I need a keyboard suggestion

[DarkFury]

Well... I know I don't usually ask this kind of question, but I needed to get some opinions.

My trusty Acer Accufeel keyboard, which I've had since 1996 is finally starting to show it's age with wear and tear. The keys are starting to break off of their posts and it's just getting to be a hassle to deal with.

So I'm looking for a good tactile keyboard... none of those "mushy key" keyboards. Also, I don't like the "oversized" enter, half sized spacebar, or over/undersized Backspace keys (yeah.. I know, I know... picky picky!!!)

Does anyone know of any REALLY GOOD keyboards out there? I'd prefer it to be beige if possible (which I know is getting harder to find nowadays... with all the Black components out there, however the rest of my system is beige so I'm stickin' with it for now).

As far as budget... well that's kinda up in the air. I'm lookin' for quality here... so I want the best first and then try to find a good deal on it.

I'd really appreciate everyone's help on this. Thanks in advance.

[Nija]

I use the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro. I know a lot of people don't like them because ergonomics, but I prefer it. It's not beige.

[DarkFury]

OK.. side note...

No natural keyboards. I want it to be a standard flat keyboard. (BTW, I'm a computer gamer... and I still use the arrow keys for movement... yeah yeah, I know.. ASWD and whatnot. )

[SmokeyDP]

Why not just go to the store and try a few out? They are only around $15....

[DaFunkyUnit]

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mo...s.aspx?pid=021

[DarkFury]

Why not just go to the store and try a few out? They are only around $15....

Yes... this is true, however most "B&M" stores only carry the leading brands.... Microsoft and Logitech.

I didn't know if there were others out there that were actually better... Like my Acer for instance... it was a terrific keyboard that I got online... the mainstream stores didn't carry it and I don't think Acer is still in business anymore.

I was looking at one from BenQ... but I don't know what they are like quality wise. And there are a few Logitechs that I have my eye on. So many choices... but which one is the best one.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mo...s.aspx?pid=021

I am considering that one too...

Hows the tactile feel on it? Do the keys snap back at you?

[DaFunkyUnit]

I am considering that one too...

Hows the tactile feel on it? Do the keys snap back at you?

what do you mean by "snap"? like super-loud clickety-clack typing? then, no. its not a loud keyboard (like those old school IBM keyboards), but its not a "mushy" keyboard either. i also like the My Computer and Calculator buttons, since I do use them quite a bit. To me, the MS Internet Keyboard is the most balanced keyboard (not too fancy, keys are alright, can take a beating, the bare essentials plus a leeeeeetle bit more but not so much that it makes the keyboard "yucky" [i don't like those keyboards that come with MP3/volume/dvd/etc... control])

[DarkFury]

I hear what'cha saying there...

Now I'm lookin' at the Saitek "Gaming Keyboard". Most reviews have been pretty positive about it, plus it comes with that additional programable "control module".... This one might be the one.

Anyone have any experience with it?

[cheapchinese]

fyi:

acer's comming back to the US
if you can wait..

they're dipping their foot in the market in selected cities next year (2005)

they're more concentrated in Asia (china, taiwan) and Europe now...
so.. not just benq.. Acer's comming in the market as well...

on a side not.. my votes going with logitech ..