i think you mean rubber dome, not membrane.
I couldn't disagree more. The new release of that keyboard is an abomination to all computing interfaces.
That said, the early Dell SK8135 (and I suppose the SK8115 as well) is slightly better, and it's what i used for about 3 years prior to getting my Cherry MX switch boards. The ones they're selling now are absolute garbage. I don't know what changed, but sometime over the past 3 years the feel of the membrane changed considerably. Immediately before I bought my Ducky 9008G2, I got a NIB SK8115 at work, and it's what caused me to pull the trigger on my Ducky. I was still using my 3 year old SK8135 at home until a month ago when I received my Filco tenkeyless.
I agree, these Dell keyboards are HORRID.
what's your goal here? just a cheaper option to try than blues & browns?
this is what id say:
-if you don't care about noise, consider a used model M (you will find them for about ~$30-$40 easily on ebay). they feel totally different from blues & browns, but are loud.
-if you specifically want a low travel scissor switch, look into logitech illuminated or an ibm thinkpad usb as mentioned
-if you want to have an idea of what a topre feels like, look into a keytronic keyboard. if you do this, make sure you find a newer one b/c they tend to get mushy. they feel great for a rubber dome, but i dont like them because the keys rattle like crazy. it feels similar to a topre, but it's not even close..hard to explain..
Incidentally, am I right in believing that all keyboards are compatible with OS X?
I couldn't disagree more. The new release of that keyboard is an abomination to all computing interfaces.
That said, the early Dell SK8135 (and I suppose the SK8115 as well) is slightly better, and it's what i used for about 3 years prior to getting my Cherry MX switch boards. The ones they're selling now are absolute garbage. I don't know what changed, but sometime over the past 3 years the feel of the membrane changed considerably. Immediately before I bought my Ducky 9008G2, I got a NIB SK8115 at work, and it's what caused me to pull the trigger on my Ducky. I was still using my 3 year old SK8135 at home until a month ago when I received my Filco tenkeyless.
Hey people,
So I have tried out my Leopold MX Blue and Browns, and I have decided I don't like either (gasp!), not that I dislike them, but maybe not the price I paid for them, or what I expected. (Actually, plan on selling them, to pay for a new keyboard maybe? Anyway, money=good.)
I was wondering whether anyone know any good quality membrane switches, or scissor switches? I am using a MBP at the moment, and I guess I am just used to the sound (though I can't say I'm a huge fan of the feel).
I know there is the Topre switches which are like SUPER HIGH QUALITY rubber membrane. But I don't know if I want to spend over two hundred dollars (or even, new, three hundred) for a keyboard.
So does anyone know if there are any good quality membrane switches I could just take a look at and so on?
EDIT:
Sorry, rubber dome then.
Incidentally, am I right in believing that all keyboards are compatible with OS X?
Logitech Google TV keyboard (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?13026-Wireless-Google-TV-Keyboard-Works-For-A-PC). When they roll that technology into their standard product line (or at least BlueTooth) I'll buy one.Show Image(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/918PiUBKwWL._AA1500_.jpg)
This is the nicest feeling scissor switch board I've used so far, it really is a pleasure to type on. That said, I think scissor switches in general are pretty decent. Just look for something that has a bit of key travel instead of the ultra-thin kinds and you can't go wrong.
I agree, these Dell keyboards are HORRID.
I touched one of these just yesterday, I have no idea on how old was, but was really awfull to type on it.
Most of the "first price" keyboards bundled on basic office PCs are way better at 1/3 of the cost.
I also liked the IBM keyboards, which I used at home until I got into mechanical switches.
As for the made in Thailand Quietkeys (RT7D5JTW), you can buy them new on Ebay for not that much:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Dell-White-Quiet-Key-Quietkey-Keyboard-0463CD-463CD-/390226763652?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item5adb53df84
They're fantastic feel wise. Also for Quietkeys, avoid the SK-8000; they're mediocre and the keys wobble a lot.
The KB-1421 variant of the new Dell Optiplex boards (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=330-5317&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063) are pretty decent in my opinion and far better than the SK-8115/L100/RT7D50 models. They've got decent key feel and the longer keys are well stabilized, and I believe they have a metal plate (don't take my word for it though). There's also an SK-8175 variant, but I haven't tried it and can't comment on the feel. If you want to make sure you get KB-1421, buy it on Ebay or something.
Consider this blasphemy - Try Topres. HAHA
But one of the decent membrane domes that I've used are the ones attached to University computers - the Dell SK8115Show Image(http://www.pacificgeek.com/productimages/xl/J4628.jpg)
I used the k750 (http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard/devices/k750-keyboard) briefly in Best Buy and it kind of reminded me of the aluminum mac keyboard.