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Author Topic: A challenge  (Read 5866 times)

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Offline CodeChef

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 280
A challenge
« on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 16:45:31 »
We all know geekhackers can recommend mechanical keyboards all day long. But what about less-ubiquitous 'boards?

I challenge you, geekhack, to find me the best keyboard under 20 dollars. Yes, it's going to be rubber dome, but I know you can do it. What can 20 dollars get a customer in today's world of amazing value?
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Offline Uninstall

  • Posts: 42
A challenge
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 16:50:58 »
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Offline theferenc

  • Posts: 1327
A challenge
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 16:52:46 »
You can get either PS/2 or USB sun type 6 keyboards on ebay for under $20. The only rubber dome board that I can personally stand to type on anymore.

It's the layout upon which the HHKB is based. Well, the evolution thereof. It's only got a few extra keys over your standard 104, mostly to the left of the main block. And mostly only usable in variants of UNIX.
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline theferenc

  • Posts: 1327
A challenge
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:06:06 »
Have you looked at how expensive the keyboards are at best buy? Even the cheap-o Dynex is $25, last I checked.

Edit: there are 6 on their website that are under $20, pre tax. If tax counts, then there are only 3. Only 2 of which are available in stores.
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline msiegel

  • Posts: 1230
A challenge
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:16:54 »
Quote from: Uninstall;249857
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823131060&cm_re=keytronic-_-23-131-060-_-Product

Quote
Smooth, precise feel
4 out of 5 eggs

    "Feels alot like the old IBM or chiconey tatical keyboards, which I have always loved. Nice curve & size to the board, ..." -- 300zman 9/15/2009

tactical? i'm sure he means textile
;)
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Filco Zero (Fukka) AEKII sliders and keycaps * Filco Tenkeyless MX brown * IBM F/AT parts: modding
Model F Mod Log * Open Source Generic keyboard controller

Offline bakageta

  • Posts: 206
A challenge
« Reply #5 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:19:10 »
Quote from: ripster;249865
OK here's two.

DealXtreme 78 Key Compact Slim (fullsize also available) (free shipping by a literal slow boat to China)

If you like that style of keyboard, newegg has full sized in black, white, and even pink, ranging from $14 to 17 shipped. Shouldn't be quite as slow as the shipping from DealExtreme.
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Offline keyboardlover

  • Posts: 4022
  • Hey Paul Walker, Click It or Ticket!
    • http://www.keyboardlover.com
A challenge
« Reply #6 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:26:21 »
Keytronic is always a good choice for that price range...
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Offline CodeChef

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 280
A challenge
« Reply #7 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:28:51 »
Man, whoever came up with the retardedly huge return and teeny tiny backspace needs to be shot, or revived and then shot.
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Offline CodeChef

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 280
A challenge
« Reply #8 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:30:47 »
Quote from: ripster;249872
Yeah, but they aren't mini.  

Plus I've been looking for a guinea pig to buy that DXtreme and tell me if it's any good.


Rip, I think it would be more appealing to people if DX didn't walk their shipments to your door.
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Offline Uninstall

  • Posts: 42
A challenge
« Reply #9 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:31:27 »
Quote from: msiegel;249868
tactical? i'm sure he means textile
;)


I actually think he means tactile xD but your joke is funny nonetheless.
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Offline bakageta

  • Posts: 206
A challenge
« Reply #10 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:34:18 »
I'm actually tempted to pick up that DX keyboard, just because I've got a few other things I've been putting off ordering from there.
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Offline Uninstall

  • Posts: 42
A challenge
« Reply #11 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:36:53 »
Quote from: ripster;249886
Their single AA Cree is actually quite good.

And don't forget all the sex toys.


Sex toys?! I think you mean portable massage tools :)
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Offline Findecanor

  • Posts: 5042
  • Location: Koriko
A challenge
« Reply #12 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:39:53 »
Quote from: theferenc;249858
You can get either PS/2 or USB sun type 6 keyboards on ebay for under $20. The only rubber dome board that I can personally stand to type on anymore.

I can't stand to type on Sun Type 6 ...
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Offline CodeChef

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 280
A challenge
« Reply #13 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:42:10 »
Quote from: ripster;249882
Anyway, you're gonna start complaining about what you can get for $20?
Show Image


Yes. Well, no. I might actually hit that Rosewill just because I know newegg has a great return policy and I'll be able to send it back if it's too rubber-domey.
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woody

  •  Guest
A challenge
« Reply #14 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:47:31 »
Quote from: ripster;249882
Show Image

Have you seen "A serious man" yet?
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woody

  •  Guest
A challenge
« Reply #15 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 17:52:54 »
Now I know where the woes come from - [Fn | CTRL].

Man, you're QWIK!

P.S. Say "Hi" to Marshak.
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Offline elbowglue

  • Posts: 583
A challenge
« Reply #16 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 19:14:36 »
Dell AT 101W

$17.99 shipped to me.  You can also get two Mcdonalds chicken sandwiches and still be below $20.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-AT101W-PS-2-Keyboard-GYUM90SK-/200545242188?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item2eb16d8c4c#ht_484wt_853
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My keyboards: Filco Cherry Blue Tenkeyless(daily home), Compaq MX11800 (modded to blacks), Compaq "MX 84u",  Wellington\'s Dampened Endurapro, Pinkalicious Filco Blue Cherry, Chicony KB-5191, Chicony KB-5181, Desko MOS 5023 UP "elbowglue" spos (modded to blues), Siig Minitouch (monterey blue), SMK-88 (blue cherries), Ricercar SPOS
Smallest to biggest keyboards in inches (Length X Height) - Length is most important for a midline mouse position
KBC Poker: 11.6 x 3.9 - HHKB: 11.6 x 4.3 - Siig Minitouch (Geekhack Space Saver): 11.6 x 6 - Deck/Tg3 82: 12 x 6 - Noppoo Choc Mini 12.4 x 5.3 - Compaq "MX 84u": 13.1 x 7.5 - Filco Tenkeyless: 14 x 5.3 - Cherry "ricercar spos" G86-62410EUAGSA: 14 x 7.75 - Topre Realforce 86u: 14.4 x 6.65 - Desko "elbowglue spos" MOS 5023 UP: 14.5 x 8.4 - IBM Model M Spacesaver: 15.3 x 7 - G80-1800: 15.9 x 7.1 - Adesso MKB-125B: 16 x 7.3 - Compaq Mx11800, Cherry G80-11900: 16.25 x 7.5 - Filco Standard: 17.3 x 5.4 - Unicomp Endurapro: 17.9 x 7.1 - Adesso MKB-135B: 18.3 x 6.0 - Cherry G80-3000: 18.5 x 7.6 - IBM Model M, Unicomp Customizer: 19.3 x 8.27

Offline msiegel

  • Posts: 1230
A challenge
« Reply #17 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 19:19:30 »
sudo i'm lovin' it
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Filco Zero (Fukka) AEKII sliders and keycaps * Filco Tenkeyless MX brown * IBM F/AT parts: modding
Model F Mod Log * Open Source Generic keyboard controller

Offline TexasFlood

  • Posts: 1084
A challenge
« Reply #18 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 19:41:08 »
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Offline TexasFlood

  • Posts: 1084
A challenge
« Reply #19 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 19:45:48 »
Quote from: Uninstall;249857
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823131060&cm_re=keytronic-_-23-131-060-_-Product

Over 20 with shipping though :/

Pacificgeek has the Keytronic Black PS2 KT800P2, also the Keytronic Ivory PS2 E03601QUS201-C and Keytronic Beige PS2 E03601P1.  And a lot of other cool stuff I should add.
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Offline iMav

  • geekhack creator/founder
  • Location: Valley City, ND
  • "Τα εργαλεία σας είναι σημαντικά."
A challenge
« Reply #20 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 23:43:20 »
Definitely the Dell AT101W.  If you are patient, you can find them NIB for ~$20.  Not a favorite here at GH...but I'd use one over pretty much anything else you can buy NIB for $20.
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Offline theferenc

  • Posts: 1327
A challenge
« Reply #21 on: Sat, 20 November 2010, 23:49:37 »
Alternatively, if you are patient, you can order the cheapest one you can find, and clean it thoroughly. Still better than most rubber domes.

Findecanor, is it the layout that bothers you, or the feel of the board. While I definitely am in love with the layout, I was strictly suggesting it based on the feel. It feels lightyears better than my old style mac book pro keyboard, let alone those evil chicklet nasties.
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline Findecanor

  • Posts: 5042
  • Location: Koriko
A challenge
« Reply #22 on: Sun, 21 November 2010, 06:04:28 »
I love the layout on the Sun Type 5 and 6, but at least the ones that I have tried have had a very mushy feel.
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Offline Ekaros

  • Posts: 942
A challenge
« Reply #23 on: Sun, 21 November 2010, 06:13:45 »
http://www.huuto.net/kohteet/dell-nappaimisto-musta/157228145

RD Dell, but very decent fro rubber dome...
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So I should add something useless here yes? Ok, ok...
Filco 105-key NKRO MX Browns Sw/Fi-layout|IBM Model M 1394545 Lexmark 102-key Finnish-layout 1994-03-22|Cherry G80-3000LQCDE-2 with MX CLEAR
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Dell AT102W(105-key SF) (Black ALPS)|Steelseries Steelkeys 6G(MX Black) ISO-FI-layout|Cherry G84-4400 G84-4700 Cherry MLs

Offline theferenc

  • Posts: 1327
A challenge
« Reply #24 on: Sun, 21 November 2010, 09:13:40 »
Quote from: Findecanor;250080
I love the layout on the Sun Type 5 and 6, but at least the ones that I have tried have had a very mushy feel.


Interesting, as they are the least mushy of any of my rubber dome boards (apple laptop, a few apple USB keyboards, MS ergo, etc.). I have 3 different sun boards, and while 2 were purchased NIB, one was well used, and it's mushier, but still not really mushy.
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HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline Shawn Stanford

  • Posts: 368
A challenge
« Reply #25 on: Mon, 22 November 2010, 07:05:12 »
If you could bump your price by $10, you could have a Model M...
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Offline kidchunks

  • Posts: 496
A challenge
« Reply #26 on: Mon, 22 November 2010, 07:10:16 »
Quote from: Shawn Stanford;250507
If you could bump your price by $10, you could have a Model M...


Word, seen some refurbs for $30 + freeshipping.
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my root : kidchunks[dot]com
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