Keyboards

[Fjool]

... ones for typing on.

 

Any recommendations? I've been wondering about getting a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, which looks reasonable. Most people who have reviewed it seem to have pretty good typing skills, which must count for something.

 

Anybody using one of these? Or some alternative recommendation?

[Pooks]

I am quite a fan of the Microsoft ergonomic keyboards. They don't mix well with Whisky however. They do assist in your touch typing though. When I first got one, I noticed my fingers straying over to the other side of the keyboard.

 

Currently use the Microsoft Wireless Laser 6000 V2.0 which has a nice curved feel.

[Nigel Bridgman-Elliot]

As a touch typist of nearly 30 years now, I find the split ones a pain if you play games at all, as you cannot reach the keys easily.

 

I'm also not a fan of ones with the windows key either, I find that gets in the way!

 

I'd recommend a nice old fashioned clunky IBM keyboard built to last, a bit loud to type on, but a good feel to them.

 

I'm constantly disapointed with many of the modern membrane keyboards, give me one with old fashioned switches!

 

Also, I hear constant issues with anything wireless (Or USB come to that..), so you might want to think of something wired.

 

And finally, if you cannot touch type, I'd really recommend learning, it saves lots of time. (Says he 70wpm)

[BigMouth]

http://www.matias.ca/tactilepro/

 

I have one of these for my Mac. I wont tell you how much it cost, but it's worth every penny!

[Nigel Bridgman-Elliot]

That looks nice (And spec wise too, real switches!), is the top cover removable for when you want to remove all the crud/crumbs that hide under the keys ?

[BigMouth]

No, at least not as far as I know.

 

I just place a mirror at a 90 degree angle and turn it in a kaleidoscpe stylee

[Twerto]

I'm also not a fan of ones with the windows key either, I find that gets in the way!

 

so true.. the number of times i have died because fo that damn key..

[Fjool]

Thanks for all the replies, folks!

 

As a touch typist of nearly 30 years now, I find the split ones a pain if you play games at all, as you cannot reach the keys easily.

No, no, no; touchy-typist here and the ergonomic keyboard is an absolute necessity. So much more comfortable and fluid - I'm half surprised that it is still possible to buy the older style ones. I'm currently jammed in on a 'normal' keyboard and it's horrible; really slows one down - like running a sack-race.

[Nigel Bridgman-Elliot]

I would change but I like to play games too

 

If I had more room, I might have two keyboards to solve the issue.

 

But then, I might consider getting something like a Dvorak one as well.

 

I wonder how long we have to wait until a mind controlled keyboard comes out.. after all, you can get a mouse like that

 

http://news.softpedia.com/news/OCZ-to-Demonstrate-Mind-Controlled-Gamer-Mouse-76611.shtml

[Fjool]

I guess it rather depends on the games one plays. I play quite a few games and remap (where possible) everything to be directly under my left hand; leaving right hand to remain on mouse.

[ArabiaTerra]

I have been using the same old Trust ergonomic keyboard for the last 10 years or so. It's been a fantastic old workhorse and I don't have any problems with using it for games. It is a switch type (clicky) 'board. I don't touch type but I did manage about 60 wpm last time I checked.

 

After 10 years, you wouldn't believe how cruddy it is though. I have read in magazines that as long as you give them a decent time to dry out (about two weeks in the airing cupboard was the time quoted) then it is perfectly possible to put your keyboard through the dishwasher. I'm loathe to try this though as I think it would finally kill it.