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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Mandolin on Tue, 30 April 2013, 19:00:31

Title: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: Mandolin on Tue, 30 April 2013, 19:00:31
Appart from the hybrids, there are some good ones? Its a matter of taste, but I have an IBM KB-8926 made by lexmark and a Unisys E8HKB-5923 that feels good, no click though.

I've seen ones that in addition to the plastic cilinder or square that goes into the rubber dome, have a couple of plastic bars at the side that enhances the pseudo mechanical feel. And if they use a thick layer of plastic similar to the topre, they feel better.

I somewhat liked the new apple aluminum kbs for a while.

I don't know if the topre itself qualifies, but its good enough for me, behind from the cherry's MX
Title: Re: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: Retrete on Tue, 30 April 2013, 20:22:54
I own an old  Fujitsu e205kb, same as the dell quiet key, the best rubber dome I've ever had.
Title: Re: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 30 April 2013, 20:35:59
I'm a fan of the Microsoft Ergo 4K, but not Topres. Go figure
Title: Re: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: ComradeSniper on Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:06:24
I have a Keytronic variable weight dome board. Most of the keys are super light, it actually feels pretty good.
Title: Re: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: csloan1218 on Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:14:00
I wouldn't recommend satiek eclispe or cyborg. Madcats has good cs, but the boards cant take much abuse.

Other than that I liked my dell boards and logitech cheapos.
Title: Re: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:35:08
I think that the IBM KB-8923 and the original Dell Quietkey made in Malaysia are the best rubber domes I have used.

Late 1990s-early-2000s Compaq keyboards are pretty nice, too.
Title: Re: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: uzoc on Tue, 30 April 2013, 21:51:56
Best TKL for me now is the black Microsoft Arc:

[attachimg=1]

Pro's:
TKL keyboard,
Wireless,
A little ergonomic (has a curved shape),
Best light/short travel key actuation (for me).

Cons:
Wireless? (no problems yet, and I play BF3 with it).
Four arrow keys are bunched up... into one key!
Lays flat parallel to the desk (but added some laptop feet from EBay).
Cannot see the keys; too small and light (on the black keyboard) but nothing that a $5 "large text" black on yellow, keyboard stickers can't fix!).
Title: Re: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: Burz on Wed, 01 May 2013, 02:22:27
Without a doubt, its the Thinkpad keyboard does it for me. They sell desktop versions that feel the same as their very tactile laptop keyboards.

I have used KeyTronic keyboards in the distant past and liked them, but there are more than a few feedback complaints on sites like Newegg saying they lost their quality.
Title: Re: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: davkol on Wed, 01 May 2013, 03:09:45
I used to love thinkpad keyboards, but I've been either spoiled by higher-quality stuff, or they lost something to them. The Chicony-made boards (SK-8835, and the one in my X200T) make my fingers hurt, and something makes "crunchy" sounds in the keycaps. SK-8855 manufactured by NMB feels much better... until my fingers get a bit sweaty, the ABS is awful to touch then.
Title: Re: Decent Rubber/membrain domes keyboards
Post by: tipo33 on Wed, 01 May 2013, 03:22:37
The ALPS made board in my Thinkpad T60 is great,  as is most any Thinkpad keyboard.  The Dell Quietkeys are nice as well.