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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: bigfrog on Wed, 31 August 2011, 16:54:43

Title: Good UK keyboard?
Post by: bigfrog on Wed, 31 August 2011, 16:54:43

My sister proofreads and types for a living. Her current keyboard (I can't remember what it is - an old Dell?) is on its last legs, and she and is about to embark on a big transcripion job.

She is looking for a good, responsive keyboard. In the past, she has made positive remarks about my Model M and Apple Extended II 'boards. I know these are very different, but I think she would be happy with something that makes some noise and feels good. She trained on typewriters.

I want to help her, but I am not really familiar with what is available new in the UK. She does not have a limitless budget, but does not want anything rubbery from PC World!

Any suggestions?

Thanks, BF

Title: Good UK keyboard?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 31 August 2011, 18:13:01

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Qpad-Gaming-Backlit-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B005DTFDQE

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:19423

Title: Good UK keyboard?
Post by: Culinia on Wed, 31 August 2011, 18:27:47

If you want something a little more 'plain' without the flash/bling etc:

These Filco boards did come very highly recommended (I have one myself) until the 'ping scandal' emerged (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?19743-Does-Your-Modern-Plate-Mount-Cherry-MX-Board-Ping-Ring-*Read-Instructions-First*) although according to poll results -- it does not really matter (http://geekhack.org/poll.php?pollid=267&do=showresults)

Filco mx blues with a numpad (http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=648)

Filco mx blues without a numpad (space saving) (http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=805)

Cherry-branded board, cheaper but looks a bit bleh for me personally (http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=510)

Title: Good UK keyboard?
Post by: The Solutor on Wed, 31 August 2011, 18:34:14

If you don't like the backlight you can just turn it off.

At least the qpad is problem free and doesn't have the cheap keycaps and the ringing problems

BTW the cherry boards are surely a good choice too

Title: Good UK keyboard?
Post by: bigfrog on Wed, 31 August 2011, 19:01:18

Wow! Prompt replies, folks - much appreciated.

I have been digging around as well, and I find myself gravitating towards a Cherry G80-3000. It doesn't have to be a 'looker' - after all, it is a tool, and touch-typists don't really look at their 'boards anyway. I think Blue switches would offer her a good combination of tactile and audible feedback.

Thanks, BF

BTW, her site is here (http://www.sueproof.co.uk/).

Title: Good UK keyboard?
Post by: Culinia on Wed, 31 August 2011, 19:39:59

Whilst I agree that 'touch-typists don't really look at their 'boards anyway' I would like to emphasize the satisfaction, at least for me of having a native keyboard layout (http://forum.colemak.com/viewtopic.php?id=1209) at my additional expense in what I personally think is a great standard keyboard. Also other people here whom specifically buy double-shot caps for their existing keyboards etc can't be wrong ;) (I'm not the only one, lol yay)

Anyway, your welcome, we provided you with some suggestions to base your choice on so...mission accomplished & welcome to geekhack. Hope your sister enjoys the new keyboard.

Oh yes and also forgot to mention -- hope I'm not stating the obvious lol but since 'she made positive remarks' about your Model M - why not buy another from ebay or something? Or have a new one imported from Unicomp (http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/) who still makes them?

Title: Good UK keyboard?
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 01 September 2011, 02:43:45

Quote from: ripster;408411

As long as it wasn't that stupid backlit Xarmor suggestion I am happy.

Very little is enough to satisfy a 3 year old child like you.

Title: Good UK keyboard?
Post by: Krumlin on Thu, 01 September 2011, 03:38:12

If you type for a living then a cheap keyboard is a false economy - just work out what it costs per hour of use over 10+ years (which is what a good mech should give you as an absolute minimum). It's probably tax deductable too.

I'll second the Filco Majestouch recommendation - I've just bought a UK version of this. If she likes the model M then look at the Click Action model (Cherry MX Blue) - but be aware of the sound it's going to make - check out the sound on various YouTube videos if she's  not sure about it. And this keyboard is available as Tenkeyless is she doesn't use the num pad and wants to reclaim a bit of desk space.

Title: Good UK keyboard?
Post by: The Solutor on Thu, 01 September 2011, 04:02:24

Quote

If you type for a living then a cheap keyboard is a false economy

It depends on what you mean with the word "cheap".

If you mean poorly built I agree completely, If you mean not expensive we can discuss for a whole day, as especially on the keyboard market the two meaning are often unrelated.

Looking at the three board mentioned here the price is ordered in the opposite direction respect the keyboard durability.

Surely the cherry board is the most durable of the three, then there is the qpad and lastly the filco.

A good old Olivetti RD board is easy to find for 10€ or even for free and will outlast all the three.