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Currently I'm using a Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro that's about 14 years old.


But it's starting to show it's years. I'm looking at replacements, and there are way too many models of keyboard out there. I'm questioning if I want to go with an ergonomic keyboard again. I do like the shape, but I'm also trying to figure out if a "gaming" keyboard would offer any advantages.

So, what does everyone else use for a keyboard? What would you get if you were buying a new one?

TIL: @Terrik and I have polar opposite keyboards.

I'm using a Gateway keyboard from a computer I bought 10 years ago. The only "special" features it has are the volume controls and the inability to use F9 through F12 without also hitting the Fn Key, but really, who uses F9 through F12 anymore?

I use whichever keyboard was closest when I set up my computer. I also have multiple computers set up at my station (and elsewhere) so the choice is usually dictated by what was handy when I set that machine up.
I have used so-called "ergonomic" keyboards (the most outlandish of which was this one, which I still have in a box someplace), but I keep gravitating back to the good ol' 105/106-key. For me, the most important characteristic is travel, because I grew up on typewriters (electric and manual) and so I like my keys to sink in a satisfactory amount, unlike the current crop of "Chiclet" keyboards which are thin but have little to no travel.

I would love to get one of the nice buckling spring keyboards still put out by Unicomp, Inc. but am afraid my family would want to drum me out of the living room due to the noise.

--Patrick

Due to noise?

--Patrick

I pretty much just use whatever I have. I do agree with PatrThom about the travel. I can't use a keyboard without that. Needs to have good back legs as well.

I prefer the non-ergonomic rectangular keyboard.

Luckily for me, these tend to be the cheapest too. You can usually get one from like $5-$8

Tinwhistler said:

You can usually get one from like $5-$8

Click to expand...

Yah, I got a couple on closeout at OfficeMax. They ain't great, but they ain't expensive, either.

Patrick

stienman said:

F11 = full screen mode for most browsers, pdf viewers, and many other programs. Very useful.

Click to expand...

Huh. I suppose if I didn't have to work so hard to use mine I might know that.

figmentPez said:

Currently I'm using a Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro that's about 14 years old.
View attachment 15931

But it's starting to show it's years. I'm looking at replacements, and there are way too many models of keyboard out there. I'm questioning if I want to go with an ergonomic keyboard again. I do like the shape, but I'm also trying to figure out if a "gaming" keyboard would offer any advantages.

So, what does everyone else use for a keyboard? What would you get if you were buying a new one?

Click to expand...

That is the exact keyboard I am also currently using. I shudder to think what I will have to do when it gives up the ghost.

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-illuminated-keyboard-k800

just bought it this week.

but i payed way less.

You people and your fancy, illuminated keyboards. My keyboard doesn't even have letters on it.

I didn't care about the illumination, it was more about having a wireless keyboard that actually had some decent range on with a number pad. I had a good wireless keyboard/trackpad combo, but I had to stumble around in the dark whenever I had to put in anything with numbers on it because I'm better with ten key placement than I am at the numbers on the top of the keyboard. Plus it defaulted the Fkeys to their alt functions, which was dumb as hell.

I use my TV as a monitor, so I have to have a wireless keyboard and mouse to even use my computer from where I sit.

Regular Mac keyboard at work.

Some logitech thing (10+ years old) at home.

I think I have two more in my PC junk/extra parts box.

I have old keyboards for days out in the garage.

Black Widow mechanical keyboard. I love the click.

Hopefully that works. Mine is the "Version 1.0" from about 8 years ago, so the windows/start icon is different, but that's about the only difference.

Chad Sexington said:

Click to expand...

Heretic

@GasBandit @figmentPez
https://bit-tech.net/news/tech/peripherals/microsoft-revives-the-natural-keyboard-family-with-new-ergonomic-keyboard/

About $60, releasing 10/15, available here.

--Patrick

And then Microsoft stopped selling them.
But then they were revived yet again:
(avail starting in Spring 2024, looks like)

--Patrick

I'm using one of these:



Logitech G413 Full size mechanical. Got it on sale after my old Corsair keyboard bit it. I really like it. Satisfying click of the keys and it's incredibly easy to clean.

Tinwhistler said:

I prefer the non-ergonomic rectangular keyboard.

Luckily for me, these tend to be the cheapest too. You can usually get one from like $5-$8

Click to expand...

Still using the cheapies. Logitech K120 as of the moment.