Search for the Perfect Keyboard

Ever since I took typing class on a bunch of IBM Selectrics in High School(circa 1984), I've been an excellent touch typist. I do somewhere around 90-100 wpm.

The importance of a quality keyboard just cannot be stressed enough. The quality of a keyboard is not determined by the number of extra buttons that you never use, nor is it determined by the angle of the keys relative to your wrist position. Many people have become confused into thinking the Microsoft Natural keyboard is a good thing, that it somehow helps their wrists. They couldn't be more wrong. That's just gimmickery.

Aspects which are critical are more subtle. You cannot see them, you have to feel them, you have to test the keyboard. Aspects which are critical, is how crisp does the keys respond. A key should go down crisply, it should not feel mushy as if you are typing on a bunch of marshmallows. Some people thing that this mushy helps to cushion your fingers, but if you are a skilled typist you don't need this as you never hit the keys harder than you have to. Your fingers float across the keyboard.

Which brings us to the next critical aspect, just how hard is it to press the keys? The lighter the touch, the better the keyboard. When typing, you never rest your fingers on the keys. Again, they float above. The only time you need to touch the keyboard is when you are initially finding the home key, and then when you are typing a key.

One feature which is subtle, and is the difference between a quality keyboard and a cheap one... How does the key respond if you hit it off center? You ought to be able to hit a key with a sideways force and have it go down naturally. If it offers any resistance, the keyboard is a piece of crap and will reduce your typing speed and accuracy.

Why am I searching for the most perfect keyboard? Well, I strayed from the righteous path several years ago.

One of the first keyboards I bought in 1992 was a Northgate Omnikey Ultra. That keyboard cost me $100, but it was the best keyboard ever made. It had a light crisp feel, and it lasted forever. I even ran that keyboard through the dishwasher a couple of times to revitalize it.(Actually this does work, if you remember to not use soap, and make sure to dry out everything prior to use) But it had an AT plug, and as computers modernized, I ended up setting it in the closet and using PS/2 keyboards and later USB.

For a time I had a IBM Model M keyboard with a PS/2 cord. The Model M is perhaps the most accurate keyboard ever made, and the keys have a satisfying click. But I actually found I didn't like the click so much and thought it was too hard. Then I ended up with a multitude of cheap keyboards it seems. IBM value models, Microsoft models, wireless desktops from Microsoft. My last keyboard was a Logitech Media Elite which I thought was pretty good.

But that was because I had lost the righteous path. A couple of months ago I bought a Keytronics LT Designer INUSCY keyboard for my girlfriend. It's a Russian/English combo keyboard, with a PS/2 plug. I touched the keys, and it was like being in heaven. I hadn't felt something so smooth and silky in oh so long.

This set me down a path, to find a good keyboard again. These throw away models, that last maybe two years. Enough with them. I want quality, a keyboard to last a lifetime.

There's only one problem. I've been having some problems with my right wrist lately, I think mainly because of the stupid "ergonomic" design of the desks at work. As such, I do not like the width between the keyboard and the mouse to be so much.

If not for that, in a heartbeat I would buy a Keytronics LT Designer model, or possibly the LT Classic. These are by far the best keyboards on the market for the money, costing only around $35-40. I wouldn't trust any other Keytronics model, only the Designer or Classic. I had one of their other cheaper ones once, and it didn't last long. (yes, they have keyboards cheaper than $35)

But I wanted a narrow one, cutting off a few inches from the width. Also, I need USB only, as I'm plugging this into my Dell Inspiron E1505. I tried the Keytronics with a PS/2 to USB adapter, and it did not work reliably. Maybe it's just the adapter and another one would work well, but a direct connect is preferable.

Keyboards I have looked at:

Logitech Media Elite - This is what I have now. It's part of what I call a newer generation of cheap keyboards. They took the standard 'Delete/Home/End' button block and moved it vertically, mushed the arrow keys over to the left slightly. This narrows the keyboard a bit. While good for a cheap keyboard, the keys are mushy and too hard to press.

Kensington Slimtype - This is an intriguing keyboard. I like that they took out the middle keys, pushed the arrow keys even further down and to the left. It still has a numeric keypad, which while useful isn't essential. But overall it narrows the keyboard by a good two inches or so. I have not found one locally yet to test, but it uses laptop style keys. That is, low profile without a lot of travel. That may not be bad, I want to feel one first.

CVT Avant Prime - CVT bought the Northgate keyboard technology. This is probably the best keyboard on the market today. It's $150. If they made a version sans numeric keypad, I'd be on it in a second.

Happy Hacker Keyboard - This is intriguing and comes from Fujitsu. They have two models, the Happy Hacker Pro which goes for $259 and the Lite for $69. The Pro appears to have excellent key characteristics, but it's completely missing arrow keys. I can do without keypad, but I need arrows. The Lite, looks intriguing and I would like to try it at some point.

The Das Keyboard - Ok, want something weird? The Happy Hacker Pro is also available this way, but the Das Keyboard has no lettering. The idea is apparently that without letters, you'll learn to type even better because it doesn't help you to ever look at the keyboard. Frankly, that's complete bullocks, I don't look down at the keyboard anyway, except maybe to hit symbol keys or something I hardly ever use and then I want the lettering.

Mighty Mouse - Ok, apparently at one time IBM made an 84-key version of the Model M called the Space Saver. It's no longer made. But this company bought the IBM keyboard technology, and makes regular Model M's. They also have this "Mighty Mouse" which appears to be the keyboard off a Thinkpad.

Deck Keyboard - This is an interesting one. This company makes keyboards used by the onboard computers in cop cars. Meaning, they're durable resistent to water all sorts of things. They introduced a "consumer" model using the same format. However it's been modded with LED keys. They're targetting gamers, but it's only 82 keys, no numeric keypad.(they also make a 104 key model) It's got a metal plate on the bottom, appears very durable. The reviews say it has good key feel.

I ended up ordering the Deck 82-key. They have a 30 day money back guarantee, so we'll see. The idea of having it backlit is appealing. I just want it small.

One other comment. I realized that my wrist is mainly hurting because I have been using a Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000. I ended up buying a Logitech G5 gaming mouse and will be bringing it into work. I have a G5 on my desktop at home, and it's nice. The G5 allows you to adjust the weight of the mouse. It also has large teflon pads on the bottom. It allows you to adjust sensitivity with the push of a button. Plus it's incredibly comfortable.

Tomorrow I'm going to pick up a Imak Smart Glove to wear, if I can find it at Compusa.(they claim it is in stock) That may help as well.