Keyboards

Sangye

I actually really like the keyboard on MacBook Pros. I can consistently type 75+ words per minute on mine, and peak out around 105. I don't really like integrated number pads anyway, and prefer external USB number pads.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@Sangye

I think it is more about good keyboards. Like mechanical ones and buckling spring ones.

Sangye

I do like buckling spring keyboards, and agree that they're the most tactile and user-friendly design. But scissor-switch keyboards (as found in some laptops, including MacBook Pros) are a nice alternative, too. They are a lot more tactile and durable than standard membrane keyboards, and aren't quite as loud as buckling spring keyboards. They also let you "float" keys, depressing only lightly to trigger the switch response.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@Sangye

Last time I checked you can't change keyboard on notebook to another one.

As for notebook keyboards, best ones are considered the ThinkPad old keyboards (mine favourite is TP600E one).

If you so like them, you can get Thinkpad keyboard (even can find old models on ebay).

kavadni

I like to thump the keyboard when typing fast, so +1 for thinkpad and old mechanical style. I will order and try that Genius M1, nice find vitally

qwerty123

Good find Vitaliy! I finally got a new computer system, and am searching for an ideal keyboard.

Although I love the numeric pad sometimes, I would much rather have a keyboard without this, so that mousing (or trackball or trackpading) is more comfortable. I can always use one of those spare numeric pads when necessary (or numlock or something).

Let us know about that keyboard @kavadni .... looks like something that I might want!

qwerty123

Some small reports on the Genius keyboards: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=36652.0

I will be going for Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid keyboard I think--more money, but probably worth it.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@qwerty123

Big thing to understand here that such keyboards are quite big and high marginal market. So always double check everything you see.

Claiming that Cherry switches is some high tech shit that no one can copy is just nuts.

kronstadt

I want to get a bluetooth keyboard for my next computer. I never had one, so need to ask. When the computer begins to boot up does it immediately recognise the existence of the bluetooth computer? or does it come into picture only once Windows has started? I'm asking this in case the computer doesn't notice the keyboard in situations when you need to press F8 or F12 immediately after switching on.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Specially for Mac fans - stylish mechanical keyboard

http://matias.ca/tactilepro3/

B3Guy

I . . . I'm going into my final semester of college, and I still can't type properly. I mean, I can read the little buttons and press them, but . . . all that finger in the right position stuff . . . hmm.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Other cheap chinese mechanical keyboards (mostly similar to Genius)

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Newmen-gm-10-professional-wired-mechanical-keyboard-blue-shaft-gaming-keyboard/671942864.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fairy-m1-mechanical-keyboard-gaming-keyboard-black-shaft-red-shaft-computer-usb-cf/682681765.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Rapoo-v7-wired-mechanical-usb-keyboard-cs-cf-dota/685172538.html

qwerty123

Someone made a review of the original cheapest mechanical keyboard you posted @Vitaliy: http://www.overclock.net/t/1317988/anyone-seen-this-mechanical-keyboard-possibly-the-cheapest/10

Vitaliy_Kiselev

50% discount of razer keyboards now active

http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/4326/deals-computers-laptops-hdd-storage-tablets-and-monitors#Item_26

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Got second Razer Black Widow (Pre 2013 Ultimate this time) keyboard. Remember that due to 2013 range you can fine old model on sale sometimes.

Ultimate Mac is $123 now

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005BOGVH6/ref=sr_1_9_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1358653832&sr=8-9&keywords=razer+widow&condition=new

Comparing old and newser Ultimate, old looks much better with more expensive backlight that does not make such light spill between keys. And glossy still looks cool :-) But some may like green backlight and more steps in adjustment.

P.S. Guys, really, do not type on crap, get good keyboard!

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Corsair keyboard with individual lighting and Cherry MX switches, good thing for video editors

http://www.corsair.com/ru-ru/landing/k70-rgb

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Very good article about history of IBM keyboard

In the early ’80s the company had assembled a 10-person task force to build a better keyboard, informed by experts and users. The design for the previous iteration was done "quickly, expeditiously — not the product of a lot of focus group activity," says David Bradley, a member of the task force who also happens to be the creator of the now-universal Ctrl+Alt+Delete function. The new group brought in novice computer users to test a friendlier keyboard, making important controls bigger and duplicating commonly used keys like Ctrl and Alt so they could be reached by either hand. Many of the keys were detachable from their bases, letting users swap them around as needed. And the Model M was born.

http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/7/6882427/king-of-keys