Ask Engadget: Which keyboard should I buy?
By Darren Murph 
posted December 20th 2007 9:15PM
posted December 20th 2007 9:15PM
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.
I use the same Cherry keyboard type for over 20 years now. N273. Every time I need a new keyboard I'm surprised they still make them :)
Where can you buy them?
IBM Model M. They go for around $15 shipped on ebay. They will survive the nuclear holocaust.
I'll come out and say that the new Apple keyboard (the wired one) is great. I can type about 100 wpm on that thing, and hair doesn't fall between the keys. I use that for both my main computers and am mostly happy, although jeez guys, don't go taking away my help key. What if I need HELP???? (actually I had it hooked up to a Quickeys macro that I had to re-do, lame).
Definitely the Kinesis Contour keyboard. It's expensive, yes, but it costs a lot less than two new wrists for anyone who's ever had CT syndrome or other RSIs. After final year in college, I was icing my wrists if I typed for more than a half-hour on the standard plank keyboards. I tried the Microsoft and Touch ergononmic keyboards, same end result. The Kinesis though, I picked up and started using and never had a problem with it. I've had three of them in the ten years since then, and no keyboard (and I include the IBM Model M in this) has ever come close. Every other keyboard always seems to be built so you learn to conform to it; the kinesis was built to conform with the way your hand actually works.
I've had a Kinesis Essential for 10 years. It was expensive, but it has survived 2 computers and being filled with water dripping from the ceiling. I simply dumped the water out, let it dry and went back to work.
I don't understand the "gaming" keyboards. They are just glorified 104 key planks, marketed well. If you really want to game, get a programmable Kinesis.
If you really want to get ergo, buy a Bat keyboard:
http://www.infogrip.com/product_view.asp?RecordNumber=12
and a Logitech Trackman wheel. Then, you will never have to take your hand off of the keyboard nor move your wrists. The only reason I've not done this is that I have to type on other keyboards, i.e. laptops or friends computer. The transition from one handed to two and back would be too great. The Kinesis is the right balance, I can easily transition from it to a standard keyboard.
i recently got a Microsoft Comfort Curve keyboard: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=040
very good keyboard in the 'budget' range. read a bunch of reviews on the net to find a quiet keyboard. after trying some out in the shop - I took this one just because it was v. quiet.
Original Logitech G15. Got 18 macro keys for CSS and WoW, and other than that the keys are really comfortable to type on. Plus, its got the small details that make it great - the LCD screen, good for seeing stats in WoW and a clock otherwise (I used to be late ALL the time before, this has been a lifesaver), complete set of media keys and volume control, oh and a physical switch to turn off the Windows key while in-game.
So, best keyboard I have ever owned. However, do NOT buy it for the cable management - none of the cables I own fit in the channels so its a rather worthless addition, but still.
I love the new BT apple keyboards! But for wired ones i would pick the new Apple Keyboard or the Das 1 ( just love the sounds of those huge keys clanking).
Buy one made by microsoft without any displays on it. I was pretty disappointed by the Logitech G17 (gaming keyboard). You don't need all that staff high end keyboards offer. It's enough if it has few buttons for starting winamp, the calculator, excell, word, etc. They are all the same when playing games (as long as they are not wireless). I personally don't need wireless keyboards as I never sit that far away from my PC. If you like working at night(PLAYING GAMES) on your PC/notebook, consider a keyboard with lightning keys. You can take Microsoft, Logitech, they are all the same, buy the one with the best design.
I am looking for a USB keyboard with fingerprint reader. I like the short touch laptop keyboards and logitech diNovo edge. Any suggestions?
My current personal favorite is the S510 from Logitech. I'm not a big gamer, so I can't comment on it's usefulness there, but I like it's tactile response, it's relativly short throw distance, and the fact that it's wireless.
I don't like the fact that you can't get it without a mouse (I use thumb-ball mice), and how the 'home/end/delete/pgup/pgdown' buttons are laid out (though having a double sized delete key is nice). I also wish you could easily flip capslock and control, but that's an old-school unix nerd talking.
--Jason
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 - I use it for everything, and its comfortable and awesome as you like.
I would suggest an IBM Model M. Greatest keyboard ever produced.
Belkin Ergo.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823154003
1. Full L Enter Key
2. Full size Backspace
3. \ key were it belongs (next to right shift)
4. Ergo!
5. $20, what more do you want?
I didn't read through all the comments, but I use an IdeaZon Fang which I place directly to the left of my $10 USB keyboard (unknown brand), with a Razer Copperhead on the right. For things like WoW I then bind keys in-game to Shif+(W)(A)(S)(D) and Ctrl+(W)(A)(S)(D) for various things.
I love my Logitech DiNovo Edge. I haven't touched a mouse at home since last Christmas and I couldn't be happier with the performance.
Logitech DiNovo Edge
I'm surprised how nobody here mentioned the KeyOvation/Goldtouch keyboard. Speaking as someone who's typed for over twenty years, and had the wrist pain from carpal tunnel shooting up my arm - especially when I picked up grocery bags of all things...
I have this one at work for my PC (for the last 4 years):
http://www.keyovation.com/pc-65-2-goldtouch-ergonomic-adjustable-keyboard-white.aspx
And I have had this one sitting on my PowerMac at home for almost a year:
http://www.keyovation.com/pc-63-2-goldtouch-for-mac-adjustable-keyboard-white-usb.aspx
Sorry but the Microsoft Natural Keyboard is a poor substitute for this thing. The Microsoft keyboard will barely make any difference if you have carpal tunnel (the angle is still too shallow), whereas the GoldTouch will practically cure any wrist problems resulting from typing. After a few years of use, I don't have shooting pains anymore, and no surgery needed.
Seriously, you all need to try one if typing is part of your job.
And to complete the ergonomic setup, I'd suggest using a Logitech Marble Mouse - moving and suspending your wrist with a mouse isn't good for you either.
Just think of the thousands of dollars I just saved you in fees from an ergonomic consultant! You're welcome!
anything wireless.
Microsoft Standard Keyboard 500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109164
Cord could be a bit longer but awesome keyboard for $10.
Optimus Maximus Gaming Edition $6500
Is this as boring of a subject as it gets?
I use the keyboard that's on my laptop, I don't know what kind it is, it's the one that Dell puts on their laptops... I have ergonomic kind on my main comp - Goldtouch. It's the kind that's split and angled...
http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=336
After using the trackball on the keyboard, it blows both a mouse and a touchpad away. could be a bit btter quailty for the keys though. If they make this wireless, I will buy one for every windows machine I own.
http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=365
I picked up a Saitek Eclipse II for $49 a few months ago, and for that price it was a steal. Sturdy construction, great tactile response, 3 different colours of adjustable backlight, and elegant design (read: lacking the zillions of superfluous media keys other makers like to cram onto their boards). The media keys it does have are all useful and well-placed. The big rubber feet are nice too; this keyboard aint going to be sliding around on you anytime soon.
My one gripe would be that the media keys aren't backlit, and it's also a little visually jarring that the caps etc. LED's don't change colour with the rest of the lights.
But basically, if you're looking for a sturdy, sexy-looking backlit keyboard for a very reasonable price, the Eclipse II is the way to go.
My favourite keyboard was a toshiba made by keytronic on their ppro200 server long ago. It was white, quick response and very quiet. Anyone know which keytronic is close to this or at least tactile yet quiet?
the das looks cool but I'm sure my gf wouldn't appreciate it :P
I vouch for Logitech Wave Keyboard (the wired version, cause I hate wireless!)
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3071&cl=us,en
I'm using one myself. I've waited long enough when after rebate, on sale with google checkout, it only cost me around $25!!!
It's good?Should i pay the full price of the wired version for it?
HHKBL - Happy Hacking Keyboard Lite (get the black USB Version)
Awesome space saving keyboard...
http://www.pfusystems.com/hhkeyboard/hhkeyboard.html
The Kinesis Contoured keyboards are by far the best keyboards I've ever typed on. http://kinesis-ergo.com. This keyboard is designed to follow the arcs of your fingers' motion, and it feels amazing to use. The instant you lay your hands on the keys, your fingers are resting exactly where they should be on home row.
The keyswitches are individual mechanisms with a perfect feel and an insanely long lifetime. You can make it a clicky keyboard or a silent keyboard with a keystroke thanks to the fact that it has a small computer onboard. You can remap keys if you want, you can program key macros.
If you want DVORAK, you can buy a keyboard that is switchable between the two and has dual legends (labels).
MS Natural keyboards are terrible in comparison, as they require you to move your hands all over the place and reach to hit most keys. This keyboard keeps ever key within range of your hands without ever moving your wrists.
These keyboards have been shown to reduce the incidence of Carpel Tunnel largely due to the minimal effort required to push keys, and the significant fact that it only takes 2mm of travel to engage the key, but you have 4mm of travel before you 'bottom out'.
They're amazing keyboards that take a little while to get used to. Buy one, love it.
http://kinesis-ergo.com/contoured.htm
What you guys think about the Logitech Wave wired version?I don't want to spend a lot(so tarantula alike are out).
I was looking for a new keyboard, I'm using a revoltech lightboard xl 2,but I'm getting tired of it and I prefer the old school keys.
I bought it because I use it a lot in the dark,and the keys(F1,F2,F3...) sometimes are hard to see, the others I know their place :D
Sorry for my English.
I've no idea if it's any good for games as I don't game, but the absolute most kick ass keyboard I've ever had is the Logitech DiNovo Media Desktop. The keyboard is separate from the numpad so you can move either anywhere you like - or stick them side by side and it looks like one unit. It comes with a nice rechargeable mouse and it's all bluetooth. Includes a good bluetooth receiver that is not specific to the logitech gear so you can use it to hook up any other bluetooth device you like simultaneously.
I love the set. Almost didn't buy it due to a large number of terrible comments about it randomly unpairing on various review sites, and the price - $200. But the beauty won me over and I bought it anyway. I've not had a single problem with it. I've had it about 6 months now and it's only unpaired itself once or twice, not every day as others complained about; Both times I hit reconnect and was good to go.
The keypad has a nice LCD in it as well that displays song information, etc. You can carry it around and use it as a remote to control media. It's smart enough to track the battery status in all three devices and warn you when they get low. Anyway, I love the thing, and can't imagine switching to anything else. When mine eventually gives up the ghost some day, I hope there is something similar on the market to replace it.
Lastly, I use Vista, for reference. No idea if any of this performs well under XP, Linux, or anything else. I'd imagine driver support is one of the biggest issues so if you're not using Vista, your mileage may vary.
Forgot to mention, there is no noticeable delay in using the mouse, either, unlike an expensive RF Microsoft mouse I once bought. This mouse seems just as smooth and responsive as any wired mice I've ever owned.
I've used an old Apple keyboard (a Pro keyboard that was made in 2001 before Apple made keyboards that were cheap looking and painful) for around 7 years, but it recently broke, and I did not feel like paying the 180$ it costs to get a new one. I ended up buying the cheapest thing that I could find, a 15$ Microsoft comfort-curve keyboard, and I actually like it more due to the slight, ergonomic curve.
Nice wireless keyboard, compatible with the Wii?
I just wish that my HP & for that fact all other Laptop PC makers would put backlights on the keyboard. Kudos to Apple for doing this. I am as usual waiting for the rest to catch on and see that this is a much needed and wanted feature!!
I agree...backlit keyboards are awesome in the dark
Logitech G11(without LCD) or G15(with LCD) FTW =D
I am a fan of the Saitek Eclipse II
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=6497786&sourceid=12648537341567011533
ur forgetting the issue here... gaming.. u need to be wired. there is a lag in wireless systems that will be costly and deadly.
so for gaming u need to go wired. for typin u can have a wireless.
rite now i have a wireless natural keyboard by microsoft and its cordless intellimouse explorer 2. for typing and normal use its fantastic. but for gaming u need a wired keyboard and i liked the stock keyboard that came with my compaq pc. but i prefer a KB wit soft keys rather than hard keys.
Oh yes, and stay away from wireless keyboards, unless you want your neighbors to be able to pick up on everything you type.
you guys should make a guide to the Dorm room Must haves for tech savvy college kids
or if you have one.. post the link..