Keyboard recommendations?

[kalniel]

Hi guys,

As part of my on-going evolution of desktop ergonomics, I'm thinking of replacing my old dell dimension 4000 keyboard.

Firstly I'm not sure if I should or not - the feel is great, and it's also similar to the keyboard I use at work so I don't have to adjust between the two. The only thing is it's a bit no-frills and also hard to see in darker conditions.

My ideal keyboard would be something that doesn't take up too much room, has a couple of *useful* extras, has maybe some illumination (but must be able to turn it off!) and has a similar feel, which is quite firm and definately not clicky.

I've tried a logitech cordless office type keyboard and absolutely hated it. So any other suggestions would be welcome. I don't have silly money to spend however.

Cheers,

kalniel

[Koolpc]

Saitek Eclipse. Awesome!!

[this_is_gav]

Define silly money... DiNovo silly money or G15 silly money?

I've got a couple of Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000s and love them - my first Natural keyboards, and while it takes bit of getting used to, it's worth it in the end in my opinion. If I had one complaint it would be that they're not ideally suited to games (FPS I imagine, or motor-racing simulations in my case).

Still, if having a gap in the middle of the keyboard isn't going to bother you, I can easily recommend one.

[kalniel]

Silly money = > 30 quid in this case.

I like the sound of the ergonomic 4000, as it could help with the RSI I get occasionally, but I'm most concerned that I'll struggle switching between that layout and the more standard one at work.

Saitek eclipse is looking like a top choice so far, but just seeing if there are others to consider with perhaps a bit more functionality.

Tricky between the two at the moment! Are there any problems with multiple simultanious key presses with either of them?

[Koolpc]

I love my Eclipse. Best i have owned. Superb to use.

[this_is_gav]

I should probably point out that my previous keyboard was a DiNovo, so this Ergonomic 4000 is being compared to that... it's perhaps not that good, but it's not far off at all. Personally, I bought one for work too, hence the 2 I own.

I do keep a USB Logitech Ultra-X for my sim-racing, but I find it hard to recommend for everyday use - it's a rather harsh keyboard I find.

[directhex]

i like my ultrax, but they're HORRIBLY unreliable - keys die off & stop working within a few months. both myself & my other half have had button death (including my capslock key, and her altgr and right winkey)

[Koolpc]

Just go for the one you like the best. I have given my view.

[SSA]

If you're after a gaming keyboard, have you seen the Zboard - www.zboard.com/uk/ - looks quite appealing and costs under £30.

I've not tried it though I'm thinking of buying so any feedback would be most welcome.

[Hans Voralberg]

Eclipse or MS Natural 4000, or wait for the Razer Tarantula ?

[Nacrisa]

I am very satisfied with my eclipse...

[jackvdbuk]

me 2, very sick keyboard (eclipse) the lights r good aswell

[kalniel]

Razor looks interesting, but possibly a bit too large. And I can't imagine it's going to be within price range

What is the size of the natural 4000 like, and how what's the height like? I hadn't realised but I've not got a lot of height room on the cheap computer desk slide-out keyboard area I use.

[GFiSH]

I have a bog standard Microsoft Digital Media keyboard, handles my heacy handed game playing veyr well.

[dave87]

yup, got a microsoft digital media pro keyboard here, stood up to 2 years of abuse (heavy handed gaming etc) and still works in its entirety, oh and hasn't given me rsi, yet.

Dave

[Rythmic]

Razor looks interesting, but possibly a bit too large. And I can't imagine it's going to be within price range

What is the size of the natural 4000 like, and how what's the height like? I hadn't realised but I've not got a lot of height room on the cheap computer desk slide-out keyboard area I use.

Huge! Almost as big as the original natural - about 2-3 inches wider and 3-4 inches deeper. In it's flatest mode it's two and a bit inches tall.

Well worth it though