Good keyboard for typing

welshdragon · 3 Feb 2012 at 23:52

In a nutshell I ahve a Sidewinder X4 which until now has been very good. However, I am now moving away from games and into building websites.

Thus I am after a new keyboard, somethign maybe chiclet style. Doesn't have to be backlit, though would be nice. But nice and sturdy/good quality. Also thinking I might like somethign lower profile. I like the full size apple keyboard so something akin to that.

Cheers for any help guys

cmndr_andi · 4 Feb 2012 at 00:10

If you want a reallu good keyboard for typing then I would strongly recommend a mechanical type keyboard - specifically one that uses Cherry MX Blue switches. I have one of these myself (Razer Black Widow Ultimate) and it is fantastic for typing. Here is some more information on mechanical keyboards if you are interested.

This is the same keyboard as the one I use, though this one costs a bit less and doesn't have backlighting. It's not exactly low profile- but for the quality you get from mechanical keys I would strongly suggest you make the exception.

welshdragon · 4 Feb 2012 at 00:13

Cheers dude. I really want a chiclet style one though. Something similar to the apple style. Though this may contradict the need for something comfy to type on

I've been looking at the logitech illumiated keyboard. The wife will stick me under the patio if I bought mechanical

cmndr_andi · 4 Feb 2012 at 00:46

Ah, well if you have your heart set on a low-profile chiclet style keyboard then the best bet is to go straight to the Apple keyboard with numeric pad. This keyboard is pretty nice to type on and plays well with windows.

olivier renault · 4 Feb 2012 at 01:10

Logitech Illuminated Keyboard. Try one if you have the chance. I really like the feel, it's low profile, and very quiet. I think the K800 is the wireless version?

welshdragon · 4 Feb 2012 at 09:03

cmndr_andi said:
Ah, well if you have your heart set on a low-profile chiclet style keyboard then the best bet is to go straight to the Apple keyboard with numeric pad. This keyboard is pretty nice to type on and plays well with windows.

I want the apple one but not the actual one by apple if that makes any sense? Is the layout different to a windows keyboard? The full size one is only £40 notes, would be nice with a backlight.

olivier renault said:
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard. Try one if you have the chance. I really like the feel, it's low profile, and very quiet. I think the K800 is the wireless version?

Yes been looking at both those. Both are nice. Can't decide on wireless or not......

Carcer · 4 Feb 2012 at 11:22

+1 Razer black widow, Don't own the ultimate but i got the bog standard one for xmas. It took a little while to get used t0 the 5 macro keys on the side being there but now it feels great to type on

TwsT · 4 Feb 2012 at 11:33

my qpad mk-80 is a top notch keyboard infact most of the mechanical ones are quite nice just some are more expensive with little gain. The thermal take meka G has a really nice feel to it on the cheaper side of the mechanical scale.

but if you want small then the apple keyboards are fantastic If they did one in black I would have one. silver doesn't work in my set up :/

Terk · 4 Feb 2012 at 11:37

how about a filco tenkeyless with blue switches? trust me Mechanical Keyboards<3

PapaLazaru · 4 Feb 2012 at 11:42

Terk said:
how about a filco tenkeyless with blue switches? trust me Mechanical Keyboards<3

This is basically exactly what you need, though it comes at a price.

For a chilcet keyboard, have a look at an Emprex 6310U. Less than a tenner and if you don't like it, you have hardly lost a fortune.

welshdragon · 4 Feb 2012 at 16:06

Terk said:
how about a filco tenkeyless with blue switches? trust me Mechanical Keyboards<3

Shall look into this

PapaLazaru said:
This is basically exactly what you need, though it comes at a price.

For a chilcet keyboard, have a look at an Emprex 6310U. Less than a tenner and if you don't like it, you have hardly lost a fortune.

Been looking at this too. Kind stuck on the logitech illuminated keyboard. shall check out the filco now though

welshdragon · 4 Feb 2012 at 16:32

Hmmm this is doing my head in. Fancy something like the logitech K800. But can be wired. I think the K800 is a bit steep. Don't like the wrist rest now on the illuminated one.

Sorry if I'm doing peoples heads in with this. Might get myself down to the purple shirt shop just to see some in the flesh!

welshdragon · 4 Feb 2012 at 18:07

Right it's now down to the K800 or the K750

PapaLazaru · 4 Feb 2012 at 18:26

Are to too concerned about aesthetics? Only as you really want to go mechanical. It is the only way. I am a convert.

You can buy a Cherry G80 UK layout for a tad over £60 and it comes with blue mech switches, which is the most important part. Half the price of a Filco, but with the same switches and a keyboard from the manufacturer that actually makes the switches. It should not disappoint.

welshdragon · 4 Feb 2012 at 20:33

I gotta be honest I dont like the look of it. Fancy something backlit and wireless, all but set on the K800 now, just need to find maybe an rma return or somethign with a discount

Randomface74 · 4 Feb 2012 at 20:43

too picky about aethetics, either stick with what you have or go mech. anything else is not worth it.

Terk · 4 Feb 2012 at 20:54

@billy exactly, either invest in a mechanical or don't bother you wont see/feel much difference if you buy a non-mechanical keyboard, the cost and popularity of mechanical keyboards are their for a reason, trust me its worth it and you wont regret it and if you do some places where you can buy those keyboards take returns and if you are going to go with a mechanical keyboard I recommend a filco keyboard (have one myself and so do my friends) because they are verrrrry well built and quality also blue switches for your needs.

Cleeecooo · 4 Feb 2012 at 21:47

olivier renault said:
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard. Try one if you have the chance. I really like the feel, it's low profile, and very quiet. I think the K800 is the wireless version?

yes, it's an excellent keyboard.

The logitech K750 is also a brilliant typing kb

BlackCoat2k10 · 4 Feb 2012 at 22:12

I have a Logitech Illuminated Keyboard. This keyboard, for typing on, designing and programming etc.. is a fantastic piece of kit. It is so comfortable to use, it is light and the keypresses are damn quiet compared to any of my previous keyboards. The illumination on the lights is fantastic and with it off the keys are still clearly visible. Typing speed is certainly up there with the best, typing experience I would say is one of the best as well.

However it starts to sink in the middle of the keyboard after a while, I guess this is due to it being very flexible and being used a lot. Mine certainly has a dip towards the center of the keyboard, this measures about 3mm dip. Also the rubber 'protective layer' under my keys started to stick out, when you pull it to move it back it pulls the surrounding rubber up, Mine now has no rubber on it due to this :/. Also sometimes I feel the wrist are is a bit to small for users with a larger palm but this is not uncomfortable or annoying by any means.

For gaming it is okay, useable if you understand that several key press combinations just wont be recognised, w,a and space etc. so be careful if you decide to game (as it has caused me a few slight rage moments lol).

From what you described, this keyboard or a similar one would suit you best. Just read up on it a bit more and think it over.

If this one broke I'd look into getting another one, either this or the logitech g19 for gaming. Mechanical keyboards are too noisy/bulky for typing/gaming for me.

welshdragon · 4 Feb 2012 at 22:25

Cheers for the replies guys. It's definitely going to be the illuminated/k800 or the k750. Edging towards wireless though for a change. Really not interested n mechanical due to size/cost/noise