloodstalker · Post by **Bloodstalker** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 7:17 pm

If I ever paid anywhere near 100 bucks for a keyboard, I'd strangle myself with the wire when I got home.

I generally go to Wal-Mart whenever mine dies and pick up the cheapest one that comes in black. I've had this one for a good while now and there is no fade or chips on it...except where I occasionally get ticked at a game and beat on the thing.

It's an Aopen, at least that's what it says anyway. I paid somewhere around 20 bucks for it. I honestly can;t tell much difference between one brand and the other save for price anyway....and just like jeans it seems like the more expensive brands have to be babied more.

DesR85 · Post by **DesR85** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 7:38 pm

I've always use Logitech branded mouse and keyboards and they work fine for me. Anyway, I did come across a Logitech ergonomic keyboard but it is rather pricey (mouse & keyboard combo set). Not to mention that it is wireless. You can check the review at [url="http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/logitech-wireless-ergonomics,1737.html"]Tom's Hardware[/url].

Loki[D.d.G] · Post by **Loki[D.d.G]** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 9:09 pm

A friend of mine has the Reclusa. Haven't actually given it a go, but according to him, it's pretty damn good. Looks pretty nice too, what with all those glowy LEDs.

Xandax · Post by **Xandax** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 1:04 am

A number of us here at work use the keyboard in question.
And I have for a number of years for quite some time both at work and at home and have no problems with "keys loosing paint". I guess it is possible they're worn off fast, but with the amount of writing I do, it does not look like it for ordinary use.
I had an early version of this keyboard (white one) for many years and never had problems with the paint on that either.

Being a programmer - I type very much at work and I just love this keyboard, so if I do not wear it out, I doubt typical use would.

Plus it is very difficult finding "ergonomically" keyboards where they've haven't changed the position of the ins/del/home/end/pgup/pgdown keys

And I hate those, so it almost only leaves the Microsoft keyboards.

I would very much love a real split keyboard (where the two sections are separated in the middle so I can position them father from each other) but am unable to find one in Danish *grrrrr*
So if anybody knows of one - tell me, pleeeease.

If typing a lot - I find these ergonomically keyboards very good.

Ur-Quan · Post by **Ur-Quan** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 2:41 am

I am using a normal Logitech keyboard and am very pleased with it. I kinda dislike the shallow buttons fad which is more and more popular on more expensive keyboards. I use it intensively and my buttons are still marked, even thought I have sweaty hands so it is a miracle xD.

Noober · Post by **Noober** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 9:30 am

The Samsung DT-35 is probably the best keyboard in the world. Pretty much every single Starcraft progamer uses it (and pounds away at it for 18 hours a day at 300 APM), but IIRC it's only available in Asia. Basically, it's a standard keyboard, but the touch is said to be just perfect.

I use the Reclusa at home myself, and can't really recommend it. I don't care for the feel, and the inability to turn backlights off is an annoyance. The wrist rest is the best part of it.

Moonbiter · Post by **Moonbiter** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:39 am

I go through keyboards really fast. Usually because they're not Tea/Coffe/Red wine proof, or because I just get tired of them. Tend to go for Logitech myself. Now that my son is away they have been lasting a bit longer, though...

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:02 pm

Thanks for all the input, I appreciate it!

I'm very strongly considering the [url="http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3498&cl=us,en"]Logitech G15[/url] at this point...

I'll need to wait for a couple of weeks, and it's kind of an extravagance, but what the Hell!

I'm currently using an old Logitech Internet Navigator keyboard and it has been excellent... so part of it is "go with what you know."

Thoughts?

Loki[D.d.G] · Post by **Loki[D.d.G]** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:30 pm

@DW,
Seeing as you are willing to fork out so much for a keyboard, I can't help but wonder, what kind of mouse are you using? Something over a hundred?

Kinda off topic I know, but this is SYM after all, so what the heck right?

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:37 pm

Loki[D.d.G] wrote:@DW,
Seeing as you are willing to fork out so much for a keyboard, I can't help but wonder, what kind of mouse are you using? Something over a hundred?

Kinda off topic I know, but this is SYM after all, so what the heck right?

lol! I have a [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logitech_G5"]Logitech G5[/url], it came with my "new" (now 2 years old) computer, and it is fantastic, best mouse I've ever used, period.

And yes.. I know that is a lot of money for a keyboard... The last number of years have been pretty rough and life has recently become quite a lot easier, so it's an indulgence after a whole lot of privation.

Loki[D.d.G] · Post by **Loki[D.d.G]** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:47 pm

dragon wench wrote:And yes.. I know that is a lot of money for a keyboard... The last number of years have been pretty rough and life has recently become quite a lot easier, so it's an indulgence after a whole lot of privation.

I see. By the way, I'm not judging here seeing as I myself am the kind of person willing to fork out top bucks for the latest tech. In fact as soon as I deem it prudent, I'll be building my next rig to replace this clunky laptop. Lets just say my budget is... erm... not your average budget.

Back on topic, I've been eyeballing the G15 too. So it would be nice to see some constructive feedback here.
The LCD is a killer, no?

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 1:52 pm

Loki[D.d.G] wrote:I see. By the way, I'm not judging here seeing as I myself am the kind of person willing to fork out top bucks for the latest tech. In fact as soon as I deem it prudent, I'll be building my next rig to replace this clunky laptop. Lets just say my budget is... erm... not your average budget.

Back on topic, I've been eyeballing the G15 too. So it would be nice to see some constructive feedback here. The LCD is a killer, no?

I totally understand your situation... been there way too much myself

I too tend to place a high priority on tech toys (computer anyway), and in tight circumstances having a beer budget and champagne taste really sucks

Kipi · Post by **Kipi** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 7:20 am

Im currently using [url="http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=102&active_tab=systemRequirements"]http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=102&active_tab=systemRequirements[/url] for gaming. Nice keyboard.

Xandax · Post by **Xandax** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:53 am

dragon wench wrote:<snip>
And yes.. I know that is a lot of money for a keyboard... The last number of years have been pretty rough and life has recently become quite a lot easier, so it's an indulgence after a whole lot of privation.

It might sound weird, but in my opinion a keyboard is one of the most important parts of the computer. It really needs to fit you because it is - well the thing you interact with.
So spending (much) money on a keyboard in my opinion is very sensible. Similar for a mouse.

I'm thinking about buying a keyboard from a Swedish shop (and changing the key stickers to make it Danish) which costs thrice as much as any keyboard I've ever bought (it would be about 200-250€ for the board), simply because that keyboard isn't made with Danish layout.
So I do not think buying a G15 is expensive

Loki[D.d.G] · Post by **Loki[D.d.G]** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:53 am

Now I'm pretty torn between the G15 and Microsoft's X6 Sidewinder. The former has a cool LCD whilst the latter has the option of detaching and moving your numpad around. I also dig its cruise control key and adjustable red back lighting.

@Kip;
Seeing as you have personal experience with the Sidewinder, can you tell me if it is any good? Comfort and durability wise. I don't want paint fading left right and center after extended usage of the keyboard.

penguin_king · Post by **penguin_king** » Sat Oct 17, 2009 3:16 am

if resilience is what you want then might i recommend [url="http://www.thinkgeek.com/geek-kids/3-7-years/b9a8/"]this?[/url]

Merlanni · Post by **Merlanni** » Sat Oct 17, 2009 6:14 am

Razer Lycosa, Arctosa or Tarantula. Razer | For Gamers. By Gamers.? | Gaming Hardware | Buy Online

Loki[D.d.G] · Post by **Loki[D.d.G]** » Sat Oct 17, 2009 8:05 am

Merlanni wrote:Razer Lycosa, Arctosa or Tarantula. Razer | For Gamers. By Gamers.? | Gaming Hardware | Buy Online

The Lycosa and Arcosta lack dedicated macro keys, so that's a deal breaker for me. The Tarantula on the other hand, while attractive is kinda pushing my budget to the breaking point.

@penguin_king;
LOL! That's too colorful and robust for my taste.

penguin_king · Post by **penguin_king** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 2:03 pm

i'm sure you'd get used to it

besides, if its designed to withstand whatever children can throw at it (literally, probably) then im sure it can stand up to DW's day-to-day usage