The Ultimate Keyboard Ownership Poll & Discussion

Dual Use Thread - Poll for keyboard ownership (soon to be posted) and discussion about keyboards (why you like or dislike certain things, favorite brand/model, ect)
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Lets kick this off, I need to create my poll and so I need a good solid list of keyboards to populate for the poll so you guys post me a list of all the keyboards you can think of.

Also I would like to discuss things like what keyboard you prefer or would want and why. So dont just say you like keyboard X because you own it, think about what you would like even if you do not own it.

Me right now I have a new Saitek Eclipse2 I got because my Saitek Gamer keyboard had a very good key response and feel, and I wanted the backlight keys, I also really like the palm rest since I do not have good typing posture and rest my hands on the desk instead of holding them up over the keyboard.

However I am thinking about moving to a mechanical keyboard soon to see if it makes my typing faster/better. So I am looking at my mechanical keyboard options.

Probably will get one that has the mechanical switches & a backlight but they are pretty expensive since that makes it in the enthusiast/gamer type category.

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I like my laptop keyboard cuz I own it and got used to it

Okay for externals, I have zero ownership for now. Thinking of getting one and see if it'll make any difference for gaming though. Razer Blackwidow gets my attention for the one I want to try.

Though I do want a Razer Marauder myself cuz us cats like pwetty lights :3

 

I kind of like the Blackwidow.

The standard one @ $80 is reasonable, but if you want the lights the price goes up to $130 I think this is sort of marketing because they know most of the consumer base will have to have the LED's since its a Razer product.

If I was paying in the $130ish range I would probably go with a Deck keyboard due to quality, but not completly sure as the Blackwidow has the macro keys and stuff that will be nice and any money saved is money saved.

Also its no help that my Razer Orochi is messed up and its been 8 days since I filed for support and they have not got back to me yet when they say they get back to you in "24 hours in most cases" I expect boutique brands to have top class customer support since there image and reputation are the sole thing that warrants the higher cost of there items, and right now they are not living up to a "Razer" name IMO.

 

I have a Creative Fatal1ty that I like. I picked it up because I was looking for a good backlit keyboard (not as common a couple of years ago) for writing. Of the ones I saw, I liked the simple layout (no dedicated gaming keys...just a 104-key with EL behind it) but could not find it in stock. Circuit City had demos in stores but no stock. I asked at one store, and they said that they stopped carrying them, so I asked if they'd sell the demo. The sales rep checked, and found out that the demo keyboards had the USB plug cut. So I offered $10 and then soldered in a new cord when I got it home. So for a $10 keyboard, it's awesome.

 

I use the Microsoft Sidewinder X6 because it's one of the only backlit keyboards that can be used without a number pad. My desk is very small, and I often work in the dark (getting up at 4:30 a.m. most days does that). It also works when plugged into a USB hub, and the dials to adjust backlight and system volume are nice.

There are certainly other keyboards that have nicer backlighting, mechanical switches, and other features, but for my specific needs there was no better choice.

 

Excellent thread topic, Vicious. I love the way you started it.

I own a Deck Legend. I paid $155 for it about 3 years ago. With that kind of money at stake for a keyboard, I did plenty of research and tried out several other keyboards in that price range before I bought. I expect it to be the last keyboard I ever buy. Here is why I bought the Deck Legend:

Advantage: Mechanical Keyswitches - makes for a better *KEY*board

Other keyboards like the Saitek Eclipse, Logitech G15, etc try to sell you on gimmicks... cheap backlighting, programmable keys, etc. They all hide the fact that they are in fact, poor *KEY*boards based off of membrane-based keyboard technology. Membrane keyboards are notoriously "sloppy" and "loose", especially after about 1 year of use.

Mechanical keyboards perform more consistantly, have better key stroke motions (even pressure throughout keystroke, whereas membranes will "break" the resistance once you hit a threshold), and last longer than other keyboard technologies. They also last about 5x longer than membrane keyboards (50million keystroke life vs 10million keystroke life), and keep the same consistent keystroke motion and feel throughout their entire life. A mechanical keyswitch will never get "loose" or "mushy" after use like a membrane keyboard will, and will not wear unevenly if you use certain keys more than others.

The mechanical switch motion is so awesome that my 59-year old mother-in-law tried my keyboard, and bought one for herself. It looks a little weird for a middle-aged woman to have a flashy backlit keyboard. But she LOVES it.

Advantage: Build Quality

The Deck Legend is VERY well built. Individual LEDs for each key, solid 2-pound construction, and fully supported by the company with a nice long warranty (even if you rip the keyboard apart and mod it - they still honor the warranty).

From Manyak on Overclock.net: The Deck Legend can be used as a weapon if someone breaks into your house. Try that with a Logitech G19 and you'll get laughed at.

Disadvantage: No Extra Frills

The Deck Legend is a solidly-built backlit mechanical keyboard, and does that job well. However, it doesn't do much beyond a simple keyboard (and blunt weapon). If you want things like multimedia keys, macro keys & software, LCD display, a USB hub, headphone port, etc, then you will need to look elsewhere

Porno Pics:

My Setup - Computer, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Headphones, Headphone Amp


Close-up of keyboard​

 

Yeah the Deck is one I am looking at also. For a while it was one of the few mech keyboards.

Now there are quite a few alternatives so I have to make sure I do the best purchase. The Razer one looks good for about the same price and even has a few of the "friils" like the media keys and macro buttons.

 

I'd give the guide a quick read, and the site for that matter if you don't already know it (which you should if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard).

Default:START HERE --> The Geekhack Mechanical Keyboard Guide - Includes Glossary and Links - geekhack forums

For my first mechanical board, I just picked a switch (MX Blue), and found the cheapest board with it. I am not going to drop $100+ on something I am not 100% on. Whilst I loved the tactile feedback and the typing accuracy of it (iOne Scorpius M10, $50 shipped). The MX Blue switches were too loud and too light for my liking. I am using a Cherry (their own branded boards) G80-11900. It has a compact layout and MX Black (linear) switches. That cost me $45 shipped from the US. I found the MX Black switches to be stiffer (as expected), and more comfortable to type on, more importantly, an awful lot quieter.

There are plenty of ebay bargains to be found if you are just looking for something to try. Don't worry about the back light, worry about how you like the feel of the keyboard first.

 

You mechanical keyboard nerds are all crazy

All I want is one that's backlit and has a decent feel, and I'm cheap. Just picked up one of these for $30 on a [H]ardForum deal, gonna see how it goes: Newegg.com - Microsoft SideWinder X6 Black Keyboard Win USB English

 

I think you'll be very happy with the X6 at that price. The only real annoyance with it is that there are no adjustable feet, but you get used to it after a while.

 

Nerdery is fun.

It's what makes us do things like... you know... post on internet forums about laptops.

 

i REALLY like the arc keyboard

Microsoft - Arc Wireless Keyboard - J5D-00001

i havent bought it yet, but i have tried it out at best buy and i love it. im going to get it when i scrounge up the 50 bucks. (i have more important things to get for now)

it has ALMOST everything i am looking for: wireless; no number pad; small, yet full sized keys; small wireless dongle. the only con to it that i can see is that it has no arrow keys. but i can live without them. i dont use them much.

currently i am using a saitek keyboard. its ok. but i would like the above.

 

That keyboard is $38 at Amazon. Free shipping and if you live in the right state, no sales tax. Just make sure you select Amazon.com as the seller as the site doesn't default to it.

 

Can you get me actual widths with and w/o the numpad attached? Also, doe the numpad work when seperated from the main body?

Thanks.

 

It isnt super fancy but I love my OCZ Elixir keyboard, it was cheap, the keys feel nice and I like the button placements
OCZ Alchemy Series Elixir Keyboard - OCZ

 

The Topre Capactive switches are supposed to be top notch - some say they feel as good or better than even mechanical switches! But at $250+ USD, not for the faint of heart!

Default:Topre/Realforce Reference - all things topre - geekhack forums

A good guide that I tend to recommend is:

Mechanical Keyboard Guide - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net

As for my dream keyboard, I'm waiting for this to come out so that I can test it out:

TrulyErgonomic.com-Home - the only Truly Ergonomic Computer Keyboard on the planet

 

Not to knock the keyboard itself, but I am mildly piqued at their deceptive advertising. They claim that their keyboard has a smaller footprint than a regular keyboard, but retains all the keys, except that they're comparing their footprint to the footprint of a keyboard with a number pad... when their keyboard lacks one. If they compared their keyboard to a number pad-less keyboard, the footprint is about similar (maybe still smaller, but not nearly to the extent they claim).

 

With number pad: 20"
Without: 16.5"

No.

 

Razer Blackwidow Ultimate. Cherry Blue switches. I guess I can say my m11x drew me into backlit keyboards...

 

Thanks. I am deciding between the Sidewinder and Logitech K800. I don't really need an gaming functions, it took me 6 months to play through Mass Effect 1, so I obviously don't game too much. But I like the small size when the numpad is detached. I need to decide if the reported 18.4" width of the K800 leaves enough usable space for a mouse in my desk keyboard drawer. If anyone has the K800, I'd greatly appreciate real-world measurement of width. I got 18.4" off Amazon, they are not always accurate.

 

+1

I'm looking for a backlit keyboard. Problem is I like ergo/natural keyboards. Using a MS 4000 now, was using a MS Natural Pro before that and a MS Natural Elite before that. I tried a Logitech Elite keyboard years ago but wasn't a big fan of the layout. This is all really funny because obviously my Dell 640m, Alienware M11x, and Sony F series laptops all use non-natural keyboards and I use a standard keyboard for work.

I'm tempted to make the move to the Razer Black Widow Ultimate but I'm also considering the Logitech G19 or G510. My problem is I like the screen and the dedicated multimedia buttons on my current keyboard and the Logitech keyboards. If the Razer had those I'd jump on it, I'm also wishing Logitech does a G510/G19 style with mechanical keys.

 

Well, this one is a relatively easy one.

If you care about multimedia keys, programmable macro keys, and an LCD display instead of mechanical switches, then the Logitech G19 is the keyboard for you.

If you care about mechanical keyswitches above multimedia keys and an LCD display, then you can pick from a few mechanical backlit keyboards.

I am stealing a post from Phaedrus2129 on Overclock.net that made a summary about it. Be aware that one of the key takeaways I got from the thread is that not all mechanical keyswitches are created equal - the general concensus is that Cherry MX Black switches are superior to Cherry MX Blue switches for gaming.


Let me boil it down for you in regards to backlit mechanicals.


Deck Legend 104
Pros:
- Extremely good build quality (high quality plastic, thick backplate, tight tolerances)
- Doubleshot keycaps
- Industrial grade LEDs that will last 20 years
- NKRO
- MX Black or Clears
- Variety of colors available
- Great warranty
Meh:
- Expensive
Cons:
- No macros or media keys

XArmor U9BL
Pros:
- NKRO
- Relatively inexpensive
- Media keys
Meh:
- Lasered/Rubberized/Dye-sub keycaps
- Average build quality
- MX Blue switches
Cons:
- No macro keys

XArmor U9GBL
Pros:
- NKRO
- Relatively inexpensive
- Media keys
- 12 macro keys
Meh:
- Lasered/Rubberized/Dye-sub keycaps
- Average build quality
- MX blue switches
Cons:
- Not yet released

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate
Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Media keys
- 6 macro keys
Meh:
- Lasered/Rubberized/Dye-sub keycaps
- Average build quality
- MX Blue switches
Cons:
- 2KRO
- Razer BS marketing
- Limited availability until December

 

Looking more like a Deck is the keyboard for me. I think the MX Black is the switch I would like.

 

what exactly is N-key rollover? Im considering the Blackwidow but im not sure how having a 2KRO will affect me. I definately prefer the Mx blues, they are nicer to type with and for gaming whatever keys doesnt really make any difference.

 

Key rollover means how many keyboard keys can be simultaneously depressed and still be registered by the computer.

N-Key Rollover (NKRO) means any number / combination of keys can be simultaneously depressed and still be registered by the computer (in the order in which they were depressed).

2-Key Rollover (2KRO) means that only the first 2 keys simultaneously depressed will be reliably registered by the computer. Depressing a 3rd key will lead to unpredictable results, depending on the exact key(s) depressed and the circuitry of the keyboard. The 3rd key may register properly, may be ignored, or may create a "phantom" key that ends up registering a different key altogether.

The on-paper specs of the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate really had me consider buying one. But it is the 2KRO that makes that keyboard unacceptable for me. Imagine that you're playing an FPS. You're holding down (Shift)(W) to run forward, and then you hit (R) to reload. Nothing happens, because of 2KRO.

I'm not surprised. They had to cut corners somewhere to get a backlit gaming mechanical keyboard down to $130, and still pay for all of their deceptive marketing. Now we know where those corners were cut.

 

Still been researching stuff.

MX Blue are supposed to be great for typing but not so great about aggressive gaming that requires lots of buttons pressed fast and accurately. apparently they can double press easy.

Seems competitive gaming likes the MX Blacks, but they say they are not as good as the Blues for typing but still better than membrain.

Now here is the thing about the Razer Blackwidow. I started to read the reviews at newegg and every 3 or 4 reviews was something bad.

The stuff like "easy to press key X due to different key layout" I ignored because you can/will get used to a new keyboard.

The one that really has me worried is I saw a lot of people say they get stuck keys, or having a key press another key next to it when the other key is not pressed, especially with the space bar.

Somebody even made a video:

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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C_-MTaFbQvc?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="390" width='640'>

Another thing I did not notice at first is the blackwidow is glossy in a lot of places, really horrible design idea IMO for something your hands will be all over all the time.

I do like how it has a palm rest though while the Deck does not as I do use them and that is a primary reason I got a new Saitek keyboard because I love the palm rest it uses, its shaped great and adjustable.

As for the N-Key thing, its how many keys you can press at once and have them register.

USB is limited to 6 keys at once, but unless your playing a game that requires more than 6 keys it should never effect you.

The Deck keyboards if you choose PS/2 instead of USB do have unlimited key press so you can press more than 6 keys. I used to play a game I loved called O2Jam and it did use 7 keys at once.... so could not play expert level with a usb keyboard.


So despite the somewhat attractive price, and the really nice media/macro keys on the Blackmamba I think its going to get crossed off my list and now I am looking at the Deck and the XArmor keyboards. I am glad somebody posted about those as they look really nice and like a good middle point between the deck and blackwidow. One model has the macro keys, and it has the palm rest I want and still seems to have great build quality.

I think the Deck though without a doubt still wins the build quality/support award, its just really no-frills with no media/macro. I like having they as I did actually use them often. Now however I can control volume from my audio hardware and so I just leave computer volume 100% all the time I could live without the media keys, and if I need macro I would maybe just use auto hotkey or something.

PS - I think MX Brown sounds like the best mech switch. Like a nice middle ground between blue and black. Tactile no click but they seem to be really hard to find.

 

I use a Das Keyboard Model S Professional. Retails for $135.
http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-silent/
Uses MX browns, 2 USB 2.0 ports on the side.

If you plug it into a PS/2 port, it has unlimited Nkey rollover. USB it has 6. (usb maximum spec)

It is about the loudest I could get away with in a office environment.. If by myself, would probably get the model with the MX blues.. Very solid keyboard, should last me forever.

 

Just added a neat little addition to this thread, first post.

Its a simple typing test and a form to fill out so we can compare to each other.

Feel free to take the test multiple times before you submit your score, but once you do only do it once.

I tested @ 91 worlds per minute no errors on my 2nd or 3rd try but now I am so sleepy I am getting worse not better and I do not have all my scores from the test when I got 91wpm so I will retest and post my score later.


@kivnul, thanks for the link. The Das Keyboard looks really good for the money. I had seen it before but only the one with blank keys. I did not know it has an option for keys w/ letters and it cost less than I thought it did.

It has both blue & brown options to boot so definitely keeping that one on my list.

 

@Vicious.......About key switches, I actually found the MX Blacks alot easier to "double hit" than the Blues. Mainly because there is no tactile feedback at all. I used the Blues board for gaming through out the summer and I didn't have issues with it other than the noise. Personally I don't like browns, they are too light (45g), heck I found the Blues too light.

I wouldn't go for the blackwidow either. Purely because of the rubberised coating. That, will wear off.

Mine has a rather funky layout.

Honestly, I don't think I have ever had that happened to me, even with my $10 cheapo Logitech. Mind you, there are plenty of people out there using "normal" keyboards.

 

Yeah still yet more research and a lot of youtube videos later.

Blue seems good for typing & gaming. Probably not a cheap keyboard like the Blackwidow though.

I think when my keyboard kicks the bucket at work I will attempt to get a good keyboard with browns in it because I cant disturb other people at work, however for home its going to be blues probably.

We have not had much mention but there is still clear and red also. I do believe red is the super light depress, significantly lower than even the brown.

Not too sure where clear falls in.

 

+1 for das keyboard, I have the noisy one with the blank keys. It feels just like the IBM model M that I beat into the ground years ago.

 

I cant see the point of the blank keys really myself other than if you consider it "cool" for some reason.

I touch type and do not have to look at the keys, but I would still prefer to have them labeled.

 

At the time that I got mine, I bought it refurbished direct from the manufacturer, and blank was the only option. I saved a few bucks, and it doesn't really make any difference to me since it's a standard layout.

 

It would be hell if I used that in the office, nobody else would be able to type with it

 

I prefer blank when I was trying Dvorak. That would really f coworkers hahaha.

TrulyErgonomic.com-Home - the only Truly Ergonomic Computer Keyboard on the planet

Also uses Cherry Browns. The design layout intrigues me and I can't wait for it to be released to see how it types. Does anyone here have a Topre capacitive switch keyboard or have used one (and compared it to the Cherry mechanical switches)?

 

I like how the TruErgo has a small footprint. It really does feel a bit awkward to have the keyboard off to the left of my monitor to have my mouse in place when they should fit both directly in front.

Maybe I could even go with the small version of the Deck if I want to reduce the keyboard size, but I really think I would rather keep the full keyboard layout.

At home maybe small is ok, in office though I need the 10 key for excel and other data entry.

My only qualm with the TrErgo is that its so different, that once you get used to it you will suck with all other keyboards, if your like me and use computers at work and home that is a bad thing.

 

I probably shouldn't have sold my HHKB, they were simply awesome in terms of typing, but mac-oriented key layouts and shortcuts made me prefer realforce keyboards over them.

But then, after selling HHKB, I couldn't find a decent used realforce...

 

Hey guys more people need to take the typing test on the first post!

As for my current standing.

For the switches I think I would most prefer Brown or Clear. The tactile kind without the click.

I would not mind the click of the Blues if that is all I was doing is typing but I am often recording a gameplay video for youtube or on voice communication via my Mumble server so I do not want to have the clicks picking up on the microphone.

Brown & Clear sound about the same but with Clear being a bit more force to press and thus not as easy to bottom out. I think this will help me type faster learning a shorter key stroke than the Browns even though they take less force.

The Deck keyboards come with Clear and its one of the brands I am seriously considering.

I am also looking at the Das keyboard quite seriously and it comes with the Browns.

No backlight but its quite a bit cheaper than the Deck and still seems to be built around the same quality.

I still want to look at the Xarmor keyboards also but there site is down, I wonder if they are no longer in business? (been down for 2 days)

 

the best keyboard on the face of the earth
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Im waiting for the next version of that to come out, the one with the added macro keys and stuff.

Like I just said though the Xarmor site has been down for at least the last 2 days and I am having trouble finding products for them on sale anywhere so I wonder if they have gone out of business.

 

I have to wonder how they do their points, because I had 2 nearly identical scores that are kinda different; 380 points at 490 characters per minute, 90 right words, 0 wrong, and 90 wpm, and 381 points at 479 characters per minute, 87 right words, 0 wrong, and 87 wpm. Final submitted score, just on a points basis is 385 points, 492 characters per minute, 88 right words, 1 wrong, and 88 wpm. On that topic, maybe you should put in characters per minute as a field on the submission form?

Oh, and for the record, typed on my 8740w (non-backlit) keyboard.

 

On my laptop (Dell XPS M1330):
377 Points, 97 Words-Per-Minute

On my desktop (Deck Legend Keyboard):
388 points, 100 Words-Per-Minute

Typing away on a mechanical keyboard sounds cool

 

Typing with my Filco Browns now , and its the tenkeyless version .
no frills , just pure typing pleasure

i like the tenkeyless due how small the space it consumed and when you need to switch between mouse <-> keyboard its easier because the distance is not so far , translates into less fatique hand
(i bet some troll will came out with the omgzzzxzxpwnage optimus maximus keyboard even though they never own it )

 

Sweet 100wpm that is my goal, just to hit triple digits. I can get about 85+ on average on this test, and 90+ on a good run but not quite that 100 mark.

I hope a new keyboard helps some.

 

I did the test before and I had around 80wpm, I will try it again later.

For me, a mech keyboard really did help. I moved from a Logitech Wave (urgh) and my wpm improved by a substantial margin, kinda surprised me.

 

I just hit 96 on one run but with 5 mistakes :/

Im only getting worse now so I need a break and some sleep.

I think I see how the score goes. I had a much higher score on a lower wpm test but I noticed the words were longer and harder. So there must be a point value associated with each word. So harder words = more points.

I was 396 points on my best run with 93wpm and 3 mistakes. Was close to 10,000 in rank.

 

It probably won't help you type faster. It will just feel more awesome as you're trying.

 

Well right now I can tell the membrane keyboard I am on takes more force than I want to put into the keys when typing fast.

So that is why I am getting slower the more I take the test, if I could just "tap" the keys instead of "pushing" I think I would indeed get faster.

 

Yup, because you have to "bottom out" on a membrane keyboard for the keys to register. The articulation point is much higher on many mech keyboards.

 

You want Cherry MX Black switches, then. They have equal, even resistance along the entire keystroke length, and allows you to "tap" the keys and half-actuate them to register a keystroke.

Cherry MX Blacks move with an even motion (like a spring) and do not "click" with resistance (like a mouse click) like Cherry MX Blues do. I first noticed that on my keyboard (uses Cherry MX Black keyswitches) when I used to raid in WoW, and had to keep spamming Frostbolt (bound to "1" key).