Several new Cherry G84-4100 on Ebay UK

[Chloe]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140284553479

[iMav]

There's a lot of them available on the US eBay site as well lately.

Definitely worth picking one up if you've never laid hands on one before.

[itlnstln]

These are a blast to type on.  I have temporarily replaced my Model M on my home PC with it until I go back to work next week.

[andb]

Whats the difference between the Cherry ML-4100, which is all over ebay for $10, and the G84-4100?

[itlnstln]

Name.

[Eclairz]

Also remember older 4100 keyboards have no windows key which is essential for OS X, but not so essential for windows but still annoying not to have. And consider the 4400 keyboard too as its a more standard european layout keyboard.

However they are nice to type on and I own a non-windows key one, nice to type on abit cramped but then it is a compact keyboard for a reason. I still don't understand why manufacturers continue to leave in print screen scroll lock and pause buttons and make better use of the keyboard and map these keys with the FN key for the few people that use these keys, it would make for a much more cleaner layout.

Also I prefer how pageup, page down home and end keys combined with the cursor keys would link up as well how it does with my macbook and my old hp space saver keyboard. In the end compact keyboards are always a compromise, but the 4100 is a very nice compromise between cost, reliability, size and key action/feel

[iMav]

Also remember older 4100 keyboards have no windows key which is essential for OS X, but not so essential for windows but still annoying not to have.

Under OS X, I simply remap Ctrl to Command and the caps lock to Ctrl.  Works great!

[Chloe]

Cherry make non-Windows key version of the G84-4100 too.

[Chloe]

Whats the difference between the Cherry ML-4100, which is all over ebay for $10, and the G84-4100?

I think the difference is the ML-4100 came in beige with two different colour keycaps. The G84-4100 come in black or light grey: http://www.cherry.de/english/products/keyboards_G84-4100.htm

There may be differences in compatibility. I've only seen ML-4100s with AT or PS/2 connectors. The G84-4100 come with USB or PS/2.

[lowpoly]

ML-4100 should be an older naming convention. The G81-3000 was called MY-3000 before. Somewhen the naming convention changed to what we have today. My Peac.ock branded G81 has an AT plug and IIRC a G81 model number. So the naming convention is probably older and did not come with the plug change.

[andb]

ML-4100 should be an older naming convention. The G81-3000 was called MY-3000 before.

Wouldn't the ML and MY 'boards use different switches? Based on the ebay auctions a visible diff between the ML-4100 and the G84-4100 on ebay is that the latter has a protective cover, making it suitable for "For Mucky Fingers, Dirty Enviroments (sp) & More!" as per the ad.

I wont ask what the "& More" is, but it brings to mind the South Park episode when the 'Internets' run dry, in the refugee camp...

lol

[lowpoly]

ML and MY are different switches. It was an example that the older naming convention was "switch code-case code" which later changed to "G8x-casecodexxxxx".

Edit: My G84-4100 didn't come with a protective cover.

[Chloe]

Mine didn't either. I think they're a separate product:
http://www.cherry.de/english/products/accessories_wetex.htm

[CX23882]

I bought one of these and it arrived today.  I didn't get a protective cover for it - just a new G84-4100 with Vista-style Windows keys sealed in the box.

Initial impressions are: so so tiny.  I don't think you can appreciate from photos on the web just how compact these are until you have one sitting on your desk.  It doesn't feel cramped or anything when typing on it - the small size is only noticeable when looking at sat on the desk.  I'm not sure it's going to be my primary keyboard though.

I find the keys to be a little stiffer compared to Cherry MX Blue and they make a bit of a plastic on plastic noise when pressed.  I'm making a few mistakes typing right now, but I've only been using it for an hour or so.  But it's still a nice keyboard to use and I think I maybe just require a bit more practice on it.

[Eclairz]

Once you've used a ML cherry for a month or two you'll easily fall in love with it, as long as the layout agrees with you

[cchan]

Here's a link for a lot of US ones:
http://search.stores.ebay.com/Computer-Circulation-Center_cherry_W0QQfciZQ2d1QQfclZ4QQfsnZComputerQ20CirculationQ20CenterQQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsubZ1QQsaselZ2503872QQsofpZ0

I just ordered one yesterday. I'll see how I like it.