Quick Reviews: 5 Computer Keyboards

[oz]

I've just run across another keyboard that looks very interesting and would be fun to try, but I won't be buying it:



...with various other images here:

This is the CyMotion Master Linux Keyboard manufactured by Cherry and they sell for around $50 to $70 US dollars.

They make great keyboards (and mechanical key switches) and this keyboard was manufactured specifically for Linux users. They've replaced the Windows key with a Linux (Tux) key along with a number of other modifications, and there's a nice little Tux image on the top left of the keyboard.

Have any of you ever tried one of these?

[oz]

I've been switching back and forth between the Unicomp Customizer and Das Keyboard reviewed above for a few days now and at this point, I'm thinking that the Unicomp might be the better deal overall because it's very heavy and rugged, and it feels really great (although it is loud), and you can almost get two of them for the price of a single Das Keyboard. That said, the Customizer is not nearly as polished and pretty as the Das Keyboard, and the key presses/clicks might not be quite as smooth.

Final judgment will have to come later, but again, each person would have to decide for him/herself which keyboard is truly the best.

[Cabhan]

I really like that Linux keyboard, and I'm trying to find more info, but I'm failing .

I finally found the model online:
Cherry - CyMotion Master Linux, G86-21070

Unfortunately, this is their Southeast Asia site (neither the North America nor the Europe site has it). And there isn't even an "Order" link here.

Anyone have any more info on this one?

[oz]

I found several of them for sale in the US, the least expensive being here:

CHERRY, CYMOTION MASTER LINUX, SILVER/BLACK, LINUX MULTIMEDIA KBD. US INTL 133 LAYOUT W/, G8621070EUAAAC, Reviews

It appears that they only have one in stock and shipping is about $10.

There were others, but it might also be found on eBay. Let us know if you should buy one.

[oz]

After playing with these keyboards for about 3 weeks now, I've decided that the full-sized keyboards appeal to me more than the slim/mini style keyboards, but I could easily adapt to any of them given some time.

That said, the Unicomp Customizer and the Das Keyboard have now become my favorites.

The Unicomp Customizer is a bit louder in heavy use, the keys stick further up out of the keyboard housing, and they have a longer travel distance, but this keyboard is very comfortable to type on. The Customizer feels a bit heavier and perhaps more rugged and solid than the Das Keyboard. The $70 price tag seems mild compared to the $130 price for the Das Keyboard, so it might be the best deal overall for some users. The fact that it doesn't scratch or smudge nearly as easily as the Das Keyboard deserves some consideration as well. Oh, and the Customizer is certainly not as pretty as the Das Keyboard, in my opinion, anyway. One other drawback would be that it provides no external USB 2 ports for those that might need or want them.

The Das Keyboard, on the other hand, has keys that are a bit easier to press, the keys don't rise up as far out of the keyboard housing, and the keys don't travel as far. The key "click" sounds are different from those of the Customizer, and aren't quite as loud. You might even say they are a bit more crisp sounding. This keyboard is simple, yet beautiful, but it scratches and smudges too easily, and it might be considered overpriced by some. It does have two USB 2 external ports for those that might need them, but they are on the right side of the keyboard and anything that you plug into them can get in the way of the mouse and/or the mouse cord.

Unfortunately, I still don't know which keyboard is the best, and I'm not even really sure which of these two is my favorite, as I like them both very much. If the $130 price tag is overly prohibitive for anyone wanting an outstanding keyboard, I'd highly recommend the Unicomp Customizer. Otherwise, you might want to look first at the Das Keyboard.

I really don't see how you can go wrong with either of them.

[oz]

Well, it's been almost 3 months since I first posted the quick review of the above-mentioned keyboards, and during that time I've had lots of opportunities to gain additional experience on each keyboard so that I'm now better able to come to some conclusions as to which keyboard is the best for typing chores and the best bargain overall, at least from my own experience and perspective.

First off, I've now tried another keyboard in addition to those above. I've managed to acquire four of the original IBM Model M keyboards, two being from 1987, and the other two being from 1989. After working with all these keyboards for the last 3 months, I've decided that the clicky-style keyboards such as the Unicomp Customizer, IBM Model M, and Das Keyboard definitely suit my own tastes better than all the others.

While the Das Keyboard is a pleasure to type on and it looks great, the IBM and Unicomp keyboards win my vote as the best keyboard for overall feel, durability, and price. All three products produce definite "clicks" that can be felt and heard, but the buckling spring models such as the Customizer and Model M have the best feel about them, in my opinion. After typing on the Customizer and Model M keyboards for a while, the Das Keyboard begins to feel a bit mushy in comparison. Of course, all three models are quite sturdy in build as compared to most other keyboards and I think any user would quickly see and feel the difference in quality with any of them.

As for what is the best bargain, the Das Keyboard sells for about $130 shipped, whereas the Unicomp Customizer sells for about $80 shipped. You can find used IBM Model M keyboards for as little as $20 and they go on up to about $125 depending on the age, physical condition, and seller. Good deals on Model M keyboards can frequently be found on eBay, but be careful there because you can get burned in a hurry if you don't know what you are doing. Many of the old IBM clickers sold there look very much like the highly desired Model M, but they aren't the same and they won't work on personal computers.

Clicky-style keyboards out of the way, my recommendation for those wanting a laptop-style keyboard that is very quite and well built should consider the Kensington Ci73 reviewed in post #3, above. While I do prefer the clicky keyboards, I often switch to the Kensington any time a quieter environment is desired, or when I simply feel like typing on something else.

The computer keyboard, along with the mouse and monitor, has always seemed like a very important computer component to me, so I hope the information presented here will help some of you with your next keyboard purchase.


Edit: For those that might be interested, here's an article posted at PCWorld.com regarding the "World's Greatest Keyboard".

[muismybaby]

Thank you very much for the informative and detailed posts. I love keyboards and mice but have found it cost-prohibitive to try every keyboard I wanted to try. At MIT we have an ergonomics lab where you could borrow all sorts of ergonomic keyboards and mice to try for a few months to help you decide what to buy. It was such a great idea but no other place provides even the same type of variety, let alone the "borrow" aspect. Do you know of any stores that have a demo model of the Das?

One keyboard I was also interested in that doesn't appear in your reviews is the Kinesis keyboard. My friend has it and it also has the "clicky" keys, so I thought you might be interested in trying that one out too. It has a rather big footprint and since the keys are uniquely positioned, it takes a few weeks to fully adjust to. Personally, I have not tried it, but my friend said it alleviated much of her RSI pain.

Thanks again for the informative post!