Best keyboards? (the typing variety)

[Ermz]

Weird question on an audio forum, but what do you guys find to be the best keyboard for long use in audio purposes?

Something with light, quiet keys that's durable and will last throughout those crazy, repetitive editing sessions.

I hang out on some gamer forums and all they can recommend is those gimmicky, flashy new boards with LED displays and tons of macros. All I really want is a keyboard that does the basics very well (and has backlighting).

 

[Dalinkwent48@aim.com]

I picked up this one a few weeks ago...Only used it on my pc though so I havent done any audio work with it but it seems to be a sturdy keyboard...its backlit, the keys are super quiet and it just feels like its something im not gonna break anytime soon

 

[Jarkko Mattheiszen]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/A

Seriously. Beats every other keyboard I ever tried, hands down. For me, the top-of-the-line Logitech gaming keyboards and such can't touch this one.

 

[Ermz]

Yknow my friends have been heavily advocating the Apple keyboard. Does it require a bluetooth adapter inside the computer? Can't help but feel it has no Windows key

 

[SocialNumb]

Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional HP Japan

Apple boards are nice.

 

[TheDriller]

Yknow my friends have been heavily advocating the Apple keyboard. Does it require a bluetooth adapter inside the computer? Can't help but feel it has no Windows key

Windows key would be "Command", in the same position.

 

[jipchen]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/A

Seriously. Beats every other keyboard I ever tried, hands down. For me, the top-of-the-line Logitech gaming keyboards and such can't touch this one.

+1
I didn't want to be the one posting it, though because some guy will certainly say "apple fankid", but it's just the best keyboard. ever.
I've had a LOT of keyboards, I was a gamer, and I've never had a keyboard that comfortable, stable, flat and, last but not least: good-looking.

The Logitech Illuminated keyboard posted above may be better for windows users, though. It's basically the MacBook keyboard in a logitech frame
I would do a little google research if the Apple Keyboard does well with Windows.
Gott say.. if the apple alu keyboard was illuminated like the MacBooks Keyboard, I would probably marry it.

@Ermin: No, it's USB. No Bluetooth. The Blueooth version has no numeric keypad -> gay.

 

[DanLights]

yeah the Apple keyboard is super comfortable and keys are so light and soft, wish I had a mac

 

[Dalinkwent48@aim.com]

Dan....IIRC the apple keyboards can be used with a pc also

 

[MarcusGHedwig]

How come you want backlighting Ermz? Seems like if the room were dark enough to require it, the brightness of the monitor would get fatiguing at such a close distance

 

[Ermz]

I've just kind of grown used to it with my Saitek, Marcus. I rarely ever look down at the keyboard, but when I do is just feels right to have it illuminating the keys. It's not a rational thing by any means, just a preference!

Can anyone confirm whether the Logitech illuminated keyboard is similar functionally to the Mac one?

 

[kev]

I really hate apple (well more precisely the apple fanboi mentality that the company insprires), but you guys might be on to something here! Right then ermz, if you get one, i'll erm... get one lol

 

[006]

I can vouch for the Apple keyboard as well, fucking love this thing! The keys are the best part, it's like typing on a laptop in a way.

 

[jipchen]

Did a little research and it seems like it's working with windows as good as mac. You have to install the driver to use the F1-F12 keys like you're used to it as a PC user.
PC users will have to get used to the changed layout: The "windows" and "alt" key have switched positions (on both sides of the spacebar).
Its: CTRL ALT CMD (windows) ___SPACEBAAAAARRR____ CMD ALT CTRL

 

[Ermz]

I've used the thing before so I'm familiar with it. It's definitely interesting, but I'd prefer something designed specifically for Windows PCs. If the Logitech feels similar, is equally quiet and has good durability then I'm sold.

While we are at it, what are some mice preferences? (no the Kensington Ball Mice don't count!)

I've been thinking about getting a Microsoft Sidewinder X8, but I'd be open to something less gaudy/ugly but with good performance and great ergonomics. I'm a finger user, not a palm one, so I tend to prefer a mouse that can be moved and picked up easily.

 

[kev]

As far as mice go, its gotta be something from Logitech or Razer range really. I do love the feel of the G5 and also the MX518 from logitech. The g5 (renamed now the g500) isnt quite as good imo. Both have about 7 assignable buttons as well if you are into that. 2000 dpi is nice.

 

[Dalinkwent48@aim.com]

the logitech is slightly thicker but as far as "comfort" and "feel" go they are very comparable

 

[kev]

also, judging by this pic, im not sure the logitech will have the same feel. I suspect the mac is going to be smoother than it.

 

[SocialNumb]

http://www.fabstuff.net/products/664 mouse

 

[Ermz]

As far as mice go, its gotta be something from Logitech or Razer range really. I do love the feel of the G5 and also the MX518 from logitech. The g5 (renamed now the g500) isnt quite as good imo. Both have about 7 assignable buttons as well if you are into that. 2000 dpi is nice.

I've currently got a Razer DeathAdder but it's never really fit my hand all that well. There are no grips on the side, so it's hard to lift and get a real handle on. It's stats are impressive, but that doesn't mean much when it cramps my hand really quick. Have they made any improvements with their shapes since? Their mice are a fair bit expensive.