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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Calade on Fri, 21 September 2012, 21:37:48

Title: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Calade on Fri, 21 September 2012, 21:37:48: My uncle is furnishing a TV news studio and asked me to find him the most beautiful "design" keyboard. So something in the lines of the current Apple keyboards, except that it should preferably be dark-coloured and for Windows systems. Doesn't have to be mechanical, and in fact it probably shouldn't be in order to look as thin and sleek as possible. Looks is the thing that counts here the most.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: khaangaaroo on Fri, 21 September 2012, 22:56:10: Microsoft Arc keyboard? It's not that unique or sexy, but it feels pretty good to type on, and seems durable.

(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/02/arc-keyboards-handson-02-03-2010.jpg)
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: dreamingftw on Fri, 21 September 2012, 22:57:59: Quote from: khaangaaroo on Fri, 21 September 2012, 22:56:10
Microsoft Arc keyboard? It's not that unique or sexy, but it feels pretty good to type on, and seems durable.

Show Image
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/02/arc-keyboards-handson-02-03-2010.jpg)

I hated typing on this keyboard though.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: khaangaaroo on Fri, 21 September 2012, 23:09:19: Quote from: dreamingftw on Fri, 21 September 2012, 22:57:59
I hated typing on this keyboard though.

Well, it's no mechanical keyboard. But compared to other scissor-switches, I prefer it over Apple, but not as much as Thinkpads. You have to get used to using the d-pad as directional keys though.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: tjcaustin on Sat, 22 September 2012, 00:09:20: http://oreedesign.com/
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: metalliqaz on Sat, 22 September 2012, 00:24:08: Optimus (http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/)?
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: tjcaustin on Sat, 22 September 2012, 00:31:43: Quote from: metalliqaz on Sat, 22 September 2012, 00:24:08
Optimus (http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/)?
I like the ideas behind all of their designs, especially the one that might actually get released, the popularis
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: hoggy on Sat, 22 September 2012, 00:39:31: I know the slim, apple like look is in fashion, but there are a lot of old designs that are quite striking...

Northgate Omni Evolution
(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRHNxbeWj2PU-WXpzffGgK_XrGGyMngHJv_5iOhOYatoNeFn3e5pA)

Marquardt mini ergo
(http://keyboardporn.com/files/gimgs/31_1.jpg)

An IBM M15 could strike an interesting pose on the desk - that is from a range of angles. Goldtouch or Kinesis Freestyle would be a cheaper alternative - but not quite as pretty. The Kinesis Advantage looks exotic.

...and it deserves a mention
http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/popularis/

What about talking to Microsoft to see if he could get hold of a couple of their adaptive keyboard prototypes?
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Hyde on Sat, 22 September 2012, 01:48:08: [attach=1]

I vote for Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, it looks nice, has backlight, feels nice to type on. Also can be bought for very cheap on refurbished models. Full price might be a bit expensive (running into mechanical keyboard price range) but shouldn't be too hard to find deals on this :)
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: furosuto81 on Sat, 22 September 2012, 01:58:10: Quote from: Hyde on Sat, 22 September 2012, 01:48:08
I vote for Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, it looks nice, has backlight, feels nice to type on. Also can be bought for very cheap on refurbished models. Full price might be a bit expensive (running into mechanical keyboard price range) but shouldn't be too hard to find deals on this :)

+1
I have this keyboard, and it's definitely one of the better scissor-switch keyboards out there. Really like the design and the white backlighting is great (and pretty rare). The integrated wrist-rest is nice as well. Unfortunately, it has rollover issues that make it a really poor choice for gaming, which is the primary use for my PC. Which is why I bought the Ducky Shine (with white backlighting of course):)
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: melcron on Sat, 22 September 2012, 02:31:30: Quote from: Hyde on Sat, 22 September 2012, 01:48:08
(Attachment Link)

I vote for Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, it looks nice, has backlight, feels nice to type on. Also can be bought for very cheap on refurbished models. Full price might be a bit expensive (running into mechanical keyboard price range) but shouldn't be too hard to find deals on this :)

After using cherry mx brown switches for a month I switched back to my Logitech Illuminated. Although the feel and sound when typing a document was amazing, the feel when playing games just felt awkward (I kept hitting key cap edges, although keep in mind I have poor refined motor control). I felt like I was typing so quickly with the mechanical but when I actually recorded my typing speed and accuracy I performed better with the Logitech Illuminated. I stacked nickels on both keyboards and the force required was approximately equal between the two, not to mention the Logitech has shorter key travel.

The rollover issue has never affected me when typing, nor when playing games. I didn't even realize there was an issue until I read about it; W+Shift+Space does not work (I think I didn't notice this before as I generally rebind sprint) but W+Shift+Letter Key of any type seems to work fine. You can also hold W&A/etc and press two others keys... if I was doing any more then that I'd just be rolling my face across the keyboard.

I used a Saitek Eclipse at home for several years, yet the moment I used an Apple Aluminum Keyboard my typing speed and accuracy went up dramatically... so my clumsy fingers seem to function better with low profile keys (I type using mostly my index fingers and type 90-100wpm).

I would buy a low-profile mechanical in an instant if a decent one was available.

Vote #1 Logitech Illuminated
Vote #2 IBM Thinkpad/Lenovo Ideapad
Vote #3 Apple Aluminum Keyboard
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: davkol on Sat, 22 September 2012, 02:51:29: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Skull_Angel on Sat, 22 September 2012, 03:48:04: Another vote for the Logitech Illuminated; very decent board for what it is, sure it has rollover issues for complex gaming combos, but that shouldn't be an issue for typing and light gaming. My gf currently uses one and doesn't run into problems while gaming.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Calade on Sat, 22 September 2012, 08:47:20: Thanks for all the answers guys! The Logitech does seem to be the best option so far, since for the environment in question a wireless keyboard might be too "unreliable". I also found a few other options while browsing, such as this Cherry STRAIT: http://www.jimms.fi/imagecache/1/5/61615_800x600_1.jpg
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 22 September 2012, 09:44:16: The two keyboards that I think are the most beautiful, ever, are the Kinesis Advantage and the Sun Type 5.
The Kinesis is although modern, quite unorthodox, though, and the Sun Type 5 is big, needs a rare adapter and has mushy key feel.

If you want dark and flat, just get one of the cheap black Apple Keyboard clones for the PC. The one from Deal Extreme has been talked about around here, but there are more options.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: tjcaustin on Sat, 22 September 2012, 10:44:27: I just switched from a logitech illuminated to mech switch, so yeah. It's a good option, too. Just likes getting dusty/dirty
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: dorkvader on Sat, 22 September 2012, 18:24:54: It's not as practical, (I'd hate to type on it) but I always liked the looks of this keyboard:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1116966310/multi-touch-keyboard-and-mouse

Apparently since it got funded, they have a website, here:
http://www.translusense.com/
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Calade on Sat, 22 September 2012, 18:32:02: Quote from: dorkvader on Sat, 22 September 2012, 18:24:54
It's not as practical, (I'd hate to type on it) but I always liked the looks of this keyboard:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1116966310/multi-touch-keyboard-and-mouse

Apparently since it got funded, they have a website, here:
http://www.translusense.com/

That is indeed very nice! But I think the schedule won't allow waiting for those to hit the shelves. :)
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: 486 on Sat, 22 September 2012, 19:02:41: The Laser keyboard.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Sinzz on Sat, 22 September 2012, 21:09:16: I honestly think that the Microsoft Wedge Keyboard and mouse are the best looking keyboard/mouse duo. If I wasn't so into these damn mechanical keyboards :p I would've probably invested in those.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 23 September 2012, 02:35:40: Your uncle definitely need a pink scissor switch Filco LOL

http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=864
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 23 September 2012, 05:50:58: If I am going to be more serious here:

Check out which colour scheme you want for the new studio.
Buy any keyboard that feels nice and where it looks like you can take the case apart.
Then take the keyboard apart apart and paint the case in a colour that goes with the colour scheme of the studio.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: hasu on Sun, 23 September 2012, 09:15:46: Wait, all keyboards above is mechanical!!!!

OP needs keyboard without mechanical parts, right?
http://www.minebea.co.jp/english/coolleaf/index.html

EDIT: I missed dorkvader's post. very nice looking.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 23 September 2012, 16:44:46: lol none of the keyboard I posted are mechanical :P
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: melcron on Sun, 23 September 2012, 16:51:36: Quote from: Hyde on Sun, 23 September 2012, 16:44:46
lol none of the keyboard I posted are mechanical :P

Nor are the ones I posted... most of the keyboard mentioned aren't, for that matter. :)
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: rayuki on Sun, 23 September 2012, 16:52:13: for me i really loved the look of the original dinovo with removal numpad. i loved that thing it was so gorgeous.

(http://uncrate.com/p/logitech-dinovo.jpg)
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: sth on Sun, 23 September 2012, 16:52:49: uTrons for everybody!
(http://gearcrave.frsucrave.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/utron-keyboard-2.jpg)
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: 486 on Sun, 23 September 2012, 17:01:03: Quote from: hasu on Sun, 23 September 2012, 09:15:46
Wait, all keyboards above is mechanical!!!!

OP needs keyboard without mechanical parts, right?
http://www.minebea.co.jp/english/coolleaf/index.html

EDIT: I missed dorkvader's post. very nice looking.
How is the Laser keyboard mechanical?
(http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/additional/large/e722_cube_laser_virtual_keyboard_for_iphone_inuse.jpg)
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: hasu on Sun, 23 September 2012, 19:56:13: Laser projection keyboard is absolutely a non-mechanical keyboard!
Oops, I missed your post too :(
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Burz on Sun, 23 September 2012, 21:01:29: Most beautiful:
(http://xahlee.info/kbd/i3/japanese_ergonomic_keyboards.jpg)
(The three beige ones in the rear.)

Plus the Marquand mini ergo mentioned above.

After those come the 2nd tier:

(http://www.atarimuseum.com/computers/8BITS/1200xl/1200xl-main.jpg)
Atari XL line. Yes, really.

The IBM M1

The Truly Ergonomic
(http://www.trulyergonomic.com/images/TrulyErgonomic_com-Tooling.jpg)
I lost track of a reverse-POV shot of the TE that was really sexy-looking. The TE would be in my top tier if it had more 'negative space' around the edges (artfully designed border); It looks a little too spartan, like a Filco.

The Elan Enterprise
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGS8XMJAXNY/Tr-xjkuROfI/AAAAAAAAArk/YmEkvSZG0R4/s1600/e64.jpg)

The Apple Aluminum (compact)

The Dell AT101W
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm268/downbreak/ebay/AT101W_2.jpg)
nice margin, minimalist curve, looks better in white

The 'Honorable Mention' tier (quirky or homely enough to be cute) :

The Atari 400
(http://www.noaksknows.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Atari_400P8.jpg)

Commodore 64 (spherical keys!) and various other Commodore models

TI-99 4/A
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YlM0cyjL6uQ/SOis4INZgJI/AAAAAAAAEDY/RCODz7XoRFU/TI-99-4A.JPG)

A few MSX models had nifty keyboards

Oh, and the Sinclair QL's keyboard was interesting
....Warning NSFW!...
http://void.iddqd.cz/co-s-pocitacem/QLs_and_Zwiebeltuete-3-s.jpg
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: metalliqaz on Sun, 23 September 2012, 21:35:23: lol, he wants to look sleek, not old and busted!
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: dorkvader on Sun, 23 September 2012, 23:13:37: Even though they're old, I think a black-painted Selectric 1 is the best looking. I'll trade someone a correcting selectric 2 for a selectric 1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IBM_Selectric.jpg

'course that's probably more of the DIY route than the OP is willing to go.

An all black unicomp is pretty sleek, too.
http://ajm.no-ip.info/keyboard/black-uni/IMG_4346_modified.JPG
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5247/5322410521_8ce8905987_b.jpg
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 23 September 2012, 23:46:09: Quote from: metalliqaz on Sun, 23 September 2012, 21:35:23
lol, he wants to look sleek, not old and busted!

lol I agree, I think he want modern slick and futuristic looking.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: sth on Sun, 23 September 2012, 23:51:13: wrong forum for that :P
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: kinruan on Mon, 24 September 2012, 00:23:19: anyway, i just love DAS so much.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Hyde on Mon, 24 September 2012, 00:46:32: lol I do admit Das is pretty stylish for mechanical keyboards
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: SpartanD63 on Mon, 24 September 2012, 01:02:17: Although it isn't modern or futuristic, I think that the "steampunk" Model M is very beautiful... Obviously, it's probably WAY more DIY than the OP desired... But just LOOK at it!

(http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/xKb41.jpg.pagespeed.ic.mO3_J9QeoP.jpg)
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 24 September 2012, 05:15:47: Duh. I forgot the µTron in my list of the most beautiful keyboards. It is just that I don't own any myself...

The µTron keyboard is both stylish and übercool, but expensive and must be ordered from Japan. I think that a professional TV studio shouldn't mind paying for that though, as it would still be a small expense in comparison to other furnishings.
Title: Re: The most beautiful design keyboard you know?
Post by: Calade on Mon, 24 September 2012, 05:22:36: Hehe, I am indeed looking for something that's slim and sleek rather than hot in a retro way. Personally I like retro, but for this purpose I just don't think that it would work. :)