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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: wanabe on Mon, 22 November 2010, 20:10:42

Title: Suggestions non-mechanical tenless?
Post by: wanabe on Mon, 22 November 2010, 20:10:42: Are there any decent non-mechanical keyboards in tenless format? My problem is that I really love tenless layouts, but I’m also a pretty heavy keyboard masher at work. My workplace is quiet (almost library quiet), so I always end up making a racket once I’m hammering away on my keyboard. Even my filco browns are way too loud. I’m using a MS Comfort Curve 2000 [Amazon Link] (http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Comfort-Curve-Keyboard-B2L-00002/dp/B0009ZBRS0/), which I actually like for a rubber dome, but I want a more compact keyboard footprint.

I guess my criteria are:
-tenless or compact w/ full size keys
-quiet

Any alternatives out there?
Title: Suggestions non-mechanical tenless?
Post by: uff0 on Mon, 22 November 2010, 20:19:41: If you don't mind "flat" keys, then i would suggest the apple keyboard without the numpad.
Title: Suggestions non-mechanical tenless?
Post by: wanabe on Mon, 22 November 2010, 21:18:48: Quote from: uff0;250949
If you don't mind "flat" keys, then i would suggest the apple keyboard without the numpad.

didnt think about that one. I'll have to try them out at the apple store.
Title: Suggestions non-mechanical tenless?
Post by: Pylon on Mon, 22 November 2010, 21:21:48: What about the Thinkpad USB keyboard?
Title: Suggestions non-mechanical tenless?
Post by: TexasFlood on Mon, 22 November 2010, 21:38:30: Quote from: Pylon;250991
What about the Thinkpad USB keyboard?

I've got one of those, and like it a lot. It's my #1 choice when I need a nice but very quiet keyboard.
(http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/thinkpad_usb_keyboard_with_trackpoint.jpg)
Title: Suggestions non-mechanical tenless?
Post by: theferenc on Mon, 22 November 2010, 21:53:43: What about the HHKB lite model? It's roughly the same price as the apple keyboard, and is a decent quality rubber dome. It might give you layout issues, though.

There are also rubber dome keyboards that look remarkably like the GHSS, such as this (http://cgi.ebay.com/SEJIN-ELECTRON-SPR-8695PSBL-MINI-KEYBOARD-/320373941753?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item4a97c665f9). Free shipping, not that expensive. I had a REALLY old one of these (IR wireless, ps/2) that was actually pretty decent to type on. Admittedly, it was wireless and small, which likely colored my perceptions quite significantly.
Title: Suggestions non-mechanical tenless?
Post by: didjamatic on Mon, 22 November 2010, 22:46:22: SIIG Minitouch Plus - the black rubber dome variety
BTC 5100C - Another mini rubber dome that's decent
IBM Space Saver II - has trackpoint
You could also try Cherry ML switch keyboards like the G84-4100's. They are mechanical and not noisy. I have 2 of these if you're interested in them. Just an FYI. Oh, and they are really small.

And of course there are Topre switch keyboards like the 86u/87u/HHKB. The 87u is available in even quieter form in Asia.
Title: Suggestions non-mechanical tenless?
Post by: wanabe on Tue, 23 November 2010, 01:12:45: Thanks for the suggestions guys! I'm leaning towards the SIIG Minitouch for now...the topres are definitely on my radar, but will have to wait until next year
Title: Suggestions non-mechanical tenless?
Post by: sairex on Tue, 23 November 2010, 01:35:25: I'm currently using a Microsoft Sidewinder X6 which has a removable numberpad and basically transforms it into a tenkeyless keyboard.