Author Topic: Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard  (Read 3899 times)

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Offline nrp

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« on: Tue, 15 April 2008, 09:54:14 »
Folks,

The company I work for is changing everything. No more offices, no more closed doors, open spaces are now the norm.

In this environment, my old, reliable and great IBM Model M has become a problem. Everyone is complaining and I respect that.

So now I need to find a good silent keyboard, non clicky, to buy.

I'm considering getting the Filco as I understand it's not click or noisy. But since I know you guys are the keyboards experts, I'd like to rely on your suggestions.

Any hint would be really appreciated.

Thanks

NRP

Offline xsphat

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 15 April 2008, 10:21:55 »
My company has been that way for years, so this has always been a concern of mine. I don't leave keyboards there because of what I pay for them, so I take them back and forth.

The main keyboard I use at work is the HHKB Pro 2. As far as typing goes, it is the ninja, the silent assassin of keyboards and it works as good in Windows as it does in Mac and Linux. Plus it is the quietest keyboard I own.

I also take the Filco with browns there. This keyboard is louder, so I get some looks, but never anything too terrible.

This is handy because these are the normal keyboards in my rotation and thay are both really nice.

The Cherry ML4100 is another quiet mechanical that I like, but I don't own one right now. When I did own one, I just left it at work because it was cheap, then I broke the plug. Oh well. The reason I haven't replaced it is because the HHKB is so easy to take to work.

So there you have it, my recommendations. Now, I don't know what type of office you work in, and at work I am surrounded on all sides by professional writers so typing is easily forgiven, but I think any of these keyboards would work for you.

Offline iMav

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 15 April 2008, 12:23:22 »
I agree that the HHKB Pro would be a good alternative.  As long as you can adjust to the key layout, you'll be quite pleased.  

Although it looks minimalistic, the keys are full-sized and I never feel like I've been shorted at all...the possible exception being the missing arrow keys.  The Fn- arrow key assignments are easy to use, but if you are using an application (I notice it really only on arrow-intensive games in the GeekHack arcade) that requires a lot of exclusive arrow key input, you'll want to try something else.

Offline nrp

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 15 April 2008, 13:20:34 »
Thanks folks.

I saw that short clip on YouTube with the guy using a HHKB (have you seen it?) and I got the feeling it was clicky. How wrong I was based on what you're telling me.

Anyway, do you know what bothers me a little? This keyboard is not cheap and I would feel uncomfortable leaving it in my desk. I'd have to take it back and forth and I'm not sure I'd enjoy this after a few days.

Anyway, the HHKB in now on mylist together with the Filco. Thanks.

Should I include something else in my list? Do you know any scissor type keyboard that is worth trying?

Thanks

Offline xsphat

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 15 April 2008, 14:48:08 »
Both me and iMav carry our HHKB Pro 2s back and forth to work. I don't mind at all, in fact, I am more worried about leaving it in the car in transit than taking it to work. Most of the people at work think I'm dumb for having such a small keyboard, and they know I'm pretty attached to it, and even less know how much it costs. None of those people would steal it, but that doesn't make me any more quick to leave it anywhere.

Offline IBI

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 16 April 2008, 09:25:14 »
Quote from: nrp;4000
Should I include something else in my list? Do you know any scissor type keyboard that is worth trying?


If you're prepared to try a scissor switch keyboard then why not just go for a rubber dome one? I believe whisky rates the Cymotion Master/Expert quite highly, although I don't know how quiet it is.
Owned: Raptor-Gaming K1 (linear MX)(Broken), IBM Model M UK, Dell AT102W, Left-handed keyboard with Type 1 Simplified Alps.

Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 17 April 2008, 06:21:28 »
Quote from: IBI;4033
If you're prepared to try a scissor switch keyboard then why not just go for a rubber dome one? I believe whisky rates the Cymotion Master/Expert quite highly, although I don't know how quiet it is.


Actually, Cherry Cymotion boards are pretty damn loud.

Offline Donut

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 17 April 2008, 18:52:10 »
Quote from: nrp;3995
In this environment, my old, reliable and great IBM Model M has become a problem. Everyone is complaining and I respect that.

So now I need to find a good silent keyboard, non clicky, to buy.


There is currently an IBM Soft Touch Model M keyboard on the US eBay site, see here. Buy It Now price is US$18.95.

I have no connection with the seller, just saw the auction. Would have bought it myself but am not in the USA. :(

Offline fkeidjn

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 18 April 2008, 12:23:38 »
Quote from: Donut;4060
There is currently an IBM Soft Touch Model M keyboard on the US eBay site, see here. Buy It Now price is US$18.95.

I have no connection with the seller, just saw the auction. Would have bought it myself but am not in the USA. :(


That's a rubber dome though.  The only original soft touch buckling spring has the gray label with the words "soft touch" below the "IBM."

Has anyone tried the Filco mini?
Kinesis Keypad - Filco FKBN104M/EB - Unitek space-saver - Acer 6511-TW - Apple Extended II (M3501) - Scorpius M10 - Cherry G80-1800, AT - SGI Granite - vintage Fujitsu - IBM Model M, 101 and mini - Model F, 84-key AT - Dell AT101W - Northgate 101

Offline nrp

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 18 April 2008, 14:59:07 »
Yes, I have a rubber dome M here. It sucks BIG TIME.

Offline ecru

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Need help: non clicky, silent keyboard
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 18 April 2008, 18:51:42 »
Quote from: fkeidjn;4071
Has anyone tried the Filco mini?


I will in a week or two.

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=400