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Ask HN: What keyboard do you use?

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Re: Ask HN: What keyboard do you use?

#11

Post by stoic »

I'd be interested in some discussion about the specific problems over long sessions with keyboards considered "crappy" -- we can't all be annoyed by exactly the same things, can we? Tactile feedback isn't everything, especially with all the goofy layouts everyone seems to be coming up with these days.

As a PC user and occasional twitch-gamer, I personally stick with plain 104-key USB keyboards from Dell or Microsoft (quiet you), since they're fairly cheap to replace at local thrift stores. If my keyboard happens to die by misadventure, I'd rather not drop another $60+ just so I can use my machine comfortably.

When it comes to notebooks, the answer for me is and has always been ThinkPad, though the MacBook Pro/PowerBook keyboards are pretty solid as well. Sadly, nobody seems to be donating any MacBooks to my cause... :{

Re: Ask HN: What keyboard do you use?

#12

Post by dedward »

Apple Bluetooth keyboard with those chicklet keys, the similar keys on the macbook, and a heavy,noisy,awesome unicomp buckling-spring keyboard at work to annoy everyone around me. For prolonged use I prefer the buckling-spring - although at first it may seem like you need to type "harder" - you actually don't - the tactile feedback lets you automatically fine-tune your typing to just the right amount of pressure.

Plus it's semi-waterproof (water drains right through it, as long as you don't dump enough in for it to rise above the key silos and get in the electronics) and it can take a beating like no other for those angry typing sessions.

Re: Ask HN: What keyboard do you use?

#13

Post by douglasputnam »

The Happy Hacking Pro 2 is great if you like a compact 60 key keyboard. The Escape and Control keys are positioned perfectly for Vim and Emacs, so you don't have to bother with remapping them. Works on PCs and Macs. The price is steep but worth every penny. If I ever go to Japan I'll buy half a dozen and stockpile them. This keyboard is not for everyone, so you should try it before you buy.

http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhk... and http://www.geekstuff4u.com/happy-hacking-keyboard-pro-2.html

I also use a Das Keyboard, a nice full-sized keyboard with a great build quality---but it is extremely noisy and I wouldn't recommend it for that reason only. There is a silent version, too. Knowing what I know now, I'd go for the quiet one. Funny thing, daskeyboard.com sells matching earplugs for this keyboard. You buy a set for yourself and for everyone who works in the same room as you.

Re: Ask HN: What keyboard do you use?

#14

Post by atiw »

Logitech MX 5500 - Awesome keyboard, best keys ever, Bluetooth connection, and this is part of keyboard- mouse package. The mouse is totally awesome, def worth the money. probably one of the most expensive keyboards from Logitech, but worth the money. Awesome battery life too. Zoom, all other multimedia keys too. really lightweight, and very nice keys.

Re: Ask HN: What keyboard do you use?

#17

Post by kaisdavisOR »

CyberFonic wrote: post #15
kaisdavisOR wrote: post #10

I'm using a Das Keyboard Ultimate ( http://www.daskeyboard.com/ ). It's a nice keyboard but very, very loud. I can see myself switching to an Apple Keyboard sometime soon.

I like it being noisy! Of course, it's best if you have your own office.

It is a great keyboard, but I like using the wider Apple Keyboard. When I purchase an iMac, I'll make the switch.
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