Ask Engadget: Which keyboard should I buy?

Considering it's the buying season and all, we're not shocked to see this one come rushing into the Ask Engadget inbox. But considering the multitude of options out there, we'd say it's bit too late to go on a week long research bender in order to pick a victor.

"Keyboards have come a long ways. There used to be just a few to choose from, but now my options are nearly endless. What's the best keyboard out there? I'm looking for something that can handle the occasional WoW raid, a few hours of Counter-Strike and still make writing my dissertation as comfortable as possible."

So, there you have it. Take a step back, let it simmer on your brain a minute, and then hit us all up with your best shot. Feel free to toss out a few options if you can't pick a bona fide winner. We're sure next week we'll be getting all sorts of inquiries from folks wondering how to hack some off the wall holiday gift into a useful piece of kit, so feel free to send those -- along with any other applicable questions -- to ask at engadget dawt com.

[Ricardo Rivera @ Dec 20th 2007 9:21PM]

how about the razer tarantula?

[nerdtalker @ Dec 20th 2007 9:51PM]

Das Keyboard: http://www.daskeyboard.com/

If you know what you're doing, you'll use the Das. I wore the keys off my last notebook keyboard, and it would screw people up when they tried using it, made for a lot of laughs at their poor touch typing skills.

[ByronGman @ Dec 20th 2007 10:07PM]

I would personally go for the Razer Lycosa over the Tarantula (or any other keyboard for that matter).

For gaming:
> Fast response time, nice keys.
> Entire keyboard can be macroed, definitely sweet for WoW or any game
> All the keys are backlit
> Media Control Center (No mute button, but you can always just turn the sound down)

For Typing/Regular Use:
> Traditional Keyboard, not such a gaming tool that you feel weird typing
> Relatively compact for gaming keyboard
> Backlit keys are also awesome for typing in the dark
> Nice feel on the keys

Also this thing won't bite your wallet in the ass like the Optimus. $80 is pretty good deal IMO.

[Kurian @ Dec 20th 2007 10:35PM]

I'd rather have a Logitech G15 displaying my Game/System stats on its LCD.

Not to mention 18 extra programmable keys aside from a plethora of media buttons.

And none of this interferes with the normal 101-key layout. All the ordinary keys are exactly where they are supposed to be. You will have to problems with mistyping when shifting to this keyboard. And the entire thing glows orange like something from star trek.

[jptech @ Dec 20th 2007 10:56PM]

I own the tarantula.
Good things about it:
fully programmable keys.
extra macro keys on left and right.
multi-media keys (sometimes don't even work)
two usb ports.
battle dock usb port on top.

Bad things:
keys aren't backlit.
battle light only comes in blue ( I hate blue light).
expensive.

I wish the lycosa was out when I bought last christmas. But I love my tarantula.
My pick would be the lycosa today.

[ByronGman @ Dec 21st 2007 12:01AM]

I don't mean to be snarky or anything, but I was just wondering how useful the Logitech G15's LCD was.

I'd heard it was really only useful for a few games, beyond that it is kinda like dead weight. But correct me if I'm wrong that's just what I read somewhere.

If that is true, I'd rather have the full keyboard programmable than bother with a feature thats only useful sometimes.

[mergedwarrior @ Dec 21st 2007 12:13AM]

Yes, the G15's LCD is moderately usless, I use it mostly for my media player. And as for the G-Keys... theyre mostly used for bindings for programs, I hardly use them for games.

[J @ Dec 21st 2007 12:19AM]

I actually just bought the razer tarantula and I returned it.

I was looking for a simple USB keyboard that had good feel (arbitrarily defined by me). I went to Best Buy and all they had was wireless keyboard with the exception of 3 - one was a cheapo that felt like mush (kind of like a laptop keyboard) another was a gaming keyboard from Logitech for $99 that felt crisp, but had a ton of features on it (LCD screen, macro keys) etc, that I didn't need or want. I was about to buy it when the sales clerk recommended the razer tarantula. I got it on a whim, brought it home and immediately boxed it back up and returned it. I didn't even plug it in. For gamers, I'm sure the macro keys are awesome and I'm sure the backlighting is really useful. However, the keyboard felt only marginally crisper than my T60P Laptop keyboard, touch typing was a little rough.

I ended up at Staples and picked up a very basic Microsoft black USB media keyboard which suits me very nicely so far. It cost about $30 and is extremely crisp, but the keys are not overly loud.

If I were the looking for a good keyboard, I would hit up Staples/Office Depot (not Best Buy) and see which keyboard feels the best (they have about 15 on display) and then go try to find a deal online, if you want to save a couple bucks. In my opinion, the keyboard is one of the few pieces of the computer that you need to go get from a big box store because of the touch and feel.

[Brian @ Dec 21st 2007 3:13AM]

I completely agree. I love my tarantula.

The depth of the keystroke is marvelous. I believe I type much faster with them.

It's big, but it maintains the proper space between each function, while looking very good.

I also love the blue light. I've got very modest blue lighting on my entire system. Both montiors' power buttons, my keyboard, my mouse (deathadder), my water cooling display, my psu, and my fans. I prefer blue over green or red.

[E71 @ Dec 21st 2007 10:22AM]

One issue that's never addressed is the number of keys you can press simultaneously. This is a huge issue in games where we need to strafe, crouch, jump and prime a grenade at the same time. My current USB keyboard cannot handle that well and it ticks me off everything the keyboard stops responding to additional key-presses.

It's even worse when keyboard manufacturers like slap on some pretty colors, lights and maybe a cup holder for your beverage and call it a gaming keyboard when in fact they should be addressing these issues.

[Diesel @ Dec 21st 2007 3:02PM]

I'm typing on it right now, It's amazing. Best keyboard I've had out of 3. Great feel, Even my girlfriend loves it and she's never played a video game in her life. It feels just like a laptop and has SO many macro keys that are easy to program as a plus.

[Elliott @ Dec 21st 2007 1:52PM]

Here here! I love my Razer

[futurepastnow @ Dec 20th 2007 9:25PM]

Go to eBay and type "IBM Model M" into the search box. This is the greatest keyboard ever made, and probably the best that ever will be made.

If you don't want used, a company called Unicomp bought the IBM tooling and is still making them.

[Urza9814 @ Dec 20th 2007 9:57PM]

I'll second the idea of an IBM Model M. I also suggest going to the Dvorak layout, but maybe that's just me. But I have honestly considered bringing my Model M places with me. You wouldn't think a keyboard could make that much of a difference, but it does. I have not had a single wrist problem since I got it, and I am able to type and even game much faster, because you get immediate feedback from the keyboard, and you don't have to watch the screen to know if you hit the key. It is a bit loud, but usually that shouldn't be much of a problem.

[Fuzzball @ Dec 20th 2007 11:12PM]

3rd that. IBM Model M hands down is the best. They may not look pretty by today's standards or even extra media buttons, but the feel and durability make it the best. I have three Model Ms and I bought them used for real cheap. They've taken a lot of abuse and one even has taken my fist pounding without breaking. Sadly the one I brought to work is circa 1984 and is older than my wife.

If you want a new one with USB, this is the model: http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/customizer.html

[Alan Friesen @ Dec 21st 2007 12:38AM]

My happiest day was when I found a 1984 Model-M silver logo at a local store for $10 used. $10! I paid twice that for a proper PS/2->USB adaptor that would work with my iMac!

[ScotteusMaximus @ Dec 21st 2007 2:14AM]

amen. the IBM model M keyboards are the pinnacle of keyboard technology. there isn't a single keyboard made in the the last 20 years that can compare.

[Ethyriel @ Dec 21st 2007 3:05AM]

I love my Unicomp customizer, with the left ctrl and caps lock switched. See the pckeyboard.com link earlier in this thread.

I'm very tempted by the Steel Series keyboards, looking for a keyboard that feels as good to type on, but isn't quite so loud.

[lightbulb42 @ Dec 21st 2007 6:26AM]

Here's another vote for the Model M.

[sqrlex @ Dec 21st 2007 7:00AM]

+1 bagillion points for model M.

This is one model, that isn't falling off the runway.

[computer.dude.28 @ Dec 20th 2007 9:25PM]

Optimus Maximus FTW.

[Will @ Dec 20th 2007 9:32PM]

Or how about no?

[Josef @ Dec 20th 2007 9:34PM]

By "FTW", I assume you mean "forever, the wait".

[James @ Dec 20th 2007 10:35PM]

Nah it's probably "For The Wage"

[Phazonmutant @ Dec 20th 2007 11:26PM]

If you want macro functionality, you don't need to invest in an expensive keyboard. Just use the program Autohotkey: http://www.autohotkey.com/
For example, I keep a little script with my flash drive that remaps F11 and F12 to F7 and F8 (F7 is remapped to F6 and F6-8, F9, and F10 aren't used much), then turns F9-12 into Play/Pause, Stop, Previous, and Next buttons (respectively). Also, I press Win+PgUp for vol up, Win+PgDown for vol down, and Win+Pause for Mute. It comes in handy.

[bboyskidz @ Dec 21st 2007 1:07AM]

optimus maximus "for the wealthy"

I had a look on the site to see if there was a price drop and saw ~$480 - then i realised that that was if you wanted the standard keyboard with 1 - i repeat, 1 - OLED button.

IBM Model M
Das Keyboard
Logitech G15v2

[Bobs @ Dec 21st 2007 8:33AM]

No offence, but the logitech G15 V2 (Logitech refers it as the 07 model) fails miserably compared to the 05 model. Aks anyone who has ad one before, the redesign was a cheep shot attempt to save logitech more moey without actually putting anything out.

[Majormauser @ Dec 20th 2007 9:28PM]

Well I would pick up an Old Apple Extended Keyboard II from EBAY and an iMATE from Griffin Tech and have the best keyboard ever made to this date.

[Yevon @ Dec 20th 2007 9:29PM]

Das Keyboard. Nerd it up yo.

http://www.daskeyboard.com/

[computer.dude.28 @ Dec 20th 2007 9:31PM]

That's awesome! I'd use that. Me and my girlfriend would be like the only people who'd know how to do anything, and we're the only 2 I want touching my computer anyway. Perfect. Of course, you could always do this with the optimus maximus too..

[Sauerkraut @ Dec 20th 2007 9:56PM]

thanks so much I needed a keyboard and I'm def buying the DAS II

[bornskilled200 @ Dec 22nd 2007 12:52AM]

I have a question about the Das Keyboard II does it ghost? Preferably using 7 keys at the same time for a game called o2jam or djmax

Want a new keyboard but all the ones i bought stops the third key from pressing.

[Yevon @ Dec 20th 2007 11:20PM]

I'm glad I was able to help! I'm surprised that more people here have heard of the Das Keyboard. And you call yourselves nerds... pitiful.

jk

[p-diddy @ Dec 21st 2007 3:55PM]

I bought the das about 3 weeks ago and it is GREAT. My typing has improved significantly as a result, though I don't use it as a gaming keyboard. On a normal keyboard my hands jump around too much so I use a nostromo n52 and map the keys on that instead.

But the das is totally worth the money.

[gadgetwill @ Dec 27th 2007 3:26AM]

I bought a das keyboard and had to return it because of the spacebar, it dug into my thumbs at the wrong angle. Other then that I loved the keyboard, but couldn't stand the design of the spacebar.

[Jon @ Feb 19th 2008 5:59PM]

Why not have best of both worlds? Turn your Model M into a Das Keyboard:
http://www.jonlee.ca/how-to-diy-das-keyboard-using-a-model-m/

[Jin @ Dec 20th 2007 9:31PM]

I personally like the dinovo edge by logitech, if i had that kind of money. as far as standard keyboards go, however, I definetely don't notice very many things as far as brands go, because I have a laptop. However, it is good to look for things that might bother you on compressed keyboards, such as having the function button in the far lower left hand corner instead of the control buttion. things like that, and the right shift, control, insert, delete, and alternate button along with the navigation buttons such as home, end, page up, etc. make sure you like the configuration on a laptop or compressed keyboard.

Actually, I think the Optimus Maximus keyboard is the coolest, especially for editors out there, but for a full 113 active keys costs $1,500, which is a little out there for those with $400 computers.

[engadgetGremlin @ Dec 20th 2007 10:19PM]

The Logitech DiNovo Edge is hands-down the best keyboard available for under $500. Bluetooth, trackpad, style, thinness, great battery life, and a small foot print - the Edge has it all.

[Kamokazi @ Dec 21st 2007 12:14AM]

I totally agree on the Edge (I plan on getting one for my HTPC build [when the desktop Penryns come out]), but wireless keyboards seem to always have issues with gaming due to sustained keypresses (holding down movement keys). Never tried with a bluetooth one though, maybe it behaves differently.

[James Yopp @ Dec 21st 2007 10:47AM]

I need to give a shout-out to the new Apple bluetooth wireless keyboard. It lacks the fancy touch-pad, but it's sleek, low profile, and it leaves enough extra room on the desk that simply by virtue of having somewhere to put papers and random reference material (and food), my productivity is way up.

The diNovo looks pretty nice, but if I'm going to sacrifice my 10-key keypad, I'd better get some space savings for it. If you get the Revolution MX or similar mouse from Logitech, you'll have enough wheels and gizmos to replace most of the extra scroll-bars and rings and buttons decorating the diNovo. Now if only the Revolution mouse came in Bluetooth...

[drake @ Dec 20th 2007 9:35PM]

i personally like my saitek eclipse 2....

[Alijah @ Dec 20th 2007 11:06PM]

LOVE my Saitek Eclipse II

[Justin @ Dec 20th 2007 11:39PM]

I'm typing on a Eclipse II right now, and I have to say, "meh." Maybe it was the specific board I purchased, or maybe it's the model, but my typing speed is significantly hindered with it since I have to press down on each key with such great force (for a keyboard) in order for it to capture my inputs. My two buck Gateway keyboard at work beats it in typing. The back light is ok; though, I like the option of a blue, red, or purple back light and the placement of the media keys.

[Rynth @ Dec 21st 2007 4:56AM]

Justin - Its definitely your keyboard. My Saitek Eclipse II has nice light but tactile and responsive keys, makes for a great gaming board.

My work keyboard is a logitech MX5000 bluetooth mouse and keyboard set, and , its a fantastic typers keyboard, the keys are very well spaced, and tough typing on it is a breeze.

[Hacker @ Dec 21st 2007 7:38AM]

I have to agree with Justin there - I returned my Saitek Eclipse II because the tactile response was awful (it's much better on my many years old all-worn-out cheap BTC keyboard) and after a few months the "T" key just wouldn't register a keypress unless pressed really hard.
Was grea o ype ex wihou he key and no always realizing i.

Waiting for the Razer Lycosa to be available around here.

[muddyh2o @ Dec 21st 2007 8:01AM]

i'm a long time lover of my saitek eclipse ii. i have one at home and one in the office.

i'd only replace it with a model m.

$46 at amazon ain't that bad...

[p-diddy @ Dec 21st 2007 3:59PM]

I posted above that I just bought the das keyboard but the saitek eclipse II is what I use for gaming. Decent feel, lies flat (like I need). A pretty good keyboard for the money.

-p-

[Jin @ Dec 21st 2007 4:37PM]

I have a saitek eclipse myself (not ||). It works fine, just some problems with the peripheral # pad thing it came with.

[Josef @ Dec 20th 2007 9:36PM]

I've been very, very happy with my G15. Good game functionality, but doesn't look like a hell-spawned weapon of some sort (just in case my grandma is ever visiting and needs to check her MySpace page or something.)

[Isaac @ Dec 20th 2007 9:38PM]

I just use my plane old $15 Logitech Deluxe keyboard. I love it.