Keyboard buying advice

[Salaman]

Hello, all!

I have spent a great deal of time lurking various forums trying to single out a keyboard to buy, so I apologize in advance if this looks like one of those "do all the work for me plz lol k" threads.

Well, I'm looking for a new keyboard, so I figured I'd get a mechanical one since I spend so much time on it. After much reading, I think the MX Blues would fit me best, as I type text much more than I game (but I'm still open to other suggestions). Here's the kicker, though: I primarily use a Mac, so I'm not sure if it's better to get something like the new Das Keyboard for Mac or a regular PC one. I'd also use this keyboard on Windows a few times here and there for some games.

Would it be better to get a Mac keyboard with OS X keys (which limits selection), or a standard one and remap keys and order a cheap pair of cmd keys? I am aware of software like KeyRemap4MacBook, but I don't know if it's better to use a software solution rather than have the working keys.

Budget: Not something super expensive. $100-150 range, the lower the better. I do not care for fancy LED backlighting. Also, I live in Canada, so anything easily obtainable here without blowing $50 on shipping would be a plus (I can still get it shipped to the border, though).

Bonus points: Does anyone know how well a keyboard like the Mac Das would operate under Windows? What happens to keys like print screen (which aren't on the Mac keyboard)?

Thanks for any help given, it's really appreciated. I'm still a newbie to this, having only really used one keyboard on my machine.

[jellowiggler]

Check the Canadian buying wiki.

Mac version keyboards I can think of right now:

Matias tactile
Black widow and ultimate mac
Das model s pro for mac
Unicomp spacesaver m

[tp4tissue]

get a coolermaster storm from NCIX canada,, very cheap,, it IS a filco,, don't let anyone tell you it's not,,

Ok, so it's not,, because the keycaps arn't as good, but you're gonna end up replacing the keycaps anyway,, and every thing else about it is exactly the same.

[stingrae]

get a coolermaster storm from NCIX canada,, very cheap,, it IS a filco,, don't let anyone tell you it's not,,

Ok, so it's not,, because the keycaps arn't as good, but you're gonna end up replacing the keycaps anyway,, and every thing else about it is exactly the same.

Yup it also has nice extras that filcos don't at the moment .

And most people replace filco keys as they are also abs..

[slueth]

Unicomp has a mech keyboard designed for macs.  http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/SpacesaverM

[Aranair]

Mm. I'll say just go for a normal keyboard and remap with the built in mac keyboard configuration (swapping command/alt)

I used a Filco before, and now a Poker on a mac....for web development. So I'll say any keyboard is pretty feasible.

[Salaman]

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

So, if I do end up getting the CM Storm (even with the branding, it does look better than the Das in my opinion, which is what is holding me back from just pre-ordering it), would the media and volume keys on the function keys work with OS X out of the box? I noticed it's tenkeyless; I sort of like the numpad but I guess I can live without it if it means for a better overall experience. Also, if it means replacing the keycaps faster than a Filco, is it even worth it, since a keycap set isn't dirt cheap...?

Are there any other Mac users here who would like to chime in on using a Mac specific keyboard vs. a regular one?

[Aranair]

Oh, that i'm not sure:P It might/might not work

[FoxWolf1]

I use a Ducky 1008XM without any remapping/modification on OSX (and emulation for Windows XP, OS9, and DOS), and now that I've adjusted, I really don't see the need to go through the trouble of trying to convert it to a Mac layout. It was a bit annoying at first hitting alt-tab when I meant to command-tab (the Windows key automatically becomes command), and visa-versa while in Windows, but it didn't take all that long to get used to it.

[jellowiggler]

get a coolermaster storm from NCIX canada,, very cheap,, it IS a filco,, don't let anyone tell you it's not,,

Ok, so it's not,, because the keycaps arn't as good, but you're gonna end up replacing the keycaps anyway,, and every thing else about it is exactly the same.

I'll be the first one to say it.  It's not a Filco.  It doesn't say it on any of the parts or box, and it wasn't spec'd by Diatec.  So it's not a Filco.

What it is, is manufactured by Costar, to similar specs when compared to a Filco.  The same company who also builds Filco boards for Diatec, RK-9000s for Rosewill, etc, etc....

[Aranair]

I use a Ducky 1008XM without any remapping/modification on OSX (and emulation for Windows XP, OS9, and DOS), and now that I've adjusted, I really don't see the need to go through the trouble of trying to convert it to a Mac layout. It was a bit annoying at first hitting alt-tab when I meant to command-tab (the Windows key automatically becomes command), and visa-versa while in Windows, but it didn't take all that long to get used to it.

But mac os x allows you to just switch command and alt.. And its automatic everytime you plug the same keyboard in... Why not?

[sth]

But mac os x allows you to just switch command and alt.. And its automatic everytime you plug the same keyboard in... Why not?

Because OS X only remaps the left cluster.

[Aranair]

Because OS X only remaps the left cluster.

Mm so instead of using the free remap and skip adjusting of left side for the common command functions(alt tab, copy paste), you prefer adjusting to both sides?

Mmm well I guess its personal preference.. I prefer having my alt tab in the same position (although I have caps mapped to command too lol)

[sth]

Mm so instead of using the free remap and skip adjusting of left side for the common command functions(alt tab, copy paste), you prefer adjusting to both sides?

Mmm well I guess its personal preference.. I prefer having my alt tab in the same position (although I have caps mapped to command too lol)

Don't get me wrong, I use OS X remap but I also never use the right cluster except for cmd delete.

[Aranair]

same LOL I just use left command to command delete now. And for alt delete I use the right side still lol

[Salaman]

Hey guys, quick update. Sorry I haven't posted for a while, I've been quite busy.

So I emailed Das Keyboard asking about how the Mac keyboard works with Windows. The support agent was kind enough to test it for me:

I just tested the Mac keyboard on a PC, and the print screen, insert and pause functions did not work. Num Lock does work, as do the media features (volume control, previous / next track, etc.).

So, uh, I don't know if I want to be stuck with a keyboard that lacks some keys on Windows. To be fair, a Windows keyboard would lack some keys on a Mac... bleh, damn you different operating systems!

The Das pre-order special ends in the near future so I need to hurry up and make a decision...

Thanks again for all your advice

[darksakul]

Best advice for buying anything.

You need to know 3 things.

What is your Needs?
What is your Wants?
What is your Budget?

Needs are what you have to have, the bare basics. Odds are if your current keyboard works your needs are covered.
What you want? Make a list of your requirements.
Budget? How much money you realistically have to spend.

And The Windows Key and the CMD Key are the Same Key, just different legends printed on the keycap. Also known as the Super or Meta in Unix.