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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: megarat on Sat, 30 August 2008, 11:27:15

Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: megarat on Sat, 30 August 2008, 11:27:15
Hey all,

Does anyone have a strong opinion about which keyboard should hold the title of "Worst Keyboard Ever"?

It doesn't necessarily have to be a modern (PC/Mac) computer keyboard, although it should be a for a computer; not something for a point-of-service system, calculator watch, or the control panel for a Trident submarine's nuclear trigger.

Membrane and chiclet keyboards don't count, as they're ringers.  Full-travel keyboards only.

It should also be a quality present in all keyboards of that line, not just a circumstantial exception (e.g., that PC Jr. keyboard you spilled a jar of honey in).

This topic came to mind this morning when I spent some time with (my nomination ... drum-roll please) an Atari XEGS.  That is the only computer keyboard I know of that fights back.  It is so bad, I dare anyone to touch-type on it for longer than 60 seconds.

-cam
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ashort on Sat, 30 August 2008, 11:51:47
The previous generation apple wireless keyboard.  as rubber domes go, they are the absolute worst.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Waves77 on Sat, 30 August 2008, 12:54:13
OPKs! (Other people's keyboard's)

Having such a nice collection of boards at home (at work I use my thinkpad), whenever I'm using someone else computer I'm like... "Dude! This is like the worst keyboard EVER!". I'm just a snob like that :D

Presently I really dislike the keyboards Apple provides for iMacs.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: lexicon on Sat, 30 August 2008, 14:49:33
I second that.  My wife just bought a 24" iMac and I could not believe the keyboard it came with.  Very pretty, if you're into the Mac aesthetic, which I ain't.  But type on it?  Fuhgeddaboudit.  Pretentious and useless.  She uses an ancient Gateway keyboard.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 30 August 2008, 14:54:22
Think back to the G3 days. I had a bubble iMac that came with an Apple spacesaver keyboard. It was a membrane job and they shortened it by cutting out the cursor cluster and leaving the number pad. That was one of the worst keyboards ever made.

(http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~kazzysvg/newfiles/keyboard4design/usbkeyboard1.jpg)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: megarat on Sat, 30 August 2008, 15:27:27
Quote from: xsphat;8166
Think back to the G3 days. I had a bubble iMac that came with an Apple spacesaver keyboard. It was a membrane job and they shortened it by cutting out the cursor cluster and leaving the number pad. That was one of the worst keyboards ever made.

Agreed.  Plus, IIRC, that was also the era of the ill-conceived hockey-puck mouse.  For a company so concerned about "interface", I frequently wonder what kind of glue they're sniffing.

-cam
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Eclairz on Sat, 30 August 2008, 18:19:20
http://www.keysonic.de/pages/keyboards/ACK_109_BL/ack_109_bl_uk.html

These pure membrane keyboards are the worst to type on but then i guess i remember an even worse one this one

http://uk.gizmodo.com/2006/04/26/supercool_virtual_laser_keyboa.html

i heard its a keyboard which will actually misinterpret your key presses
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Ulysses31 on Sat, 30 August 2008, 19:00:27
Typing on one of those feels similar to typing on a dead octopus.  I was about to mention that type until I actually read the above post, damn it >_O
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Eclairz on Sat, 30 August 2008, 19:01:57
what does typing on living octopus feel like?
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Ulysses31 on Sat, 30 August 2008, 20:27:37
Don't go prying into my personal life now >_>...
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ashort on Sat, 30 August 2008, 21:57:17
Quote from: Ulysses31;8178
Typing on one of those feels similar to typing on a dead octopus.  I was about to mention that type until I actually read the above post, damn it >_O


I love it!  "Dead octopus" is exactly what my apple keyboard feels like.

Quote from: Eclairz
what does typing on living octopus feel like?

You'd think there'd be some feedback, wouldn't you? =-D
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: dw_junon on Sun, 31 August 2008, 16:47:30
I have an ASTKB102, which if I remember correctly uses a Keytronic capacitive setup.  Given the potential on offer with capacitive switching, and the expense of having it, it's very disappointing.

In addition to a shaft moved by the keycap, there was also a loose rubber dome that sits between it and the keycap.  I can only hope that this has decayed over the years and lost some springiness, because the keys very little resistance.  As for feedback, there was some travel on offer, so bottoming out's your feedback.  And as bonus feedback, you might get characters on your monitor.

Besides the switching, there were other signs of grand ideas; heavy block-like construction, substantial risers with a very tense spring holding them down, two-shot keycaps, and shiny silver AST logo.  So, considering the potential from the effort made, it is the worst thing actually to type on I possess.  But yeah, the age could have something to do with it, so perhaps this is inadmissible.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: lowpoly on Mon, 01 September 2008, 10:53:39
Quote from: dw_junon;8221
I have an ASTKB102, which if I remember correctly uses a Keytronic capacitive setup.

It's standard rubber dome. Here (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=598)'s my mini-review.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Busty on Sun, 21 September 2008, 11:40:07
The worst keyboard I ever used was that of the OLPC. The minuscule size might have been acceptable, but the keys only registered when hit center, straight and hard. No feedback what so ever, even hitting the bottom didn't mean it was registered. To make matters worse, keys tended to get stuck, especially the modifiers at the outside of the board.  
This experience triggered my interest in keyboards.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Therac-25 on Tue, 30 December 2008, 10:44:55
Everything on here so far is a luxury.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Atari_400_keyboard.jpg/800px-Atari_400_keyboard.jpg)

That was the first computer keyboard I ever used.

NEVER AGAIN.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Therac-25 on Tue, 30 December 2008, 10:50:00
I don't know if you ever used the Atari 800XL keyboard -- it was probably the same basic tech as the Atari XE line -- but it sounds like what you described as.  It's a horrible keyboard.  That being said, my only point of comparison at the time was the Atari 400 keyboard -- so it was luxurious back then.

The one that's been the worst to touch type on is the current Mac keyboards.  I hate these things:

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1119/1352011948_1c573dbe34.jpg)

I have this one at work that I hate typing on because of it's atrocious layout.  

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_PUEP53GTUPs/SVpTH--oAJI/AAAAAAAAAxA/E8lnH4rto60/s800/P1010618.JPG)

It was originally acquired for a living room HTPC setup, as it has a long (8-10ft) cord.  Logitech marketed this for the Playstation 2, and it's useful to keep at work.  Just horrible to use if you actually need to type.  It doesn't have scissor switches or anything, it's just a low-set rubber dome style.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: cmr on Tue, 30 December 2008, 10:52:31
(http://www.geekanoids.co.uk/uploaded_images/imac-slim-keyboard-796653.jpg)

there can be no doubt.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Therac-25 on Tue, 30 December 2008, 11:05:39
Honestly, even though membrane keyboards were ruled out, this does deserve some kind of honorable mention:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Atari_400_keyboard.jpg/800px-Atari_400_keyboard.jpg)

During it's later years, I actually had to hit the keyboard as hard as I could in order to get it to type an "E".
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: wellington1869 on Tue, 30 December 2008, 14:06:22
Quote from: Therac-25;16632
Honestly, even though membrane keyboards were ruled out, this does deserve some kind of honorable mention:


but its so easy to clean!
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Qwertyuiop on Tue, 30 December 2008, 23:21:40
I can't remember the model number of either the keyboard or that of what it came with unfortunately, but it was a keyboard with a DEC Unix workstation, models current in the early 90s. I don't know what technology the keys used, but they were very stiff, and the force required increased the further you pressed, but there was no tactile feedback of the key registering. They felt like leaf springs or something similar. If I hadn't already had CTS I'd have gotten it using this thing; it was quite painful to use.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: zwmalone on Wed, 31 December 2008, 18:35:13
(http://parkernet.com/applepro/images/applepro_keyboard.jpg)
I HATE this keyboard.  It was included with my PowerMac G4 a few years back.  Loved the machine, hated the keyboard.  It felt absolutely horrible.  A $2 keyboard that you get from other OEMs feels better than that.  What is odd is that it has a metal backplate and such sucky feeling.  They should have saved the money and invested in some decent switches.  The thing is Apple is hawking this product at premium prices.  When it was available this keyboard was also sold separately for $79.99.  I'm sure the people that didn't get it for free felt seriously ripped off.
Title: No, this is the worst keyboard ever...
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 31 December 2008, 18:44:34
I don't own it, but how can you go wrong for $2.99.

(http://ajm.no-ip.info/Filco-white-alps/cheapkb.jpg)

It can be had at Newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823157004

The reviews are postive. Anyone want to give it a go?
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Therac-25 on Wed, 31 December 2008, 21:28:13
Quote from: zwmalone;16830
Show Image
(http://parkernet.com/applepro/images/applepro_keyboard.jpg)

I HATE this keyboard.  It was included with my PowerMac G4 a few years back.  Loved the machine, hated the keyboard.  It felt absolutely horrible.  A $2 keyboard that you get from other OEMs feels better than that.  What is odd is that it has a metal backplate and such sucky feeling.  They should have saved the money and invested in some decent switches.  The thing is Apple is hawking this product at premium prices.  When it was available this keyboard was also sold separately for $79.99.  I'm sure the people that didn't get it for free felt seriously ripped off.


I got the Bluetooth version of that when I bought my G5 iMac.

Apple managed to make a keyboard so much worse with the Alu iMacs, that I've almost forgotten how bad their previous attempt was.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Therac-25 on Thu, 01 January 2009, 00:14:01
Yeurgh.  I just pulled down my Atari 800XL from the shelf to see what it's keyboard was like.

Does Atari hold a patent on a sponge-based keyswitch or something?  It's like typing in molasses.

That being said, it's a not half bad layout.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: xsphat on Thu, 01 January 2009, 00:32:47
Quite honestly, I think Apple has made such crap keyboards for so long, they deserve the top honors. They went from using Alps switches to the membrane crap in the Apple Design Keyboard, and they are still terrible. They gave me an aluminum one with my computer at work, I brought in an Alps slim line membrane because it is so much better.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Therac-25 on Thu, 01 January 2009, 00:49:17
Quote from: xsphat;16847
Quite honestly, I think Apple has made such crap keyboards for so long, they deserve the top honors. They went from using Alps switches to the membrane crap in the Apple Design Keyboard, and they are still terrible. They gave me an aluminum one with my computer at work, I brought in an Alps slim line membrane because it is so much better.


*nods*.  The only real competition for Apple for "most pain inflicted with a keyboard" honours is the Atari 400, simply because it was so excruciatingly painful.

The current alu iMac board is so horrible to type on that I wonder how anyone could have thought it was a good idea.   Maybe one of the designers there was competing to see how bad a keyboard he could get someone to sign off on.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: xsphat on Thu, 01 January 2009, 01:38:53
That's what happens when form overtakes function, and what happens when a company is ran by a tyrannical egomaniac.

Hey, did you hear they are coming out with a netbook this year?
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: bhtooefr on Thu, 01 January 2009, 02:10:45
Every time my iBook breaks, or the one time I tried to work on it... (Well, OK, the hard drive did get installed, and the machine booted, but the case didn't come together right at all...)

Yeah, I was cursing Steve Jobs's name. :p

(<3 the Apple II. Woz FTW. A IIGS only needs a screwdriver for two things - installing expansion cards that use external ports (which I don't have any) or opening up the power supply. Otherwise, the machine is completely toolless. :D)

Of course, if we're in the retrocomputing realm... I'd like to nominate the Mattel Aquarius. It actually had rubber keys, but... dear god, they were horrible. I think it and the PC Jr were competing for "worst non-direct-membrane keyboard." :p
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: iMav on Thu, 01 January 2009, 06:47:39
I've replaced the hard drive in a G4 iBook (last gen, 12").  That was the suck.

I love how it has always been so easy in the MacBooks.  (have a 500GB hdd in my current "glassbook")

As far as bad keyboards are concerned, I won't nominate any short throw scissor switches (including the new Apple keyboards).  The short throw does save on trauma.  The real bad 'boards are the ones with full travel that require you to jam your fingers, full force, to the bottom of the keystroke.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: lodc on Thu, 01 January 2009, 07:47:55
Quote from: xsphat;8166
Think back to the G3 days. I had a bubble iMac that came with an Apple spacesaver keyboard. It was a membrane job and they shortened it by cutting out the cursor cluster and leaving the number pad. That was one of the worst keyboards ever made.

Show Image
(http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~kazzysvg/newfiles/keyboard4design/usbkeyboard1.jpg)


+1 for this horrid device.  I have one and the crapmaster mouse that goes with it.  Truly awful to type even the shortest things with; its torture to enter a url much less actually write anything.  i included the mouse in a photo i posted on the mouse pictures thread recently.  its pure evil.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Chloe on Thu, 01 January 2009, 08:19:42
The think worst keyboard I have used is the Datalux Microtype with MEI switches. I only bought it because it looked odd. Instead of the screen in the middle it has the paging block.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=451&stc=1&d=1230818944)

The switches are stiff linear, and use rubber pieces instead of a spring. It feels to me like the keyboard does not want to be typed on. I think someone who stabs at the keys would not mind it, however. I believe they use Cherry ML switches in the Desk model now.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=277&d=1227965738)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: zwmalone on Fri, 02 January 2009, 17:59:39
Quote from: Chloe;16888
The think worst keyboard I have used is the Datalux Microtype with MEI switches. I only bought it because it looked odd. Instead of the screen in the middle it has the paging block.

Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=451&stc=1&d=1230818944)


The switches are stiff linear, and use rubber pieces instead of a spring. It feels to me like the keyboard does not want to be typed on. I think someone who stabs at the keys would not mind it, however. I believe they use Cherry ML switches in the Desk model now.

Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=277&d=1227965738)


I've got one of those Datalux boards too.  I gave it to my mom, she uses it.  Once you get it broken in it's quite light to the touch.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Therac-25 on Fri, 02 January 2009, 22:42:12
Just found this one in the keyboard box in the basement while digging out my Model M.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_PUEP53GTUPs/SV7su9PwiUI/AAAAAAAAAxc/coL3qaZEyV4/s800/p1070291.jpg)

The best that can be said is that it's faster than stylus input...
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: eugenius on Sat, 03 January 2009, 08:54:19
Saitek Aluminium keyboard. Horrible horrible typing feel, broke in 2 days.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: lam47 on Sat, 03 January 2009, 09:35:13
This was from before I joined the forum.
I thought it was going to be something special but its just rubbish in every way.
The rubber domes were glued to the membrane, a lot of them so far off centre that the keys all felt different. Some would push the dome on the side and squash it sideways onto the contact. It just felt broken.
Also the macro keys could not be pressed if you were holding any other key.
It was the worst keyboard to type or play games on.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/lazyscv/RazerTarantula.jpg)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Therac-25 on Sat, 03 January 2009, 21:35:44
Quote from: lam47;16994
This was from before I joined the forum.
I thought it was going to be something special but its just rubbish in every way.
The rubber domes were glued to the membrane, a lot of them so far off centre that the keys all felt different. Some would push the dome on the side and squash it sideways onto the contact. It just felt broken.
Also the macro keys could not be pressed if you were holding any other key.
It was the worst keyboard to type or play games on.
Show Image
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/lazyscv/RazerTarantula.jpg)


Hehe, I nearly took an axe to it's successor the other night.

They do seem to be distinctly worse than even the cheap ass keyboards.

It boggles the mind that it's more expensive than a Model M or M10.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 05 January 2009, 01:42:27
Quote from: Therac-25;17023
It boggles the mind that it's more expensive than a Model M or M10.


Well, someone has to pay for that shiny logo on the wrist rest.

In other news, I visited the keyboard section of my local Best Buy while buying a Blu-Ray player to check out what were the "hot" 'boards out right now.  While I have not spent significant time with it, I played around with a Logitech Wave and kinda liked it.  Even though it has rubber domes, the keys felt like a dampened black Alps.  It was light to the touch, had a fairly crisp tactile bump, and a solid, yet soft, landing.  These domes are definitely different than anything else I have used dome-wise before.  I tried a few others (including an MS Natural 4000 which I own), and the Wave has a very different feel to it.  I would imagine it feels similar to the "buckling rubber sleeves" iMav refers to in the dome version of the Model M.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: xsphat on Mon, 05 January 2009, 01:46:56
Quote from: itlnstln;17088
Even though it has rubber domes, the keys felt like a dampened black Alps.


I have an NMB keyboard that feels like that and even sounds like Alps blacks. It is the best membrane I've used, with the exception on the Model M mini I am typing this post on.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: bhtooefr on Mon, 05 January 2009, 09:09:19
Quote from: itlnstln;17088
I would imagine it feels similar to the "buckling rubber sleeves" iMav refers to in the dome version of the Model M.


To clarify, that's in reference to the Model M4, M6, and M6-1. (The M6 versions being the two original ThinkPad keyboards.)

The rubber dome Model M is just a conventional rubber dome.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: cchan on Mon, 05 January 2009, 20:52:11
Okay... I can confidently say that the worst keyboard I've ever tried is Cherry FTSC. No tactile response whatsoever, mushy squidgy key feel and landing, et cetera. Basically makes no effort at all to disguise that it is a plunger over a membrane. Even plunger-over-rubber-dome would be better than this.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: megarat on Thu, 22 January 2009, 14:43:59
Quote from: Therac-25;16627
I don't know if you ever used the Atari 800XL keyboard -- it was probably the same basic tech as the Atari XE line -- but it sounds like what you described as.


I have an 800XL here, and indeed that keyboard is a spongy morass of anguish, but it still pales compared to the XEGS keyboard.  The XEGS keyboard is more akin to the keyboards with the Atari ST line, but stiffer.

Somehow, I once completed a writing project of 200k words on an Atari 1040ST, but cringe every time I press a single number key on the XEGS while playing "Miner 2049er".

By way of introduction:  this is the Atari XEGS keyboard in person (the keyboard is detachable):

(http://gamingmuseum.classicgaming.gamespy.com/atari_xe_game_system.jpg)

and this is the Atari XEGS keyboard in spirit:

Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 04 April 2009, 12:59:41
The LK201 keyboards used on DEC's video terminals. Cool layout but very short travel and absolutely no tactility.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hak Foo on Sat, 04 April 2009, 14:26:43
I had the distinct displeasure of using a co-worker's PC with a recent Compaq pack-in keyboard.

The keys are like laptop keys-- about half the height of typical keys, but the feel isn't like a good laptop.  So although the layout is basically conventional, the same amount of motion intended to push down a full-sized key will end up half the time striking Caps Lock when you want A.  (notably, there isn't as much of a notch around Caps Lock as on a good keyboard)

I find I actually type decently on a netbook (10") keyboard, probably because I expect the layout and size to be a bit different and work accordingly, but here my accuracy was appaling (and it was on a shared-screen teleconference :blush:)


It lies COMPLETELY flat (because one of the back legs is broken).  I'm a bit fascinated by this.  The evolution of keyboards seems to be heading  less and less steep-- compare an Apple IIe with an IBM M with a Logitech DiNovo.  I always thought the angling served an ergonomic purpose.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 05 April 2009, 08:05:23
The angling versus flat is interesting. My knee jerk response is yes, angling is more ergonomic. But then I got to thinking about my laptop that I use at work, and that is basically flat. I don't seem to have any issues when I do type on it, but much prefer using the filco mini that I carry in the laptop bag.
I am thinking it really doesn't matter, but I personally prefer an angled keyboard.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: CX23882 on Fri, 10 April 2009, 18:49:13
By far the worst keyboard I have ever used is the one built into the ASUS EeePC. The issue is not the small size but the fact that you have to bash the keys, and bash them dead-centre to get them to register. Just terrible all-round and I found it so infuriating that I returned my EeePC after 3 days. A few months later I tried an EeePC 900 and it had the same terrible keyboard and at that point I lost faith in the product.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: DarthShrine on Fri, 10 April 2009, 19:20:48
Quote from: CX23882;28234
By far the worst keyboard I have ever used is the one built into the ASUS EeePC. The issue is not the small size but the fact that you have to bash the keys, and bash them dead-centre to get them to register. Just terrible all-round and I found it so infuriating that I returned my EeePC after 3 days. A few months later I tried an EeePC 900 and it had the same terrible keyboard and at that point I lost faith in the product.


I stuck with my EeePC 701 for a while and actually don't mind the keyboard. The keys on the edge sometimes require far too much force, but otherwise it's alright. I've also tried the EeePC 900, but it has a worse keyboard in my opinion.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Mikecase00 on Fri, 10 April 2009, 19:56:51
Add another vote for those sleek looking but worthless aluminum boards Apple is shipping.  They were clearly built by a "designer" not by someone who types for any length of time.  

My office just added one to go with a Mac Mini in one of the conference rooms.  The key travel is too short, the keys are too large and they have no curvature for your finger to snuggle into.  There appears to be no feedback, tactile or auditory, when a key is pressed.  The experience is so off-putting I can barely type at all on the damn thing.  They feel solidly built though.

Strangely several of the design guys in my office find the user experience pleasant on these abominations.  Of course, I think they only use keyboards to toggle keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop so maybe design is more important than function for them anyway.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hyperion on Sat, 11 April 2009, 01:11:49
(http://www.logicapproach.com/images/0J4628.jpg)
School keyboards....
(http://macapper.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/keyboard.jpg)
School keyboards in the music centre.

I'm currently using a Wireless keyboard 3000 that is nearly halfway through its life in just 5 months, although I am expecting my Das III in 2 days.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: iMav on Sat, 11 April 2009, 02:10:43
Welcome to geekhack Hyperion.  Any "relation" to the Belgian software company (Hyperion Entertainment)?

As an Amiga admirer, that's the first thing that popped into my head when I saw your username.  :)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: cchan on Sat, 11 April 2009, 06:07:25
Welcome! I think we can all agree with you on the AAK and the Dell boards. Also, are you another fountain pen user> I notice you have a nib in your userpic.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: huha on Sat, 11 April 2009, 06:29:44
Simply the worst keyboards I've experienced were Apple's "chicklet" keyboards. Right after that: The Macbook Pro's "old-style" keyboard. They're quite bad on their own, but as soon as you start so have a non-us layout, they're just an abomination.

But why is that so? Simply put, Apple puts design over functionality, decides to waste the space on their Macbooks (or Macbook Pros) and cram in the extra key instead, thus making the keyboard look like this:

(http://www.appleview.de/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/macbook-pro-update-26022008.jpg)
(Source) (http://www.appleview.de/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/macbook-pro-update-26022008.jpg)
(http://www.apfelwahn.de/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/alu_keyb_1.jpg)
(Source) (http://www.apfelwahn.de/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/alu_keyb_1.jpg)

L-shaped Return keys are normal in Germany, but half-width return keys are certainly not. I had incredible problems typing on an (old) Macbook Pro thanks to their absolutely idiotic keyboard layout. At least the key feel was halfway decent. It gets even worse with their new keys which offer no sort of curvature at all, making you constantly misalign your fingers. You really have to wonder what went into creating these horrible keyboards--in my opinion, they did just everything wrong. Bad layout, horrible feel and non-sculpted keycaps. That might be horrible for Apple users, but as always, stupid marketing dictates everything created by Apple looks cool and should be copied without giving any thought whatsoever, so we're now increasingly seeing these great pieces of pure idiocy pop up on otherwise decent products.

-huha
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: kyamei on Sat, 11 April 2009, 06:37:51
I don't blame Apple for making ****ty keyboards, I blame the people who buy them.  If people are buyin them, why stop makin them?  That isn't to say I like them, I hate this whole chiclet key fad.  Sure they look nice, but that's about it.

As for me, I work at an Office Depot (it pays for college) and I can't help but to punch a few keys as I walk past the keyboard aisle.  I absolutely hate just about all of the Microsoft keyboards, I don't think its possible to get any mushier.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: FKSSR on Sat, 11 April 2009, 10:29:19
Only if they know what quality is...Even professors need a bit of "education" sometimes. :)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: keyb_gr on Sat, 11 April 2009, 11:24:36
Quote from: ripster;28302
Hey, all our local libraries use that Dell.

They're also found aplenty in PC pools at my university. Not an incredibly enjoyable experience indeed (that also includes the workers in the Chinese factory spitting them out, as we've seen), the old NMB-made 'boards are halfway decent to type on at least. Seemingly the Fujitsu-Siemens 'boards (type unknown, prolly cheaper model) that also were seen for a while have now largely disappeared, they didn't feel bad at all but the key bounce was horrible. Possibly the strategy is to replace keyboards periodically since they get kinda nasty at some point anyway... and no, they're not being cleaned ever. *yuk*

Lately I read a Cherry G80-3000 user review from the beginning of the decade, which stated that these were a standard workhorse keyboard in PC pools known to this guy. Those were the days... I've only ever seen a G80 as a "profboard" here.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: huha on Sat, 11 April 2009, 11:59:58
We also happen to have some of the Dells at my university. I think they're absolutely unremarkable, standard keyboards. Not too great feel, but also not too bad. You can type a short e-mail on them if need be, but that's about it.
In other PC pools, we have some standard Cherry 'boards (I think they're white Cymotion), which have a tad better tactile feel, but nothing to write home about, either.
On a select few PCs, Keysonic keyboards (with anti-static spacebar!) can be found; they're the best of the keyboards at my university I've typed on so far, but still rubber dome (I haven't checked, though).

-huha
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hyperion on Sun, 12 April 2009, 06:33:00
Quote from: iMav;28265
Welcome to geekhack Hyperion.  Any "relation" to the Belgian software company (Hyperion Entertainment)?

As an Amiga admirer, that's the first thing that popped into my head when I saw your username.  :)


Nah no relation. I was doing some research on the das keyboard as i was buying one, so I decided to join.

Quote
Welcome! I think we can all agree with you on the AAK and the Dell boards. Also, are you another fountain pen user> I notice you have a nib in your userpic.


No, but I appreciate fine quality things in everything in life (food, hardware, clothes) and that includes pens. I have a really nice golden fountain pen that doesn't look like that one, but it's pretty close. Also I write a lot on my computer, and that picture was a metaphor of a magical pen (except I type).
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: cchan on Sun, 12 April 2009, 11:10:16
Quote from: Hyperion;28423
Nah no relation. I was doing some research on the das keyboard as i was buying one, so I decided to join.



No, but I appreciate fine quality things in everything in life (food, hardware, clothes) and that includes pens. I have a really nice golden fountain pen that doesn't look like that one, but it's pretty close. Also I write a lot on my computer, and that picture was a metaphor of a magical pen (except I type).
Ah.Personally I do most of my writing with a Parker fountain pen, and most of my typing on either my ThinkPad's slightly messed up internal keyboard (spacebar doesn't always register) or a Cherry G80-3000. I would use a Model M if it were USB.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: o2dazone on Sun, 12 April 2009, 12:48:16
(http://www.virtual-hideout.net/reviews/saitek_eclipse/eclipse.jpg)
Saitek Eclipse I & II (haven't tried a III).

I got this keyboard (the first series), and after about a month, I convinced my brother to buy one. He got the II. It's a cool keyboard for finding a home row, but it was more about the ambient light it casted that allow you to do simple tasks in a dark room. After about two months, my brothers failed, and a month after that, mine failed. The backlighting would flicker and more and more, the keys would just stop failing. My dad also grabbed one up and it failed on him too - same manner. The switches were rubber dome, nothing fancy, but I threw up about $70 for mine. After that I bought a pos rubber dome from Best Buy (because having a crappy board is better than having no board) and it lasted longer than my Saitek did.

There's something to say about the longevity of a keyboard, but it just comes assumed that it will last you a very long time (at least long enough until the peripheral plug technology expires) as long as you treat it right. I don't eat at my computer, or spill stuff...hell I even be sure to pop keys off and clean stuff inside, just for fun. But yeah, I was pretty upset when I found out that despite paying out the ass for a rubber dome, it didn't last any longer than crappy ones. I guess thats when my search for a reliable keyboard started lol
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Mikecase00 on Sun, 12 April 2009, 14:12:36
Quote from: cchan;28448
I would use a Model M if it were USB.
 While some PS/2 to USB adapters don't work right, there are plenty of adapters that will allow PS/2 Model M's to work correctly with USB.  For instance, I'm using a ZioTek dual PS/2 to USB converter as I type this.  A $10 adapter may be all that stands between you and keyboard perfection.  Don't let it stop you :)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: cchan on Mon, 13 April 2009, 06:21:01
Quote from: Mikecase00;28468
While some PS/2 to USB adapters don't work right, there are plenty of adapters that will allow PS/2 Model M's to work correctly with USB.  For instance, I'm using a ZioTek dual PS/2 to USB converter as I type this.  A $10 adapter may be all that stands between you and keyboard perfection.  Don't let it stop you :)
Yeah... I'm going to do that as soon as I'm able to.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: dfrey on Mon, 13 April 2009, 13:03:00
Quote from: ripster;28302
Hey, all our local libraries use that Dell.  

You would think of all professions that librarians would rise up and demand a quality keyboard.

- Ripster


I'm typing on that same Dell keyboard at work right now and I am a software developer.  It's not good, but I don't think it's the worst keyboard of all time.

The keyboards that came with the original iMacs (posted earlier in this thread) are the worst keyboards I can remember typing on.  I don't think many people even complained about the keyboard at the time because the mouse was so much worse.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 13 April 2009, 13:41:23
Those Dell keyboards on the last page are on the computers I use in college. They're just about passable. However, in another lab they have those older black rubber-dome Dell keyboards which are horribly worn out, causing some of the keys to stick about half way down...
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hyperion on Sun, 19 April 2009, 00:59:28
I saw a review of the AAK on youtube, just because I wanted to know how others felt about it and it seems that people like it. How could they? No tactile feel, shallow as keys, made by apple, thin but weighs a ton, f19....they aren't even scissor switches for some durability and click. People used to dome switches with a 5 year old dome keyboard for their mac would buy it. Also the mac mice just fail, they have about a 10cm cord, which must be put into a usb hub because it is so damn short. I hate macs also because I can't find how to switch off the mouse acceleration in the MOUSE OPTIONS box, how lame. The only thing about mac stuff is that it looks good, but I don't look at the monitor, I look at the stuff in the monitor. I don't look at my mouse, I just glance over at where it's supposed to be so I can grab it. I don't look at my keyboard, I just home my fingers in and then start typing. Pretty obvious why I hate apple. iPod is so simple that if they do screw it up then they should just die as a company.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hak Foo on Sun, 19 April 2009, 01:13:09
I think the reason Mac mice have ridiculous cord lengths is because ADB was always a daisy-chain bus, and then USB supported hubbing.  They figured the mouse would always be connected to the keyboard.

The iPod has pretty much always sucked.  Any other brand (except possibly the Zune) gives you more storage for the dollar, and ANY other brand gives you more features (Just because I have 550 tracks on the player doesn't mean I'll never want to listen to something else, say, a built-in radio). Its primary gimmick was the tight integration with a shop, but now AmazonMP3 does what iTunes does without the annoying bits.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Sun, 19 April 2009, 08:51:11
Well, now that practically every manufacturer has moved over to flash memory, leaving us with MP3 players with ridiculously small capacities, the Ipod classic probably provides the best capacity of any readily available new MP3. That said, I hate mine...
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hak Foo on Sun, 19 April 2009, 12:17:55
Ridiculously small?!

$100 easily gets you an 8Gb flash-based player.  That will easily store 1000 tracks.  At an average length of 3 minutes, that's 50 hours of music.

1.  The battery will give out long before the music does.

2.  You can always swap out the songs for different ones.

3.  Many players (except, of course, Apple) offer MicroSD slots.  For $50, that 8Gb-16Gb player turns into a 24Gb-32Gb player.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hyperion on Mon, 20 April 2009, 05:07:30
Apple is for idiots and musos, Linux is for nerds, and Microsoft is the happy go between.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Busty on Mon, 20 April 2009, 06:02:11
Quote from: Hyperion;86473
Apple is for idiots and musos, Linux is for nerds, and Microsoft is the happy go between.


Apples and Oranges!

Apple: Hardware with fitting software
Microsoft: Mainly software and some accessories
Linux: Only a software platform
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: vyshane on Mon, 20 April 2009, 07:35:57
Quote from: Hyperion;86473
Apple is for idiots and musos, Linux is for nerds, and Microsoft is the happy go between.


This is geekhack, not slashdot :P
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Mon, 20 April 2009, 07:42:05
Quote from: Hyperion;86473
Apple is for idiots and musos, Linux is for nerds, and Microsoft is the happy go between.


I would argue that when you consider the amount of **** you have to go through to keep a Windows machine working, that Linux is actually easier to use once you get used to it.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: lam47 on Mon, 20 April 2009, 08:05:44
Quote from: hyperion;86473
apple is for idiots and musos, linux is for nerds, and microsoft is the happy go between.


sweeping
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: eugenius on Mon, 20 April 2009, 20:14:01
Apple is for linux nerds with lives. :)

And for rich people that just don't care about the computer religion, they just want to use something and when they don't know, someone is there to hold their hand.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: cmr on Mon, 20 April 2009, 20:37:24
(http://www.protectcovers.com/images2/dell/quietkey.jpg)

i don't think i've ever typed on a better rubber dome board than this
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: huha on Mon, 20 April 2009, 20:41:10
Apple's products work like a charm, if you follow one simple rule:
Buy everything from Apple.

Really, if you're using Apple stuff in an Apple ecosystem and nothing but Apple stuff, user experience is great. Apple follows the design philosophy of "worse is better"--you have a very limited amount of choices based on several usage scenarios Apple creates and elaborates on. If you happen to fit into one of their usage scenarios and have the money to buy everything from Apple, chances are you won't find any better user experience anywhere else.

But if you don't fit, well, then you're basically screwed like everyone else. I don't really like Apple, but credit where credit is due: If you do as they wish, user experience is just great.

In my opinion, differences between OS X and Windows are negligible; they're following different philosophies and one might be better suited at doing certain things than the other and vice versa, but give or take, they're equal. Linux, from my experience, is "not quite there" yet, although it's getting better every year. That being said, I have nothing against Apple's hardware. I don't like their current company policy, because they focus way too much on creating more or less good-looking things and throwing away functionality in the process. Because they're so incredibly popular everywhere, they can basically do as they wish, introduce incredible policies (think iphone!) and get away with it! I think Apple's downfall started when they began catering too much to consumers and neglecting the professional crowd. Consumers, especially in markets Apple operates in (basically fashion accessoires!), are happy-go-lucky and will buy everything as long as it's en vogue. Adding this and Apple's long history of missing new trends just sounds like inviting disaster.

-huha
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: lexicon on Mon, 20 April 2009, 22:34:28
Quote from: ch_123;86489
I would argue that when you consider the amount of **** you have to go through to keep a Windows machine working, that Linux is actually easier to use once you get used to it.


Mine is.  Seriously, what I like about Ubuntu is that I never have to think about it, and annoyances are minimal, certainly compared to Windows.  I like Open Office better than Word, Thunderbird is simple and steady, Bluefish is great, VLC is great, GIMP is fine for what I do, etc.

My ancient PC runs faster than a new one burdened by antivirus paraphernalia, updates update everything on the machine, what's not to like?

My wife has an iMac and I dread trying to untangle her occasional problems.  Apple "Help" is a horrible joke, and the arrangement of options makes no sense.  I'd almost rather deal with Windows.
Title: Ancient history
Post by: DesktopJinx on Mon, 20 April 2009, 22:55:53
Awful keyboards I've used --

Commodore CBM. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/139100-4/the_10_worst_pc_keyboards_of_all_time.html)
I learned BASIC on this beast -- when I wasn't playing Midway. Technically a full-stroke keyboard, after a while you could feel keys wiggle and scrape their way down... and after a while longer, press one wrong and it might not come back up on its own. I think the foley for every movie and TV show computer keyboard in the early 80s came from this thunker.

IBM PCjr (http://www.pcworld.com/article/139100-11/the_10_worst_pc_keyboards_of_all_time.html)
I once had to support a lab with twenty of these execrable machines, each with the memory upgrade and parallel port sidecar modules. And when the lab was first set up, the keyboards were left wireless. Not a good idea. Fortunately, I only had to use these disasters when the machines were screwed up; unfortunately, that was often. But that's easily forgiven -- most of the time I got to use an IBM PC, XT, AT, or PS/2 Model 25. Those were happy days, indeed.

Trash-80 CoCo. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/139100-6/the_10_worst_pc_keyboards_of_all_time.html)
My first computer. Had it for two weeks, during which I wrote a "track and field" game which involved "running" by pressing two keys back-and-forth as fast as possible. Maybe the worst keyboard ever, but I Did Not Care, because I Had A Computer. Then I got a real computer with a real keyboard (alas, not the IBM I wanted, but at least it had springs.)

Apple IIgs.
Sure, vastly superior to its contemporary IBM PCjr, and some people actually thought it was better than the noisy heavyweight IBMs... those people were wrong. I don't know if it was Apple that began the assault on the spacebar, but they certainly popularized it.


BTW, I've at least briefly used eight of the ten keyboards on that PCWorld list. (Timex Sinclair 1000 and Mattel Aquarius are the holdouts.) Yes, even the Commodore PET with the built-in cassette drive.


It's hard to remember specific awful keyboards since then -- such an auspicious beginning tends to reduce everything else to a vague blur. My first clone had a Chicony, I didn't think it was awful at the time; I gave my second keyboard a wicked-cool Make It Stone! paintjob. Then I bought an M15, and another one for work, and... well, there's been a lot of really good keyboards made, but the intersection of adjustable-ergonomic and buckling-spring is a pretty small space, and once you're in it you don't want to leave.

I do remember when the entire industry made the shift from mechanical to rubber-dome switches -- for a while KeyTronic held out and commanded a premium based on their name, but eventually even they caved. Dark times. Almost overnight, nobody gave a damn about the keyboard anymore.

Sigh.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: D-EJ915 on Mon, 20 April 2009, 23:11:20
the layout of the C64 is wonky but I don't remember the key action being bad, never did type much on it though.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: DesktopJinx on Mon, 20 April 2009, 23:17:56
I used a couple of C64s, but not much, and they were pretty new at the time. They didn't feel so bad. The CBMs were just dead slammers.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hak Foo on Mon, 20 April 2009, 23:18:56
Quote from: lexicon;86597
Mine is.  Seriously, what I like about Ubuntu is that I never have to think about it, and annoyances are minimal, certainly compared to Windows.  I like Open Office better than Word, Thunderbird is simple and steady, Bluefish is great, VLC is great, GIMP is fine for what I do, etc.


Almost every app I use on my Windows box is open-source (the only commercial software, aside from Windows itself, are drivers and a $20 shareware TV tuner app which was simply better than anything else I could find)

But I don't use Linux because of the driver mess.

Any given distribution may or may not support any given wireless card.  Often, there's the whole "you must install package X", but you can't well download package X until the network is up.

My TV card will work but not completely.

The video drivers tend to require seperate install for decent performance.

I had, honestly, much better results with Linux on older machines, when I didn't have to guess about support.

I think there's perhaps a less cavalier attitude about some stuff too.  Notice how some of the big distributions won't play MP3s out of the box, or various video files.  I'm thinking, was this so common years ago, or did they basically say "let the patentholder complain first?"
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: cmr on Mon, 20 April 2009, 23:40:34
funny enough, the driver mess is the very reason i prefer linux to windows. any sound card, any NIC, pretty much anything i put in i know it's going to work. on windows it's upgrade this firmware, install these hacked brazilian sound drivers, etc. etc.

wireless, well, that's a heap of garbage everywhere anyway.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: IBI on Tue, 21 April 2009, 15:16:34
Shall we move these Apple/Linux/Windows posts to their own thread?

I'm surprised so many people dislike the AAK. It does have very little in the way of feedback but it's crisp and doesn't have any problems. For awfulness it's not a patch on the cheaper laptop keyboards like those on the cheap acers.

The eee PC keyboard is actually fairly good, it's main problem is that it's springs are too weak so you lose all sense of feedback when typing on it at any speed. (although it is too small for conventional touch-typing)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: huha on Tue, 21 April 2009, 16:32:45
The Eee PC's (I'm talking about the 701/4G here) keyboard is actually halfway decent. The layout is a bit weird at times (right shift key, anyone?), but the key action itself leaves nothing to be desired. Yes, it is incredibly small. I waited until a friend had a 701 to try out the keyboard before buying my own, but I have fairly small hands, so I can achieve an adequate typing speed on it. It certainly is not the best keyboard out there, but given the external constraints, i.e. size and cost, I think it does compare fairly well.
The only real grudge I have against it is the somewhat bad idea to use US layout for non-us languages and effectively shift the numbers one position to the left (technically, they're not shifted, but the buttons are somewhat misaligned, so in reality, they are shifted)

-huha
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hyperion on Wed, 22 April 2009, 02:12:42
Quote from: IBI;86692

I'm surprised so many people dislike the AAK. It does have very little in the way of feedback but it's crisp and doesn't have any problems. For awfulness it's not a patch on the cheaper laptop keyboards like those on the cheap acers.


Add 10 bucks and you get a nice Scorpius M10 or even an Illuminated Keyboard.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Manyak on Wed, 22 April 2009, 02:40:35
Out of actual PC keyboards, the worst keyboard I've ever used is the Adesso AKB-230:

(http://www.adesso.com/images/big/bigger/AKB-230.jpg)

I bought it because I could use a keyboard that portable, but its absolutely terrible in every way you can think of. You have to hit the keys in the dead center, and hit them hard. Absolutely impossible to use if you need to type anything other than a username and password.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: keyb_gr on Wed, 22 April 2009, 03:39:08
That's typical for a membrane(-only) keyboard. That's why they never really caught on (or were quickly superseded) except in very special applications.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Manyak on Wed, 22 April 2009, 03:40:49
Quote from: keyb_gr;86778
That's typical for a membrane(-only) keyboard. That's why they never really caught on (or were quickly superseded) except in very special applications.


Yeah, I think I'm gonna find a special application for this one if I ever get a jacuzzi or something :p
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: IBI on Wed, 22 April 2009, 11:06:24
Quote from: huha;86707
The Eee PC's (I'm talking about the 701/4G here) keyboard is actually halfway decent. The layout is a bit weird at times (right shift key, anyone?), but the key action itself leaves nothing to be desired. Yes, it is incredibly small. I waited until a friend had a 701 to try out the keyboard before buying my own, but I have fairly small hands, so I can achieve an adequate typing speed on it. It certainly is not the best keyboard out there, but given the external constraints, i.e. size and cost, I think it does compare fairly well.
The only real grudge I have against it is the somewhat bad idea to use US layout for non-us languages and effectively shift the numbers one position to the left (technically, they're not shifted, but the buttons are somewhat misaligned, so in reality, they are shifted)

-huha


Actually, I prefer having the right shift key up against the edge. I find it much easier to locate that way compared to having it hidden within a mass of buttons like on so many keyboards that have to shorten it. I got used to it a lot quicker than I did with my raptor which is the other way.

The numbers are shifted by half a key, and I do find myself hitting the wrong one in the dark but I don't think that's got anything to do with the US layout since that has the same number row as most. I'm not sure about the hash/enter key transposition though, they may have chosen correctly as the enter key would have been rather narrow if it was upright.

My main annoyance with it is the lack of a \ key, having to press fn+z every time is annoying.

Quote from: Hyperion;86773
Add 10 bucks and you get a nice Scorpius M10 or even an Illuminated Keyboard.


The normal one is actually fairly modestly priced at £28 over here, although the wireless one is typical apple at nearly twice the price for half the keyboard.

Quote from: Manyak;86779
Yeah, I think I'm gonna find a special application for this one if I ever get a jacuzzi or something :p


It would make a good underwater seat if you suspended it from something.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Hyperion on Thu, 23 April 2009, 06:08:46
Quote from: IBI;86805

The normal one is actually fairly modestly priced at £28 over here, although the wireless one is typical apple at nearly twice the price for half the keyboard.


AAK is 50 bucks here, while Scorpius is $65 and Illuminated is $60.

Typing on Dvorak is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo slow. Need to have so much patience with it if I am doing anything but training my dvorak.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Special K on Thu, 07 May 2009, 12:03:55
Quote from: Hyperion;84859
Show Image
(http://www.logicapproach.com/images/0J4628.jpg)

School keyboards....
Show Image
(http://macapper.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/keyboard.jpg)

School keyboards in the music centre.

I'm currently using a Wireless keyboard 3000 that is nearly halfway through its life in just 5 months, although I am expecting my Das III in 2 days.

We have those Dell keyboards as our default keyboards at work and I don't think they are that bad.  I have a different model Dell rubber membrane keyboard at home that feels much worse.

On the other hand, we have a wireless version of those apple keyboards  in our conference rooms here and typing on those is just awful.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Rajagra on Thu, 07 May 2009, 12:43:01
Quote from: ripster;89758
there are some pretty creepy people surfing the internet at our library.


I wonder if this is one of them:
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: pcross84 on Thu, 07 May 2009, 13:47:30
Quote from: huha;86590
Apple's products work like a charm, if you follow one simple rule:
Buy everything from Apple.

Really, if you're using Apple stuff in an Apple ecosystem and nothing but Apple stuff, user experience is great. Apple follows the design philosophy of "worse is better"--you have a very limited amount of choices based on several usage scenarios Apple creates and elaborates on. If you happen to fit into one of their usage scenarios and have the money to buy everything from Apple, chances are you won't find any better user experience anywhere else.

But if you don't fit, well, then you're basically screwed like everyone else. I don't really like Apple, but credit where credit is due: If you do as they wish, user experience is just great.

In my opinion, differences between OS X and Windows are negligible; they're following different philosophies and one might be better suited at doing certain things than the other and vice versa, but give or take, they're equal. Linux, from my experience, is "not quite there" yet, although it's getting better every year. That being said, I have nothing against Apple's hardware. I don't like their current company policy, because they focus way too much on creating more or less good-looking things and throwing away functionality in the process. Because they're so incredibly popular everywhere, they can basically do as they wish, introduce incredible policies (think iphone!) and get away with it! I think Apple's downfall started when they began catering too much to consumers and neglecting the professional crowd. Consumers, especially in markets Apple operates in (basically fashion accessoires!), are happy-go-lucky and will buy everything as long as it's en vogue. Adding this and Apple's long history of missing new trends just sounds like inviting disaster.

-huha


Hmm.. I absolutely love BRAND NEW PC's, and Macintosh systems manufactured before 1997. Am I odd? ;)

I think that Mac OS 9 has one of the most "technologically" elegant interfaces. French blue FTW. :)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: pmyshkin on Thu, 07 May 2009, 13:57:00
Quote from: pcross84;89784
I think that Mac OS 9 has one of the most "technologically" elegant interfaces. French blue FTW. :)


OS 9 was technologically years behind other available OSes at the time. As I understand it, OS 9 didn't even have a real scheduler. Instead, applications had to manually give up control of the processor, which was why the OS froze so much.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: pcross84 on Thu, 07 May 2009, 14:15:05
You have to admit though, the style of the buttons and titlebars looked retro-fabulous! :)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: pmyshkin on Thu, 07 May 2009, 14:21:08
Quote from: pcross84;89792
You have to admit though, the style of the buttons and titlebars looked retro-fabulous! :)


Yes, the pixel art was very pretty.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: pmyshkin on Thu, 07 May 2009, 15:47:26
The OS is definitely not dead. First, there is a lot of work being done in the areas of advanced filesystems, security, networking, etc. that, while not "seen," directly impact the end user experience as well as determine what kinds of software developers can write. In terms of UI, it's not all about window border decorations. For example, OSX's Expose greatly enhances the user's ability to organize a large number of windows, and there seems to be a small movement toward tiled window management forming on the *nix front. Look at for example, xmonad (http://www.xmonad.org) and wmii (http://wmii.suckless.org/).

There are still a huge number of problems to be resolved in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. The UI should definitely get out of the user's face, but that's not as straightforward as having no window borders.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Eclairz on Thu, 07 May 2009, 16:14:28
The evolution of the OS will be browser based in my opinion. Browsers offer standardization such as common interface languages (html,xml, xslt). But they also offer customization and extension such as java applets, flash and silverlight. The offical face of the OS is still about operating systems but more and more operational duties will be taken over by the browser.

We will still need a basic OS to handle more heavy duty software like 3D gaming and photoshop or for more personal information like word and excel. But as bandwidth, compression techniques and cpu speeds continues to increase and better use of browser through these extensions to take advantage of both server and client power, even high end applications may eventually move onto the browser.

Browsers are found on all sorts of devices so even computers may not exist as we play with them today. Instead of windows certification there maybe a different sort of standardization such as browser certification imagine something being firefox compatible only, it maybe depressing but browsers will need to start differentiating themselves to become more effective at merging the normal application with the browser based application. In some ways it is already here with the many different plug ins like java fx, silverlight and flash.

The only drawback of this proposition is that people will have to become more connected than ever and that is a drawback because its continuous stimulation which is never a good thing.

Browser applications which are able to be run offline are starting to crop up more often, although a security risk in their own right they will also end up providing most if not all the interactions people have with their systems.

At the end of the day, unless you have more complex needs browsers will become the defacto OS for most people. But considering our forum are full of geeks it will never be enough for us as we compulsives, but for the rest of the world it may just be enough.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: DrunkenDonut on Sat, 23 May 2009, 22:28:15
The worst keyboard we have at work was a "Zoom 110M" keyboard. It's an ergonomic style keyboard with quite a bit of weight. Not as heavy as a Model M, but hefty. The number pad and cursors are all skewed funny, but the worst thing are the keys on both sides of the spacebar. Sorry for the crappy pic, it was from a cell phone.

(http://www.madbits.ca/~j_chan/Misc/DSC00466.JPG)

While it's hard to see, the keys on the left are "Close Application" and "Explorer". The keys on the right are "Maximize" and "Minimize". Guess which key gets hit the most, just when you don't need to? Yep. Close Application.

I tried to use it while repairing another workstation, since it was conveniently available. It lasted less than five minutes before I switched it for a Keytronic.

There's a runner-up at, also at work, which types just awful but at least it won't close your applications. It's an Adesso slim keyboard with trackpad. The only reason it was bought was because of the integrated trackpad. I try not to use it if at all possible.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ynggrsshppr on Sun, 24 May 2009, 21:24:45
I really dislike the Bloomberg keyboards. It's a membrane keyboard with very short key travel. It feels awful and when you throw food crumbs into the mix (as traders often like to eat at their stations) things get even uglier. The keys may even sometimes stop working when the food gets under them. I'm guessing they're also bloody expensive.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: DrunkenDonut on Sun, 24 May 2009, 22:53:44
Yay for food and gunk. At our office it's mainly staples with some food and a whole lot of dust (it's an office attached to a warehouse). Some people seem to love removing staples over their keyboards or sweeping them off their desks into the keyboards. After they do this enough, they jam keys and complain that their keyboards don't work and want a new one.

Other people take a bit more care of their keyboards, although it's more of a "tough love" kind of care. Out of the blue, you will hear *crock*crock*crock*tap*tap*tap* sound coming from a corner of the office, where someone will be hitting their keyboard on the desk upside down in order to get crap out of them. :D
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: sixty on Wed, 26 August 2009, 03:27:37
I just got one that ranks up pretty high on the scale of the worst keyboards I have used so far.

"Review" is up here: http://clicks.t.oomuch.info/2009/08/26/just-in-east-e-701/
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: o2dazone on Wed, 26 August 2009, 08:31:19
lmao

(http://clicks.t.oomuch.info/images/east_e701/nkey_rollover.jpg)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: quadibloc on Wed, 26 August 2009, 10:14:51
In terms of layout, which is, admittedly a personal taste, not the tactile quality of the keyboard (with which I am not acquainted), the Sanyo MBC-555 keyboard is one I particularly disliked due to the location of both shift keys, Enter, and backspace. That layout was enough to decide not to make that machine my first PC.

Ironically, though, the keys looked nice... and it even had a red BREAK key! So no keyboard is all bad.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: banyanleaf on Wed, 26 August 2009, 10:59:18
If laptop keyboard counts, my vote is absolutely HP Pavilion ze5300. The one that I hate so much that I even carry a desktop keyboard in my car.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: lost eden on Wed, 26 August 2009, 11:30:55
Quote from: o2dazone;85052
Show Image
(http://www.virtual-hideout.net/reviews/saitek_eclipse/eclipse.jpg)

Saitek Eclipse I & II (haven't tried a III).

I got this keyboard (the first series), and after about a month, I convinced my brother to buy one. He got the II. It's a cool keyboard for finding a home row, but it was more about the ambient light it casted that allow you to do simple tasks in a dark room. After about two months, my brothers failed, and a month after that, mine failed. The backlighting would flicker and more and more, the keys would just stop failing. My dad also grabbed one up and it failed on him too - same manner. The switches were rubber dome, nothing fancy, but I threw up about $70 for mine. After that I bought a pos rubber dome from Best Buy (because having a crappy board is better than having no board) and it lasted longer than my Saitek did.

There's something to say about the longevity of a keyboard, but it just comes assumed that it will last you a very long time (at least long enough until the peripheral plug technology expires) as long as you treat it right. I don't eat at my computer, or spill stuff...hell I even be sure to pop keys off and clean stuff inside, just for fun. But yeah, I was pretty upset when I found out that despite paying out the ass for a rubber dome, it didn't last any longer than crappy ones. I guess thats when my search for a reliable keyboard started lol

I bought one of the original Eclipse about 4 years ago & used it pretty heavily for about 3 years until I found an old NTC with Alps switches & later the G80's I'm using now, but I never had any problems with my Eclipse except that the left shift key is a bit stiff if you don't hit it directly from above. I still use it for gaming & stuff it into a backpack when I'm going to a LAN party & it's so far held up through all the bad treatment I've given it. Maybe quality of these particular boards is somewhat inconsistent?
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: o2dazone on Wed, 26 August 2009, 14:27:35
Quote from: lost eden;112063
I bought one of the original Eclipse about 4 years ago & used it pretty heavily for about 3 years until I found an old NTC with Alps switches & later the G80's I'm using now, but I never had any problems with my Eclipse except that the left shift key is a bit stiff if you don't hit it directly from above. I still use it for gaming & stuff it into a backpack when I'm going to a LAN party & it's so far held up through all the bad treatment I've given it. Maybe quality of these particular boards is somewhat inconsistent?


Possibly so, either they got better or worse. I just know after 3 from the same company, they all failed in a similar fashion. I wish I had hung onto it, just to repair it, or perhaps swap some of the "lighting" portions into another keyboard or something. Could have been a fun project.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Rajagra on Wed, 26 August 2009, 14:37:09
I've had a Saitek Eclipse and Logithech G15, and the amazing thing about both is that the illuminated keys are harder to read *under all lighting conditions* than a normal keyboard.

(Unless it's pitch black and you shield the normal keyboard from the screen's light.)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: timw4mail on Wed, 26 August 2009, 16:18:12
Quote from: Rajagra;112102
I've had a Saitek Eclipse and Logithech G15, and the amazing thing about both is that the illuminated keys are harder to read *under all lighting conditions* than a normal keyboard.

(Unless it's pitch black and you shield the normal keyboard from the screen's light.)

On the other side of the spectrum...are blank keyboards.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 26 August 2009, 16:20:35
I always wondered about the sort of simpleton who would buy an overpriced backlit keyboard of low quality for playing in the dark, but would never think of turning the lights on. >.>
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Rajagra on Wed, 26 August 2009, 16:57:43
Ooh - I don't think anyone has mentioned the Dell Vostros that were shipped like this (look closely):

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2091/2455618195_987b3d4b69.jpg)

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/02/dell_keyboard_blunder_vostro/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacobgordon/2455618195
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: erricrice on Wed, 26 August 2009, 17:41:48
Quote from: Rajagra;112161
Ooh - I don't think anyone has mentioned the Dell Vostros that were shipped like this (look closely):

Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2091/2455618195_987b3d4b69.jpg)


http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/02/dell_keyboard_blunder_vostro/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacobgordon/2455618195



Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

+1 to that man!
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: o2dazone on Wed, 26 August 2009, 18:13:15
Quote from: ch_123;112153
I always wondered about the sort of simpleton who would buy an overpriced backlit keyboard of low quality for playing in the dark, but would never think of turning the lights on. >.>


Because they(I) didn't know any better :(
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: clickclack on Wed, 26 August 2009, 23:00:34
Quote from: xsphat;64899
Think back to the G3 days. I had a bubble iMac that came with an Apple spacesaver keyboard....

Show Image
(http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~kazzysvg/newfiles/keyboard4design/usbkeyboard1.jpg)


Any fancy mac related keyboard is just a pain to rip apart, if nothing else! UGH! (of course this is coming from someone who is taking hundreds of them apart...but still...)

I have a really good keyboard for this thread, and its a mechanical switch too!!!! It not only fights back, but you dont even stand a chance against it. It would fail any attempt with the patented "ripometer" by not only scoffing but erecting a tower of nickels a that would make King Kongs dong dangle!
It is currently under a few hundred pounds of stuff atm (about the only object I would subject to that!) so I will get the info for it soon and post it.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ak_nala on Thu, 27 August 2009, 07:20:59
There is a special level of Hell where every computer work-station is populated by nothing but Apple Design Keyboards.

If it's possible for a keyboard to have anti-feedback, that would be the one. There were times when I would swear I had gotten feedback from a key that it had bottomed out and should register, but nothing on the screen - and this was normal for these things over the several I had the misfortune to use, even brand new (other people's boards, I might add - no, I was never dumb enough to buy one). Then there was the occasional bounce.

Keys were mushy AND stiff, with inconsistent switching points as well. It was the typing equivalent of Russian Roulette. To come down from the marvelous AEK and AEK II boards that they eventually superseded made them seem even worse.

Honorable mention has to be given to the original G3 iMac keyboard that Apple also shipped with the Pro Models for way too many years. Not as truly, brain and finger hurting awful as the Design, but still not a great experience to type on for any length of time. I agree that the only reason people didn't complain more about them is we were preoccupied with dealing with the Hocky Puck of Doom - a mouse only Wrongway Goldfarb could have loved.

Oddly enough, the newest Apple Aluminum Keyboards, both stand-alone and those on the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros, are a whole different story IMO.  

Upon seeing them I just knew I would absolutely hate them to actually use - flat little chicklet-like keys with almost no travel - pure form over function. I forced myself to try them out, however, and couldn't quite believe the experience, so I had to go back and try them again. It came as an unexpected and rather pleasant surprise - I liked them.

Mind you, if you try to just plain type on them, forget it, but I found in very short order that I was adapting my typing style to sort of glide over the keys, almost caressing them instead of pounding away on them like a normal clicky keyboard.  The end result was quite fast and accurate typing with much less fatigue than a normal keyboard. Crisp and precise, yet still soft was the impression I got.  I do wish there was a bit of curvature to the keys, but despite this I didn't find my fingers wandering any more than usual - it just required a bit more control and finesse, which came fairly naturally with the soft gliding typing style they seemed to encourage.

I think it's a matter of you either love 'em or hate 'em, with very little in between. I'd have to live with one for a few weeks to know on which side of the fence I'd finally settle, but I'm pretty sure where I'd end up.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: quadibloc on Thu, 27 August 2009, 13:13:48
The Vostros, having a major manufacturing defect, certainly beats my suggestion. And, although I felt the Sanyo keyboard had a terrible layout, having cupped keys, a red Break key, and centered characters on the key, for that pre-PC retro look, in some ways is very good instead of bad. I wonder if anyone knows what kind of key mechanism it used; in any case, I'll have to keep an eye open for some at garage sales now!
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: InSanCen on Thu, 27 August 2009, 20:10:51
Ohhh.... I know this one!

It simply *has* to be the "rubber key" 48K Sinclair Spectrum.

Completely hideous.

And I'm biased towards Sinclair, I own most of them ;-).

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/477335755_fb54d0f85c_o.jpg)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: D-EJ915 on Thu, 27 August 2009, 20:23:36
got to love the mini rainbow on it haha.  Those rubber keys are awful and seem to be on a lot of calculators as well...I hate them too
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: cmr on Thu, 27 August 2009, 22:41:25
A situation came up at work today where, without the serendipity of my newly-acquired Tactile Pro, I'd have been forced to type on an aluminum Apple keyboard. I am thankful I had something else with me.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: shortround on Fri, 28 August 2009, 01:49:07
Quote from: cmr;112425
A situation came up at work today where, without the serendipity of my newly-acquired Tactile Pro, I'd have been forced to type on an aluminum Apple keyboard. I am thankful I had something else with me.



+1 on the wafer thin apple boards, they're terrible.  I guess the only thing good about those things is that it inspired me to find a good keyboard.   I hear that they taste good if dipped in milk though.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: timw4mail on Fri, 28 August 2009, 05:54:09
Quote from: shortround;112471
+1 on the wafer thin apple boards, they're terrible.  I guess the only thing good about those things is that it inspired me to find a good keyboard.   I hear that they taste good if dipped in milk though.

Really, they aren't that bad, especially compared with the previous round of Apple keyboards...those were uncomfortable, loud rubber domes.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Rajagra on Fri, 28 August 2009, 14:19:23
I have a crazy theory that even ultra-thin keyboards can have decent travel if the keycaps pass through the  keyboard into the empty space beyond. It does present some err... technical challenges, however.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 29 August 2009, 08:43:48
I would have to say that recent Dell keyboards are even worse than those G3 Apple keyboards? Why? Because they're the extreme end of LOW QUALITY.
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4148&d=1251553423)
This is a newer Dell keyboard. They had a lot of these at work and they were awful. The keys stick and feel just AWFUL. If you have one of these, it is recommended that you immediately throw it away.
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4146&d=1251553405)
This keyboard is even WORSE. It has NO support brackets on any key except for some plastc thing on the spacebar. If you don't press a key excactly in the center, it will give you a hard time. These are truly pieces of plastic garbage which should be recycled to make plastic grocery bags.
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4147&d=1251553413)
See that? That's the best keyboard. I use mine every day. It's reliable, tough, and I have NEVER had a key stick even though there's over 15 years of dust underneath all the keys of mine (it doesn't look THAT pretty). And I like the trackball too.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: keyb_gr on Sat, 29 August 2009, 10:15:38
Actually these...
Quote from: microsoft windows;112874
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4148&d=1251553423)

which were made by NMB, still are pretty decent for rubber domes (at least the 2002 vintage samples I know). OK, they're mushy when compared to a Model M, but there's worse out there. They're supposed to develop sticky keys, would have to check that (those I know are in a PC pool and last time I checked were filthy as hell but functional).
Quote
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4146&d=1251553405)

This keyboard is even WORSE.

Agreed. These are pretty lousy. Plus they're manufactured like this (http://www.nlcnet.org/article.php?id=613).
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 31 August 2009, 08:06:24
Those 'boards look pretty "Otaku."  I didn't know Dell sold blank keyboards.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: timw4mail on Mon, 31 August 2009, 08:27:39
Quote from: itlnstln;113309
Those 'boards look pretty "Otaku."  I didn't know Dell sold blank keyboards.

They must letter the keys when they are actually attached to the keyboard.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: redfish on Mon, 31 August 2009, 08:35:03
I absolutely hate the Logitech DiNovo blue tooth keyboard. it is one of those low profile laptop type keyboards. The space bar is uneven when you press it, which makes you have to hit it twice some times.  None of the letter keys have much of a problem sticking, and they do have a decent click to them for a rubber dome. The F keys are tiny of course. It has one of those retarded shutdown buttons up in the corner which I hit when I set a book or stack of papers on the edge of my keyboard. It also eats batteries, it made me buy my first set of rechargeable batteries. Over all, if I didn't have a 3,000 dollar monitor I would of probably broken it over my monitor back when I was using it.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 31 August 2009, 09:02:03
I have never typed on a good Logitech 'board. That said, The Logitech Wave seems to be fairly nice for a standard rubber dome. It seems to have a lot lighter touch, but I have never used one for any extended period of time. The one thing that would royally piss me off about that 'board is that it doesn't have any indicator lights, so it flashes the status on the screen as Locks are turned off and on. This is completely unacceptable.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: hyperlinked on Mon, 31 August 2009, 09:58:26
Quote from: Therac-25;73330
I don't know if you ever used the Atari 800XL keyboard -- it was probably the same basic tech as the Atari XE line -- but it sounds like what you described as.  It's a horrible keyboard.  That being said, my only point of comparison at the time was the Atari 400 keyboard -- so it was luxurious back then.


OMG! We shared some similar trauma in the past. I never had to use the Atari 400 keyboard regularly, but I remember playing with that machine. I did have the misfortune of owning an Atari 800XL briefly before moving onto the original Atari 1040ST. The keyboard on the 1040ST was better than the finger-gym that was the 800XL keyboard, but it was still simply awful for something considered to be among the GUI driven mass-market "productivity" computers.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Special K on Mon, 31 August 2009, 11:55:59
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4148&d=1251553423)

That's the keyboard I used for the longest time before I found geekhack.  I agree, the keys would get stuck all the time if you hit them even slightly off center and it drove me nuts.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 31 August 2009, 12:10:19
I thought the coating was applied when the caps were mounted to switches.  This interpretation would lead to a variety of scenarios as to when they put the coating on.  It may be that they mount the caps to the switches, spray the caps, then mount the cap/switch assembly to the plate then PCB then the case.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 31 August 2009, 12:19:57
That's certainly an issue.  That also begs the question as to why there is coating overspray on the bottom of the caps and not on the switches as well.  Hmm...
 
My guess is that you're right, and they do something like mount the keys to one of the plates as seen in the pic and do the printing and coating on it, build the rest of keyboard elsewhere on the assembly line, and marry the two near the end.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: sggsix on Mon, 31 August 2009, 13:14:47
Quote from: DrunkenDonut;92403
The worst keyboard we have at work was a "Zoom 110M" keyboard. It's an ergonomic style keyboard with quite a bit of weight. Not as heavy as a Model M, but hefty. The number pad and cursors are all skewed funny, but the worst thing are the keys on both sides of the spacebar. Sorry for the crappy pic, it was from a cell phone.

Show Image
(http://www.madbits.ca/~j_chan/Misc/DSC00466.JPG)


While it's hard to see, the keys on the left are "Close Application" and "Explorer". The keys on the right are "Maximize" and "Minimize". Guess which key gets hit the most, just when you don't need to? Yep. Close Application.

I tried to use it while repairing another workstation, since it was conveniently available. It lasted less than five minutes before I switched it for a Keytronic.

There's a runner-up at, also at work, which types just awful but at least it won't close your applications. It's an Adesso slim keyboard with trackpad. The only reason it was bought was because of the integrated trackpad. I try not to use it if at all possible.


LMFAO Epic failure!
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: keyb_gr on Mon, 31 August 2009, 14:06:09
Yep, also "liked" that one. A good candidate for the top, err, I mean bottom 10. Whoever had the brilliant idea of putting a key for "close application" (guess it triggers Alt+F4) right next to the space bar must have been either asleep or smoking some strange stuff.

I chose my "hibernation" shortcut to be Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F12 for good reason...
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: chrs on Tue, 08 December 2009, 12:22:10
Quote from: ch_123;83672
The LK201 keyboards used on DEC's video terminals. Cool layout but very short travel and absolutely no tactility.


I'm pretty sure that's the same model that I ruined my wrist on.  Stiff, no tactility, didn't actuate until the bottom of the stroke, so you pretty much have to slam the key against the bottom of its travel where there was a hard stop.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 08 December 2009, 17:03:34
Of newer computer keyboards, I would say that Dell makes the worst rubber domes.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 08 December 2009, 17:37:01
Nope. Some of the cheap generic ones are much worse.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: bbranigin on Tue, 08 December 2009, 17:54:08
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4146&d=1251553405)

have these at work too - terrible terrible terrible
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 08 December 2009, 17:57:21
I have the newer Dell rubber domes.  The only good Dell rubber domes are the old Dell Quietkeys with rubber dome sliders.  They aren't that bad, they feel better than my Unicomp keyboard. (which is a rubber dome)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Rajagra on Tue, 08 December 2009, 18:02:17
Quote from: bbranigin;140257
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4146&d=1251553405)


have these at work too - terrible terrible terrible

These break my heart, because I love the way they have (virtually) no surround/bezel.

Edit> My neighbour has one. I tried it and it is pretty nasty to use. If I had a good, standard layout, Windows board I would give it to him.
He has a mouse with rubber ball too. >.< Again, if I had a suitable spare...
At least he doesn't know better. Ignorance is bliss, and he only uses the computer for email and his kid's stuff.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 08 December 2009, 18:04:05
That is the only thing that is interesting about those boards.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: PRISONER 24601 on Wed, 09 December 2009, 03:51:47
Quote from: keyb_gr;112901
Actually these...

which were made by NMB, still are pretty decent for rubber domes (at least the 2002 vintage samples I know). OK, they're mushy when compared to a Model M, but there's worse out there. They're supposed to develop sticky keys, would have to check that (those I know are in a PC pool and last time I checked were filthy as hell but functional).

Agreed. These are pretty lousy. Plus they're manufactured like this (http://www.nlcnet.org/article.php?id=613).


agreed. my dad has one of those with his computer, and it's a few notches better than the really cheapo rubber domes. From what I can tell, the rubber gets harder with age, but is molded so that it still "pops" down uniformly. Like it's got a crumple zone. This is after 3-4 years of daily use. I prefer that over domes that get soft and squishy.

Some dome/membrane 'boards use paper thin rubber that seems to lose feeling over the years. others use rubber that gets harder. I don't know the difference, whether it's in materials, design, construction, or whatever... but i'd really like to know. One glance at Topre domes and I can tell they're one-of-a-kind, which is why I'm jonesin for one
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 09 December 2009, 08:20:33
For rubber domes, try and find keyboards with linear sliders between the keycap and rubber dome. They are very good feeling keyboards and can last virtually forever without a cleaning.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 09 December 2009, 09:55:08
With mechanical keyboards available for so cheap, why bother.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 09 December 2009, 09:58:09
Well, when you get them for free, it doesn't hurt. In addition, they are quieter than some mechanical keyboards. At least from what I've seen, quiet mechanical keyboards tend to be more expensive than an old Compaq or a QuietKey.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 09 December 2009, 10:09:22
Life is too short to be digging **** out of skips when you can buy something good with your money.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 09 December 2009, 12:29:15
What does it hurt to like the high-quality rubber domes though? They're quiet, light, and reliable.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: 1839cc on Wed, 09 December 2009, 16:36:26
Quote from: microsoft windows;140468
Well, when you get them for free, it doesn't hurt. In addition, they are quieter than some mechanical keyboards. At least from what I've seen, quiet mechanical keyboards tend to be more expensive than an old Compaq or a QuietKey.
I like free stuff.

My old Compaq is a quiet mechanical. :)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ricercar on Wed, 09 December 2009, 17:07:15
Quote
Life is too short to be digging **** out of skips when you can buy something good with your money.


Spoken like a man with a solid income. Some of us are not so fortunate. During my 42 weeks of unemployment this year, dumpsters looked more like treasure chests.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 09 December 2009, 17:38:28
I work in an IT department and it's part of my job to take the computer trash out to the loading area. I make sure they only throw away trash, not IBM M5-2's, working laptops, and other treasures.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ironcoder on Thu, 10 December 2009, 05:05:01
Quote from: Eclairz;64912
what does typing on living octopus feel like?


It sucks :popcorn:
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ironcoder on Thu, 10 December 2009, 05:07:31
(cough) Chicony! (cough)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ironcoder on Thu, 10 December 2009, 05:31:57
Quote from: ricercar;140710
Spoken like a man with a solid income. Some of us are not so fortunate. During my 42 weeks of unemployment this year...


I hear you bud. I was on the beach for a long time a few years ago. NO FUN at all.

Good luck with the employment situation.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 10 December 2009, 08:47:00
I have a solid income, and I still don't (won't) spend a lot of money on keyboards.  I have other resposibilities I need to take care of.  I still end up spending/wasting money in other ways, though.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ironcoder on Thu, 10 December 2009, 10:24:19
Yeah like those 400 pans of lasagna you baked before you got one good enough to do a photo op on!
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 10 December 2009, 10:42:49
Quote from: ironcoder;140927
Yeah like those 400 pans of lasagna you baked before you got one good enough to do a photo op on!

Never doubt my cooking skills.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It was only 237 pans.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Iceman on Thu, 10 December 2009, 14:03:21
I currently have a Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 which is, in my opinion, complete garbage. I bought it back when I had the mindset that "a keyboard is just a keyboard". Thanks to a few hours of Google searches and some geekhack lingering I've made the switch (Pun may or may not have been intended. Whichever makes me more endearing to the community :p). I'm now anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first mechanical keyboard, a Filco FKBN104MC/EB (cherry mx blue switches). Should be here tomorrow or Monday! I can't wait! :D
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Thu, 10 December 2009, 14:16:14
Congratulations, and welcome to GeekHack!  Glad you found us and made the switch.  Nice choice for a first quality keyboard, too.  You will enjoy it.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Thu, 10 December 2009, 14:23:49
Welcome Iceman.  You came to the right place.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: trievalot on Fri, 22 January 2010, 15:59:24
I agree re the Mac boards, i use a Model M at work and my neighbour a Mac aluminium white key micro size board, and when the fanboi makes fun of my keyboard i offer a battle (course i can just disconnect the SDL and destroy his toy, and get back to work moments later)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: kriminal on Sat, 23 January 2010, 22:45:17
Quote from: Eclairz;64906
http://www.keysonic.de/pages/keyboards/ACK_109_BL/ack_109_bl_uk.html

These pure membrane keyboards are the worst to type on but then i guess i remember an even worse one this one


seconded i er purchased it by mistake last year >.>  <.<  >.> *cough*

i pressed a few keys and it has been in my cupboard ever since
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: btx on Mon, 25 January 2010, 13:48:32
Definitely put the mac aluminums I got with my Mac Pro (april, 2009).  Not only does it have terrible keys that remind me of chiclets from the Timex Sinclair days, but it came with a $3500 computer.  Considering their target audience with those things, they should at least TRY to make something that isn't garbage designed for people with abnormally small hands...

The latest keyboard they sell with the iMac now is even smaller, but seems to have a bit more key travel and is wireless.

The only way either of them could get worse would be if they were split design.  My theory is that they're so badly designed to slow people down, so they don't run into the phantom/dropped key design defects most keyboards suffer from.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: hyperlinked on Mon, 25 January 2010, 14:17:44
Quote from: btx;153637
My theory is that they're so badly designed to slow people down, so they don't run into the phantom/dropped key design defects most keyboards suffer from.


Total myth! Everyone knows the real reason why they're that shape is becaue Steve Jobs has perfectly square fingers.

The bigger question to me about the awful Mac keyboards on high end machines is why they even bother packaging them with them at all. I'm primarily a Mac user and the only time I've used my packaged keyboard was when I needed a backup board that that was all I had available... or someone wanted to borrow a keyboard and I wasn't sure if I'd ever see it back again.

I'd much rather get my MacPro with no keyboard and no mouse and save $100.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: rodney on Wed, 27 January 2010, 14:13:55
There's some really tough competition in here (is it even possible to trump the Adesso AKB-230?) that I never had the (mis?)fortune of using. My vote goes to the Ione Scorpius M10 for the horrendous quality control. I loved the way the key caps were almost able to rotate 180 degrees in place.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: elservo on Wed, 27 January 2010, 20:08:25
Doesn't the Scorpius get a pass for at least trying to be good?  

I'd go with anything by Gigaware, followed by Gigaware, and then bringing up the rear of the pain parade (after the horses that have pooped all over the place), is a Gigaware.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: kriminal on Thu, 28 January 2010, 12:02:43
Quote from: elservo;154302
Doesn't the Scorpius get a pass for at least trying to be good?  

I'd go with anything by Gigaware, followed by Gigaware, and then bringing up the rear of the pain parade (after the horses that have pooped all over the place), is a Gigaware.


*cough* i have a gigaware, keys went from clicky to squishy in about a couple weeks but it still didnt trump the gel keyboard
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Pylon on Thu, 22 April 2010, 20:24:11
I don't know if it counts, but pretty much all keys on calculators I've used with the exception of the Ti-84 are horribly mushy and need to be hit dead center.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Dezeer on Fri, 23 April 2010, 11:27:38
Quote from: Pylon;174710
I don't know if it counts, but pretty much all keys on calculators I've used with the exception of the Ti-84 are horribly mushy and need to be hit dead center.

Yeah some calculators have those "press dead center to work".

I wondered few times, what are "mushy" keyboards, and then I got to my dads computer, and the keyboard is just horrific (Vivanco EZ-9900]. You just can't get any feeling to the typing. Other rubber domed keyboards has just been "fine", but ugh.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 23 April 2010, 11:33:30
The HP 48GX had the best keys on a calculator I have ever used.  Ripster's "ALPSulator" looks pretty nice, too, but not near as functional.  I have a calculator with Cherry browns, though...

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9374&stc=1&d=1272040392)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 23 April 2010, 11:34:07
Quote from: iMav;73569
As far as bad keyboards are concerned, I won't nominate any short throw scissor switches (including the new Apple keyboards).  The short throw does save on trauma.  The real bad 'boards are the ones with full travel that require you to jam your fingers, full force, to the bottom of the keystroke.


Sorry for digging up the ancient post, but this is very very true. I used a Mac with an Apple Aluminium keyboard a bit over the last week and I found it perfectly usable and satisfactory to type on. Using my Thinkpad's keyboard afterwards felt a bit mushy - like going from a scissor keyboard to one of those modern Dell keyboards... Decreasing the travel really covers up the mushy-ness of rubber dome keyboards. Cheating sure, but it works.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 23 April 2010, 11:37:56
Unfortunately, I am experiencing this on the HHKB.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 23 April 2010, 12:01:48
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9379&stc=1&d=1272042057)

It doesn't look quite as cool as "digital" numbers.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 23 April 2010, 12:03:47
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9380&stc=1&d=1272042187)

It doesn't look quite as cool as "digital" numbers.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 23 April 2010, 12:32:54
Yeah, it was a key transposition error.  My Cherry doesn't have a gold USB connector.  Let me try again:

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9382&stc=1&d=1272043963)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 23 April 2010, 13:44:31
I don't have any problems with the switches on the Realforce numpad, but the ones on the HHKB have a little more "snap."  Because of this, I get that "tug-o-war" effect that I used to get with fake ALPS in the ABS I had, so I end up bottoming out fairly hard.  It has been a nice break typing on my G80-3000 for the past few days.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ironcoder on Sun, 02 May 2010, 14:34:58
Quote from: itlnstln;175089
I end up bottoming out fairly hard


Sorry to hear that, bud. "See a doctor and get it taken care of!"
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: volvo244t on Sat, 08 May 2010, 11:55:03
Quote from: Hak Foo;86416
Ridiculously small?!

$100 easily gets you an 8Gb flash-based player.  That will easily store 1000 tracks.  At an average length of 3 minutes, that's 50 hours of music.

1.  The battery will give out long before the music does.

2.  You can always swap out the songs for different ones.

3.  Many players (except, of course, Apple) offer MicroSD slots.  For $50, that 8Gb-16Gb player turns into a 24Gb-32Gb player.

So I spotted this while reading through the thread and I had to chuckle.

For me, anything under 80GB is ridiculously small.  My current iPod is a 30GB 5.5g model and I have to pick and choose what I want to put on it on a weekly basis.  I need at least 120gb.  I might try to shoehorn a 240gb drive in it, since the original drive might be failing.  Until I can get an affordable at-least-100GB flash memory player, it's HDD or bust for me.

As for worst keyboard ever?  My nomination is the IBM/Lexmark 73G4614.  Plunger over rubber dome, extremely short travel and a hefty amount of force required to register a keystroke.  I bought it for something like 1.99 at a thrift years ago to replace my failing Sony OEM keyboard.  It was so bad that I stopped using it after a week and continued using the failing Sony.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: kishy on Sat, 08 May 2010, 12:40:05
Hey, I happen to LIKE the Model M rubber domes. Why? They sound deceptively loud.

I wish Creative would get back into the hard drive media player business. ZEN Vision:M was a beautiful device.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 08 May 2010, 12:43:05
Worst keyboard threads are doomed to failure for similar reasons why best keyboard threads are - few around here have tried Beam Springs, and few have tried the DEC LK-201...
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 08 May 2010, 13:00:34
Well, that's assuming he gets his to work.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: mr_a500 on Mon, 10 May 2010, 13:08:27
Quote from: hyperlinked;113344
OMG! We shared some similar trauma in the past. I never had to use the Atari 400 keyboard regularly, but I remember playing with that machine. I did have the misfortune of owning an Atari 800XL briefly before moving onto the original Atari 1040ST. The keyboard on the 1040ST was better than the finger-gym that was the 800XL keyboard, but it was still simply awful for something considered to be among the GUI driven mass-market "productivity" computers.


There were actually at least 5 different 800XL keyboards. Somebody made a thread with pictures over at AtariAge, but I can't find it at the moment. The late cost-cutting versions were absolute ****e, and the most common version was a bit firm, but there's one that's actually smooth and light. I've got both the rough and firm "Type 4" and the smooth and light "Type 1". The "Type 1" is quite nice to type on (very similar to a TRS-80 Model 100), but the keys feel a bit cheaper and thinner than the "Type 4".
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ksd5 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 10:30:57
Quote from: ch_123;180207
Worst keyboard threads are doomed to failure for similar reasons why best keyboard threads are - few around here have tried Beam Springs, and few have tried the DEC LK-201...


Oh god. I have two DEC LK-201AA keyboards. They are the worst keyboards I have ever typed on. I think they use foam pads for the mechanism.

MicroVAX II + OpenVMS = A kick-ass system.

The keyboard used to operate the system = a piece of ****.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 10:35:17
I have one. Because it's such a classic I'll consider trading it for one of your A01s =P

AFAIK, the DEC uses a linear membrane system, similar in concept to the Cherry MY, but I don't think they're the same.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 15 May 2010, 10:45:08
You forgot the most crucial bit -

(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40551000/jpg/_40551567_ashesdrop203.jpg)
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Thu, 20 May 2010, 18:26:06
Quote from: Julle;184999
My vote for the worst keyboard ever goes to the Fujitsu-Siemens KbPC sX. Apparently, the worst torments to mankind seem to come from collaboration between the German and the Japanese.


That can't be true; Michael Bolton isn't Japanese.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: jdonner on Sat, 22 May 2010, 03:14:58
For me that's the one that I punched with my fist this week and that is now in the garbage pail and the reason why I became a member of this forum.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: lmnop on Sat, 22 May 2010, 04:09:16
Razer Lycosa might not be the worst but should be mentioned.

shady advertising, shoddy soldering on the touch panel on select batch numbers, stuck keys on select batch numbers, back lighting sensor to close to volume up sensor on touch panel, rubber coating peel, driver issues, unshielded multimedia ports, dim led.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Findecanor on Thu, 27 May 2010, 08:24:03
I walked by a store today that had newer Acer laptops. They had flat chiclet / scizzor keys with very little travel, but these were worse than other chiclet keys. The first thing you noticed was that the keys were flat, slick and glossy with very little space in-between keys resulting in next to no friction against your fingertips.
The next thing was that there was no "skirt" around any key: Each key was just a square piece of plastic on top of a scissor switch, thus exposing the switch.

The benefits of chiclet keyboards that manufacturers (such as MSI) are pointing out about their new chiclet keyboards are that the construction is supposed to be more silent, gather less dust/crud in the scissor switch and have more space in-between keys than other low-profile keyboards. Acer's keyboard has succeeded in taking everything that is bad with the chiclet design and totally avoided the benefits.

I have yet to test the chiclet keyboard of a newer Lenovo laptop. From the reviews I have read, they seem to have done chiclet keys the right way. Their chiclet keys are supposedly slightly curved and are smaller with rounded edges, thus having more spacing in-between keys.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: smbaker01 on Thu, 03 June 2010, 09:20:42
I registered just so that I could give this keyboard a (dis)honorable mention. I used a similar one for years in college, although it was a slightly older model (regent 20, can't find any pictures of it though) that I don't think had that numpad. It worked about as well as you would expect.

(http://imgur.com/FUXf4.jpg)

Of course now I wish I had one.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: washuai on Thu, 03 June 2010, 11:59:23
Quote from: lmnop;185669
Razer Lycosa might not be the worst but should be mentioned.

shady advertising, shoddy soldering on the touch panel on select batch numbers, stuck keys on select batch numbers, back lighting sensor to close to volume up sensor on touch panel, rubber coating peel, driver issues, unshielded multimedia ports, dim led.


Well, I'm not gonna knock the dim LED.  After that rubber coating wears off that LED won't be dim enough.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: imsto on Thu, 03 June 2010, 13:23:39
some Chinese brand keyboards are realy sucks
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Number_25 on Thu, 03 May 2012, 05:24:29
I am currently typing on a DELL KB1421. It's pretty horrible in all fairness, but nothing in comparison to the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard that my college has in the library.
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: VentiLator on Thu, 03 May 2012, 05:35:10
Keyboard of the C64, especially the C64C. It's just... *shudder*
Title: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: tobydeemer on Thu, 14 June 2012, 14:39:36
Hahah, just found this thread through random searches on the site...  sorry to re-zombify it...

Those G4/G5 Apple boards were so terrible... The sound of the keys is what really got to me. It was the cheap, somehow altogether "wrong" sound of the hollow, disappointing *tock tock* that they had.

Also, a coworker has some old Sun Type 6 boards. While their layout is awesome, what with extra keys, Ctrl Key in the right spot, etc, their rubber dome build is a whole new level of extra special mush. I remarked to him one day "it's like your typing in pudding!" A while later, he came by my desk, and saw the Model M there, clacking away. He said, "I like typing in pudding, and you like typing in gravel, so we're good!"

:-D
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: maxlugar on Sun, 12 August 2012, 18:13:11
The worst keyboard ever?  The keyboard on the one-piece Sinclair ZX80 computer from around 1981 or 1982.

Think of it like your microwave keypad - touch membrane with zero key travel.

Impossible to type fast on, heck almost impossible to type on period.  You had to apply signficant pressure to each designated spot on the "keyboard" to register a character.

Not too many will remember that old beast.  It was the first home computer kit I assembled in jr. high school.

Good riddance to bad rubbish!
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: daerid on Sun, 12 August 2012, 18:52:23
Worst keyboard ever? Everything I've ever typed on up until my first Das Keyboard. lol

But seriously, I'm not going to lie - I actually like the new Apple chicklet keyboards. As far as scissor switches go, they're pretty well made.

Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Joe221 on Sun, 12 August 2012, 19:47:29
I owned the afore mentioned Atari 400. It was my first computer. I remember entering full BASIC code from Antic magazine. Oy! That was a joy. From there I got the original 800, which had a real keyboard which my brother used to write his reports for college. We had a word processor that worked with the 40 column display. I did my reportsmon a Brother electric typewriter. A lot of back and forth shifting. The 800's keyboard was springy but a joy compared to the 400.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: dorkvader on Sun, 12 August 2012, 23:40:07
I'm partial to the keyboard found on some consumer Toshiba laptops (as the worst). It's a "Normal" scissor keyboard at first glance, bit it's really awful in use. The domes are mushy, and the scissors must be skewed somehow, as it rattles or something. I see these on an unfortunately frequent basis at work (for repair), and they are all bad.

The MacBook air keyboard might be a close second.

The X230 keyboard is surprisingly good. Too bad they had to recall the 500+ units they sold here. (for multiple issues!)
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: 486 on Sun, 12 August 2012, 23:49:28
Let's not forget the IBM PCjr Chiclet keyboard. Horrible abomination to mankind!
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: AKIMbO on Sun, 12 August 2012, 23:53:50
^Eff that keyboard....I concur 486.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Whorse on Mon, 13 August 2012, 08:26:44
Might not be the worst keyboard ever but I hate when I have to work on another computer at work and they all seem to be acer's that come with these:

(http://www3.sympatico.ca/flexiseel/images/Acer_SK_9621_7.JPG)

Domed switches with a long stem on the keycaps, so anything but a perfectly centered keystrike won't register properly, and it takes very little dirt to make the keystroke gritty. Also, the keys are smaller and closer together than a standard keyboard, which sucks for anyone with fat fingers like me, and it has an unusual layou, with all keys he same distance apart. Hated mine so much I had to buy a CMSTORM Trigger out of my own pocket for at work.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 13 August 2012, 08:50:09
Worst keyboard in my opinion is the Dell KB212-B keyboards.

(http://www.bigbrandbargain.com/pictures/KB212.jpg)

These keyboards come with almost every new Dell sold (I have dealt with them alot at work) and may very well be the most mushy, unpleasing new keyboards I have ever had to type on.  Thank God I decided to bring in my IBM Model M and my Ducky DK 1087 with MX Blues into work today; I might actually be able to get some work done now.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: harrison on Mon, 13 August 2012, 09:01:18
Quote from: Rajagra on Wed, 26 August 2009, 16:57:43
Ooh - I don't think anyone has mentioned the Dell Vostros that were shipped like this (look closely):

Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2091/2455618195_987b3d4b69.jpg)


http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/02/dell_keyboard_blunder_vostro/ (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/02/dell_keyboard_blunder_vostro/)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacobgordon/2455618195 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacobgordon/2455618195)

worst typing experience or finger feel are two very different things.  as far as typing experience goes, if the board as been built using a non-standard layout... that's the last straw for me.  that dell vostro would take the cake in that department.  that's just unreal.

as far as finger feel... i'd have to say that a worn dell sk8115 has to be one of those most unpleasant typing experiences i've had as of recent.

(http://dskenya.com/images/Dell_keyboard_1.jpg)

although, the WORST finger feel i've ever had was the old apple //c i had growing up.  as a kid, the force required to activate those keys was enormous.  there were many times i recall pressing a key and it not activating at all, the switch just didn't move.  and the linear arrow keys... ugh.

(http://www.oldapplestuff.com/Images/Apple2Computers/Apple2cPlus.jpg)
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: davkol on Mon, 13 August 2012, 11:12:32
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Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: harrison on Mon, 13 August 2012, 12:51:26
Quote from: davkol on Mon, 13 August 2012, 11:12:32
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 13 August 2012, 08:50:09
Worst keyboard in my opinion is the Dell KB212-B keyboards.

Show Image
(http://www.bigbrandbargain.com/pictures/KB212.jpg)


These keyboards come with almost every new Dell sold (I have dealt with them alot at work) and may very well be the most mushy, unpleasing new keyboards I have ever had to type on.  Thank God I decided to bring in my IBM Model M and my Ducky DK 1087 with MX Blues into work today; I might actually be able to get some work done now.

We have these in one lab in school… they're not that bad. Some of the better OEM boards today, actually. Awesome design and build quality for a $10 thing. Sure, they're mushy, but at least not too stiff or sticky like many other cheap keyboards.

yeah, I agree with you actually.  My parents both love this keyboard... I had been thinking about buying one of the new cherry 3800 for my mom since she spends most of her day typing and likes the low profile keys, but figured she's appreciate the cherry switches.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: boost on Mon, 13 August 2012, 14:18:17
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 13 August 2012, 08:50:09
Worst keyboard in my opinion is the Dell KB212-B keyboards.

Show Image
(http://www.bigbrandbargain.com/pictures/KB212.jpg)


These keyboards come with almost every new Dell sold (I have dealt with them alot at work) and may very well be the most mushy, unpleasing new keyboards I have ever had to type on.  Thank God I decided to bring in my IBM Model M and my Ducky DK 1087 with MX Blues into work today; I might actually be able to get some work done now.


Really hate that keyboard and feels like sh it....Damn rubber domes with low profile.

Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Matt3o on Tue, 14 August 2012, 03:52:33
[attach=1]
Really, look at the arrow keys...
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: 486 on Tue, 14 August 2012, 04:24:41
Quote
although, the WORST finger feel i've ever had was the old apple //c i had growing up.  as a kid, the force required to activate those keys was enormous.  there were many times i recall pressing a key and it not activating at all, the switch just didn't move.  and the linear arrow keys... ugh.
They were Yellow Alps. Many people have said they are excellent.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: harrison on Tue, 14 August 2012, 08:43:10
Quote from: 486 on Tue, 14 August 2012, 04:24:41
Quote
although, the WORST finger feel i've ever had was the old apple //c i had growing up.  as a kid, the force required to activate those keys was enormous.  there were many times i recall pressing a key and it not activating at all, the switch just didn't move.  and the linear arrow keys... ugh.
They were Yellow Alps. Many people have said they are excellent.

well, the computer wasn't new to me... perhaps something was spilled in them?  who knows, all i can say is that they were a huge pain in the ass to type on as a 10 year old.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: PRISONER 24601 on Thu, 20 December 2012, 06:48:43
[attach=1]

Fujitsu Peerless.
There are some keys you can't un-mash.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 21 December 2012, 08:18:07
Any laptop keyboard. I've never found one that I liked. They're always super cramped and awkward.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: daerid on Fri, 21 December 2012, 12:38:42
Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 13 August 2012, 08:50:09
Worst keyboard in my opinion is the Dell KB212-B keyboards.
Show Image
(http://www.bigbrandbargain.com/pictures/KB212.jpg)


I actually just got one of these for my girlfriend. She loves 'em. I'm afraid there's no hope for her (she hates my Cherry boards and I don't let her touch my Topre boards).
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: PRISONER 24601 on Fri, 21 December 2012, 12:50:36

Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 13 August 2012, 08:50:09
Worst keyboard in my opinion is the Dell KB212-B keyboards.

Show Image
(http://www.bigbrandbargain.com/pictures/KB212.jpg)


These keyboards come with almost every new Dell sold (I have dealt with them alot at work) and may very well be the most mushy, unpleasing new keyboards I have ever had to type on.  Thank God I decided to bring in my IBM Model M and my Ducky DK 1087 with MX Blues into work today; I might actually be able to get some work done now.

I actually like the direction they're going with that particular series of dell oems. they look, type, and feel better than the sk8115 etc models from a few years back. At least the styling is low-key and modern.

compared to a buckling spring or MX blue and they're like typing on watery mashed potatoes, though. Yuck.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: bavman on Fri, 21 December 2012, 12:56:52
One time (way in the past when I didn't own more keyboards than I needed) I bought a microcenter $5 board to hold me over till my filco came in the mail. It was pretty bad.

I also tried a sidewinder x4 one time before i got into mechanical keyboards and i absolutely hated it. The keys are tiny and it feels terrible
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: PRISONER 24601 on Fri, 21 December 2012, 13:09:02
How is it that Key Tronic can make a honest-to-god-near-perfect, but still dirt cheap, rubber dome keyboard for 5 bucks, while the mental midgets at Dell still haven't figured out how to make an off center key press work??
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: beefblast on Fri, 21 December 2012, 13:40:36
Quote from: PRISONER 24601 on Fri, 21 December 2012, 12:50:36

Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 13 August 2012, 08:50:09
Worst keyboard in my opinion is the Dell KB212-B keyboards.

Show Image
(http://www.bigbrandbargain.com/pictures/KB212.jpg)


These keyboards come with almost every new Dell sold (I have dealt with them alot at work) and may very well be the most mushy, unpleasing new keyboards I have ever had to type on.  Thank God I decided to bring in my IBM Model M and my Ducky DK 1087 with MX Blues into work today; I might actually be able to get some work done now.

I actually like the direction they're going with that particular series of dell oems. they look, type, and feel better than the sk8115 etc models from a few years back. At least the styling is low-key and modern.

compared to a buckling spring or MX blue and they're like typing on watery mashed potatoes, though. Yuck.

These ones aren't too bad. The "other" keyboard they sell, the one with contoured sides, are pretty awful. The real problem, though, is that they quickly get much much worse. The plungers wear badly and start to stick, making for wobbly, creaky, sticky keys. After a year or two you just have to throw them out.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: bisl on Fri, 21 December 2012, 15:54:37
Quote from: beefblast on Fri, 21 December 2012, 13:40:36
After a year or two you just have to throw them out.

Amusingly, even at that rate it would still take about 12 years to add up to the price of a Filco. Not that I didn't choose the Filco myself.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Magnusian on Fri, 21 December 2012, 17:52:32
My brother owns a Deck Legend with cherry blacks and I can't imagine typing on a worse full-size board. I don't think I can touch-type a single word on it without typos and the key profiles are absolutely horrid. It feels like the keys are supported by silly putty or something. Whenever I find that I have to use his desktop I plug something else in. I hate that keyboard so much I've thought about taking an axe to it.

I'm sure many here would disagree with me on it being the absolute worst, but when I die and go to Hell I am certain that I'll be shoved into a tiny room filled to the brim with ancient machines running GNU/Linux that I'll be forced to configure sendmail on with a Deck Legend or one of those crummy modern mac chicklet keyboards.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: rootwyrm on Fri, 21 December 2012, 22:54:49
Quote from: PRISONER 24601 on Fri, 21 December 2012, 13:09:02
How is it that Key Tronic can make a honest-to-god-near-perfect, but still dirt cheap, rubber dome keyboard for 5 bucks, while the mental midgets at Dell still haven't figured out how to make an off center key press work??

Costs more than a fraction of a fraction of a penny to add the 'off center key press' functionality so it got cut from final product.

Though frankly my vote for absolute worst keyboard ever would have to be an ODM made store brand that CompUSA, Frys and MicroCenter all sold. Thing weighed less than a pound. Unlubricated sliders over pop-dome membrane. If you could type more than 5 WPM on that thing it was a miracle between all the keys sticking.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: jabar on Fri, 21 December 2012, 23:03:28
Quote from: Magnusian on Fri, 21 December 2012, 17:52:32
My brother owns a Deck Legend with cherry blacks and I can't imagine typing on a worse full-size board. I don't think I can touch-type a single word on it without typos and the key profiles are absolutely horrid. It feels like the keys are supported by silly putty or something. Whenever I find that I have to use his desktop I plug something else in. I hate that keyboard so much I've thought about taking an axe to it.

I'm sure many here would disagree with me on it being the absolute worst, but when I die and go to Hell I am certain that I'll be shoved into a tiny room filled to the brim with ancient machines running GNU/Linux that I'll be forced to configure sendmail on with a Deck Legend or one of those crummy modern mac chicklet keyboards.
At the very least the Deck keyboard is a Cherry MX keyboard. I have a lot of active default HP rubber dome keyboards at work and they are absolutely miserable to type on (myriad of typos no matter how good the touch typist). Still, the complete lack of interest in improving and promoting the Deck brand by T3G is disgraceful and they deserve whatever demerits they receive (consider Deck has been in the specialty keyboard business for some 7-ish years now).
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Magnusian on Sat, 22 December 2012, 15:18:08
Quote from: jabar on Fri, 21 December 2012, 23:03:28
Quote from: Magnusian on Fri, 21 December 2012, 17:52:32
My brother owns a Deck Legend with cherry blacks and I can't imagine typing on a worse full-size board. I don't think I can touch-type a single word on it without typos and the key profiles are absolutely horrid. It feels like the keys are supported by silly putty or something. Whenever I find that I have to use his desktop I plug something else in. I hate that keyboard so much I've thought about taking an axe to it.

I'm sure many here would disagree with me on it being the absolute worst, but when I die and go to Hell I am certain that I'll be shoved into a tiny room filled to the brim with ancient machines running GNU/Linux that I'll be forced to configure sendmail on with a Deck Legend or one of those crummy modern mac chicklet keyboards.
At the very least the Deck keyboard is a Cherry MX keyboard. I have a lot of active default HP rubber dome keyboards at work and they are absolutely miserable to type on (myriad of typos no matter how good the touch typist). Still, the complete lack of interest in improving and promoting the Deck brand by T3G is disgraceful and they deserve whatever demerits they receive (consider Deck has been in the specialty keyboard business for some 7-ish years now).

I've typed on a large number of RD keyboards, ranging from the el-cheapo $3 ones to the "nice" $30 range ones and would consider them all to be better than (at least the one my brother owns) Deck. Right now I have a Logitech wireless one that I use with a media pc and even that offers what I feel to be a superior typing experience to the Deck. Before the Deck he had a Saitek Eclipse or something, which while pretty crummy, was at least not impossible to type on.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: BlindRAGE606 on Sat, 22 December 2012, 16:59:32
Has to be a dell sk8115, we have these at my Uni computer lab+work office and it SUCKKKS.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: crthell on Sat, 22 December 2012, 22:35:57
Quote from: Number_25 on Thu, 03 May 2012, 05:24:29
I am currently typing on a DELL KB1421. It's pretty horrible in all fairness, but nothing in comparison to the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard that my college has in the library.
Holy old thread resurrection!
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 23 December 2012, 19:06:07
Not the first time either.

Reply #188 was on 04-06-2010, reply #189 was on 03-05-2012.

Now that's reanimation of a thread's slowly decaying corpse ;)
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: lazerpointer on Thu, 28 February 2013, 13:48:55
My co-worker just started typing on a Microsoft Natural curve something or-another with the zoom lever directly where the G, H keys should be. I typed on it for a minute.... Worst Keyboard Ever.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: keymaster on Thu, 28 February 2013, 14:25:11
..pretty much any generic ~$5 keyboard.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Dugzor on Thu, 28 February 2013, 14:47:47
Damn, I hate these things.

(http://i.imgur.com/z8WsGaO.jpg)
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: calavera on Thu, 28 February 2013, 14:59:35
Any membrane keyboard with keys that stick due to age.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 28 February 2013, 15:30:48
A foil & foam where the foam has deteriorated.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: inteli722 on Thu, 28 February 2013, 15:36:48
(http://www4.pcmag.com/media/images/281422-lenovo-thinkstation-e30-keyboard.jpg)
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/c26-B0000642RX-1-sm.jpg)

both are terrible...I'm using the latter to rest my feet on...
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: aviphysics on Thu, 28 February 2013, 16:33:40
It is pretty clear from this thread that a lot of you really don't really appreciate how terrible a keyboard can be.

For example
this
(http://i.imgur.com/pOChEu7.jpg)
or this
(http://i.imgur.com/SqTruiI.jpg)

and I don't even think those are the worst.

For some reason I remember some early computer that had a built in keyboard of the style that looks like a flat piece of plastic with letters and outlines printed on it for they keys and you have to hit it really hard or they don't register.

Edit: I think I found the absolute worst keyboard ever. Short of a keyboard soaked in sewage I think this is.
(http://i.imgur.com/IVVFQ19.jpg)
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: davkol on Thu, 28 February 2013, 18:58:38
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: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: daerid on Thu, 28 February 2013, 19:23:02
Quote from: Dugzor on Thu, 28 February 2013, 14:47:47
Damn, I hate these things.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/z8WsGaO.jpg)


lol, one of my favorite boards ever
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: morpheus on Fri, 31 May 2013, 03:49:31
Quote from: aviphysics on Thu, 28 February 2013, 16:33:40
It is pretty clear from this thread that a lot of you really don't really appreciate how terrible a keyboard can be.

For example
this
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/pOChEu7.jpg)

or this
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SqTruiI.jpg)


and I don't even think those are the worst.

For some reason I remember some early computer that had a built in keyboard of the style that looks like a flat piece of plastic with letters and outlines printed on it for they keys and you have to hit it really hard or they don't register.

Edit: I think I found the absolute worst keyboard ever. Short of a keyboard soaked in sewage I think this is.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/IVVFQ19.jpg)


Is that a fruit roll up?
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 31 May 2013, 04:27:34
This thread has been around a while :eek:

The worst keyboard is always the one you're either waiting to build and/or the one coming in the mail. :P
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: ksm123 on Fri, 31 May 2013, 06:23:07
In early nineties, there was a Polish computer company, called Optimus (there are long defunct because of tax problems).

They sold their computers with mechanical keyboards. This keyboards were based on some Alps or alps rip off switch. It was very stiff before actuation, and it was very hard not to bottom it out. I used to hate their keyboards.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: noisyturtle on Fri, 31 May 2013, 06:46:16
[attach=1]
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: wyatt8740 on Fri, 26 July 2013, 13:11:33
This thread has been revived more times than I've repaired this keyboard...
The tactile experience is dreadful. It's not even mushy, but man, something is clearly off. It feels similar to the Tandy 1400LT keyboard, but 10x worse.
(From: the Commodore VIC-20, but the same keyboard is used in the C64.)
(http://i.imgur.com/ZEHjRki.jpg)
Info on whet the repair I did is:
More
Look carefully. I got this from a warehouse/factory, specifically from the junk pile in a corner, also where I found my Model M. While I have cleaned it very well, it came missing a '3' key. The previous owner had actually snapped it clean off, and it was not meant to be removable. The key you see there was stolen from the common Dell circa 2006 Keyboard. I have a stack of them for replacement keys. I got a spring from the 'miscellaneous parts' area of my toolchest, and i held it all together with a toothpick.

Sorry for the poor quality even on such a resolution. My camera was stolen last summer >:( ******* smashed the window of my poor volvo.

This is a bit of a suprise: a crappy lenovo/IBM keyboard.
(http://i.imgur.com/UKhHxuv.jpg)
Horrible rubber caps. Should be killed on sight. To use the expression I saw earlier in this thread, it feels not unlike typing on a dead octopus.

The WORST space-saving keyboard in the history of time:
(http://i.imgur.com/o8NLwaM.jpg)
Gear-Head Black Mini Keyboard. I saw a class on programming on a Raspberry Pi, peeked in, saw them using these sh*tty keyboards, and left. I mean, EVERYTHING is wrong. The spacebar, the arrowkey layout, the general button layout, the shift keys, EVERYTHING. Hell, the num lock is next to the spacebar, and if you miss the spacebar (because it's miniscule) you could hit it. Then, because the letter keys act as numbers with numlock on, you would be typing numbers instead of the right-hand side of your letter keys. How anyone can suffer such abuse and not proceed to strangle a baby escapes me. Radio$hack sells them online, so if you want proof, go ahead.
... I dare you.
Seriously, it is only slightly worse than handwriting a program in C:
(http://i.imgur.com/uzTEaAb.jpg)
For discerning eyes, no, this program is not complete. I wrote this part on a bus though. While my hands were cramped afterwards, it's still better than the Gear-Head.

Thus, I now type on my Model M.
I got it for free from the place I found my VIC-20, but this is seriously in perfect shape :D Even came with the cable and all the spacebar needed to start working properly was a re-seating.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Danule on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:03:50
i had some of those lenovo's at my old work, i didnt mind them that much for a rubber dome i thought they were pretty decent.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: hoggy on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:05:52
Quote from: aviphysics on Thu, 28 February 2013, 16:33:40
It is pretty clear from this thread that a lot of you really don't really appreciate how terrible a keyboard can be.

For example
this
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/pOChEu7.jpg)

or this
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SqTruiI.jpg)


and I don't even think those are the worst.

For some reason I remember some early computer that had a built in keyboard of the style that looks like a flat piece of plastic with letters and outlines printed on it for they keys and you have to hit it really hard or they don't register.



I'm on my phone otherwise I'd take a picture. I think you mean the sinclair zx81. +1
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: mauri on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:24:23
Quote from: inteli722 on Thu, 28 February 2013, 15:36:48
Show Image
(http://www4.pcmag.com/media/images/281422-lenovo-thinkstation-e30-keyboard.jpg)


How can you hate that keyboard, I had one at my previous job, it was amazing. I was actually recently wondering whether it was a mech board, it was just that good :o
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: TrueOP on Fri, 26 July 2013, 15:27:02
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

agreed !
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 15:41:05
Quote from: TrueOP on Fri, 26 July 2013, 15:27:02
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

agreed !

What!? 20WPM is the future of computing!
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 26 July 2013, 15:55:31
Quote from: aviphysics on Thu, 28 February 2013, 16:33:40
For some reason I remember some early computer that had a built in keyboard of the style that looks like a flat piece of plastic with letters and outlines printed on it for they keys and you have to hit it really hard or they don't register.

you mean like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/300937914834
(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/A-B-ALLEN-BRADLEY-1770-INDUSTRIAL-TERMINAL-W-PLC-2-KEYBOARD-VINTAGE-COMPUTER-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/4LkAAMXQ855RnvB8/$T2eC16ZHJHwE9n8ii1bbBRnvB7qY-!~~60_12.JPG)
They are also popular on POS keybaords. Sadly I have to scroll past a lot of them in my ebay search.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: nullptr on Fri, 26 July 2013, 18:10:43
(http://i.imgur.com/JXOiVfx.jpg)

I was reminded yesterday of this monstrosity at the computer science museum. Hnnnng.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:25:48
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

I actually used a touchscreen (on an iPad) recently, and found the experience surprisingly good.

Doesn't compare to a mechanical keyboard, of course, but I was able to more or less touch type entire paragraphs without mistaks.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:30:07
Quote from: rowdy on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:25:48
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

I actually used a touchscreen (on an iPad) recently, and found the experience surprisingly good.

Doesn't compare to a mechanical keyboard, of course, but I was able to more or less touch type entire paragraphs without mistaks.

Props to you.

I didn't think that it was possible touch type on an iPaid.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Sat, 27 July 2013, 00:28:28
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:30:07
Props to you.

I didn't think that it was possible touch type on an iPaid.

I'm getting there. With one thumb. On a phone. MessagEase is pretty great for a phone board. A few typos when I type in a rush and try to go faster than I can handle sometimes though. Like a random ampersand in the middle of a word or an e in place of a space. Other than those, it's awesome.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 27 July 2013, 03:03:32
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:30:07
Quote from: rowdy on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:25:48
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

I actually used a touchscreen (on an iPad) recently, and found the experience surprisingly good.

Doesn't compare to a mechanical keyboard, of course, but I was able to more or less touch type entire paragraphs without mistaks.

Props to you.

I didn't think that it was possible touch type on an iPaid.

I was surprised too.  iPad turned to landscape and propped up slightly, and it was surprisingly easy to type on it.

I wouldn't choose to do that on a regular basis though.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Narcix on Sat, 27 July 2013, 03:26:21
Cellulon Magic Cube
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Thimplum on Sat, 27 July 2013, 08:46:01
Quote from: rowdy on Sat, 27 July 2013, 03:03:32
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:30:07
Quote from: rowdy on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:25:48
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

I actually used a touchscreen (on an iPad) recently, and found the experience surprisingly good.

Doesn't compare to a mechanical keyboard, of course, but I was able to more or less touch type entire paragraphs without mistaks.

Props to you.

I didn't think that it was possible touch type on an iPaid.

I was surprised too.  iPad turned to landscape and propped up slightly, and it was surprisingly easy to type on it.

I wouldn't choose to do that on a regular basis though.

Meh.

I'm used to 80g switches.

I once tried the same trick you described.

It's worse than rubberdome.

A lot worse.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: dorkvader on Sat, 27 July 2013, 11:05:03
this kb looks fun to type on
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130785317448
(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-TASH-Mini-Keyboard-for-Apple-IIe-II-IIgs-with-Adaptive-Firmware-Card-/00/s/OTk3WDEyODA=/$T2eC16h,!y8E9s2fl71fBQfPTZq(vg~~60_12.JPG)
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 27 July 2013, 11:08:28
Quote from: dorkvader on Sat, 27 July 2013, 11:05:03
this kb looks fun to type on
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130785317448
Show Image
(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-TASH-Mini-Keyboard-for-Apple-IIe-II-IIgs-with-Adaptive-Firmware-Card-/00/s/OTk3WDEyODA=/$T2eC16h,!y8E9s2fl71fBQfPTZq(vg~~60_12.JPG)


Those colors just seem all wrong for something being sold as vintage Apple IIe gear but what do I know.....;)
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: RabRhee on Sat, 27 July 2013, 14:32:37
Quote from: aviphysics on Thu, 28 February 2013, 16:33:40
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/SqTruiI.jpg)


I will have to go with this, or the ZX81 equivalent. I could type faster than most the other 11 year olds, and so everyone with one of these would get me to type in programs from magazines rather than do it themselves. Awful, awful keyboards.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: MKULTRA on Sat, 27 July 2013, 14:37:06
Quote from: CommunistWitchDr on Sat, 27 July 2013, 00:28:28
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 19:30:07
Props to you.

I didn't think that it was possible touch type on an iPaid.

I'm getting there. With one thumb. On a phone. MessagEase is pretty great for a phone board. A few typos when I type in a rush and try to go faster than I can handle sometimes though. Like a random ampersand in the middle of a word or an e in place of a space. Other than those, it's awesome.
Try the split keyboard function on the iPad.  Makes it a whole lot easier.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: TrueOP on Mon, 29 July 2013, 01:25:49
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 15:41:05
Quote from: TrueOP on Fri, 26 July 2013, 15:27:02
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

agreed !

What!? 20WPM is the future of computing!

My ex boss got his 1st touchscreen phone as a blackberry user since the cellphone came out (hes almost 80) and hes a touch typist, the funny thing is he typed just as fast but every email came out some jarbled mess of words autocorrected beyond recognition... and all were followed with the auto-sig Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 29 July 2013, 01:46:01
Quote from: TrueOP on Mon, 29 July 2013, 01:25:49
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 15:41:05
Quote from: TrueOP on Fri, 26 July 2013, 15:27:02
Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

agreed !

What!? 20WPM is the future of computing!

My ex boss got his 1st touchscreen phone as a blackberry user since the cellphone came out (hes almost 80) and hes a touch typist, the funny thing is he typed just as fast but every email came out some jarbled mess of words autocorrected beyond recognition... and all were followed with the auto-sig Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

http://dilbert.com/strips/2011-02-09/ (http://dilbert.com/strips/2011-02-09/)

:))
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: TimIsABat on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:15:39
(http://battellemedia.com/media/images/pencil.jpg)

The actuation is horrible and sometimes the switches get jammed. So much mistyping and it hurts my hand after about 10 minutes.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: jonathanyu on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:25:47
the worst keyboard i have ever used is a dell keyboard(i forget the model number). why it is worst? it doesn't have a stabilizer! even the space bar!
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Thimplum on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:35:12
Quote from: TimIsABat on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:15:39
Show Image
(http://battellemedia.com/media/images/pencil.jpg)


The actuation is horrible and sometimes the switches get jammed. So much mistyping and it hurts my hand after about 10 minutes.


THIS THIS THIS THIS SO HARD!

Worse than rubberdome...
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: morpheus on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:38:35
Quote from: Thimplum on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:35:12
Quote from: TimIsABat on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:15:39
Show Image
(http://battellemedia.com/media/images/pencil.jpg)


The actuation is horrible and sometimes the switches get jammed. So much mistyping and it hurts my hand after about 10 minutes.


THIS THIS THIS THIS SO HARD!

Worse than rubberdome...

What's that thing on the back?

wait for it.....r
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Thimplum on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:42:49
Quote from: morpheus on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:38:35
Quote from: Thimplum on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:35:12
Quote from: TimIsABat on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:15:39
Show Image
(http://battellemedia.com/media/images/pencil.jpg)


The actuation is horrible and sometimes the switches get jammed. So much mistyping and it hurts my hand after about 10 minutes.


THIS THIS THIS THIS SO HARD!

Worse than rubberdome...

What's that thing on the back?

wait for it.....r

I don't get it...
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: berserkfan on Tue, 06 August 2013, 03:28:13


It's their combo backspace/ delete key. Don't you geekhackers know anything?  :p :p :p


Quote from: morpheus on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:38:35
Quote from: Thimplum on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:35:12
Quote from: TimIsABat on Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:15:39
Show Image
(http://battellemedia.com/media/images/pencil.jpg)


The actuation is horrible and sometimes the switches get jammed. So much mistyping and it hurts my hand after about 10 minutes.


THIS THIS THIS THIS SO HARD!

Worse than rubberdome...

What's that thing on the back?

wait for it.....r
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Tue, 06 August 2013, 03:43:13
Quote from: berserkfan on Tue, 06 August 2013, 03:28:13


It's their combo backspace/ delete key. Don't you geekhackers know anything?  :p :p :p


So where is the fn key to toggle between the two?
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: gigibecali on Tue, 06 August 2013, 10:01:52
Quote from: CommunistWitchDr on Tue, 06 August 2013, 03:43:13
Quote from: berserkfan on Tue, 06 August 2013, 03:28:13


It's their combo backspace/ delete key. Don't you geekhackers know anything?  :p :p :p


So where is the fn key to toggle between the two?

It's the yellow stuff.
BIG fn.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: mljs54 on Mon, 04 November 2013, 13:59:05
Quote from: inteli722 on Thu, 28 February 2013, 15:36:48
Show Image
(http://www4.pcmag.com/media/images/281422-lenovo-thinkstation-e30-keyboard.jpg)

Show Image
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/c26-B0000642RX-1-sm.jpg)


both are terrible...I'm using the latter to rest my feet on...

Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

WHAT?

The KU-0225 (Lenovo pictured) is effin awesome for a rubber dome.  They turn to crap fairly quickly (~2-3 months heavy use) but almost have a Topre-esque smooth feel when fresh.  I get my tech guy at the office to give me a new one every couple of months.  I almost wish someone with more KB knowledge could dissect one of these and let us know what sets them apart from other RDs.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: davkol on Mon, 04 November 2013, 15:09:02
Quote from: mljs54 on Mon, 04 November 2013, 13:59:05
Quote from: inteli722 on Thu, 28 February 2013, 15:36:48
Show Image
(http://www4.pcmag.com/media/images/281422-lenovo-thinkstation-e30-keyboard.jpg)

Show Image
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/c26-B0000642RX-1-sm.jpg)


both are terrible...I'm using the latter to rest my feet on...

Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

WHAT?

The KU-0225 (Lenovo pictured) is effin awesome for a rubber dome.  They turn to crap fairly quickly (~2-3 months heavy use) but almost have a Topre-esque smooth feel when fresh.  I get my tech guy at the office to give me a new one every couple of months.  I almost wish someone with more KB knowledge could dissect one of these and let us know what sets them apart from other RDs.


Huh? I have a huge box full of NIB Lenovo Preferred Pro KBs, and all of them are very mushy. On the other hand, I do appreciate soft&silent touch, decent build quality, standard layout and rubberized palm rest.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: inteli722 on Mon, 04 November 2013, 16:54:54
Quote from: mljs54 on Mon, 04 November 2013, 13:59:05
Quote from: inteli722 on Thu, 28 February 2013, 15:36:48
Show Image
(http://www4.pcmag.com/media/images/281422-lenovo-thinkstation-e30-keyboard.jpg)

Show Image
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/c26-B0000642RX-1-sm.jpg)


both are terrible...I'm using the latter to rest my feet on...

Quote from: Thimplum on Fri, 26 July 2013, 14:36:12
Anything touchscreen.

WHAT?

The KU-0225 (Lenovo pictured) is effin awesome for a rubber dome.  They turn to crap fairly quickly (~2-3 months heavy use) but almost have a Topre-esque smooth feel when fresh.  I get my tech guy at the office to give me a new one every couple of months.  I almost wish someone with more KB knowledge could dissect one of these and let us know what sets them apart from other RDs.

Considering it's my school that has those, it's difficult to get them to exchange one every month just for me...

It's OK. I don't have a ton of experience with God-awful rubber domes...however, a new one to take the place of the above two:

(http://www2.pcmag.com/media/images/295919-logitech-wireless-k360.jpg)
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: Linkbane on Mon, 04 November 2013, 21:58:20
My god, I went to the Microsoft store in the mall and got a chance to use the capacitative or whatever boards- worst things I have ever seen. Had to mash a key repeatedly to get it to register, and there was no movement so absolutely no feedback.

Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: inteli722 on Mon, 04 November 2013, 22:21:03
Quote from: Linkbane on Mon, 04 November 2013, 21:58:20
My god, I went to the Microsoft store in the mall and got a chance to use the capacitative or whatever boards- worst things I have ever seen. Had to mash a key repeatedly to get it to register, and there was no movement so absolutely no feedback.


OH right! those things. on pure usability, they're OK, but they feel terrible. It's a tiny step above using a touchscreen, primarily because you don't have to be positioned awkwardly to use it.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: larrymoencurly on Tue, 05 November 2013, 04:53:51
Either:

1. BTC with switches made of aluminum foil disks glued to sponge backing.  Probably the mushiest keyboards ever made.

2. Monterey K360.  The rubber domes didn't feel bad, but for some reason the key shafts would stick, especially with the wide keys, which had no equalizer rods under them.  Rocketboard gave away 250,000 of these, hoping that people would install their driver software and press the extra row of buttons that would take us to websites that paid ad revenue to Rocketboard.


Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: thurst0n on Tue, 05 November 2013, 13:38:17
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823748034

dat price.
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: 00zeRO on Tue, 05 November 2013, 15:57:53
Android touch screen on my ZTE Merit, for the win! - ultra tiny...terrible for typing...probably doesn't count though, huh?
Title: Re: worst keyboard ever?
Post by: kolonelkadat on Tue, 05 November 2013, 16:01:21
gearhead wireless keyboard.

Maybe it will type a letter when you press a key. Maybe it will type 3. Most times though it will type nothing at all.