Keyboard Recommendations

[Chet Swanson]

I am currently using a Microsoft Wireless Keyboard that has started to “skip” keys as I type with it. So ‘THE’ may come out as ‘HE’ or similar problems.

I’d like to replace the keyboard and thought it would be good to see what kind of recommendations people come up with. I’d like to stay wireless, less cables are good (grin). Would Logitech or others work with my current set-up or would I have to replace the wireless mouse also?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Chet

[Chet Swanson]

Forgot to mention; I learned keyboarding when it was still called typing :) so I like to use keyboards that at least have a bit of the feel of the old typewriters.

[saphalline]

I still call it typing. I don't know what others are calling it, though...

You shouldn't have to replace your wireless mouse. Even if the keyboard & mouse are a "combo", you can take the keyboard out of the mix without touching the mouse. Although, I still have to ask if you've tried replacing the batteries in your keyboard. :p

As for a replacement, I've always trusted M$ and Logitech. The real difficulty in your case will be finding a new wireless keyboard that is like an old-style typewriter. All the new wireless keyboards are funky "multimedia" monstrosities! :eek: Good luck and happy hunting!

[Whyzman]

IBM

http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6779&highlight=ibm+keyboard

[Chet Swanson]

[QUOTE=saphalline;317866] Although, I still have to ask if you've tried replacing the batteries in your keyboard. :p

Yep, that's the first thing I did do. Keytronics used to make an excellent IBM stye keyboard, and I see they still make them, but I haven't heard much about them in recent years.

[Whyzman]

As I linked yesterday, Paleo Pete (moderator) has used his IBM clicker for years...apparently, just to see how much abuse he can dish out to the thing... Personally, I think Pete is under the impression that it still has a warranty.... :rolleyes:

I use a Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard and although I learned on a manual (I mean manual...no cords), and I predate IBM selectric...I find this Internet savvy keyboard quite satisfactory...

[mjc]

I had an IBM 'clicky' that was 12 yrs old when I 'killed' it...

[Whyzman]

Also, I believe most of the computer keyboards today have some sort of a "desensitizing" feature just for folks like us who want to be able to hammer on the keys... ;)

"killed it?" Was that the one you backed the truck over?

[mjc]

I melted it...kind of forgot I put it in nice warm place to dry, after cleaning it...the nice warm place happened to be the oven...

[azzey]

My Model M has been used for hours every day since it was manufactured in 1989. I go nuts when I have to use a 'regular' keyboard now :P

[LadyGrey]

I've used a Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard. While the keyboard did fine, had a little stiff key problem at first tho, the mouse was a horror story so I would never get another one. I use trackball mouses:D. I've since gone back to wired, rather have the reliability. I invested in rechargeable batteries when I had the wireless and it saved some $.
I still call it typing too! I think the young-uns are calling it "keyboarding" now Saph:rolleyes:
LG;)

[Whyzman]

The latest Logitech wireless mouse sits in a charging cradle when not in use... I don't have one of those yet, but I'm preparing to scratch that itch... :D

What I'd really like to see...as an aside, would be the ability to move my computer box someplace else so my wife would not be complaining about the fan noise... T'would be nice it we could broadcast the video signal to the monitor... Anybody see anything yet? :)

With a wireless keyboard, mouse, and monitor... that would be great! Printers are already wireless...

[pentachris]

I'm a big fan of the cheapest keyboard I can find with 102 keys. I don't need or want the extra keys "multimedia," internet," or "power" keys. Especially the "power" keys - you could end up shutting your computer down while trying to do a screen capture. The last keyboard I bought came from Big Lots (an overstock / closeout retailer).

Of course, this would preclude any wireless keyboards...

[saphalline]

I don't like wireless equipment - have to change the batteries and worry about recharging and all that. I like wired peripherals, although I'm not quite "old school" like some of the other members here. I just learned long ago not to pound on keyboard keys with enough force to knock a small dog unconscious! :p

That being said, I'm also not a big fan of the latest "multimedia" keyboards out there. The quality is good (on par with most classic keyboards made this millennium) but the extra functions are annoying, to say the least. Out of all of them, however, I dislike the Logitech ones the least. Logitech makes an effort to keep the extra keys out of normal reach and tries its hardest to adhere to the classic layouts. Not perfect, but definitely the lesser of the modern keyboard evils. Hmmm... sort of like politics...

[Whyzman]

I don't like wireless equipment...I would agree...well, except for a few things. I'll drive out of range just so my cell phone drops signal...someone mentioned the other day that I could just turn it off when I want some down time...hadn't thought of that... :rolleyes:

However, this anti-wireless keyboard/mouse attitude is downright....well, old fashioned...

[jlreich]

Wireless KB's seem pointless to me. But I do like a wireless mouse. I just use long lasting rechargeable batteries that last a couple of months or longer. When it starts getting flaky I just take them out and stick in another fully charged set I have sitting around I am back in business.

[Whyzman]

But I do keep a cheap MicroCenter $5.00 PS/2 keyboard on hand for troubleshooting...cause the wireless stuff is USB...

[mjc]

The reason I like the IBM 'clicky' is that it feels most like what I learned to type on...thus, I type the fastest on it (that is in addition to being nearly indestructible...).

There are very few 'new' keyboards that I like the feel of...and don't get me started on all the 'feature' buttons on some of them. I want a no frills, high quality keyboard that has a decent 'feel' to it...not much to ask, but pretty darn hard to find...so I keep 'clicky' in mind.

[Whyzman]

(that is in addition to being nearly indestructible...).Unless, of course, you mistake it for a pizza... :p