*Model*: F8E208-BLK
*Switch Type*: Rubber membrane dome
*Cost*: $25 from newegg.com
*Connector Type*: PS/2
I found out about this keyboard through my friend Phil at work. He seems to be fairly picky about keyboards like I am, so I took his recommendation seriously. I’d been using a Powerbook for the last year, so I didn’t really get a chance […]
*Model*: F8E887-BLK
*Switch Type*: Silent Rubber Dome
*Cost*: $32.99 off of “buy.com”:http://www.buy.com
*Connector Type*: USB
A co-worker of mine swears by the PS/2 version of the Belkin Ergoboard, so I decided to try out the USB version. I used it for a good two months or so, and here are my impressions.
h3. Oddness
The first thing I noticed when I […]
*Model*: Number 1048
*Switch Type*: Silent Rubber Dome
*Cost*: $45 off of Buy.com
Microsoft’s latest entry in the ergonomic keyboard arena. This time, with black and silver stylings and a significantly different shaping.
h3. Fixes
The newer models of Microsoft’s keyboard line tend to have certain annoying features that everyone complains about. Fortunately, they seem to be all fixed in […]
Model: Keytronic E03601 (USB)
Switch Type: Membrane/Rubber dome
Cost: ~$30
I was turned on to Keytronic boards by a co-worker who had one at his desk at work. Looking at their website, it appears they make all types of keyboards with different kinds of switches (some rated for 30 million cycles, others for less). I decided to pick […]
Model: Apple Powerbook G4 1.67 Ghz Aluminum
Mechanism: Pantograph Scissor Switch
Cost: N/A (Built-in)
This is the built in keyboard for the Aluminum Powerbook G4. Powerbook’s are rumored to have pretty good keyboards, and this keyboard is certainly no exception.
Key/Switch Feel
The keyboard uses standard laptop-style scissor switches. The weight of the keys is pleasantly light. It’s noticeably lighter […]
This is a really old-school keyboard I borrowed from my co-worker Edward, who has apparently been using them for a quite a while. They appear to be a custom made model, that has somewhat of an old layout. Control is where capslock is, Alt is where control is, there are no separate directional keys. Edward […]
Model: Cherry Corporation, ML-4100
Mechanism: Cherry ML switch.
Cost: Loaner
Updated: May 22, 2006
A salesman for Cherry products actually lent this one to Edward to play with, so I borrowed it from him and hooked it up to my work PC.
h3. Key switches
I’ve typed on it for about half a day, and I conclude that the feel […]
*Model*: Datadesk Technologies SmartBoard UPC-5000
*Switch Type*: ALPS switches.
*Cost*: ~$100
This one actually came with pretty high hopes, expectations. Not only does it claim to have good switches, it has a interesting ergo layout that kinda makes sense, yet isn’t so different from QWERTY that it’s disorienting.
h3. Layout and Ergonomics
Several features about this keyboard make it interesting […]
*Model*: IBM Model M13
*Cost*: $20 (surplus sale)
*Key Mechanism*: Buckling Spring
*Other Features*: PS2, old 101-key layout (no GUI/Windows keys), integrated Trackpoint pointing device
This is probably one of the newest buckling spring-based models that was made under the IBM brand. It includes a trackpoint nub in the middle to use as a mouse, with two small buttons […]
I ordered this keyboard and the Smartboard at the same time. I had read several positive reviews, though they all mentioned that this keyboard does not have mechanical switches. It’s main claim to fame is that it splits down the middle, with an adjustable split angle. The user can also adjust the tilt of the […]