In Search of the Perfect Keyboard
Filed under Computers, Gadgets
I have had 6 different keyboards in the last 2 years. I’m always looking for the *perfect* keyboard. My perfect keyboard would have…
- Backlighting
- Volume knob
- Media keys
- Standard layout
- Wireless (with *no* dropped keystrokes or delays)
- Thin profile
- Pointing stick (so I can use the mouse without taking my fingers off the keys)
- Small footprint
I don’t think that keyboard exists.
I got a new Logitech keyboard this week. So far, I’m happy with it.
My favorite so far is the Dell Multimedia Keyboard (see end of post).
Here are the last 5 keyboards I’ve had in reverse chronological order and what I liked/didn’t like about them.
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard
Pro
- Backlit
- Cool looking/thin
- No wasted “extra” keys
- Volume keys
- Function keys have normal operation first (can be changed)
- Small footprint
Con
- Non-standard layout (delete key/insert key/scroll lock)
- Not wireless
- Uses volume buttons instead of knob
- Media keys don’t work well with Zune player (opened a support item on this)
Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600
Pro
- Standard layout
- Calculator hot key
- Volume keys
- Small footprint
Con
- Delay with volume keys
- Not illuminated
- Not wireless
Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 6000
Pro
- Slight curve to keyboard is nice without being radically different than standard keyboard
- Wireless
- Good looking/thin
Con
- Non-standard function key layout
- Hard to tell which keys were volume keys
- Not illuminated
- Many special keys that I never used
- Sometimes pressing keys would do nothing, reconnecting USB transmitter fixed issue
Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard
Pro
- Backlit
Con
- Big
- Extra buttons I don’t care about
- No volume controls
- No media keys
- Flakey keyboard management software
- Not wireless
Dell USB Multimedia Keyboard
Pro
- Excellent volume knob! Can easily turn it up/down quickly by feel. *Much* better than volume keys.
- Media keys layout around volume knob works well. Track forward/back different size than other media keys so they can be used by feel.
- Standard keyboard layout
- Small footprint
Con
- Not backlit
- Not wireless
Comments (13)
Aren't the wireless/back lit requirements mutually exclusive? or is the back lighting something that you expect to turn off after a set number of seconds?
I recommend painting your keyboard with UV reactive paint and breaking out the blacklight. Makes your keyboard glow and your Velvet Elvis posters rock!
Posted by Kelvin | April 26, 2009 3:17 PM
Posted on April 26, 2009 15:17
I want both backlighting and wireless!
While the keyboard is in use, the backlighting should be on.
Posted by David | April 26, 2009 3:25 PM
Posted on April 26, 2009 15:25
My main keyboard requirement is that it does not have swine flu.
Posted by MFC | April 28, 2009 10:32 AM
Posted on April 28, 2009 10:32
So your saying you don't like OEM keyboards?
Posted by Bubba | April 29, 2009 6:19 AM
Posted on April 29, 2009 06:19
What? I said the Dell Multimedia, an OEM keyboard, was my favorite so far.
Posted by David | April 29, 2009 6:36 AM
Posted on April 29, 2009 06:36
Yes, technically your keyboard is OEM. I meant a standard OEM keyboard shipped with a new computer. Not an upgraded keyboard that you choose while building your computer.
Posted by Bubba | April 30, 2009 7:58 AM
Posted on April 30, 2009 07:58
At work, I use the standard (no media keys, no extra buttons), Dell keyboard. I really like it.
Posted by David | May 2, 2009 9:21 AM
Posted on May 2, 2009 09:21
If you haven't already, try the Dell RT7D40. It's my favorite wireless keyboard I've used. The downsides are A)no backlighting, B) no pointing stick, and C)Delete/Insert keys are moved (below End and Pg Down respectively). I love the big volume knob in the top right corner though, it's the major reason I also keep an ancient HP SK-2056 on my desk. I wish more manufacturers would add this feature.
Posted by Benjamin McKenna | July 2, 2009 12:50 AM
Posted on July 2, 2009 00:50
Try DasKeyboard.
Posted by tourist.tam | August 11, 2009 6:03 AM
Posted on August 11, 2009 06:03
THE FINAL SOLUTION.... MICROSOFT ENTERTAINMENT DESKTOP 8000!!!
Posted by Adam Katz | February 16, 2010 12:48 AM
Posted on February 16, 2010 00:48
Meet the ASUS EeeKeyboard for $599 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003HK5RM6?ie=UTF8&tag=pm-post-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003HK5RM6
Specs:
1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of DDR2 memory, Windows XP Home, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a gigabit Ethernet jack, Bluetooth 2.1, a 16GB SSD, HDMI out, integrated Ultra-Wide-Broadband (UWB) receiver, three USB 2.0 sockets and a 5-inch LED-backlit, multitouch display with 800 x 480 resolution.
Posted by bubba | April 22, 2010 7:55 AM
Posted on April 22, 2010 07:55
But is it Mac Compatible?
Posted by Kelvin | April 22, 2010 1:20 PM
Posted on April 22, 2010 13:20
I know this post is old but....
Dell 0XN107
Same as the Dell keyboard you posted but WIRELESS (yaaay!)
I've been using it for years and have yet to find anything better.
My qualifications were exactly the same as yours. Only thing it's missing is the backlighting.
Posted by DSwarP | January 19, 2012 2:46 PM
Posted on January 19, 2012 14:46