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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: CodeChef on Sat, 20 November 2010, 16:45:31

Title: A challenge
Post by: CodeChef on Sat, 20 November 2010, 16:45:31

We all know geekhackers can recommend mechanical keyboards all day long. But what about less-ubiquitous 'boards?

I challenge you, geekhack, to find me the best keyboard under 20 dollars. Yes, it's going to be rubber dome, but I know you can do it. What can 20 dollars get a customer in today's world of amazing value?

Title: A challenge
Post by: Uninstall on Sat, 20 November 2010, 16:50:58

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823131060&cm_re=keytronic-_-23-131-060-_-Product

Over 20 with shipping though :/

Title: A challenge
Post by: theferenc on Sat, 20 November 2010, 16:52:46

You can get either PS/2 or USB sun type 6 keyboards on ebay for under $20. The only rubber dome board that I can personally stand to type on anymore.

It's the layout upon which the HHKB is based. Well, the evolution thereof. It's only got a few extra keys over your standard 104, mostly to the left of the main block. And mostly only usable in variants of UNIX.

Title: A challenge
Post by: theferenc on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:06:06

Have you looked at how expensive the keyboards are at best buy? Even the cheap-o Dynex is $25, last I checked.

Edit: there are 6 on their website that are under $20, pre tax. If tax counts, then there are only 3. Only 2 of which are available in stores.

Title: A challenge
Post by: msiegel on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:16:54

Quote from: Uninstall;249857

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823131060&cm_re=keytronic-_-23-131-060-_-Product

Quote

Smooth, precise feel
4 out of 5 eggs

    "Feels alot like the old IBM or chiconey tatical keyboards, which I have always loved. Nice curve & size to the board, ..." -- 300zman 9/15/2009

tactical? i'm sure he means textile
;)

Title: A challenge
Post by: bakageta on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:19:10

Quote from: ripster;249865

OK here's two.

DealXtreme 78 Key Compact Slim (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.44378) (fullsize also available) (free shipping by a literal slow boat to China)

If you like that style of keyboard, newegg has full sized in black (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823204019), white (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823204027), and even pink (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823204018), ranging from $14 to 17 shipped. Shouldn't be quite as slow as the shipping from DealExtreme.

Title: A challenge
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:26:21

Keytronic is always a good choice for that price range...

Title: A challenge
Post by: CodeChef on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:28:51

Man, whoever came up with the retardedly huge return and teeny tiny backspace needs to be shot, or revived and then shot.

Title: A challenge
Post by: CodeChef on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:30:47

Quote from: ripster;249872

Yeah, but they aren't mini.  

Plus I've been looking for a guinea pig to buy that DXtreme and tell me if it's any good.

Rip, I think it would be more appealing to people if DX didn't walk their shipments to your door.

Title: A challenge
Post by: Uninstall on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:31:27

Quote from: msiegel;249868

tactical? i'm sure he means textile
;)

I actually think he means tactile xD but your joke is funny nonetheless.

Title: A challenge
Post by: bakageta on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:34:18

I'm actually tempted to pick up that DX keyboard, just because I've got a few other things I've been putting off ordering from there.

Title: A challenge
Post by: Uninstall on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:36:53

Quote from: ripster;249886

Their single AA Cree is actually quite good.

And don't forget all the sex toys.

Sex toys?! I think you mean portable massage tools :)

Title: A challenge
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:39:53

Quote from: theferenc;249858

You can get either PS/2 or USB sun type 6 keyboards on ebay for under $20. The only rubber dome board that I can personally stand to type on anymore.

I can't stand to type on Sun Type 6 ...

Title: A challenge
Post by: CodeChef on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:42:10

Quote from: ripster;249882

Anyway, you're gonna start complaining about what you can get for $20?

Show Image

(http://dudeism.com/Images/getajob.jpg)

Yes. Well, no. I might actually hit that Rosewill just because I know newegg has a great return policy and I'll be able to send it back if it's too rubber-domey.

Title: A challenge
Post by: woody on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:47:31

Quote from: ripster;249882

Show Image

(http://dudeism.com/Images/getajob.jpg)

Have you seen "A serious man" yet?

Title: A challenge
Post by: woody on Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:52:54

Now I know where the woes come from - [Fn | CTRL].

Man, you're QWIK!

P.S. Say "Hi" to Marshak.

Title: A challenge
Post by: elbowglue on Sat, 20 November 2010, 19:14:36

Dell AT 101W

$17.99 shipped to me.  You can also get two Mcdonalds chicken sandwiches and still be below $20.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-AT101W-PS-2-Keyboard-GYUM90SK-/200545242188?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2eb16d8c4c#ht_484wt_853

Title: A challenge
Post by: msiegel on Sat, 20 November 2010, 19:19:30

sudo i'm lovin' it

Title: A challenge
Post by: TexasFlood on Sat, 20 November 2010, 19:41:08

Quote from: Uninstall;249857

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823131060&cm_re=keytronic-_-23-131-060-_-Product

Over 20 with shipping though :/

Pacificgeek has the Keytronic Black PS2 KT800P2 (http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?id=865404), also the Keytronic Ivory PS2 E03601QUS201-C (http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?ID=865362) and Keytronic Beige PS2 E03601P1 (http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?ID=865373).

Title: A challenge
Post by: TexasFlood on Sat, 20 November 2010, 19:45:48

Quote from: Uninstall;249857

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823131060&cm_re=keytronic-_-23-131-060-_-Product

Over 20 with shipping though :/

Pacificgeek has the Keytronic Black PS2 KT800P2 (http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?id=865404), also the Keytronic Ivory PS2 E03601QUS201-C (http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?ID=865362) and Keytronic Beige PS2 E03601P1 (http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?ID=865373).  And a lot of other cool stuff I should add.

Title: A challenge
Post by: iMav on Sat, 20 November 2010, 23:43:20

Definitely the Dell AT101W.  If you are patient, you can find them NIB for ~$20.  Not a favorite here at GH...but I'd use one over pretty much anything else you can buy NIB for $20.

Title: A challenge
Post by: theferenc on Sat, 20 November 2010, 23:49:37

Alternatively, if you are patient, you can order the cheapest one you can find, and clean it thoroughly. Still better than most rubber domes.

Findecanor, is it the layout that bothers you, or the feel of the board. While I definitely am in love with the layout, I was strictly suggesting it based on the feel. It feels lightyears better than my old style mac book pro keyboard, let alone those evil chicklet nasties.

Title: A challenge
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 21 November 2010, 06:04:28

I love the layout on the Sun Type 5 and 6, but at least the ones that I have tried have had a very mushy feel.

Title: A challenge
Post by: Ekaros on Sun, 21 November 2010, 06:13:45

http://www.huuto.net/kohteet/dell-nappaimisto-musta/157228145

RD Dell, but very decent fro rubber dome...

Title: A challenge
Post by: theferenc on Sun, 21 November 2010, 09:13:40

Quote from: Findecanor;250080

I love the layout on the Sun Type 5 and 6, but at least the ones that I have tried have had a very mushy feel.

Interesting, as they are the least mushy of any of my rubber dome boards (apple laptop, a few apple USB keyboards, MS ergo, etc.). I have 3 different sun boards, and while 2 were purchased NIB, one was well used, and it's mushier, but still not really mushy.

Title: A challenge
Post by: Shawn Stanford on Mon, 22 November 2010, 07:05:12

If you could bump your price by $10, you could have a Model M...

Title: A challenge
Post by: kidchunks on Mon, 22 November 2010, 07:10:16

Quote from: Shawn Stanford;250507

If you could bump your price by $10, you could have a Model M...

Word, seen some refurbs for $30 + freeshipping.