curved keyboards?

[Slickone]

The right button stopped working on the mouse that came with me microsoft wireless optical Desktop Elite keyboard, so I called them for a replacement, which had ot be a kayboard/mouse combo, and the only wireless keyboards they have now that are that nice are all curved. They dont offer the Desktop Elite anymore, even though it's still shown on the website. The only straight keyed wireless keyboard they offer now is the Desktop 1000, but it's not near as nice. The Desktop Elite had a vinyl/rubber type wrist wrest, and the key press height/resistance/sound/stop was perfect. I also ask because I need an additional keyboard too.

Why are they only making curved keyboards? Don't they know gamers don't want that? Why not offer both styles? Are they trying to push gamers to the 360?
What do you think about curved keyboards? FYI, I'm not talking about the oldschool split in half style (which they still offer).


Another thing, and the only thing I didn't like about my Desktop Elite was that the insert/home/delete/page, etc. keys were arranged vertically. This took a lot of getting used to, and is still sometimes annoying, since my new Dell keyboard at work has them arranged horizontally, which is of course what I prefer after having used it that way for so many years. I noticed on some of the M$ keyboards now.

I noticed that Logitech G11 & G15 keyboards are straight keyed, and have the older/better insert/home/delete key arrangement. Perhaps I need to look at Logitech again now and possibly go back to them, but other than the insert/home/delete thing, the Desktop Elite keyboard and mouse both had the best feel to me back when bought them, after comparing to Logitech.

 

[Nizology]

What about this MS board? ...kb

 

[mpilchfamily]

You may be better off getting the KB and mouse seperate. If you have to have wireless then get yourself a nice Logitech KB.

 

[eplebnista]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
You may be better off getting the KB and mouse seperate. If you have to have wireless then get yourself a nice Logitech KB.

Another vote for Logitech. :thumbsup:

 

[Slickone]

Can't you have problems from using M$ and Logitech keyboard/mouse software together?

Originally posted by: Nizology
What about this MS board? ...kb

One reviewer says it has clicky keys, which I don't like. And does it have a cap that covers the end that isn't used?
Again, the soft wrist wrest of the Desktop Elite is great. I don't know why they don't make them all that way.

 

[mpilchfamily]

No you will not have problems running a different brand KB and mouse. If you wanted too you could run a logitech KB and a MS KB at the same time. As long as they are both USB or at least one is USB and the other is PS2.

Now the only way your going to know if you like a KB or not is to go to a local shop that carries KB. Chances are they have displays of each KB or will let you open one up to get a feel for it. AS for the wrist rest you can buy a soft wrist rest to go with whatever KB you get.

 

[Ghouler]

Just one note - a personal opinion. I think all these curved / split etc keyboards are nonsense.
Sure some people will buy anything but a keyboard should be a standard input device. Once you learn to use one you can use any. The logic behind Logitech's (pun unintended but who cares) and other keyboards is that you get a keyboard, get hooked i.e. your brain - fingers get hooked to their proprietray design and you will always buy from them. I oppose this approach and always buy standard straight no frills keyboards.

 

[AstroManLuca]

I used to think those ergo keyboards were crazy but then I used one, and I loved it. It's more comfortable if you're a touch typist. If you just use your index fingers or you have to look at the keyboard, then it's not a great idea. Also not good for gaming. But they're so comfortable.

I'm actually looking for another ergo keyboard, and I'm having trouble. It seems my options are:

1. A curved keyboard (not really the same thing)
2. An MS ergo keyboard that has 2/5 eggs on NewEgg because it fails all the time
3. An MS ergo keyboard that works great but has that dumb diamond-shaped arrow key layout
4. An Adesso ergo keyboard that has the tiny backspace key layout I hate
5. Something else that is really expensive

 

[Arcanedeath]

Just get the Microsoft Ergo 4000 keyboard, Its based on the old orginal Natural keyboard layout Its the best modern equilvent I've found w/ a decent key layout. Here is a newegg link Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 - Retail

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Logitech Wave.

 

[doxtr111]

Based on past experiences with natural, ergonmic boards, I just installed the ms 4000. Replaced ms 1000 wireless, lol, forgot to check that the 4000 is wireless also or NOT. Oh well, so far so good. We shall see.....

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Ghouler
Just one note - a personal opinion. I think all these curved / split etc keyboards are nonsense.
Sure some people will buy anything but a keyboard should be a standard input device. Once you learn to use one you can use any. The logic behind Logitech's (pun unintended but who cares) and other keyboards is that you get a keyboard, get hooked i.e. your brain - fingers get hooked to their proprietray design and you will always buy from them. I oppose this approach and always buy standard straight no frills keyboards.

I have a "split" keyboard, or guess that's what you call it. There's no sense of it being proprietary whatsoever. I got used to it very quickly, never had a problem and I don't use anything else except when I'm on my Lenovo T60 laptop. The PC keyboard I use is a Microsoft ergonomic ivory corded, and I have two of them. They cost me around $20 each and I bought them around 10 years ago at local computer shows. I like the touch of the keys fine, and I can be pretty picky about the key-touch of keyboards. I am a touch typist, and I test at around 60-65 wpm, medium fast. I think the split curved keyboards are easier on my wrists, much easier.