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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: KevinGW on Mon, 16 March 2009, 06:20:32

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: KevinGW on Mon, 16 March 2009, 06:20:32

I need compact keyboard. I was looking at Unicom SpaceSaver or the Cherry SMK-88.  I have a Windows box and want a USB input.  Which of these are better?  Are there other ones I should consider?

Thanks

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: lal on Mon, 16 March 2009, 07:19:15

IBM Model M mini with PS/2-to-USB adapter :)

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 16 March 2009, 07:19:20

Deck keyboards are pretty diminutive, they have linear Cherry switches, though, and some people don't really care for those.  If you want to spend big dough, there is the HHKB Pro 2.  They are pretty much the gold standard around here as a quality space-saver 'board.  There are the Filco tenkeyless 'boards that come in several different switch types, and they are also well-liked.  The Filcos and the HHKB have to be imported from Japan.  There is a list of buying services in the Wiki.  BTW, welcome to GeekHack! :)

Title: Best Bet
Post by: KevinGW on Mon, 16 March 2009, 11:34:14

I don't really want to spend too much over $100 - so what is the best bet with this limit and/or the 2 ones I mention.

I want a USB.  I have an old IBM Compact. I tried hooking up using a USB adaptor but under Vista and Windows 7 the number pad is locked on (the number paid is part of the standard keys).

thanks

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: wheel83 on Mon, 16 March 2009, 11:47:42

I'd recommend an IBM Space Saver as well.  Did you press shift Num LK, obviously ?  

maybe you need a better adaptor.  try the one from clickykeyboards.com

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: lal on Mon, 16 March 2009, 11:49:46

Try deactivating the numpad with Shift-ScrLk.

Also, there aren't too much choices for *new* boards under $100 without numpad.  I'd recommend the Unicomp SpaceSaver, if that's compact enough for you.

Title: Reply
Post by: KevinGW on Mon, 16 March 2009, 16:49:31

Thanks for the replys

If I go with the SpaceSaver is the rubber dome option ok - I don't always want the noise from the BS.

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: lal on Mon, 16 March 2009, 17:08:27

Quote from: KevinGW;24657

If I go with the SpaceSaver is the rubber dome option ok[?]

Jesus, no!  If you want a quiet board get one with brown Cherrys, black Alps or Topre.  Never ever rubber dome!

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: lal on Mon, 16 March 2009, 17:13:25

What about the FKBN87M/EB (http://www.geekstuff4u.com/accessories/desktop/majestouch-tenkeyless-keyboard.html), a.k.a. Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless with brown Cherry MX switches.

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: bigpook on Mon, 16 March 2009, 17:44:02

No doubt. Check out e-bay for the Dell AT101W which has black alps switches. There was someone selling them a little while ago and I scored one for like 12 dollars shipped.

I just checked, the NIB Dell's don't seem to be available anymore. There are others there but I can't vouch for them.

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: rio on Mon, 16 March 2009, 18:26:17

Not to plug my own sale, but I do have a Cherry G84-4100PTMUS going for $12. :) Might be worth looking at.

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: lam47 on Mon, 16 March 2009, 18:51:45

Quote from: rio;24667

Not to plug my own sale, but I do have a Cherry G84-4100PTMUS going for $12. :) Might be worth looking at.

I would say the topre you have for sale if he does not mind the Japanese layout.

Title: Reply
Post by: KevinGW on Mon, 16 March 2009, 19:53:09

I actually like the Filco - no number pad.  Is it a quality keyboard? Is it on par with Unicomp SpaceSaver as far as the key mechinisms.

How much will I have to pay in shipping.

Thanks

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: FKSSR on Mon, 16 March 2009, 20:03:30

There is a member here "majestouch" that is importing Filco to the US.  He doesn't have exact costs yet, but here is his thread in the marketplace. (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=24666#post24666)

Filco keyboards have Cherry key switches.  You can read about those all over these forums.  Do a search for cherry and filco, and you'll find a lot to read. :)

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: lam47 on Tue, 17 March 2009, 04:05:48

Cherry switches are comparable with the buckling springs of a model M in terms of build quality but the feel is very different.
Neither one is better than the other but a personal preference. Without trying them its hard to suggest which would suite you better.
BS boards feel the most like a type writer with an almighty clunking sound and pretty strong tactile feedback.
Cherry normally come in 3 variaties.
Brown is light to touch does not click but has a small tactile bump in the travel on the way down.
Blues feel similar but have a high pitched click followed by a small springy ringing sound.
Blacks are linear (no bump on the way down) and make no sound other than the key bottoming and topping out. They might well feel the most normal if you are used to rubber dome keyboards.

You should be able to find an original Model M on ebay in the US for a decent price.
Here in the UK they go for about £70! Im sure you could get one for closer to $50

Good luck whatever you go for.

Laurie.

Title: Looking For Good Compact Keyboard
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 17 March 2009, 06:54:55

Quote from: KevinGW;24674

IIs it a quality keyboard?

To more directly answer your question.  Yes, it is one of the best keyboards on the market.  Very solid construction, and it will not move on your desk.  For its size, it is very heavy, and it has high quality, grippy, rubber feet.