Author Topic: New job means new keyboard...  (Read 4833 times)

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Offline Aurlock

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 8
New job means new keyboard...
« on: Thu, 03 March 2011, 21:05:30 »
Alright guys and gals I have a question. I just got a new job at a helpdesk answering the phone and typing all day but the problem is they gave me a really terrible HP membrane keyboard. So, this means I need to get a new keyboard and am currently looking for suggestions based on the following criteria.

               1. Needs to be quiet (on the phone all day with people around me)
               2. Needs to have a ten-key
               3. Needs to be easily shipped or imported in a timely manner

A little history on my keyboard history so that maybe I can make it a little easier on you guys. I have a Filco Majestouch MX w/ Blue switches and 2 model M's and love all three of them.

So there it is guys, I could really use some help, price doesn't matter, and thanks to all.

Offline lootbag

  • Posts: 291
  • Location: HK
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 03 March 2011, 21:06:56 »
Topre Realforce 86U since you have no budget.

Offline rustybarnacle

  • Posts: 122
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 03 March 2011, 21:07:38 »
If price doesn't matter, then this is probably what you're after

http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=special&filter=fullsize

Just a realforce full size keyboard - take your pick on color or key weights.

Quote from: lootbag;304681
Topre Realforce 86U since you have no budget.
he said he needed a 10 key.

Offline DanGWanG

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New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 03 March 2011, 21:07:40 »
Realforce 103UB @ EK.

Or you can buy mine used in the Classifieds section.

Offline Aurlock

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 8
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 03 March 2011, 21:09:57 »
Sweet mother of quick responses, you guys are awesome. I was thinking of one of the realforce keyboards (HHKB or Realforce). Now, I don't mean i was going to get a HHKB for work I've just always wanted one.

Think I'm going with one of those/looking at the one that Dan has.

Offline keyboardlover

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New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 03 March 2011, 21:12:32 »
Dan's used to belong to me. I can vouch for it being an awesome board, clean, well-kept, etc. You'd love it :D

Offline ironman31

  • Posts: 834
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 03 March 2011, 21:15:09 »
Get a full size variable Realforce. Do it.
Keyboards:
IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard (Used), HHKB Pro 2 (White, Lettered), Realforce 87U all-45g in White, Filco Majestouch 2 TKL with Cherry MX Browns, Model F PC/ATNoppoo Choc Mini (MX Browns), Model F XT, IBM Model M 1397735 (bought NIB), (2) Siig Minitouch (GHSS) one with XM, one with complicated ALPs (modded),2 Dell AT101W, Cherry G80-11900HRMUS (modded with MX browns)



Pointing Devices:
Logitech G500, Evoluent VerticalMouse 3, Logitech G5, CST 2545W, Microsoft IntelliMouse Trackball, Logitech M570, Logitech MX revolution


Offline keyboardlover

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  • Hey Paul Walker, Click It or Ticket!
    • http://www.keyboardlover.com
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 03 March 2011, 21:15:47 »

Offline BucklingSpring

  • Posts: 1613
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 03 March 2011, 23:31:46 »
Quote from: Aurlock;304679

         1. Needs to be quiet (on the phone all day with people around me)
         2. Needs to have a ten-key
         3. Needs to be easily shipped or imported in a timely manner


1) Topre switches are quiet with lower pitch sounds than the MX. It's easily filtered by noise reduction mics. I mean if you are a real phone guy, you must have a headset with noise cancelling.

2) The 86's are out of the question, as suggested above, the 103 would be perfect.

3) EK are pretty good with shipping...

Looks like we have a winner ;-)
Go with DandWang link or buy his board.

Just one thing... If you go black, the dark grey font on black key cap can be tricky to read under dimmed lights. It's no issue if you don't need to look at your board when you type or if the light is always right.
In memory of smallfry 1996-2013
Boards I own, click ->
More
Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline pitashen

  • Posts: 1200
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 01:05:11 »
Realforce +1
\\\\ DSI Mac Modular Keyboard (Brown) w/ Leo  Blank Keycaps //
\\\\ Leopold 87keys Keyboard (Brown) w/ Black CherryCorp + SP DoubleShots //
\\\\ Filco Majestouch 2 NINJA (Black) w/ White CherryCorp + SP DoublsShots //

Offline Arc'xer

  • Posts: 482
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 02:23:09 »
With the kind of job you have don't you need a numpad as well? Becomes kind of a hassle with the numbers arranged on the top row if your doing that all day.

As for the realforce just remember the ones sold at EKB are the variable 35g/45g/55g and 55g, there's no middle ground 45g unless you import it from Japan or get the HHKB.

Offline iMav

  • geekhack creator/founder
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  • "Τα εργαλεία σας είναι σημαντικά."
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 04:32:28 »
I'd also suggest considering Cherry MX brown switches.  

Full size keyboard, shipped quickly?  Perhaps Amazon.

XArmor 'board
DAS silent 'board
Filco 'board

Offline trievalot

  • Posts: 246
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #12 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 06:01:19 »
you CAN get a filco or other cherry brown
all that will happen if you will end up buying a Topre anyway.

Save the hassle and do it straight away
[SIGPIC]

Offline Surly73

  • Posts: 425
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #13 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 06:03:49 »
While I don't own one (yet), I won't disagree with the Topre recommendation based on my research.  Top notch quality while remaining quiet.  It shouldn't bother your colleagues and will give you a quality experience.

I will also suggest, however, some certain lines of Keytronic.  For instance the 3600/3601 and the Eurotech-C which I do personally own.   There's a thread here about how these Keytronics are surprisingly good, with some people who have both claiming they are "80% of a Realforce".  I don't want to start that debate again, but they cost 10% of what a Realforce does, they are quiet, soft landing, thocky (although with a little bit of cap ping on release), models newer than 10 years old or so have variable weight keys just like the Realforce and the typing experience is actually alright.  I think I'm faster on one of these Keytronics than on my model M.  We'll see how it compares to the Filco w/browns that I have in the mail somewhere.

Consider seriously whether you have any concern about others "borrowing", stealing or damaging your keyboard - intentionally or accidentally - because they don't realize it's a $250 personal item sitting on your desk.  I have an office with a lockable door and that crossed my mind when I think about the possibility of getting a Realforce for the office.  

My model M has a label on it "PERSONAL PROPERTY" and a lot of people say "who cares?  It's a crappy old retro keyboard from a dumpster!".  And this is about a model M which is clearly different in terms of sound, weight and appearance.  A Realforce looks like any other plain jane keyboard out there, unless you get one with blank caps or something.
« Last Edit: Fri, 04 March 2011, 06:11:02 by Surly73 »

Offline ironman31

  • Posts: 834
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #14 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 06:42:19 »
If you get a plate mounted brown, just realize that you will have to learn to type without bottoming out to make it much quieter.
Keyboards:
IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard (Used), HHKB Pro 2 (White, Lettered), Realforce 87U all-45g in White, Filco Majestouch 2 TKL with Cherry MX Browns, Model F PC/ATNoppoo Choc Mini (MX Browns), Model F XT, IBM Model M 1397735 (bought NIB), (2) Siig Minitouch (GHSS) one with XM, one with complicated ALPs (modded),2 Dell AT101W, Cherry G80-11900HRMUS (modded with MX browns)



Pointing Devices:
Logitech G500, Evoluent VerticalMouse 3, Logitech G5, CST 2545W, Microsoft IntelliMouse Trackball, Logitech M570, Logitech MX revolution


Offline BucklingSpring

  • Posts: 1613
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #15 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 10:38:50 »
Quote from: ironman31;304813
If you get a plate mounted brown, just realize that you will have to learn to type without bottoming out to make it much quieter.


+1!!!!

Coming from the bucklingspring age, I'm still not able to do that. That's why I love the Topre so much.

The spungie thick sole makes it easy to land quietly
In memory of smallfry 1996-2013
Boards I own, click ->
More
Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline Evil_Spork

  • Posts: 111
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #16 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 13:10:01 »
Quote from: ironman31;304813
If you get a plate mounted brown, just realize that you will have to learn to type without bottoming out to make it much quieter.


Turns out the Noppoo I just got is plate mounted. I'm used to 70g scissor switches on my laptop. Browns may not have an artificial click like blues but they are NOT quiet.
Noppoo Choc Mini "Tea Axis"/MX Brown
Leopold Tenkeyless MX Brown - SOLD!
Filco Majestouch-2 Linear R Limited Edition Tenkeyless with MX Red

Offline digitalleftovers

  • Posts: 645
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #17 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 13:18:04 »
Quote from: Evil_Spork;305020
Turns out the Noppoo I just got is plate mounted. I'm used to 70g scissor switches on my laptop. Browns may not have an artificial click like blues but they are NOT quiet.


It takes time.  There will always be a little chatter from the "up stroke" of the key popping back up.  I stopped bottoming out after about a week once i got a brown cherry at work to match my board at home.  It is true, though, that browns are not silent, just quieter.  Also, consider putting a matt underneath your kebaord.  People report that it makes a significant differrence.
Keyboards:
Filco 104 MX Brown (Otaku) - FKBN104M/NPEK 黒い空
Ducky TKL MX Brown/Blue 80% (White) - 1087-F 白の空
KBC Poker MX Red with PBT Key Caps - PFCN6000


"Consumers use touch screens.  Producers use keyboards."

Offline Aurlock

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  • Posts: 8
New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #18 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 14:21:02 »
Not that it really matters but I went ahead and bought Dan's realforce. So looks like I'll be a new toper user. thanks for the suggestions all.

Offline keyboardlover

  • Posts: 4022
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New job means new keyboard...
« Reply #19 on: Fri, 04 March 2011, 14:24:08 »
Quote from: Aurlock;305055
Not that it really matters but I went ahead and bought Dan's realforce. So looks like I'll be a new toper user. thanks for the suggestions all.

Nice, you'll love it!