Ask Engadget: Best chiclet keyboard for desktop use?
By Darren Murph 
posted April 15th 2010 10:34PM
posted April 15th 2010 10:34PM
We know many of you use gaming keyboards and the like, but for those who've managed to locate a decent chiclet keyboard for desktop use, why not share your source? We're sure there are plenty to go around."I am interested in building a brand new rig, and I've come to admire chiclet keyboards like those seen on various laptops and the Mac keyboard -- but I'm not a fan of the Apple tax. Is there a nice chiclet-style keyboard out there you would recommend for desktop users? I'd really like a full numeric keypad on it if possible."
Microsoft Arc Keyboard? That's kind of chiclet.
@weinerschnitzelboy
I guess I am weird but I can't stand the arc keyboard. The arc in the key layout messes my accuracy up pretty bad. I also prefer a flat keyboard (which some people hate...). Coming from a PC guy, I think the apple wireless keyboard is pretty nice, the action and spacing are perfect. The apple keyboard might be one instance where "the apple tax" is actually indicative of quality design.
@weinerschnitzelboy
You do realize that Microsoft eliminated the arrow keys on this keyboard... right? It's a fail call in an otherwise solid product.
@TareG
Well, they replaced it with the nub thingy, not eliminate it entirely. Not sure how well it would work, but I don't use the arrow keys much anyways.
@Nitesh There's also no num-pad and that seems to be used more often nowadays.
@TareG
They also eliminated the del key so when windows fails theres no way to ctrl-alt-del!!!11!
@jasonbot
Who uses ctrl+alt+del anyway? That takes you to that blue windows screen and then you have to click task manager. ctrl+shift+esc is much more direct. You can also do it with one hand.
My favorite is still the IBM 104-key clicky keyboard. Very durable, heavy weight, windows shortcut keys, removable keys for cleaning, ability to press many keys simultaneously (good for gaming!), and that wonderful tactile/sound feedback. I've been using one for over 10 years and it is still _rock solid_. Even after everything else has been upgraded, I still refuse to change it out. It's really _that_ good.
This is the quickest picture I could find from Google images:
http://cdn3.ioffer.com/img/item/279/656/12/o_HPIM0035a.JPG
Apple USB keybored looks nice...
@Mustangsamjr
my first choice if it was wireless and had black keys. went for the hp elite instead. have no complaints so far, but it's only been a week.
@these2boots
I was just thinking that they should have a wireless one with black backlit keys and a num-pad... Maybe I'm dreaming... (But white is kinda getting phased out with Apple...)
@Mustangsamjr
Agreed, best keyboard I've ever used!
@Mustangsamjr
The sony chiclet keyboard is very nice you can get it from B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/657352-REG/Sony_VGPBKB1_VGP_BKB1_Bluetooth_Wireless_Keyboard.html
It's the same style that you see used on their Vaio Z series or at least the older ones. And it's nice because it's bluetooth wireless.
@Mustangsamjr
That's what I use all the time, it was 50$ and I could not be happier to use it on my powerful PC.
@gold5225: Nice find!
@gold5225 Yes very nice.. Except for the windows key..... There needs to be a generic or switchable key there...
@APV backlit keys on a wireless keyboard would mean replacing the battery every five minutes...
@gold5225 I imagine “Stephen” may not like the price tag so much…
Looks nice though.
Or maybe he's more of a fan of the Sony “Tax” than the Apple “Tax” (sic.)
@Mustangsamjr
Just about everyone in our office uses the Apple Aluminum Keyboard, love it.
@gold5225
And it sucks because its Blue tooth Wireless.
as much as i hate apple... the apple USB keyboard is pretty nice to use and that's prob the best bang for the buck that I've seen out there.
@schultz 100% agreed, the Apple USB aluminum keyboard has the best tactile feel, nice short throw, and best layout of any keyboard on the market now.
$50 well spent.
@schultz No, I would say the logitech illuminated keyboard. It's pretty good. I hve it, and have no problems. It's about 50 dollars, very thin, and is backlit. Something that apple doesn't have.
@althon64
yeah but if you're talking about the keyboard I have in mind here... that's not a "chiclet" keyboard really. Very good keyboard no doubt, but not really the style they're looking for if I'm not mistaken. Good call though.
Logitech DiNovo Edge.
I know it's not chiclet style, but it's an excellent keyboard.
@hastings
If you can find yourself the older model, it comes with a wireless numeric pad. (sorry, missed that on the first post!)
@hastings
Agreed
@hastings
Edge user here, I like it a bunch. Holds a charge for about 1 eternity before i have to cradle it, and i usually only leave it there for a few hours when the battery starts to go. Would also suggest the illuminated keyboard by logitech as well, looks nice.
Overall, I would get the edge again, it's really solid and has lasted well over a year.
Microsoft Ark, I haven't owned it but In the time I fiddled around with it I love it
I love chiclets
@Massive Poop
Is the Microsoft Ark in any way related to Noah's Ark?
@Joseph9307 No.
@Massive Poop
I really like the microsotft wave keyboard and mouse!
But though it's not a chiclet I still love my logitech desktop wave!! :-)
HP Wireless Elite keyboard & mouse
agreeing with @MRCUR
after being on my dell xps2 for years, i can't stand big mushy keys.
i researched for months, field tested here and there where i could in-store and it's HP elite for the win. nothing too fancy, but slim, sleek and fast on the action. has some media control keys (some people will like that they are "F" keys first and formost) as well. control alt and delete are a little weird, but no big deal. i'll be used to that soon enough.
some people hate the blue flashing light on the reciever, and that's totally understandable, but a piece of electrical tape cures that fast if you need to (my case is a silverstone ft02, so the blue flash out the top is subtle and kinda cool! matches the lighting i already have in it).
@MRCUR
+1
@MRCUR
I really like the HP Wireless Elite Keyboard, but I'm not too fond of the mouse. The Microsoft Arc Mouse goes really nice with it, and together they make quite the handsome couple.
@MRCUR Arrrgghhh - they've messed up the home key cluster. Why do they do that?
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2009/02/have-keyboard-will-program.html
I have the Logitech Illuminated keyboard and it totally rocks! Not wireless, but I highly recommend it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126043&Tpk=logitech%20illuminated
@twaddington +1
I fricking love this keyboard.
@twaddington
Yep. Not chiclet, but really nice.
@twaddington
+1 also from me
Logitech illuminated one is an excellent keyboard. It From configuring at night a router or a switch on my virtual network to play games. Also very silent and i love the feeling of the keys.
@twaddington +1
That's the keyboard I use now. Had it for about 16 months and I love it.
@twaddington I can vouch for the Logitech Illuminated keyboard. I migrated from a Thinkpad to a PC a year ago and wanted a soft-touch keyboard for the transition. In short, it blows every laptop keyboard I've used away.
Not technically "chiclet", but it might be worth considering.
@twaddington
yeah it really is amazing. the speed and accuracy of it is just incredible.
@twaddington
Got one of these too and I love it. Best keyboard I've ever owned. Still very quiet after like a year of use :)
@twaddington I have it. It dominates.
@twaddington
SAME HERE!! i love this damn keyboard.
@twaddington
+1
I've had this keyboard for over a year now and it rocks. Best keyboard I ever had without any shed of a doubt.
@twaddington
It looks like I'm the only one typing on this keyboard right now, that hates it and reckons it's taken 25% off my typing speed. For gaming, perhaps, but touch typing I have to disagree...