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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: morpheus on Mon, 10 June 2013, 19:07:44

Title: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Mon, 10 June 2013, 19:07:44
What's the best membrane keyboard out there, that's easily accessible?
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 10 June 2013, 19:19:19
Dell Quite touch.

(http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com/DellQuietWriter.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: daerid on Mon, 10 June 2013, 19:24:16
That's not a quiet touch, btw. That's a picture of a Dell AT101W, which (usually) has black Alps sliders. Most definitely not a membrane board.

These are Dell Quiet Touch keyboards:

(http://i.imgur.com/hgqVQer.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Mon, 10 June 2013, 19:28:01
I tried looking up Dell Quiet Touch on EBAY, but all I could find was Dell Quiet Key.  Are they the same or different?
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Sifo on Mon, 10 June 2013, 19:32:32
DT-35 MASTER RACE
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Vintage on Mon, 10 June 2013, 19:34:06
Some old IBM terminal keyboards have amazing rubber domes that feel really good to me despite their age. I used one at my old job and it was lovely.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: badcop on Mon, 10 June 2013, 19:43:17
i dont have a model number but this is probably one of the best RD keyboard i've ever typed on

(http://i.imgur.com/x1WFNc5.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 10 June 2013, 20:07:50
That's not a quiet touch, btw. That's a picture of a Dell AT101W, which (usually) has black Alps sliders. Most definitely not a membrane board.

These are Dell Quiet Touch keyboards:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/hgqVQer.jpg)


You are correct, I messed that one up.  Just pulled the first that the google search pulled up without actually looking at it.  My bad. 
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 10 June 2013, 20:08:57
If you get a Dell Quiet Key make sure that it is an early one with a model number something like R45D not made in China.

The later ones made in China with model numbers like 1000 are not nearly as good.

The IBM KB8923 is very good and fairly easy to find cheap at yard sales and thrift stores.

Compaq keyboards from the late1990s-early-2000s are great but often have funny shapes and extra buttons.


PS - yes, that is the one. RT7D5JTW Made in Thailand. I have had them with both blue and yellow domes on a translucent substrate.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Mon, 10 June 2013, 20:21:51
I'm currently using one and it feels very nice to type on, definitely better than any membrane keyboard I had used prior.  If anyone is ever interested in picking one up, here's where I bought mine. It says "Made in Thailand" so i figure it's the one that was referenced.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Dell-White-Quiet-Key-Quietkey-Keyboard-0463CD-463CD-RT7D5JTW-/390567516412?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item5aefa358fc (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Dell-White-Quiet-Key-Quietkey-Keyboard-0463CD-463CD-RT7D5JTW-/390567516412?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item5aefa358fc)
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Mon, 10 June 2013, 20:40:41
I'm currently using one and it feels very nice to type on, definitely better than any membrane keyboard I had used prior.  If anyone is ever interested in picking one up, here's where I bought mine. It says "Made in Thailand" so i figure it's the one that was referenced.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Dell-White-Quiet-Key-Quietkey-Keyboard-0463CD-463CD-RT7D5JTW-/390567516412?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item5aefa358fc (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Dell-White-Quiet-Key-Quietkey-Keyboard-0463CD-463CD-RT7D5JTW-/390567516412?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item5aefa358fc)

Thanks! Just purchased this now.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dante on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:10:34
My favorite membrane is the HP SK2880.  Compared to my previous favorite [Dell Quietkey] it has better feeling keycaps - which are almost POM like.  It has shorter throw and a smaller foot print.  Doesn't feel too mushy either.

Contrary to what others have said I don't find the domes in the HHKB Lite very offensive at all - especially if you can acquire one for under $50.

What baffles me is nobody has tried to put out a standard 80% ANSI model.  Why not?  They could charge the same price as a full size model and they have no competition to fight.

I am in the process of trying to find someone who can import specific models of the Qsenn DT35 as I'm interested in how they feel.  Most say it feels like a regular rubber dome - but those who enjoy them are very passionate about it.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: exousia7 on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:18:49
I really like the i-rocks KR-6260
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: jdcarpe on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:26:41
I'm currently using one and it feels very nice to type on, definitely better than any membrane keyboard I had used prior.  If anyone is ever interested in picking one up, here's where I bought mine. It says "Made in Thailand" so i figure it's the one that was referenced.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Dell-White-Quiet-Key-Quietkey-Keyboard-0463CD-463CD-RT7D5JTW-/390567516412?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item5aefa358fc (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Dell-White-Quiet-Key-Quietkey-Keyboard-0463CD-463CD-RT7D5JTW-/390567516412?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item5aefa358fc)

Thanks! Just purchased this now.


You will not be disappointed. This is probably the best rubber dome you will ever use. I bought one from the same eBay sale, and it's good enough to be the only rubber dome keyboard listed in my signature.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dadgh on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:36:46
i dont have a model number but this is probably one of the best RD keyboard i've ever typed on

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/x1WFNc5.jpg)


yuck i gotta type on this every single day at work and it's complete garbage
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: tricheboars on Mon, 10 June 2013, 22:14:13
I vote for hhkb lite 2
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 10 June 2013, 22:30:08
Key Tronic OEM or Ergoforce.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: lightsout714 on Tue, 11 June 2013, 00:18:24
Looks pretty good.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 11 June 2013, 00:26:26
Microsoft Ergonomic 4000. I love that baby so much
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: ksm123 on Tue, 11 June 2013, 02:18:56
MS Ergo 4000 has nice shape (I used it for a few years), but it felt awful under my fingers. Those rubber domes weren't "springy" enough for satisfying typing experience.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: davkol on Tue, 11 June 2013, 04:11:32
I wouldn't use "springy" and "MS Ergo 4k" in one sentence... oops, I've just done that. Anyway, that keyboard is a piece of poo except in terms of shape. It isn't spill resistant, the rubber dome sheet gets out of position easily (you have to press some keys right in the center then), keys feel mushy and don't let even get started about spacebar... Also, pad printed lettering on the first revision faded almost instantly.

Especially MS Natural Keyboard Elite was much higher quality.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Tue, 11 June 2013, 07:30:57
Here's some videos of clicky sounding membranes:




Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: crthell on Tue, 11 June 2013, 09:07:25
They're called QuietKeys, and are phenomenal for rubber domes.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 11 June 2013, 09:19:16
i dont have a model number but this is probably one of the best RD keyboard i've ever typed on

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/x1WFNc5.jpg)


At a previous employer, before I knew about mechanical keyboards, I had these ordered for the entire office! (I think we got them for like $8 a piece or something :p )
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dante on Tue, 11 June 2013, 09:23:35
Key Tronic OEM or Ergoforce.

Ergoforce is hard to find and based on reviews the last couple years Keytronics has cheapened their hardware.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Tue, 11 June 2013, 10:21:11
Anybody have experience with the Keytronic E03601 from the video above? It sounds similar to a Happy Hacking Lite 2...
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: daerid on Tue, 11 June 2013, 10:22:29
(http://i.imgur.com/HBaqfIi.jpg)

^^^ Not only the best rubber dome experience I've had (slightly edging out the Dell Quiet Touch), but also the best ergo keyboard Microsoft has ever produced. Why? Simple.. the caps bottomed out before the dome did (I have no idea how they pulled that off), so you got a nice solid "clack" on each press, and the feel didn't degrade over time.

Honestly, I need to pick one up off ebay and see if that's still the case. My last time using one was something like 10 years ago, so my memory might be fuzzy, but I remember absolutely loving the hell out of that board.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Tue, 11 June 2013, 10:41:13
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/HBaqfIi.jpg)


^^^ Not only the best rubber dome experience I've had (slightly edging out the Dell Quiet Touch), but also the best ergo keyboard Microsoft has ever produced. Why? Simple.. the caps bottomed out before the dome did (I have no idea how they pulled that off), so you got a nice solid "clack" on each press, and the feel didn't degrade over time.

Honestly, I need to pick one up off ebay and see if that's still the case. My last time using one was something like 10 years ago, so my memory might be fuzzy, but I remember absolutely loving the hell out of that board.

What is this one called?
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 11 June 2013, 10:47:59
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/HBaqfIi.jpg)


^^^ Not only the best rubber dome experience I've had (slightly edging out the Dell Quiet Touch), but also the best ergo keyboard Microsoft has ever produced. Why? Simple.. the caps bottomed out before the dome did (I have no idea how they pulled that off), so you got a nice solid "clack" on each press, and the feel didn't degrade over time.

Honestly, I need to pick one up off ebay and see if that's still the case. My last time using one was something like 10 years ago, so my memory might be fuzzy, but I remember absolutely loving the hell out of that board.

What is this one called?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Natural_keyboard

I believe this is it...
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: daerid on Tue, 11 June 2013, 11:11:19
What is this one called?

It's the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: jwaz on Tue, 11 June 2013, 11:22:01
What is this one called?

It's the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro.

Yeah, the old version of these isn't bad (the one without all the goofy buttons on the top)

We have quite a few at work and my coworker swears by them. Surprised to see how much they go for on ebay.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Binge on Tue, 11 June 2013, 11:47:47
http://i.imgur.com/x1WFNc5.jpg

^^^ worst keyboard ever after a year.  They feel like poop and do not last.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: nappi11 on Tue, 11 June 2013, 12:05:14
Anybody have experience with the Keytronic E03601 from the video above? It sounds similar to a Happy Hacking Lite 2...

I have keytronic E03602, and I think it feels a bit too stiff for me. I have also managed to break few of its keycaps, which were admittedly very hard to remove without proper tools. Especially the spacebar was quite hellish to pull up. (In fact I managed to broke it.) I have never really liked that keyboard very much.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 11 June 2013, 12:40:04
http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/QTRD

Some member mentioned before (I think it was BucklingSpring) that the Unicomp Quiet Touch (Rubber Dome) feel really close to Topre.  So I'd imagine those would be good too but I haven't personally try it yet.


EDIT:  Though looking at the price it almost feel like you're better off buying a mechanical keyboard  >____>
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: daerid on Tue, 11 June 2013, 13:34:22
Yeah, the old version of these isn't bad (the one without all the goofy buttons on the top)

We have quite a few at work and my coworker swears by them. Surprised to see how much they go for on ebay.

I just didn't like the screwed up diamond arrow keys cluster. Everything else was pretty legit. I also liked the Pro's heftier sizer.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: jwaz on Tue, 11 June 2013, 14:07:01

Yeah, the old version of these isn't bad (the one without all the goofy buttons on the top)

We have quite a few at work and my coworker swears by them. Surprised to see how much they go for on ebay.

I just didn't like the screwed up diamond arrow keys cluster. Everything else was pretty legit. I also liked the Pro's heftier sizer.

The arrow keys are definitely the worst part ot the layout. If the function keys were normal and the space was split it would be pretty legit. especially since you could change left space to backspace or some such
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: davkol on Tue, 11 June 2013, 14:52:35
I actually sort of liked them, or at least it didn't matter that much to me. More importantly, the overall build quality of the Elite was surprisingly better than in case of the original Natural Keyboard. (And the multimedia successor made after Y2K was utter crap...)
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dante on Tue, 11 June 2013, 19:30:44
Any opinions of the IBM 71G4644 membrane?  A seller on ebay has a quite a few NIB.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: daerid on Tue, 11 June 2013, 20:56:22
I actually sort of liked them, or at least it didn't matter that much to me. More importantly, the overall build quality of the Elite was surprisingly better than in case of the original Natural Keyboard. (And the multimedia successor made after Y2K was utter crap...)

The gray one with the effed up ins/del cluster? I'd have to agree. That one was horrendous.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 11 June 2013, 21:41:42
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/HBaqfIi.jpg)

I got a MS Natural Keyboard Pro cheap at a flea market once, cleaned it up thoroughly and plugged it in. The keys  bound horribly on off-centre key presses, especially the enormous keys on the bottom row did. Had I washed away some lubricant when I cleaned it?
I tossed it. If I had known at the time that people liked it, the maybe I would have held on to it.

I have keytronic E03602, and I think it feels a bit too stiff for me.
I have a E03602 and an Ergoforce, so I took both out to compare them. I agree with the E03602's keys being too stiff.
The Ergoforce has variably weighted keys, all being lighter and having sharper tactility than the E03602's, with the exception of the bottom-row modifiers on my Ergoforce being only slightly stiffer than on my E03602.

I still prefer the cheaper flatter Key Tronic keyboards. On them, all keys are relatively soft and very tactile, like a uniformly weighted version of the Ergoforce. It has sculpted key caps instead of a curved backplane like the others. It is also a completely plastic construction -- including stabiliser bars.

On all three keyboards, bottoming out is dampened but distinct -- not mushy at all.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dadgh on Tue, 11 June 2013, 21:52:57
http://i.imgur.com/x1WFNc5.jpg

^^^ worst keyboard ever after a year.  They feel like poop and do not last.

Agreed.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Tue, 11 June 2013, 21:59:40
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/HBaqfIi.jpg)

I got a MS Natural Keyboard Pro cheap at a flea market once, cleaned it up thoroughly and plugged it in. The keys  bound horribly on off-centre key presses, especially the enormous keys on the bottom row did. Had I washed away some lubricant when I cleaned it?
I tossed it. If I had known at the time that people liked it, the maybe I would have held on to it.

I have keytronic E03602, and I think it feels a bit too stiff for me.
I have a E03602 and an Ergoforce, so I took both out to compare them. I agree with the E03602's keys being too stiff.
The Ergoforce has variably weighted keys, all being lighter and having sharper tactility than the E03602's, with the exception of the bottom-row modifiers on my Ergoforce being only slightly stiffer than on my E03602.

I still prefer the cheaper flatter Key Tronic keyboards. On them, all keys are relatively soft and very tactile, like a uniformly weighted version of the Ergoforce. It has sculpted key caps instead of a curved backplane like the others. It is also a completely plastic construction -- including stabiliser bars.

On all three keyboards, bottoming out is dampened but distinct -- not mushy at all.

Which Keytronic models are you talking about here? I see a ton on Ebay and Tiger Direct, but I don't which model to look at.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 11 June 2013, 22:01:14
http://i.imgur.com/x1WFNc5.jpg

^^^ worst keyboard ever after a year.  They feel like poop and do not last.
They are actually (at least) three different keyboards, possibly from three different manufacturers. I think we found three different article numbers in a thread back in 2010. They feel only slightly different.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 11 June 2013, 22:14:52
Which Keytronic models are you talking about here? I see a ton on Ebay and Tiger Direct, but I don't which model to look at.
The cheap variety with sculpted keycaps is usually a KT800 or a KT1000. All "Realforce" keyboards I have been KT2000 or KT2001, with large rounded edges, a grey space bar and a blue/red "Ergoforce" sticker over the keyboard LEDs.
The E03601/E03602 can have either a Model M-lookalike case or a case like the Realforce keyboards.
There are lots of other model numbers, but I don't know much about them.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: noisyturtle on Tue, 11 June 2013, 22:30:01
I'm surprised no one's said Topre yet  :p
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dadgh on Tue, 11 June 2013, 22:58:57
I'm surprised no one's said Topre yet  :p

That's clearly not the purpose of this thread.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Tue, 11 June 2013, 23:20:15
Which Keytronic models are you talking about here? I see a ton on Ebay and Tiger Direct, but I don't which model to look at.
The cheap variety with sculpted keycaps is usually a KT800 or a KT1000. All "Realforce" keyboards I have been KT2000 or KT2001, with large rounded edges, a grey space bar and a blue/red "Ergoforce" sticker over the keyboard LEDs.
The E03601/E03602 can have either a Model M-lookalike case or a case like the Realforce keyboards.
There are lots of other model numbers, but I don't know much about them.

Which one did you prefer between the KT800 and KT2000?
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: phoenixl1ght on Wed, 12 June 2013, 10:41:37
(http://cdn.gamerant.com/wp-content/uploads/Raptor-Gaming-LK1-North-American-Model-Review.jpg)

I tried this before at a local store and they felt really different than standard rubber domes. They're really quiet and lighter to press. It's the Raptor Gaming LK1 Quiet Gaming Keyboard.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Panoptic on Wed, 12 June 2013, 10:55:18
My favorite membrane is the HP SK2880.  Compared to my previous favorite [Dell Quietkey] it has better feeling keycaps - which are almost POM like.  It has shorter throw and a smaller foot print.  Doesn't feel too mushy either.

Among the current silver and black HP business keyboards, my favorite model was the 9109.  Actually had a snappy, tactile feel to them.  Whenever I found one at work I'd snatch it for my stockpile.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Wed, 12 June 2013, 22:24:18
Are there any good TKL Membranes out there?
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dante on Wed, 12 June 2013, 22:28:47
Are there any good TKL Membranes out there?

NONE.  The only one in the history of keyboards that came close is the IBM RT3200 spacesaver.  Have no idea how it types but they smooshed the navigation cluster all together which is not typically tenkeyless.

I would LOVE a HP Silver/Gray 2880 in Tenkeyless format.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: davkol on Wed, 12 June 2013, 23:29:11
Apart from MS SideWinder X6, most if not all compact RD keyboards have rather 75% layout than 87 key.

BTW why is this thread called Best Membrane Keyboard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Membrane_keyboard), while everyone is talking about rubber-dome-over-membrane keyboards?
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Thu, 13 June 2013, 00:21:51
Apart from MS SideWinder X6, most if not all compact RD keyboards have rather 75% layout than 87 key.

BTW why is this thread called Best Membrane Keyboard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Membrane_keyboard), while everyone is talking about rubber-dome-over-membrane keyboards?

Is there a difference between rubber domes and membranes? Sorry I am ignorant, so please let me know if there is.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: davkol on Thu, 13 June 2013, 01:35:29
Just read the wiki. ZX80 keyboard was nothing like a rubber-dome-over-membrane keyboard.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: y0fate on Thu, 13 June 2013, 04:40:26
More expensive = better, right?
...right?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000U1DJ2


EDIT: How could I forget the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175014
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: nappi11 on Thu, 13 June 2013, 07:13:26
How could I forget the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175014

That's not even bad, here it costs 339.95€, which is over 450$. It must be very hi-tech I guess.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: y0fate on Thu, 13 June 2013, 07:25:33
How could I forget the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823175014

That's not even bad, here it costs 339.95€, which is over 450$. It must be very hi-tech I guess.
All it is g510 on crack...
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: 1391406 on Thu, 13 June 2013, 08:26:09
More expensive = better, right?
...right?

Right (http://www.amazon.com/Hacoa-Wooden-Keyboard-H930-W-Walnut/dp/B0046ZSUI4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1371129824&sr=1-1&keywords=computer+keyboard).
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dante on Thu, 13 June 2013, 10:56:47
My favorite membrane is the HP SK2880.  Compared to my previous favorite [Dell Quietkey] it has better feeling keycaps - which are almost POM like.  It has shorter throw and a smaller foot print.  Doesn't feel too mushy either.

Among the current silver and black HP business keyboards, my favorite model was the 9109.  Actually had a snappy, tactile feel to them.  Whenever I found one at work I'd snatch it for my stockpile.


I'll snap up one on ebay and compare notes.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Findecanor on Thu, 13 June 2013, 14:42:26
Are there any good TKL Membranes out there?
I have a Fujitsu in tenkeyless layout, but it was mushy by default. I put a Key Tronic rubber sheet in it, though.  :cool:

I have seen tenkeyless chiclet boards also, but I missed what model it was.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Thu, 13 June 2013, 17:37:31
My favorite membrane is the HP SK2880.  Compared to my previous favorite [Dell Quietkey] it has better feeling keycaps - which are almost POM like.  It has shorter throw and a smaller foot print.  Doesn't feel too mushy either.

Among the current silver and black HP business keyboards, my favorite model was the 9109.  Actually had a snappy, tactile feel to them.  Whenever I found one at work I'd snatch it for my stockpile.


I'll snap up one on ebay and compare notes.

Cool, thanks for your contribution to keyboard science!

Honestly, I looked up those two HP models and they look exactly the same to me. I suppose you'd have to take it apart to see the difference, if there is one.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: morpheus on Thu, 18 July 2013, 09:54:01
That's not a quiet touch, btw. That's a picture of a Dell AT101W, which (usually) has black Alps sliders. Most definitely not a membrane board.

These are Dell Quiet Touch keyboards:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/hgqVQer.jpg)


Just got this in the mail.

It feels very good for a rubber dome keyboard. Almost like a poor man's Topre, but still not in the same league. Still, it's a pretty smooth ride, and for 17 bucks it's definitely worth it.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: AuRinBei on Thu, 18 July 2013, 10:02:33
The Razor Lycosa is pretty good. The keys definitely have some pop to them. Completely pointless since at its price you might as well go mechanical, but my friend got one on sale.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: terrpn on Thu, 18 July 2013, 13:37:54
Olivetti ANK27-101 and Dell Quiet Touch here
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dorkvader on Thu, 18 July 2013, 14:09:13
Olivetti ANK27-101 and Dell Quiet Touch here
I love my olivetti keyboard: It's great.

I'm going to be getting a  membrane keyboard that has a heavy metal case and NKRO. In terms of features, it's certainly one of the better ones. We'll see how good it really is when it arrives.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: SidusNare on Thu, 18 July 2013, 14:14:21
I'm a fan of a few of the lesser IBM keyboards, like:
(http://images03.olx.com.pk/ui/16/58/64/1346965344_436245464_1-Pictures-of--IBM-KEYBOARD-WITH-MOUSE-PAD-USB.jpg)
and
(http://www.clickykeyboard.com/2006/jun232006/jun232006-005.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: fuzzyx3000 on Thu, 18 July 2013, 14:19:27
Are there any good TKL Membranes out there?
I liked this one quite a bit, although the angling on mine was a bit off.
http://www.amazon.com/HP-AS601AA-ABA-Mini-Keyboard/dp/B0025ZSBNG
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: jkercado on Thu, 18 July 2013, 15:17:36
The old IBM M4's are nice, very snappy.

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll236/jkercado/temporary-19.jpg)

Here's a video I made a few months ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFNp6x3skHs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFNp6x3skHs)
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: dorkvader on Thu, 18 July 2013, 22:15:28
Show Image
(http://www.clickykeyboard.com/2006/jun232006/jun232006-005.jpg)

That looks like a buckling spring model M2 to me.

Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: sth on Thu, 18 July 2013, 22:20:17
model M is membrane... so model M is the best membrane keyboard.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: invariance on Thu, 18 July 2013, 23:37:10
Been using the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro at work for a number of years now, mainly for the comfort of the ergonomic layout, but recently got $h!tted off with how grotty it was getting and the stiffness of the keys and gave it a thorough clean out.
Ended up being worse until I lubricated the kay shafts with petroleum jelly.
Now it is nice and smooth to use.
It's not 'clacky' anymore and more 'thunky' - quieter/muted.
I think the only errors I make on it now are my own spelling.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: TrueOP on Fri, 19 July 2013, 21:31:26
That's not a quiet touch, btw. That's a picture of a Dell AT101W, which (usually) has black Alps sliders. Most definitely not a membrane board.

These are Dell Quiet Touch keyboards:

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/hgqVQer.jpg)


Just got this in the mail.

It feels very good for a rubber dome keyboard. Almost like a poor man's Topre, but still not in the same league. Still, it's a pretty smooth ride, and for 17 bucks it's definitely worth it.

I just told my friend to order this looks like best one in this price range :o
*the Dell Quiet Key
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Sat, 20 July 2013, 00:04:41
Been using the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro at work for a number of years now, mainly for the comfort of the ergonomic layout, but recently got $h!tted off with how grotty it was getting and the stiffness of the keys and gave it a thorough clean out.
Ended up being worse until I lubricated the kay shafts with petroleum jelly.
Now it is nice and smooth to use.
It's not 'clacky' anymore and more 'thunky' - quieter/muted.
I think the only errors I make on it now are my own spelling.
Somebody needs an ergo mechanical for work!
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: czarek on Sat, 20 July 2013, 01:56:27
Well to me best membrane keyboard is IBM Model M. Beats individual switches boards (Cherry, Alps) in terms of sound and feel.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: Zykos on Sat, 20 July 2013, 20:21:21
I have a keytronic e03601 and I think it is one of the best membrane keyboards I have ever typed on.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: yasuo on Sun, 21 July 2013, 06:51:59
but,IBM M also membrane contact  though with mechanical switch (Buckling Spirng)
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 21 July 2013, 09:50:41
Early Dell Quiet Keys from Malaysia.

IBM KB-8923

Late-1990s-early-2000s Compaqs
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: walterwhite8 on Sun, 21 July 2013, 11:19:53
one more vote for the classic microsoft elite
wish i could have topre or cherry switches inside.

(http://www.mechanicalkeyboardhq.com/images/microsoft-natural-keyboard-elite.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: davkol on Sun, 21 July 2013, 11:52:23
one more vote for the classic microsoft elite
wish i could have topre or cherry switches inside.

Show Image
(http://www.mechanicalkeyboardhq.com/images/microsoft-natural-keyboard-elite.jpg)


LOL, that's not an Elite in the picture, that's a Pro.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: walterwhite8 on Sun, 21 July 2013, 12:04:28
Opps thanks for pointing out.
What're their differences?
elite is with the diamond shape?

one more vote for the classic microsoft elite
wish i could have topre or cherry switches inside.

Show Image
(http://www.mechanicalkeyboardhq.com/images/microsoft-natural-keyboard-elite.jpg)


LOL, that's not an Elite in the picture, that's a Pro.
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sun, 21 July 2013, 12:35:44
I'm surprised no one mentioned any NMB's

As for current model - My vote goes on Unicomp QT
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: nappi11 on Sun, 21 July 2013, 12:53:13
I'm surprised no one mentioned any NMB's

As for current model - My vote goes on Unicomp QT

+1 to this NMB Compaq I'm using right now :D .
Title: Re: Best Membrane Keyboard
Post by: davkol on Sun, 28 July 2013, 16:05:35
one more vote for the classic microsoft elite
wish i could have topre or cherry switches inside.

Show Image
(http://www.mechanicalkeyboardhq.com/images/microsoft-natural-keyboard-elite.jpg)


LOL, that's not an Elite in the picture, that's a Pro.

Opps thanks for pointing out.
What're their differences?
elite is with the diamond shape?

Elite has weird arrows and no multimedia buttons.

BTW please, use bottom posting.