Spreadsheets.
Word documents.
Games.
Email.
Skype.
All of these things, when used on a modern PC, rely heavily on a keyboard. I use mine constantly, and though I'm not what I would normally call a particularly picky user... I'm starting to have some issues.
I bought my keyboard and mouse combo about 2 1/2 years ago. They were 20 bucks on clearance at Walmart together, and that's honestly a steal, since they're a Logitech K350 and an M510, respectively. They've both served me well, but the keyboard is starting to become a real problem. Some of the keys have been a little sticky since I first got it: the spacebar doesn't like to press with the left thumb (my typical spacing preference, given I'm a gamer,) and the 10 key has always been iffy. That said, it's only recently that things have gotten to the point of legitimate problem rather than minor annoyance, as more and more of the keys are rubbing each other and just generally getting in each others' way, or at least that's what it feels like.
I type. A LOT. Stories (YES I'm still writing!,) and blogs and skype and, lately, a whole lot of applications. I'm also slowly learning a bit of coding, and that necessitates a solidly-functional keyboard as well. So, I'm looking to retire my keyboard, and probably my mouse as well since if I'm upgrading accessories I might as well go whole hog.
Here's the deal: what keyboards do y'all recommend? I've had good luck with membrane and even chicklet keyboards in the past, but this upgrade I'm likely going to finally make the jump to mechanical simply for the supposed reliability and stability it offers. I also want a keyboard with the 10 key portion on it, since I've never been comfortable with the number row for typing digits and tend to default to data entry mode for that stuff (and it's also nice for older games like Duke 3D.)
Right now I'm looking at the following 4 models on Amazon:
--Azio MGK1-K (64.99)
--Velocifire VM01 (39.99)
--EagleTec KG010-N (37.99)
--Reddragon K551-N Vara (37.99)
My normal tendency would be to go for Logitech since I've liked their products ever since I was a young 'un, but I just can't work the pricing for their mechanical offerings into my budget, and if I'm going to buy a keyboard sight unseen it's gonna be new, not used. It seems reviews suggest the RedDragon might be my best bet as a daily driver, with the softest key action of the bunch... but I really do want others' opinions here.
Melanie E.
Comments
Azio
I have the Azio Vision backlit USB keyboard. It's wired but is nicely responsive. Haven't had it long enough to talk about durability but so far I've been pleased and it was only $25.
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"Cortana is watching you!"
I have two of these.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genuine-Original-Keyboard-KB813-Sma...
Basically indestructable. The USB cable is pretty long as well.
I got mine secondhand for £5 each about 10 years ago and were in daily use until the back end of last year. I still use them today on my office systems (Linux Server and Hackintosh)
Samantha
This one could be my
This one could be my favourite too just I like 'em white so now I use Logitech 350.
Keyboard..
I'm still using an old black Logitech Model Y-ST39. I found it in a thrift shop for a dollar.. I've had it for years and I have no idea how old it was before I bought it and put it to use. It's still puttering right along though..
My OLD Logitech wired laser mouse finally died last year after 15 or so years of service so I broke down and bought an Anker Gaming mouse model DS-2368. I like it fairly well but would still rather have my old mouse if it were serviceable.
Blossom
I've had a second hand Dell keyboard before.
I liked it, but they're still membrane keyboards, so not really what I'm looking for :D Good taste though!
Melanie E.
Membrane KB's
The Dell that I mentioned is not a membrane KB. The switches are mechanical. so from your list
--10 key - Tick
--Wired - Tick
--Mechanical keys - Tick
--USB connectivity (though PS2 would be acceptable - Tick it is USB
--New, not used - Yes you can get new ones if you shop around and read the specs carefully.
--No RGB (I don't even like LEDs inside my case) - There are simple indicators such as Caps Lock/ Num Lock. They are all grouped in a flat area so putting some black tape over them (like laptop cameras!) is simple.
--Decent elevation - Tick. Has pull out feet.
--No more than 65$ - Not sure about US Costs.
The only drawback I see with them is that the black attracts the dust like a magnet so regular cleaning is essential.
As I said, I have had two for a long time and they are my 'goto' KB's. I have sent many more modern ones to recycling.
Samantha
Really?
The Dell keyboard I had was membrane and looked a lot like those, plus additional USB ports and media keys, but minus the card reader thing. Mechanical switches on the military ones like this eh? Hmm.
Looks like it runs the 25-40 dollar mark here, so within budget. I'll add it to the options, thanks!
Melanie E.
I use a Corsair K70 RGB Series
but if you wan reliability of mechanical switches without the noise level get this one:
http://www.corsair.com/en-us/strafe-mechanical-gaming-keyboa...
Cherry makes the best rated switches for mechanical keyboards and they developed the mx silent at corsairs request, and hey are much quieter.
if you have any extra money and want a different color back light setup get one of the RGB ones. You can pick the color you like or create pre-sets you can switch between depending on your mood, the lighting, well anything really.
"Cortana is watching you!"
wireless kbd
I have a Logitech K750 wireless solar-powered keyboard. No batteries to change or recharge, I just leave it sitting in the sun for a few hours every month or two. :) I've had it for over a year. I find it superior to the Apple Keyboard I had before that ate batteries like a dog eating liver treats. It also seemed to have a tendency to snack late at night because I never eat at my keyboard and it would get crumbs in the little cracks around the keys.
My mouse is an Apple magic mouse.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
wireless
Wireless keyboards or mice are a major security risk they are open unsecurable access point of control for any system. Have a good day and enjoy life.
Have a good day and enjoy life.
Old but still working fine
I am using a Logitech G15 keyboard and a Microsoft laser trackball that I have had for many years (don't really remember exactly how long) and they are still working just fine for me.
- Leona
re-reading what you typed.
In all honesty we probably can not aim for the sweet spot of perfection for all you do, but we can get good enough for your needs till thing in real life have a chance to improve. It all comes down to your budget and going from there.
What is your budget are you wanting corded or wireless, USB or PS2 connectivity. You have said you prefer a 10 key number pad, any other needs to go with it.
"Cortana is watching you!"
My current desires:
--10 key
--Wired
--Mechanical keys
--USB connectivity (though PS2 would be acceptable
--New, not used
--No RGB (I don't even like LEDs inside my case)
--Decent elevation
--No more than 65$
Black preferred. Most of the keyboards above actually fail on my elevation request: I like a high-profile keyboard, so usually jack the feet all the way as high as they'll go. That said, I'm willing to compromise on a feature if it means the others are fulfilled well, with 2 exceptions: price is a firm upper limit, and the 10 key is something I'd fight for.
Melanie E.
LED lighting will be hard not to have.
Almost every Mechanical keyboard is LED backlit but I will check around, they just do not all have color change (RGB) options.
"Cortana is watching you!"
Just plain ol' backlit is fine.
So long as it's relatively quiet. I just don't care for the whole rainbow-on-your-desk look so many have. I like my PC to be super-functional, but at least a little stealth (even if my Narwhal case puts the lie to that.)
Melanie E.
best price I can find so far
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/k840-mechanical-corded...
This Keyboard retails for $79.99 USD if you are going to get it cheaper we may have to wait for it to pop up on sale.
I do not know how quite it is, But I do have a trust when it comes to logitech products, they have been making mice and keyboards since before you were born lol. It is a new product so it will not get more expensive.
The catch right now is the mechanical keys, those are a premium add on with keyboards right now.
"Cortana is watching you!"
Logitech's long been my go-to brand
as I've had good luck with them ever since the pre-PS2 days (that's PC PS2, not console PS2 peeps!) That unit IS a good 15-20 bucks out of my price range though, otherwise it'd likely be top pick :)
Melanie E.
what city are you in?
if you have a Micro Center, Fry's Electronics, Best Buy, etc... near by check there websites to see if they cary it and watch for a sale.
Because you are wanting the mechanical Keys that is our best bet to find what you are wanting in a keyboard in your price range, Or we wait a little longer and do the save up some spare cash method.
I really wish I could have found a better price but logitech has the lowest cost option all other mechanical keyboards are $100+.
"Cortana is watching you!"
If you are fortunate to find
If you are fortunate to find one, an old original IBM kbd. seems to last the longest for me.
Easy to tell if you find one, they are heavy and the keys click when depressed.
The contacts are heavily gold plated too. (Probably why they seem to last forever.)
Often you will need an adapter for the kbd. to plug it into your computer. ( I find mine at the local Goodwill surplus store.)
LynnaB