Any Computer Keyboard Geeks?

[jyl]

I need a couple new keyboards. They will be used with Macs.

What would you get? What do you like in a keyboard?

I'm looking at:

- Apple wireless? Very compact, no number pad, silent, very little key travel/feel, Bluetooth, non-repairable (meaning, you can't take them apart to clean or replace keys). $70 new.


- Apple wired w/ number pad? Silent, very little key travel/feel, non-repairable. $50 new.


- Apple older wired w/ number pad? Fairly silent, more key travel, slightly repairable. Don't think these are sold new, but eBay has them for $20-30.


- Vintage IBM model M? Very clicky, lots of key travel/feel, repairable, need key mapping and PS2/USB adapter, have to find on eBay for $50-100.


- Unicomp version of model M? Very clicky, lots of key travel/feel, repairable, has Windows keys but still need key mapping for Mac, $85.

[porsche4life]

I like the first two Mac keyboards, but I'm a 99.9% laptop user so I'm used to the feel of that style of keyboard.

[motion]

I have this setup. I'm very happy with it.

Amazon.com: Twelve South MagicWand for Mac | Connects Magic Trackpad to Apple Wireless Keyboard - trackpad and keyboard not included: Electronics

[John Rogers]

Go somewhere and try typing on any that you are considering. Usually the biggest issue is having the fingers getting cramped together too close to be comfortable when typing. If you get a wireless them make sure it does not have any interference with other devices around the computer. As an example years ago my "smart phone" used to beep and howl when close to the PC mainly due to my Logitech mouse/key board I think and finally after a phone upgrade that quit.

[wdfifteen]

I would have the second from the top. I have the little wireless and it's ok, but I do a lot of writing and editing of text and I really, really like the delete right button.

[stomachmonkey]

The full size aluminum wired is my current favorite.

I sometimes find them locally on facebook trading posts and snag them when I can.

Never paid more than $25 for one.

[masraum]

I guess this isn't what you're looking for?



To be more direct to your question. I like Apple hardware. It usually seems to be very well made.

[SilberUrS6]

I have the Unicomp. Clicky. Very solid feel. I'm hard on keyboards, and this one has held up very well.

[jyl]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

I have the Unicomp. Clicky. Very solid feel. I'm hard on keyboards, and this one has held up very well.

If I got the Unicomp keyboard, I'd want to remap certain keys to Apple keyboard keys.

For example, F12 = Apple "Option" key. Ctrl = Apple "Command" key. Etc.

Is there a Mac utility that will do that?

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by jyl

If I got the Unicomp keyboard, I'd want to remap certain keys to Apple keyboard keys.

For example, F12 = Apple "Option" key. Ctrl = Apple "Command" key. Etc.

Is there a Mac utility that will do that?

https://pqrs.org/osx/karabiner/

[id10t]

I avoid wireless because the batteries always die at the wrong time.

Any Model M clones for the Macs? Still using mine via DIN->PS2 -> USB adapter chain ....

[Charles Freeborn]

Apple usb extended for me.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by id10t

I avoid wireless because the batteries always die at the wrong time.

Any Model M clones for the Macs? Still using mine via DIN->PS2 -> USB adapter chain ....

I'm 99.9999% certain that the new Apple wireless keyboards are rechargeable via usb/lightning, so if the batteries die, you just plug the thing in and then it's a USB wired keyboard.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

The Apple wired with keypad is what I prefer. I wish I could take it apart and rearrange the keys to Dvorak but whatever - I type by feel anyway. Even though it's QWERTY I map it to Dvorak and go nuts. I like the feel of the board - light and quick.

[herr_oberst]

Most of us at The Company where I work use the scissor-style Mac keyboard, the second picture from the top. I used to like the tray style Mac keyboard, (third pic from the top) but Apple discontinued those, and The Company uses what's easily available.

[Charles Freeborn]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

The Apple wired with keypad is what I prefer. I wish I could take it apart and rearrange the keys to Dvorak but whatever - I type by feel anyway. Even though it's QWERTY I map it to Dvorak and go nuts. I like the feel of the board - light and quick.

Keytop overlay stickers. Been using them for years. Hot tip - before putting on the "feeler" keys (U & H) in dvorak, dimple them from the backside with a small slot screwdriver.

Keyboard Layouts — Hooleon

-C