Ask Engadget: Best chiclet keyboard for desktop use?

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Stephen, who digs this new chiclet keyboard craze, but wants one for his desktop. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"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."

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.

[Shad Posted Apr 16th 2010 2:05AM]

I went through the same dilemma a few months ago. Really wanted a chiclet keyboard. The apple one didn't match my black computer/monitor, and the sony one was really expensive and bluetooth only.

I searched FOREVER until I found one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823204019&cm_re=i-rocks-_-23-204-019-_-Product

Cheap (it was actually much cheaper back when I bought it), and I've been using it for 5 months or so with no problems. I really like the feel and it's nicely built.

[Ayumin Posted Apr 16th 2010 9:09AM]

@Shad Love that keyboard. Def a very good option for cheap!

[pidge Posted Apr 16th 2010 2:16AM]

Sony VGP-BKB1 FTW
Apple keyboard comes in second place.

[marcomera Posted Apr 16th 2010 3:02AM]

@thetickler
Riders suck! :)

[leo1010 Posted Apr 16th 2010 3:12AM]

Desktop chicklet keyboards are not that easy to find but i found one.

http://www.usbgeek.com/prod_detail.php?prod_id=1211

Came through Hong Kong :D

[redamaleki Posted Apr 16th 2010 3:45PM]

@leo1010 Looks like meritline carries a fairly similar keyboard.
http://www.meritline.com/avs-gear-ez-ike-101-usb-ultra-slim-keyboard-black---p-40207.aspx

[c0mput0r Posted Apr 16th 2010 3:34AM]

One thing to keep in mind when looking for a new keyboard is how bad the key ghosting or "key blocking" is on the keyboard you are looking at.
http://uberoptions.net/logitech-keyblocking
http://www.microsoft.com/appliedsciences/AntiGhostingExplained.mspx

I cant say I have ever had a problem with ghosting/blocking but doing a little research on what you are about to spend money on is always a good idea.

[RedLeader Posted Apr 16th 2010 3:46AM]

If you want a really small keyboard the Rii Mini is great. It has an integrated touchpad and is very compact.

[Emil Posted Apr 16th 2010 5:26AM]

I buy old IBM servers/workstations keyboards. I get five or six for $3 and keep them for rainy day. It's not M series, but still for someone who type a lot -- quite decent keyboard.

[Emil Posted Apr 16th 2010 5:47AM]

@Emil I'm a moron. I just noticed "chiclet". Well, Apple's wireless keyboard is really nice.

[Dummy00001 Posted Apr 16th 2010 5:33AM]

I personally do not like chiclet keyboards.

For desktop use, if you really in need of a good keyboard not a look of the keyboard, then probably Das Keyboard is the best right now. http://www.daskeyboard.com/

Otherwise, my personal recommendation is the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. It's a split keyboard. Bit too much of unnecessary buttons (e.g. F lock & favorites crap). Half decent (unobtrusive and somewhat useless) drivers from M$ itself. Great for touch typing.

Also note that Apple's laptops do not really have a chiclet keyboard, main property of which is the short travel distance of keys (~2mm). Keys on Apple laptops have relative long travel distance. Probably not the full 3.5mm, but quite close to it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_technology

[Zhuzhu Posted Apr 16th 2010 8:06AM]

You're welcome to the crappy Apple keyboard that came with my Mac Pro, if I can figure out which junk box I dumped it into. I'll throw in the mouse, too.

Jobsian peripherals have never been something to be admired.

[espentan Posted Apr 16th 2010 8:17AM]

If you're a true geek, I guess Das Keyboard is the one to have.

Preferably the Ultimate model, with blank buttons:
http://www.daskeyboard.com/daskeyboard_model_s_ultimate.php

[dougdeep Posted Apr 16th 2010 11:17AM]

I love my Thinkpad keyboard. No, not on the laptop. The standalone with numeric keypad that has the same keys as a Thinkpad. It's awesome. Complete with nipple and touchpad.

[dweezilb Posted Apr 16th 2010 12:12PM]

@dougdeep
I'm surprised it took this long for someone to mention the Thinkpad keyboard. Best keyboard in the business if you don't want something loud like the Das Keyboard or old IBM Model M:
http://www.geek.com/articles/chips/new-cheaper-thinkpad-usb-keyboard-released-2009092/

[msgyrd Posted Apr 16th 2010 2:16PM]

What's this fictional, flame-baiting "Apple Tax"? Does a Microsoft keyboard incur a MS tax? You can buy the Apple keyboards by themselves, and they're great products. They cost basically the same as similar quality competing products. I have one attached to a linux box and it works fine. It feels very solid, unlike other creaky and noisy hunks of plastic.

The only "gotcha" is the Super/Command/Windows key is swapped around with the Alt key (and it's actually nicer, because I use the "super" modifier key way more than alt, and the placement works better for hitting it with your thumb with less hand movement).

[Cleecanth Posted Apr 16th 2010 4:25PM]

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard/devices/4740

Logitech illuminated keyboard. It's a bit on the expensive side but the typing experience is great.

[jaklaeq Posted Apr 16th 2010 4:55PM]

Browser-based and free
http://meraki.com/tools/stumbler/

[didjamatic Posted Apr 16th 2010 5:10PM]

Here is your answer: Rub the "L" off your forehead and get a proper mechanical keyboard instead of a Chiclet POS. Get an IBM Model M, Filco, Realforce or even a Das but for heavens sake, act like you've got a pair.

[leewhat2004 Posted Apr 16th 2010 5:52PM]

This what my friend using it now, got it for about $14-$15 after converted...
http://www.sensonic-global.com/images/product/pcessentials/keyboard/u3_large1.jpg

[madmanmostafa Posted May 25th 2010 12:36PM]

I actually went through a similar new keyboard hunt when my G15 died. I ended up settling with the bigger apple keyboard. The one with the built in numpad. If you're running windows like me, load up Hot Keyboard Pro and make a script to use the additional F13-F19 keys as media keys and volume keys. Aside from that, it's a great durable keyboard. I can type around 133 wpm on it considering it's size and it not being mechanical.

There was a review in the past where someone uses pretty much only mechanical keyboards and when he used the Apple, it was welcomed. It's pretty understandable why. The keyboard is cheap and great. It has 1 problem though, and it's not that bad since you end up getting used to it. And that's the space bar being excessively noisy compared to the rest of the keyboard. Aside from that, it's a great keyboard. The height is forces you to stay at isn't that bad, and it even has some usb ports on the side.

[pwnstr Posted Jun 16th 2010 11:47AM]

I'm not a fan of the "apple tax" either. that being said, i have the apple k/b for my pc and it's worth the money easily. the keyboard is aluminum and is built excellent and has some weight to it so it certainly doesn't look OR feel cheap.