wung

hey guys,

so i recently got myself a dell desktop, and really dislike the keyboard that came with it because it's loud to type on, and the keys aren't very well positioned.

so i'm looking for a new keyboard, and i'm wondering if you guys have any recommendations ... are there any that types like a laptop keyboard? so my pref are:

1. types like a laptop keyboard, meaning they keys are shallow ...
2. quiet
3. good looking ... haha
4. small/thin

thanks in advance!

TruckStuff

Ahh, the great keyboard debate. Is there any nerdier discussion in recent memory?

Seriously though, I know what you mean. I'm pretty particular about my keyboards. I've had pretty good luck with anything from Logitech in recent years. I used a Logitech at work for almost 4 years until I switched about three weeks ago.

I switched to the new Apple keyboards and love it (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...plm=MB110LL/A). I always hated Apple's keyboards for a variety of reasons, but this is the first one I have really liked. It is very low profile, quiet keys, and it has a small form factor. But not too small: my gripe for year with Apple keyboards has been that they were too small. Well I don't know what they did with this one to make it different, but I love it. I'd suggest going to an Apple store and try one out.

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The preceding statements are meant to be taken as a whole, in their entirety. They may not be quoted in part and then used to flame me. They also do not imply that I believe the exact opposite of their meaning. They do not make any implication about any group, race, ethnicity, age group, or other cohort beyond what is stated above. They do not make any implications at all. They have no "tone" or "attitude." They are words. Nothing more.

wung

interesting! i assume it's just a "normal" USB keyboard that would work on a PC?

i'll definitely go check it out in the store, thanks for the suggestion!

TruckStuff

Yeah, its USB. The ports on the side of the KB are USB2.0 also. You will probably have to install some software to make all the function keys work. In fact you better ask how it works on a PC before buying. At the very least, the keyboard would work but additional features like volume control probably wouldn't work.

wung

thanks for the heads up! i'll check it out this weekend. thanks again!

ArkiStan

For me, it's all about the feel of the keyboard. The only way to find out is to go to your local CompUSA or something and TYPE!!

Maarchk

I dont like your "tone".

hmm i love the dell keyboards. Yes they are loud but it lets those around me know i am working my butt off... while typing at got apex while doing work.

but i agree that looks alone don't help. You need to roll to fry's or compusa and test them out and pick what works best for you. I know people with different hand sizes and typing styles can enjoy dramatically different keyboards. I like the split keyboards but my hunt and peck parents can't handle it. So its all about your happiness. Let us know what you decide.

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GraingerGuy

I just got the Logitech Wave keyboard for my wife. Both she and I like it quite a lot. It has a lot of different function keys you can program and also is very comfortable.

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ray

I use whatever is cheapest to be honest. Between eating at my desk, spilling drinks, wear and tear, i'm replacing my keyboard every year or so. For a few bucks I can get another keyboard to compeletely destroy.

redcolours

same here - i use the slim dell keyboards due to its "dynamic tactile feel" - i hunt and peck (but fast at it), and i have a tendency to hit the keys hard. the keys feel soft and firm, not hard and tiring to my fingertips. ive used tons of logitechs, but their keys are hard for me.

that being said:

thats the reason i went on ebay and got SIX brand new dell keyboards for under $30 shipped. i figured this was the keyboard for me, and might as well have several stored away, in any case it dies on me, or i spill sticky soda on it, or crumbs get trapped under keys. no crying when i chuck it in the bin.

but as everyone pointed out (as as you can tell), to each his own. go to crapusa or beastbuy or scraples or orificemax, and play with their keyboards. what i did before was set it to my typing height - makes a world of difference. unless theyre tied and you set off the alarm and you get kicked out.

edit: a couple of words on cordless keyboards - theyre crap.

forget about leaning back with it - its all about the batteries dying on you when you need it the most. sure - have some handy, but i prefer not to waste time replacing them when ideas strike me. that always happened before with me. also you would think something's wrong with your PC when your keys dont work anymore. turns out it was just your battery.
but thats just me. you may like it.

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Airencracken

I still swear by the old buckling spring keyboards. I have one that is not older than a year shipped from these guys.

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/keyboards.html

Loud as hell, but the feel is FANTASTIC.

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Hoser

Those keyboards look like the original IBM XT keyboards. I still have an original XT keyboard (and computer) that works.