Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

No-Nonsense, Compact, USB/PS2 Keyboards?

Posted by Cliff on from the no-frills-hardware dept.

JonMartin would like to poll the collective wisdom and experience of those Slashdot readers who would like to assist him in his quest for his idea of the perfect keyboard. Check out his description and see how well his ideal matches to yours.

"I am hunting for my perfect keyboard. I have not been able to find any vendor that matches my dream spec exactly, so I thought I would ask here before I start to compromise.

Here are the desired specs:

  • the main part of the keyboard must be a 101-key layout, so no Win95 keys or internet keys (I would tolerate Win95 keys if they were out of the way - ie. above the numeric keypad)
  • USB connector (but must still work with PS/2 adaptor in an emergency)
  • 2 USB ports (obviously these will not be expected to work with the PS/2 adaptor)
  • straight Enter key (not the big-L type)
  • no 'ergonomic'split layout
  • compact footprint (regular sized keyboard, but no extraneous molding that takes up desk space) maybe 18"x6.5"
  • good quality and construction
If you know of any keyboard that meets or comes close to meeting all of these, jump in and share the info."

JonMartin mentions that a few of his requests are quite subjective, so he's willing to try a few to see how they work out, so try to leave out those recommendations that are sold "as-is", please.

1 of 35 comments (clear)

  1. Forget the membrane keyboards, here's the best by cfish · · Score: 4

    As a keyboard enthusiast, I can recommend a few keyboards. The best keyboards are the ones that uses machanical switches. This includes the "Buckling Spring" and "quiet buckling spring" and "ALPS" switches. Buckling Spring: these are the old IBM clicker keyboards, now made by www.pckeyboard.com. They have a lot of different styles to choose from. They recently came up with a programmable keyboard. They also have quiet buckling spring keyboards if noise is a concern. ALPS switches: The most famous company that makes ALPS swtiches was Nothgate. Unfortunately Northgate went out of bussiness. Right now, there are a few manufacturers that makes keyboards with ALPS switches - Focus keyboard(Focus 2001 keyboard), Ortek/Adesso (MCK-142 pro), Avant (Avant Prime corresponds to Northgate Omnikey101, Avant Stellar corresponds to Northgate Omnikey Ultra). For programmers, I HIGHLY recommend the Adesso/Ortek MCK-142 Pro. http://www.monu-cad.com/keyboard.htm These have 24 programmable keys, you don't need software to program it. I know the price is steep but it's going to save you lots and lots of time in years.