Sony SZ keyboard -- how weird is it?

I am thinking of getting an SZ, but am hesitating because of the keyboard. I tried it out at a store, and while it was odd, it seemed like something I probably could get used to. I am wondering a few things about this style of keyboard:

- I will be typing a lot on the computer; does the lack of space between the flat keys make it difficult to locate keys by tactile feel alone? Or, is this just simply a matter of getting used to it. I guess basically I'd like to know if once you get used to it, if it is as easy to type on as any other keyboard.

- Is this type of keyboard found on any other computers? I'm wondering just how unusual it is. It seems very different from even macbook keyboards. Is it some new design that a lot of laptops will use or something unique to sony?

-Is it designed this way simply to save space, or is there some other advantage to it?

Any info is appreciated.

 

the keyboard is fine to me, no problems typing for long periods of time. and no problem finding keys by touch

 

to me, the keyboard is sloppy. Too much play in the keys. I am getting more used to it, as one would to any keyboard. Its the one thing im disappointed with, but as i mentioned elsewhere, im coming from a Thinkpad, which has keyboards that rival the best desktop keyboards in action and feel

 

I think that Sony is the only company that uses that type of keyboard. I've read that it can be noisy because of the clickiness.

 

For me keyboard is fine when im just typing!! But when Im playing Games the might damage the keys in the keyboard i just connect and external usb keyboard and mouse just to be safe not to damage the lappy.

 

One word LOUD!! You will get used to it but coming from another computer it is a change....

 

i got myself one of those silicone keyboard membrane for my sz483, and it seems to help reduce the typing noise.

 

I was worried about my SZ but after having it for over a month now I can honestly say that the keyboard has far exceeded my expectations...

And if any of you have heard me preach on this before... forgive me but:

GET THE BLACK KEYBOARD!! If you still get the crappy silver keyboard then heaven help you

 

i would get the silver one but only because it would match because mines a regular sz

 

I have the SZ680 and I really like how the keys feel when pressed. Yes it's a bit loud but it gives a very satisfying click. The spacing is fine too. And unlike my previous S170, this one actually has individual Home/End/Page Up/Page Down keys which is great.

And yes - get the black keyboard. I love the all-black look of my SZ.

A somewhat unrelated comment - I wish Sony had included some media keys above the keyboard. For volume, play/stop, etc. Quite handy to have.

 

For me it was just getting used to.. Took a couple days.. Still hit the "up" arrow instead of shift occasionally though

 

It will take a couple of days to get used to, but it's fine after the trial period. In fact I found myself hunting for the delete key in the top right corner on my work laptop (old Dell Inspiron 1150), so I guess that I acclimated pretty quickly to it.

Comparing to the Dell it does seem a little soft in the keys, but that's just the difference in manufacturing. Also, as far as noise, it IS noisy if you come from another laptop like the Dells, since they are harder to press and the Vaios are softer...so the end result is that we are striking the Sony's keys too hard. Again, after the two weeks are passed you probably will have lightened your strokes and it will all be good to go. I happen to like both keyboards for all of the different reasons, but I don't like switching back and forth...either use one or the other and stick with it (it takes half an hour to swap over for me).

My only problem with the Sony is that I seem to have the occasional letters not type when I'm moving pretty quick. I've heard others complain about this too, but I don't know if it has to do with us typing too fast for it to register or if it goes along with the problem of three keys can't be pressed at the same time (mainly gamers experience this with arrows, shift and other keys). I think it's a combination of the two, since typing very quickly could find one key being released as the spacebar is down and the next letter is pressed too, all in a fraction of a second...

But it's not that annoying, only for those of us with 3000+ word papers, etc.

 

NTX: I get missed keys at times too. I dont think im missing them, the keyboard just doesnt seem to pick up a key every now and then.

 

Yeah, no one seems to know if it's a harware or software glitch, either. I've found that if I slow down just a little bit that it makes it better, but it's still a pain typing passwords when you don't know if it's getting everything just right. Guess I need to get everything set to the biometrics so I won't have to worry about it.