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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: myndzi on Tue, 05 April 2011, 18:38:01

Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: myndzi on Tue, 05 April 2011, 18:38:01
I'm trying to shop for a keyboard for a friend. I don't care about the keyswitches (this may be heresy here, but she doesn't know what's good for her! ;). I just want something that won't crap out on her like the last three she bought. Preferably something slim (scissor switches maybe?), numpad optional, no bulky bezels or multimedia keys. Bundled mouse is a plus.

I've found a few keyboards that seem to come close, but I have no idea if they are any good. Has anyone here got experience or recommendations?
Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: Lpb45 on Tue, 05 April 2011, 20:26:37
I know you are looking for a wireless keyboard but checkout ripsters review of the dealextreme board.

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:16567 (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:16567)
Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: Akachei on Tue, 05 April 2011, 21:15:36
I'm not sure about how long it would last - I haven't used it heavily since my Filco showed up - but I liked the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard 6000 I still have around.  

Advantages: Never had any problem with the Bluetooth, Scissor Switches and a nice compact layout with a slight curve.  There's a version that comes with a separate numpad (has "Mobile" in the name).

Drawbacks: Somewhat flimsy power switch, bluetooth search button and battery cover, no feet (fairly flat, a bit of an incline), no Caps Lock light.

If you're not hauling it between multiple computers every day the only point against it is the flatness, which isn't necessarily a disadvantage if you're not someone that uses keyboard feet.

Other wireless keyboards I've also used (both scissor switch):

Apple Wireless (the mini bluetooth one) - nice, but the layout can be awkward for Non-Mac use and the keys have gone to **** on mine, though not super-quick or anything.

Kensington Slimblade - Not as compact (fairly standard tenkeyless with a separate numpad) but no excessive bezels or anything, non-bluetooth but the receiver stores nicely in the mouse.  Dust gets everywhere.  Switches not as nice as others, and weird and awful multimedia keys on the top.
Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: myndzi on Wed, 06 April 2011, 17:33:22
Not that kind of friend ;)
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll look into the mentioned boards!

vvv I read all those too, just didn't see a need to bump. Looks like I have my looking cut out for me!
Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: digitalleftovers on Wed, 06 April 2011, 18:36:19
Quote from: Lpb45;325350
I know you are looking for a wireless keyboard but checkout ripsters review of the dealextreme board.

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:16567 (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:16567)


As mentioned at the end of this article, I have also heard positive things about the google tv keyboard (by logitech), but I have not used one.  Other things I think you should at least look at are the diNovo Mini:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-000594-diNovo-Mini/dp/B0011FOOI2/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1302132241&sr=1-5

There is also this ultra compact with a touch pad. No idea about quality, but there are many re-brands of it widely varying price points.  Again, haven't tried it, but it is intriguing if you just need an input device and no actual typing.

From my own experience, The Wave Pro is not worth it if you will be moving it around. Flex the case of that thing even a little bit, and the keys will never stop sticking.  Leave it on a flat surface, I think it works fine.
Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: suntorytime on Wed, 06 April 2011, 21:30:10
Microsoft Arc Keyboard
Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: rustybarnacle on Wed, 06 April 2011, 22:04:06
Apple makes an ok wireless board that sounds like what you're after.  Sorta steep price for what it is, but if she's a girl set on cute things, she'll go for it.
Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: Larry Dallas on Thu, 07 April 2011, 00:53:15
I used an Adesso trackball keyboard for a long time on my htpc, the trackball and scroll wheel worked great, way better than a touchpad. I eventually found myself typing too much on it to tolerate the domes and bought a backlit Logitech wireless with the perfect stroke scissor keys. It's the best typing wireless board I've used, but I miss the trackball and form factor of the Adesso.
Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: digitalleftovers on Thu, 07 April 2011, 01:06:00
Quote from: Larry Dallas;326004
I used an Adesso trackball keyboard for a long time on my htpc, the trackball and scroll wheel worked great, way better than a touchpad. I eventually found myself typing too much on it to tolerate the domes and bought a backlit Logitech wireless with the perfect stroke scissor keys. It's the best typing wireless board I've used, but I miss the trackball and form factor of the Adesso.


My IT department uses the Adesso trackballs almost exclusively.  They are pretty awesome boards, but not wireless.  We use the scissor switch version.
Title: Reliable wireless, small form factor?
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 07 April 2011, 01:06:15
1+ Apple Bluetooth keyboard.  The layout could take a little getting used to, but it's the same as every recent mac laptop made.  Works good for PC or Mac.  If it had mechanical switches I'd marry it.