Ask Slashdot: Good Keyboard?

An anonymous reader writes: After five years of service, my keyboard is dying, and I'm starting to look for a new one. Since it's for my primary machine, and I spend a lot of hours there for both work and leisure, I'd like to invest in a high-quality replacement. What do you recommend? I've been using a Logitech G15, and it worked well enough — but not well enough for me to buy another. (I've also heard Logitech's build quality has been on the decline in recent years — has that been your experience, those of you who own their recent hardware?) My use cases include coding and gaming, so durability is a big plus.

I'd prefer something a bit less bulky than the G15, which has a raised area at the top for media controls and a tiny screen. I don't mind a thicker bottom bezel so much. I'm not a huge fan of ergonomic/split keyboards, but if you know a really excellent one, I wouldn't rule it out. Same with mechanical keyboards — love the action, but the noise is an issue. I don't need any particular bells and whistles, but don't mind them. As for a budget... as I said, it's for a heavy-use machine, so I don't mind investing in great hardware. (That said, if I'm spending $150+, it better automatically make sure all my semicolons are in the right place.) So, what keyboard has served you well?

Comments

Ergo!

[darkain]

You only want an ergo suggestion if it is awesome? As a software engineer, I've been using the Microsoft Narual 4000 for longer than I can remember. Before that, I had an earlier generation Microsoft ergo keyboard. Yeah, this thing is clunky, but honestly it is the most comfortable thing I've ever used for long term typing. Being a software engineer, ya'know that is an assload of typing!

Re:Ergo!

[lkcl]

irony isn't it: we don't like what microsoft has done in the software world, but the microsoft natural keyboard is absolutely awesome. *but*, butbutbut, you *have* to get the right one! the one i find is amazing has a tip-up at the *front* not the back, allowing the hands to droop downwards onto the keys rather than being stressfully pulled upwards, and also you want the one with full-sized cursor keys. there was a while when microsoft foolishly tried to make one with half-sized cursor keys: it's utter rubbish.

other than that: the keyboard i have seen which people absolutely swear by is - don't laugh - the old IBM AT keyboard! apparently you can still get them. they're noisy, but people who use them don't care. that tactile response - the click - appears to be crucial to ast and wrist-stress-free long-term usage.

Re:Ergo!

[tehcyder]

You only want an ergo suggestion if it is awesome? As a software engineer, I've been using the Microsoft Narual 4000 for longer than I can remember. Before that, I had an earlier generation Microsoft ergo keyboard. Yeah, this thing is clunky, but honestly it is the most comfortable thing I've ever used for long term typing. Being a software engineer, ya'know that is an assload of typing!

Are you a software engineer by any chance?

Re:Ergo!

[Anon-Admin]

Ill agree with this, I am using a $9 keyboard that I have had for 7 years.

It is so well used that the following keys have no letter on them, they have rubbed off over the years.

sdfghlcnmertyo'"~123456-= (Caps Lock is now "ps lock") (Backspace is now just "Ba ")

I really don't think an expensive top of the line keyboard is needed. Grab you a cheap on that feels good to you and use it.

Re:Ergo!

[ATMAvatar]

other than that: the keyboard i have seen which people absolutely swear by is - don't laugh - the old IBM AT keyboard! apparently you can still get them. they're noisy, but people who use them don't care. that tactile response - the click - appears to be crucial to ast and wrist-stress-free long-term usage.

IBM Model M keyboards last forever. Sure, they're noisy, and they're heavy, but unless you go out of your way to break one, they last decades. In fact, you are more likely to replace the keyboard because it's input port has disappeared on your new computer than because it has stopped functioning.

quiet mechanical keyboard

[SethJohnson]

I got the "Royal Kludge RC930-87" from Massdrop and love it. Not too loud for a mechanical keyboard and it is extremely responsive. It's also not taking up my whole desk with the numeric keypad, which I love. Very fine-grained control over LED backlighting as well. Since the OP is so detailed on these requirements, I'm sure she'll love the control over the LED backlighting.

Re:quiet mechanical keyboard

[Misagon]

Whether Royal Kludge has mechanical switches or not is debatable.
The switches are copies of those of Topre, but with a different stem which accepts Cherry MX-compatible keycaps.

The switches of Royal Kludge (what a name...) and Topre are actually rubber dome switches but not the regular kind: they bottom out distinctly and the keys are sensed in a capacitative manner which has faster response time than most other keyboards.

I would say that the Topre Realforce line has the highest quality of any rubber dome keyboard, and not just for the switch type. The key action is very smooth and the materials and build quality is top notch. Enthusiasts who like them often liken the experience as "typing on a cloud of boobs" ...
If you can get old of one, I would suggest Topre Realforce with variable weighting (similar to the classic Key Tronic ErgoForce), and a Type S version for silencing also on the up-stroke.
These are really comfortable and silent, with a luxurious feel, but they are also pricey. Part of the price is because they are made in Japan.

Re:quiet mechanical keyboard

[PPalmgren]

On the topic of quiet mechanical keyboards, the G710+ is excellent and fits what he needs perfectly. I did a similar move to the OP, moving from a G11 and looking for a new keyboard. The rubber dome replacements from logitetch for the excellent G11/G15 are crap, the space bar barely works, keys don't register hits well, and apparently there's a backlight issue with most. I had to return the G510 within a week because I couldn't stand the spacebar issue. G710+ is a trooper though, and while it took a week or so to get used to, I'm very happy with it.

Unicomp Keyboard

[martok]

from www.pckeyboard.com - based on the IBM model M. You will not need a new keyboard again for a good many years. I prefer the buckling spring types but the silent ones have excellent travel as well.

Re:Unicomp Keyboard

[fuzzyfuzzyfungus]

based on the IBM model M. You will not need a new keyboard again for a good many years.

Model M keyboards do not 'die'. On occasion, one will be called to Valhalla to feast with the heroes of legend for eternity; so replacements aren't out of the question; but that's pretty much the only failure mode.

Re:Unicomp Keyboard

[jvp]

from www.pckeyboard.com - based on the IBM model M. You will not need a new keyboard again for a good many years.

The Model M (and descendants) are truly *the* only keyboard to ever consider. For anything:
Coding
Gaming
Writing emails
Hammering nails
Cracking concrete
Cracking someone's skull

And for what it's worth, Unicomp dumped the pckeyboard.com domain, but are still reachable via http://www.unicomp.com./ :-)

Re:Unicomp Keyboard

[Spacelord]

> There is probably some technique to re-attach it, but I haven't found one yet

This is called a bolt mod, and it's often done. Here's a howto: http://wiki.geekhack.org/index...

Re:Unicomp Keyboard

[funwithBSD]

They don't die, the connector becomes obsolete.

Pick a keyboard company

[hooiberg]

Essentially, any Cherry keyboard has served well. Many manufacturers of keyboards do it beside their main thing. However, Cherry has keyboard manufacturing as their main thing. And by now, the resulting keyboards are very good and still affordable.

My best one so far is the Cherry CyMotion Master Linux keyboard. And the only 'linux'-thing is that is has a picture of Tux on the button that on traditional keyboards displays the Windows logo.

This again?

[Zedrick]

IBM Model M.

Slashdot should have a permanent banner saying "need new keyboard? IBM Model M".

Re:This again?

[AmiMoJo]

The Model M is nice but isn't the be-all and end-all of keyboards. In this case the OP specifically complained about some models being a bit bulky, and considering how you are likely to break your foot if you drop a Model M I'd say that probably rules it out for him. The Model M and Unicomp clones also aren't available as wireless versions, and I'm not that keen on the Japanese layout.

Cherry MX based keyboards come in a variety of shapes and styles. They make quiet ones that still have a good tactile response. Otherwise maybe a Lenovo keyboard modelled after the old Thinkpad ones would be a good bet. Good feel but low impact and travel.

Fujitsu made some good keyboards back in the day too. There are plenty of options other than the Model M and Logitech shite.

CODE Keyboard

[heypete]

I've been using a CODE Keyboard for several months now. I really like it.

It's a mechanical keyboard using Cherry MX Clear switches, so it has a good tactile response without being super clicky. Certain settings can be changed using a DIP switch on the bottom. The keyboard uses a standard, detachable micro USB cable: cables have always been a weak spot on my keyboards, so it's nice to know I can replace it if needed.

The keys are mounted on a steel plate (not as heavy as the Model M, though) so they keyboard feels very solid.

Re:CODE Keyboard

[Bacon Bits]

I've got one as well, and I've really liked it. I also replaced my aging G15 with this.

My only complaints are:

1. To use the LED backlighting -- and you'll want to because the keys are not easy to read without it on -- you have to flip a DIP switch that disables the context button (between the right OS key and right Ctrl) and turns it into the modal button for the backlighting. You rarely need to use this key, but I have missed it once or twice since nothing replaces it. I don't understand why they didn't pick something truly useless, like Scroll Lock, or let the button continue to function normally on top of the additional buttons. I like to be able to turn the light off, so I leave the DIP on.

2. The left shift key squeaks once in awhile. I tend to depress the far right of the key and it's a pretty wide key. It makes a squeak if I'm not careful. It's entirely my typing and I mostly don't do it anymore, but it did annoy me at first.

Otherwise it's easily the best keyboard I've used. For a mechanical keyboard, it's very quiet.

Re:Good toilet paper?

[mariox19]

Yes, heaven forbid we consider Slashdot a community and ask others in it for opinions, especially on something that many of us deal with every day as a part of both our jobs and leisure and could therefore be assumed to know something about. That would almost seem too human.

Kinesis

[The Grim Reefer]

If you are even considering an ergonomic keyboard, look at the Kinesis Advantage. It takes a fairly short time to get used to, but it's worth it. My only complaint is that you need to toggle the right side keys for the number pad, or buy one separately.

I don't do much gaming or any serious coding anymore, but I found it to be excellent for gaming. And the keys can be remapped and you can create macros. I think I paid an extra $10 to have keys with both Qwerty and Dvorak labels as you can toggle between them. I still haven't gotten around to learning Dvorak, but I keep telling myself that I will.

Das Keyboard or Apple/Slim Keyboard

[Qbertino]

If you're the old-school type, it's hard to go better than Das Keyboard.

However, if you're willing to experiment, I'd recommend trying out the current Apple Keyboard. I was squarely in the Model M demografic and for my life wouldn't have guessed that I like the Apple Keyboard and it's flat keys, but ever since I got one I've been using them almost exclusively. My typing speed has increased and I've come to like the laid-back lightweight and minimalist approach these take.

I recommend you try an Apple/Slim Keyboard for a few days before you decide what to buy. Could be that you're suprised just like I was.

Plentiful inexpensive keyboards

[rwa2]

So far my favorite keyboard has been the ~$20 Dell SK-8135 . Quiet keys, modern minimalist design around a full 104 keyboard layout, but has fairly ergonomic multimedia keys that are easy to find in the dark, and a USB hub which I find convenient for minimizing wire clutter.

My aunt bought me a nice Logitech G510 keyboard, but... I don't really care for it all that much. Uh... you can change the backlight color, and there's a little mono LCD panel that you can download apps to display extra things on. There are a bunch of programmable macro buttons on the side, but I don't find them convenient to use in any of my games compared to keeping my fingers near the WASD home row with the default keyboard layouts, and maybe using an autohotkey macro where necessary. It also has a built-in USB audio headset/mic jacks, which I guess is nice for eliminating system noise from your mic if you don't already have something better. The G510 looks damn impressive, but if I really needed its features, I'd have optioned for the G13 and a normal keyboard.

Re:Split

[TheReaperD]

That's only true for people with broad shoulders (such as myself). If you're shoulders are more narrow, a split keyboard design can actually hurt your wrists. Like anything with ergonomics, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution... sadly. What I hate being in the broad-shouldered gamer crowd is that I can either get a good mechanical gaming keyboard or an ergonomic keyboard. I've never found one that has both functions. I would love a MS Natural Ergonomic 4000 (the keyboard I'm typing this on) with the Cherry MX brown switches... no such luck. I guess there aren't enough of us to warrant making it.

Get a GOOD mechanical keyboard

[Spacelord]

I'm a bit of a mechanical keyboard nerd, I collect keyboards with all sorts of form factors and switches. I know it can be quite challenging to find your first mech, and to make sense of all the terminology, so I thought I'd write down a short guide to help you through your selection process.

First of all, you need to decide on a form factor. Generally speaking mechanical keyboards come in 3 form factors: full size, tenkeyless (or 87%) and 60%.

Full size keyboards of course have all 104 keys as defined in the ANSI keyboard standard. You should always look for a standard key layout without a weird shaped enter key or other weirdly placed or shaped keys.

Tenkeyless keyboards are like full size keyboards but with the numpad removed. This makes them more compact, meaning they take up less deskspace and more importantly, you can place your mouse in a more ergonomical position closer to the alphanumerical section of your keyboard where your hands will be most of the time, so when you grab the mouse, you have to reach out less far. This is by far my favorite form factor, and unless you do a lot of data entry and really need your numpad, I can heartily recommend this form factor. Most mechanical keyboards that are available in full size, also have a tenkeyless variant by the way.

As the name implies, 60% keyboards are ultra compact. They lack navigation and function keys that are found on a full size keyboard, but the functionality of those keys can be accessed via a second layer and an Fn modifier key. Some examples of 60% keyboards are the Happy Hacking Keyboard, the Poker II and the Ducky Mini. Given the fact that you are coming from a full size keyboard, I am hesitant to steer you towards a 60% keyboard.

Now once you have decided on a form factor, it's time to think about what kind of keyboard switch you like to type on. There are 3 major types of switches: the most common by far are Cherry MX switches. Less common and more expensive are Topre switches. Finally you have the classic buckling spring switch, as found on the Model M.

I'll start with the buckling spring. They are the grand daddy of mechanical switches. They were originally found in the iconic IBM Model M keyboard of the late 80s and early 90s. IBM has stopped making them long ago, but a company called Unicomp has acquired the patents and tooling, and they now produce Unicomp branded Model M's that are virtually replicas of the original IBM keyboard. This type of keyboard really is a typist's dream. Pressing the keys gives very solid tactile feedback and a loud (and I mean LOUD) thunky click. It sounds like a machine gun if you are typing on it at speed. If you share an office with other people, I would not recommend them. They are also not very good for gaming. This doesn't mean that you can't game with them, I have and a lot of people do, but other switch types just work better for that purpose.

Cherry MX switches are by far the most common. They come in many variants: linear, tactile, clicky, stiff, soft, ... The color of the switch indicates the type. For a first timer, I would recommend that you only look at MX Blue and MX Brown switches.

• MX Blue switches are clicky and give tactile feedback, a bit like buckling springs, but lighter and less loud. The same advantages and disadvantages apply: good for typing, bad for gaming, noisy.
• MX Brown switches are a good jack of all trades switch: they don't click, but they do give some tactile feedback in the form of a slight bump that you feel when you press down a key. I've never found noise to be an issue with them, they're effective to type on even if it's a bit less satisfactory than a clicky switch, and gaming works well too.
• MX Red is another common switch you find. They are a so called linear switch, which means that they are not tactile and n

Cherry

[Anonymous Coward]

I have a Cherry G-222 keyboard. For the past 12 years I have used it, and I am still using it

It is a mechanical keyboard but it doesn't have the 'click' sound. I love it for it's 'spring action', something that cheap keyboard don't have

Typing on cheap keyboard my hands hurt, both of them

Typing on my Cherry G-222, I can type for hours on end and my hands don't feel 'stiff' at all

Of course this is my own personal and humble opinion - and YMMV

Re:Model M or something quiet

[RyuuzakiTetsuya]

Thank goodness you used bolded capslock at the end, I couldn't hear you over your keyboard.