Author Topic: Apple keyboard alternatives (Read 4397 times)

ashort · « **on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 10:48:27 »

Alternatives? what about an actual apple keyboard?

http://hardcoremac.stores.yahoo.net/apusbkeg1.html

ashort · « **Reply #1 on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 14:52:14 »

On the Matias Tactile Pro 2:

"CLICKY"

http://www.connectreviews.com/2007/06/12/iconnect-matias-tactile-pro-20-keyboard/

This is frustrating, the only mildy promising ones I've seen are the above OEMs from the old iMacs, the clicky and pricey Matias (which is likely wonderful, otherwise), or the very small SMK-88.

Does anyone know of any other models that would be likely candidates?

ashort · « **Reply #2 on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 15:20:18 »

Because of price, availabilty, and the "clickyness" of the Matias, I am starting to like this one:

http://www.ergonomicsmadeeasy.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=213

more and more. I may order one soon. Like to see some feedback here first.

I like the USB 2 port on it, and the function Keys all on the right, instead of half on the right and half on the left, like the SMK-88.

BTW, I am typing this on the iMac using the Cherry G84-4100. =-D

ashort · « **Reply #3 on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 21:42:57 »

Wow, I doubt that I scared you away with my intimidating knowledge of the subject matter. I'm on the cusp of a purchase here, where'd everyone go?

Blah...I am going to spend $90 on this keyboard, the DS81-1/88U-Ivory and I'll even pop a key off and let you all know how great it is. =-D

Still typing on the Cherry G84-4100.

ashort · « **Reply #4 on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 21:51:34 »

Keyboard is ORDERED. Will fill you in in "two shipping days" on the details.

xsphat · « **Reply #5 on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 21:53:17 »

I think you should find a Cherry keyboard with black sliders and a number pad. Check Ebay, you'll find thirty of them for $10 each. The switches are way better on your hands than membranes, and they feel and probably sound similar to the G84-4100 that you already like. That's my advice to you.

ashort · « **Reply #6 on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 22:05:30 »

My existing Cherry keyboard is plugged in and works, but I am being a little too picky here in insisting on a made-for-Mac keyboard. I know it, I know I'll pay more for it. The one I ordered has "Cherry Mechanical" switches in it. I'll pop a key and show everyone what that means in 2-3 days. I can't wait! According to the dimensions, this is a keyboard with full sized keys, which is what I was looking for in a desktop keyboard.

Heck, the kids don't really use the trackman marble on the older computer. A friend of the oldest's brought over an el cheapo mouse and they use that for gaming, if you can imagine it....because they don't like the trackman marble. Oh wasted and misguided youth! I may steal that trackman marble back too! (oh my gosh! I could turn off bluetooth on the iMac!)

heh...I just gave my $100 wireless keyboard to my [almost] one year old daughter who's been dying to get her hands on the keyboard. Time to go dink around ebay to see what used Apple Wireless keyboards are selling for.

EVENING FOLKS!

xsphat · « **Reply #7 on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 22:16:54 »

Good, sounds like you've made a good choice. I am personally a clicky Alps user, so our tastes may differ, but that's life. Which one did you get? can you post a link?

ashort · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 22:19:00 »

Quote from: xsphat

Good, sounds like you've made a good choice. I am personally a clicky Alps user, so our tastes may differ, but that's life. Which one did you get? can you post a link?

Oh yes!

This one:
http://www.ergonomicsmadeeasy.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=213

Whiskey in the Jar-o · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 17 September 2007, 22:53:33 »

Quote from: ashort

My existing Cherry keyboard is plugged in and works, but I am being a little too picky here in insisting on a made-for-Mac keyboard. I know it, I know I'll pay more for it. The one I ordered has "Cherry Mechanical" switches in it. I'll pop a key and show everyone what that means in 2-3 days. I can't wait! According to the dimensions, this is a keyboard with full sized keys, which is what I was looking for in a desktop keyboard.

Heck, the kids don't really use the trackman marble on the older computer. A friend of the oldest's brought over an el cheapo mouse and they use that for gaming, if you can imagine it....because they don't like the trackman marble. Oh wasted and misguided youth! I may steal that trackman marble back too! (oh my gosh! I could turn off bluetooth on the iMac!)

heh...I just gave my $100 wireless keyboard to my [almost] one year old daughter who's been dying to get her hands on the keyboard. Time to go dink around ebay to see what used Apple Wireless keyboards are selling for.

EVENING FOLKS!

I just got an email from Karl at DSI. I was looking for old-style SMK-88 with blue (clicky) Cherry switches. No dice. But he still has 4 old-style SMK-88's with black (linear) Cherry switches for $34.95 + shipping.

iMav · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 18 September 2007, 09:32:29 »

Quote from: Whiskey in the Jar-o

I just got an email from Karl at DSI. I was looking for old-style SMK-88 with blue (clicky) Cherry switches. No dice. But he still has 4 old-style SMK-88's with black (linear) Cherry switches for $34.95 + shipping.

Nice.

ashort, I think that you'd REALLY like these...especially since you like the linear switches on your 4100.

ashort · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 30 May 2008, 19:01:50 »

Bumping this one...

...getting ready to clean up my second Apple Keyboard MO116. I am really thinking that this, plus the griffin powermate will get me very close to what I am looking for. I don't know how programmable that Powermate is, but it does volume up/down/mute and if I can shortcut my way around the F keys not being there (eject, anyone?) I'll be on a much better track to comfort.

I can NOT get used to this new style SMK-88. Plus I would describe blue cherries as a little "tight". It's not the downforce required, but the accuracy of the downforce required. With the ALPS switches, by comparison, I feel I could hit those at any angle and they would register. I like that better.

(long pause)

Ok, ADB keyboard is ready to go and I am already enjoying typing on this one more.

the "3" on the numpad broke off, but that's why there is super glue, and I've verified that unlike last time, this key does still work.

iMav · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 30 May 2008, 23:21:14 »

Your forgetting about the most apple-friendly keyboard around... the HHKB-series!

Cmd, Opt, volume controls, navigation, all your "F keys", eject, and even the power button are all there.

xsphat · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 30 May 2008, 23:24:15 »

He is right ashort, the HHKB pro 2 is the most Apple friendly keyboard I have as well, excluding the MacBook 'board. You even have forward delete.

ashort · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 30 May 2008, 23:24:28 »

Yeah, my thikning is going in that direction now that I am Sans all those keys....might as well have "the best" and have them, huh? And in an even smaller form factor as this. =-D

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Author Topic: Apple keyboard alternatives (Read 4397 times)