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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 09 February 2011, 12:46:55

Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Wed, 09 February 2011, 12:46:55: What would you pay for a wireless mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches, using 2.4GHz IR USB dongle. Standard layout, AA batteries.

What would you be willing to pay for something like this?
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 09 February 2011, 12:56:50: I guess the first question would be if anyone would be interested in a wireless, mechanical keyboard the first place. Diatec didn't seem to be rushing out to replace the model they had discontinued. That said, I wouldn't be interested unless it were about the size of the Choc Mini since it would probably see more HTPC use than anything. I, personally, wouldn't pay more than about $100 for it even then.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: bugfix on Wed, 09 February 2011, 13:02:30: Nothing. I neither need wireless nor Cherry MX switches...:P
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: bugfix on Wed, 09 February 2011, 13:09:38: Quote from: ripster;292356
Unfortunately it drops connection frequently and you have to resync every time the batteries run out. I hate that.

*Cough* Apple *Cough*
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: hfcobra on Wed, 09 February 2011, 13:32:09: nothing sadly. I do not ever need wireless and i usually find it more of a bother than a convenience.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: stuiees on Wed, 09 February 2011, 13:40:03: I havnt used a wireless in years, but when I had one the input lag was noticeable while gaming. Once I build a new pc, I will probably hook my old rig up to my tv. In that case, a wireless would come in handy. However, in that application I would probably go with scissors because I would most likely be doing minimal typing from my lap, and the small form factor would be more important at that point than mx switches.

Edit: A wireless HHKB would be ideal for above situation for me. I could even grip the KB with one hand and peck keys with the other.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 09 February 2011, 13:47:25: Quote from: stuiees;292389
Edit: A wireless HHKB would be ideal for above situation for me. I could even grip the KB with one hand and peck keys with the other.

This would be pretty much the only application I could find for wireless. Otherwise, my keyboard stays parked on my desk.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 10 February 2011, 00:56:33: I want to make my Kinesis Split wireless...I want it to work with Mac...so I'd pay a good sum for the technology to add the function to an existing mechanical keyboard.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: YpoCaramel on Thu, 10 February 2011, 01:02:59: Wireless HHKB would rock. At home on the desktop I don't really care, but when I'm mobile with tablet or laptop I don't want messy wires cluttering up the classroom or coffee shop and having to untangle every time I drag stuff out.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: bakageta on Thu, 10 February 2011, 04:13:10: Quote from: ripster;292356
Much less than a $99 Logitech Google keyboard. It's seriously awesome and a better size (details in my post here (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=13026)).

And the $80 Logitech K800 has a pretty good reputation and it's the only wireless backlit scissor switch. I like scissor switches for their compact form.
http://www.portablegadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1282473041-35.jpg

Needs BlueTooth though. I'd have an Apple Aluminum right now if it paired nicely with my PS3. Unfortunately it drops connection frequently and you have to resync every time the batteries run out. I hate that.

This. I'd be interested if it was bluetooth, but otherwise not really.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: hyperq on Mon, 15 August 2011, 23:13:45: Logitech should marry with Filco, in order to produce small wireless Filcos, with the unifying receiver.

Logitech's got the cash, distro channels, patents, and marketing power. It is one of a few companies that can actually pull this off.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Tue, 16 August 2011, 00:45:40: Well as you can see XArmor completely ignored your input, favoring instead the random college students and OCNers who said $50-$120, picking the median of $100.

I also told them to go with a tenkeyless or at least compact form factor. They ignored that too.

They're also now being reabsorbed by their parent company. Coincidence?
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: N8N on Tue, 16 August 2011, 11:22:05: Quote from: hyperq;399652
Logitech should marry with Filco, in order to produce small wireless Filcos, with the unifying receiver.

Logitech's got the cash, distro channels, patents, and marketing power. It is one of a few companies that can actually pull this off.

That would make a surprising amount of sense... if not partnering up with Filco than one of the other mech players. Main reason is that Logitech has absolutely zero mechanical keyboards in their lineup but do have experience and expertise in wireless desktops, so this would be an enhancement to their product line, not competition.

However, I'm not sure that the market for such is big enough to even get their attention. I mean, really, how many Filcos do you see out there in the wild? About as many as you see "watch geek" type wristwatches, in my experience - that is to say, so few that they essentially don't exist.

My desk doesn't count :) (happily typing on a Filco while wearing a Marathon GSAR on my wrist...)
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: shrap on Tue, 16 August 2011, 13:53:08: Just noticed the Logitech Revue (with the fancypants keyboard) is only $100 now, while the keyboard by itself is still $100.

Then again, the Logitech box is close to worthless now....
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: pitashen on Tue, 16 August 2011, 15:26:21: I wonder how many of those who are geek enough to get into the mechanical keyboards really care about (or desire) their mech keyboard being wireless. I myself is never a big fan of wireless input devices.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: ogmios on Tue, 16 August 2011, 17:54:56: Quote from: pitashen;400013
I wonder how many of those who are geek enough to get into the mechanical keyboards really care about (or desire) their mech keyboard being wireless. I myself is never a big fan of wireless input devices.

I think this sentiment probably makes the already small market for such a product even smaller. I've always been against wireless input devices, and still don't own any. I must say though, many of those around me have wireless stuff, and there is no noticeable lag whatsoever, even when gaming. Perhaps many of the ideas "we" have about wireless are outdated.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: SBI on Tue, 16 August 2011, 18:11:15: I can't say anything about keyboards, but I stuck with me MX500 for a long time because I thought wireless was crap. But when that gave up, I switched, and haven't had any negative experience so far. While working, it's great, and I don't notice anything while playing. However, this goes for a M705 and a Performance Mouse MX, which are both state of the art from logitech. I guess the wireless stuff has come a long way in the past few years, most likely especially when you're willing to pay the price (which is not meant to be a compliment, merely an observation).
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: N8N on Tue, 16 August 2011, 20:05:52: I don't perceive any need for me personally to have a wireless keyboard, but I've been using wireless mice for years. I can't stand that cord getting caught on all the crap on my desk, especially while trying to do CAD work...

That said, I could see a wireless board being useful in some applications, e.g. a media server (so you could control it from the couch) but in that case it probably doesn't matter how high quality it is; it's not like you're going to be typing out a novel on it or anything. Although for that use, something like one of the Cherry server boards with an integral touchpad would be really nice.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: shrap on Tue, 16 August 2011, 20:06:00: Quote from: pitashen;400013
I wonder how many of those who are geek enough to get into the mechanical keyboards really care about (or desire) their mech keyboard being wireless. I myself is never a big fan of wireless input devices.

I'm not a big fan of wireless devices either, but if I'm going to use one I'd prefer it had some kind of integrated pointing system. Kinda silly to be able to move with your keyboard but be required to remember to bring your wireless mouse with you too - and then you need a table for the mouse to work well.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Wed, 17 August 2011, 00:55:30: Quote from: ogmios;400076
I think this sentiment probably makes the already small market for such a product even smaller. I've always been against wireless input devices, and still don't own any. I must say though, many of those around me have wireless stuff, and there is no noticeable lag whatsoever, even when gaming. Perhaps many of the ideas "we" have about wireless are outdated.

Does it require replacing batteries ever? Then no, not really outdated. I have no need on my desk to change whether or not an unmoving object has a tether. There might be an argument for wireless mice. However not at the performance that I would expect out of a gaming mouse, because 3 day battery life is absolutely insane.

I do use a wireless mouse that requires changing once every... how long has it been? On my laptop, on a mobile platform where the extra wire would be too much.

Quote from: N8N;400138
That said, I could see a wireless board being useful in some applications, e.g. a media server (so you could control it from the couch) but in that case it probably doesn't matter how high quality it is; it's not like you're going to be typing out a novel on it or anything. Although for that use, something like one of the Cherry server boards with an integral touchpad would be really nice.

Yep, use a random gear head board and mouse for that. It sits on the coffee table. Though I suppose it should be called the HTPC, a media server would just be something sitting somewhere with a crapton of harddrives and free space. Where size and sound doesn't matter.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: SBI on Wed, 17 August 2011, 03:49:04: For that, I only have an Apple Keyboard. I use XBMC with all types of plugins for our HTPC, so it really doesn't matter that I don't have a mouse. Whenever I need to work on it for longer (updates, new installations and such) I hook it up to my desk anyway. Can't imagine doing anything productive slumped on the couch., but especially so far from the TV. For anything else, I don't see the use of a wireless keyboard either. The only really valid point that I see is reducing clutter on your table. I figure I'm also sort of a freak that way, because my table is practically sterile most of the time. But I guess even that aside...one cord isn't gonna do much to reduce the amount of crap that has a right to be there where I'd rather not have anything at all.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Wed, 17 August 2011, 03:54:28: It was so cool using XBMC when it was really on the xbox. Too bad x264 took off so much, cause it can't process most of it. Though the fact that it can do some of it is quite good considering it's only got a 700~ish megahertz processor.

You use windows or some flavor of linux for that?
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: SBI on Wed, 17 August 2011, 03:59:38: Well, I have do admit that, although being a linux user, I use Windows 7 for the HTPC, mostly because I didn't want to stick in more work than I thought would be necessary, it's supposed to be for leisure after all. It runs an E2140 with an NV-GT240 for media acceleration, so it's not the greatest piece of hardware out there, but will play practically anything. I went for Windows specifically for Bluray playback, which is becoming better with linux, but still seems to be a ***** most of the time. Whenever something doesn't work directly, I have a bunch of little python scripts to launch external applications, especially when playing Blurays.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: Ghostpixel on Wed, 24 August 2011, 19:15:13: Is Logitech k400 the best choise atm for a wireless keyboard with touchpad/trackpad?

Ok, im gonna ramble now for a while, so beware (and for those few that might be interested in my though process while making decisions, read on ;)

Among other things, I need a wireless mouse/keyboard combination for my tv (thats connected to the main computer im using at a table nearby but placed too far away so i need an extra set of mouse/keyboard for tv), and these are the facts at hand:

1: On my desk i use a good keyboard and a good mouse (logitech mx revolution)
2: For my sofa table its fine with a "bad" keyboard and mouse, just as long as theyre wireless.
3: My main mouse broke yesterday, so need a new good mouse.
4: I used a Logitech marathon (which is kind of bad, but good enough) for my sofa table before, but lost the unify usb connector, so thats almost new but useless now too. (I also use an old keytronic ergoforce for the tv, but im tired of the wire.)
5: Logitech's unify system allows up to 5 mice/keyboards on the same connector (so if i buy a new logitech mouse or keyboard i can use the new + i can use my (almost new) marathon again too!)
6: "There are no" new good logitech mice that use unify connectors, that i can use for my new main mouse. I want g700, but then i wont get a new unify connector since it use a special one.(I really didnt like mx performance when i tried that.)
7: I could buy the logitech k400 keyboard with touchpad, then i get both wireless keyboard and a unify connector so i can use my marathon again. But then i wont have any use for my marathon anyway since i get a touchpad in the keyboard (which is good enough for htpc use for me, and i dont wanna use the marathon as my new main mouse cause its shaped a bit weird and gets uncomfy after a while for me.)
8: Im guessing Logitech has some normal wireless keyboard without touchpad that use unify. Then i get to use my marathon.

I guess the question comes down to: Do i want the marathon or a touchpad solution for my htpc sofa table? It just feels like a waste throwing it away when i just need the unify connector, and that comes with almost all new logitech devices and works with them all at the same time with just the one connector in the computer.

I love my old logitech mx revolution mouse, but they stopped making that one several years back. Its possible to find it on ebay brand new, but its pretty hard and pretty expensive (for an old mouse). If i buy that one, and buy the logitech k400 for my tv, i even get one use for the marathon too, and thats playing the backup role for my new revolution when im charging that (cause you cant use that one when charging, and it always goes out of batteries when you need it the most lol). And it needs to be charged every 3 days or so :P The marathon will be perfect for that small job. I guess i could buy the g700 instead of the revolution and get even more mouse for my money, but then i wont get a use out of my marathon since the g700 can be used while charging ;)

I hate making decisions sometimes, cause i think too much :P

Now i got it! The best would be to trade my marathon. Maybe someone already have a unify connector and can use it. Its kind of expensive, so would be a fair trade for a kind of cheap wireless keyboard with touchpad or something like it. Then i just need to figure out how many keyboards like that is out there and try to find someone willing to trade ;) Hmm, seems hard to find someone that both have that exact keyboard and wants a marathon and have a unify connector laying around, hehe.

Final solution: Buy Logitech g700. Buy Logitech k400. Throw away my half broke revolution. Throw away my marathon. Done.

Ok, thanks for reading :)

Oh, and back to topic: Is the Logitech k400 ok or are there any better keyboard/touchpad combos out there that is better? Of course it would be most fancy with a mech wireless tenkeyless with touchpad, but after reading this thread im realising that aint gonna happen, so non mech is fine. The important thing is that its not too bulky (no bigger than the k400).
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 25 August 2011, 04:31:03: Quote from: Ghostpixel;404574

6: "There are no" new good logitech mice that use unify connectors, that i can use for my new main mouse. I want g700, but then i wont get a new unify connector since it use a special one.(I really didnt like mx performance when i tried that.)

The M705 is likely one of the best mice ever built

Quote
I love my old logitech mx revolution mouse, but they stopped making that one several years back. Its possible to find it on ebay brand new, but its pretty hard and pretty expensive (for an old mouse).

The BT version is still in production as part of the 5500 bundle, i bought mine recently from a person who wanted just the keyboard, nothing match the handy wheel with the smartshift, btw the mouse is too big for my hands.

You can buy the bundle and sell the keyboard on ebay, being BT can be sold w/o the receiver.

P.S. the K400 doesen't seem a perfect stroke keyboard, like the k800 or the logitech illuminated, then you should look at the dinovo edge.

An MX revolution BT + a Dinovo edge keyboard could be a nice couple for your needs.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: Ghostpixel on Thu, 25 August 2011, 06:27:49: Ok, nice info there :) Btw, i just remembered that my mom has an old logitech di novo (old model tenkeyless) keyboard. Maybe i could trade her for something new and shiny like the 5500 bundle keyboard (that one is way to bog for my sofa table ;) Not as good as the edge maybe, but still good enough.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: csm725 on Thu, 25 August 2011, 07:01:19: M705 FTW. At least we agree there Solutor.
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 25 August 2011, 07:12:57: Oh, looks that finally someone started to hear to my suggestion.

First the Olivetti boards (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?21293-Surprised-by-rubberdome), now the m705 :wave:
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: Ghostpixel on Thu, 25 August 2011, 20:57:38: But the m705 is the marathon that i have (im guessing you knew, but anyway, hehe.) And i love that one in almost every way too, but one. Its a bit to small, weird to grip and "short" for my hand/grip. And i dont have big hands. The revolution is just so much more comfy :) But i love those 3 year batteries in the m705 :D
Title: Wireless mechanical
Post by: MMB on Fri, 18 May 2012, 10:34:50: Older post, but I have had one of these for a long time for my HTPC. Not something you want to type on for long periods, but serves the purpose for my HTPC well. Watching movies in the dark, obviously illumination is great. I like the motion activated feature (wave your hand over keyboard and it turns on). Batteries haven't needed changing in about 8 months of use. Overall, not bad. Only problem is, the keycaps fall out easily. My 2 year old has hidden a few of them =/

Quote from: ripster;292356
Much less than a $99 Logitech Google keyboard. It's seriously awesome and a better size (details in my post here (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=13026)).

And the $80 Logitech K800 has a pretty good reputation and it's the only wireless backlit scissor switch. I like scissor switches for their compact form.
Show Image
(http://www.portablegadget.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1282473041-35.jpg)

Needs BlueTooth though. I'd have an Apple Aluminum right now if it paired nicely with my PS3. Unfortunately it drops connection frequently and you have to resync every time the batteries run out. I hate that.