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Author Topic: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards  (Read 5623 times)

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Offline irendulic

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Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« on: Thu, 27 February 2014, 22:54:49 »
Hi all,

I know they aren't the most popular around here, but I prefer typing on membrane keyboards similar to those stock HP and Dell ones you can find just about anywhere.

However, I also absolutely hate numpads, leaving me with a rather poor choice of tenkeyless membrane keyboard. I've purchased an IBM Space Saver II, and for now I absolutely love it. The trackpoint is a great bonus, the keys had just a bit less walk it would be perfect for me.

My question is - are there any other tenkeyless membrane keyboards similar to the IBM SS2 that aren't impossible to buy? Even with the SS2 I've had some trouble getting it for a reasonable price here in the US, when I return to Europe it's probably going to be even harder.


Thanks for your help! And please don't judge me, I just don't like typing on mechanical keyboards.  :-[
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Offline Findecanor

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 06:30:44 »
"Membrane" is actually only the actuation mechanism. Some mechanical keyboards, like the IBM Model M have membranes in the bottom under the mechanism that provides key resistance. You mean "rubber dome". ;)

There is one by Fujitsu, but the keys are quite mushy. Search for "Fujitsu Tenkeyless" and you will find previous discussions.
I once saw a scissor-switch keyboard with tenkeyless layout, but I think it is only bundled with Samsung desktop PCs.
Then there are lots of other rubber dome keyboards that are compact, with all kinds of various layouts.
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Offline berserkfan

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 10:38:29 »
Quote from: irendulic on Thu, 27 February 2014, 22:54:49
Hi all,

I know they aren't the most popular around here, but I prefer typing on membrane keyboards similar to those stock HP and Dell ones you can find just about anywhere.

However, I also absolutely hate numpads, leaving me with a rather poor choice of tenkeyless membrane keyboard. I've purchased an IBM Space Saver II, and for now I absolutely love it. The trackpoint is a great bonus, the keys had just a bit less walk it would be perfect for me.

My question is - are there any other tenkeyless membrane keyboards similar to the IBM SS2 that aren't impossible to buy? Even with the SS2 I've had some trouble getting it for a reasonable price here in the US, when I return to Europe it's probably going to be even harder.


Thanks for your help! And please don't judge me, I just don't like typing on mechanical keyboards.  :-[

SSK2 should be far from impossible to buy. They pop up on ebay pretty often. At one time I was considering buying one for $38 (I think it was $52 shipped). They are quite popular with people I know - should be one of the more reputable rubber dome models around.
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Offline cbf123

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Lots of options
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 12:45:01 »
Take a look at http://ergocanada.com/ec_home/products/compactmini_1.html

While some of those use mechanical keys, a lot don't.
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Offline robertsig

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 13:18:11 »
Topre Realforce 55g uniform should suit you nicely.
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Offline ideus

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 13:59:54 »
Just check ebay for a replacement SSKII, I sold one some months ago. And yeah it is a totally awesome board.
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Offline vivalarevolución

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 15:10:29 »
What do you mean by "if the keys had a bit less walk it would be perfect for me?"
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Offline Snarfangel

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 16:07:17 »
Are laptop keyboards technically tenkeyless?  :p

Oh, very well, I realize it doesn't really count, but I think it's fun to type on my Typematrix 2020, and it's still going  strong after a couple of years. Scissor switch, and not too bad once I got used to the position of the keys. I actually kind of like how it feels, though it's more fun to pound on my Unicomp.
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Offline Roibhilin

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 16:14:23 »
I'm not sure if you'd go for 60%; it's scissor switch:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/wedge-mobile-keyboard/U6R-00001
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Offline Pacifist

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 16:20:05 »
Quote from: Roibhilin on Fri, 28 February 2014, 16:14:23
I'm not sure if you'd go for 60%; it's scissor switch:
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/wedge-mobile-keyboard/U6R-00001

Is there a function row on the top?
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Offline SpAmRaY

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 16:23:26 »
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Offline irendulic

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 18:05:29 »
Thank you all for responses! Didn't expect such a large feedback :)

Quote from: Findecanor on Fri, 28 February 2014, 06:30:44
"Membrane" is actually only the actuation mechanism. Some mechanical keyboards, like the IBM Model M have membranes in the bottom under the mechanism that provides key resistance. You mean "rubber dome". ;)


Yes, rubber dome, thanks :) Couldn't remember how it's called.

Quote from: berserkfan on Fri, 28 February 2014, 10:38:29

SSK2 should be far from impossible to buy. They pop up on ebay pretty often. At one time I was considering buying one for $38 (I think it was $52 shipped). They are quite popular with people I know - should be one of the more reputable rubber dome models around.

Yes, I've bought on not so long ago for 45$ shipped (I need one more keyboard for work, this one I'll keep at home), the problem is that a lot of the sellers ask for unrealistic prices, 100$+. And it's much harder to get one in Europe, I'm in US now, but in a couple of months I'm heading home.

For the suggestions, Topre is way to pricey for me, and microsoft is more chiclet style and bluetooth. I've actually been using the microsoft mobile bluetooth 6000 and it's awesome for me, but bluetooth. I just hate bluetooth keyboards.

The Kinesis Freestyle 2 looks pretty interesting. I think I'll look on ebay for another SSK2 (currently there's one for 60$ shipped at auction, kinda pricey but.. ) or the Freestyle2.
Anyone used the Kinesis Freestyle2?
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Offline SonOfSonOfSpock

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #12 on: Fri, 28 February 2014, 23:45:01 »
I have the Freestyle 2. It's keys are a lot lighter than a lot of rubber dome keyboards I've tried. For me, ive figured out I don't like that, but I'm not sure what your personal preference is. The various options for tenting are pretty cool. It's a very adjustable keyboard as far as ergonomics.
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Offline Findecanor

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #13 on: Sat, 01 March 2014, 04:23:31 »
Similar boards to the Freestyle are the Goldtouch. There is the desktop PC version, mac version and two portable low-profile versions. All have the nav keys in a column, so it does not have the typical TKL layout.
The desktop Goldtouch has light keys. And old discontinued version has nav keys on the left and harder keys.
The big thing with the Goldtouch keyboards is that they are split, but with a ball-hinge and a locking lever, so that you can adjust and then lock angle and tenting. This was patented and the inventor has posted on GH a few times.
« Last Edit: Sat, 01 March 2014, 10:19:53 by Findecanor »
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Offline MissMurd3r84

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Re: Non-mechanical tenkeyless keyboards
« Reply #14 on: Sat, 01 March 2014, 07:10:48 »
Quote from: Findecanor on Sat, 01 March 2014, 04:23:31
Similar boards to the Freestyle are the Goldtouch. There is the desktop PC version, mac version and two portable slimline versions. All have the nav keys in a column, so it does not have the typical TKL layout.
The desktop Goldtouch has light keys. And old discontinued version has nav keys on the left and harder keys.
The big thing with the Goldtouch keyboards is that they are split, but with a ball-hinge and a locking lever, so that you can adjust and then lock angle and tenting. This was patented and the inventor has posted on GH a few times.
I just ordered a Goldtouch V2 last night to see if I can handle the split and that before I pre-order the Matias Ergo ^_^
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