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Just The Type: Keyboard round-up

Nathan Taylor- 20/04/2010 12:32:03

Tags: ergonomic, keyboards, Logitech, Microsoft, Nathan Taylor

If you’re like most of us, you’re probably using whatever cheap $10 keyboard it was that came with your computer. Yet given how much you’re likely to actually use the keyboard, it may well be worth upgrading.

There are actually plenty of options when it comes to keyboards.

When it comes to inputs, there’s the choice of USB, PS2 and wireless. USB and PS2 are functionally the same, and the choice will largely depend on whether your PC has a PS2 port. Wireless keyboards, on the other hand, will still usually require a USB port for the wireless receiver, but the keyboard isn’t tethered to the PC. They’re great for lounge room PCs in particular.

You can also think about ergonomics – whether you want a “clicky” or silent keyboard, for example, or whether you want a split keyboard that may take a little getting used to but better suits the natural angle of your wrists.

And then there are keyboards with special functions. The most common are multimedia keys for controlling playback on Windows Media Player or similar applications, as well as launching common programs like email or a web browser. Gaming keyboards take this to the next level, offering keys specifically for games. Gaming keyboards also often feature the ability to accept a lot of simultaneous key presses.

 

Das Keyboard Professional

The Das Keyboard is a type of keyboard called a “clicky” keyboard, which provided tactile and audio feedback as you type – a feature that many professional typists prefer. It’s very well built, and supports up to 12 simultaneous keypresses – but it’s also priced like a premium product.

We like: It’s clicky, providing positive feedback as you type

We don’t like: It’s expensive for something so bland

Price: $187

 

Logitech diNovo Mini Bluetooth keyboard

The diNovo Mini is a Bluetooth wireless keyboard that literally fits in the palm of your hand. There’s even a tiny trackpad for controlling the mouse pointer. It runs off a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and a USB Bluetooth adapter is provided with the keyboard (so you don’t need Bluetooth on your PC to use it). All this makes it a perfect companion for home theatre PCs, giving you a compact keyboard that’s only a little larger than a typical remote control.

What we like: Fits in your palm, there’s a built-in trackpad, uses Bluetooth for wireless

We don’t like: High price, right-clicking is a pain

Price: $180

 

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 7000

The split keyboard design takes some getting used to (especially for those of us who aren’t traditional touch typists), but the Ergonomic Keyboard is specifically designed to reduce strain on the wrists and fingers. It also has customisable hot keys, multimedia keys and quick access keys for major applications. It normally comes with a mouse (included in the price above), and both devices are totally wireless, using a mini USB receiver to communicate with the PC.

We like: It’ll spare your wrist, it’s wireless

We don’t like: What if I don’t want the mouse?

Price: $150

 

Rock KBF-4000B foldable keyboard

It may not offer the best typing experience, but it’s cheap, waterproof and can be used outdoors. This rubber USB/PS2 keyboard will actually roll up, and its solid rubber coating means that there are no gaps between keys for dirt or liquid to slip between. It’s even washable.

We like: Coffee-proof; foldable

We don’t like: It’s not great for fast typing

Price: $30

 

SteelSeries/Ideazon Zboard USB gaming keyboard

A modular keyboard with reconfigurable keysets, the gaming keyboard is designed specifically for those who like to play games (especially shooters) on their PC. Its main feature is it switchable keyset: you can replace the keyset with one designed specifically for your favourite game (for example, there’s a special keyset that you can purchase for World of Warcraft). It also has multimedia keys, a two-port USB hub and the capacity to support up to seven simultaneous key presses.

We like: The modular keyset is pretty cool; plenty of other features for gamers

We don’t like: Additional keysets are rather expensive; the letter keys are strangely laid out thanks to a split in the keyset cover – which can make fast typing difficult.

Price: $99

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