topic Re: I need a new keyboard. in Electronics

I need a new keyboard.

gardenman — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 12:37:07 GMT

My old Microsoft Natural Multimedia keyboard that I've been using forever is starting to go a bit gaga. Specifically, the "A" key works fine maybe ninety percent of the time then just freezes and won't move maybe ten percent of the time without some fiddling. I've had it since 2007 so I guess I can't complain too much. I've cleaned the keyboard but it seems to be something more internal that's causing the issue.

Anyone have a recommendation on a keyboard they truly love? Thanks.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

Nuttmeg — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:43:20 GMT

@gardenman

I am currently using a mechanical gaming keyboard. It is not my favorite, because the touch is too firm.

My favorite keyboard is a basic simple Dell.

I would look at Logitech and Microsoft products.

Logitech makes some cool rechargeable gaming mice.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

Anonymous — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:40:55 GMT

This post has been removed by QVC because link is to another retailer

Re: I need a new keyboard.

gardenman — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 13:59:05 GMT

@Nuttmeg wrote:
I am currently using a mechanical gaming keyboard. It is not my favorite. The touch is too hard.
I have used many mice and keyboards in my time. Logitech makes a quality product and so does Microsoft.
Amazon has many choices.

I've been browsing the selection at Amazon and decided to replace it with the newer upgraded version of the Microsoft Natural keyboard. It's got over 2900 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of five, so that's pretty good. There should be less of an adjustment that way. When I go back to a "normal" keyboard I'm always hitting the enter key instead of the right-hand shift key. I'm used to the angled keyboard and when I'm dealing with a straight keyboard the enter key is where the right-hand shift key is on this one. It creates a certain amount of chaos when I go back to an older style keyboard.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

fthunt — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 14:55:37 GMT

I can not use a flat keyboard - learned on the slant and it can be nothing else. Have a $800 laptop ....bought several years ago when prices were high....and have never used it. Can't help with your current problem - I consider you the posting 'expert' !!!!!

Re: I need a new keyboard.

Alison Wonderland — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:14:07 GMT

@fthunt wrote:
I can not use a flat keyboard - learned on the slant and it can be nothing else. Have a $800 laptop ....bought several years ago when prices were high....and have never used it. Can't help with your current problem - I consider you the posting 'expert' !!!!!

There's no reason for a laptop to sit unused because you don't like the keyboard. You can buy a wireless keyboard to connect to any laptop and not use the laptop keyboard at all.

My laptop is currently closed and on a docking station while I use the connected external keyboard to type this and connected external monitors to view everything.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

fthunt — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:21:38 GMT

@Alison Wonderland OKAY - thanks for the info.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

gardenman — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:33:37 GMT

I can use any keyboard, but I'm used to the split keyboard on my old Natural keyboard, so it makes more sense to stick with what I'm used to. When forced to use a straight keyboard I just fold my right pinky finger up to take it out of use to avoid hitting the enter key by mistake. The new keyboard will be here Thursday or Friday so that'll be nice. There will still be an adjustment period with it, but it shouldn't be too long since it's pretty similar. The new one has some programmable keys at the top which is neat. It's a bit different but close enough to what I have now. I'm kind of intrigued by how the zoom knob on it works. That could come in handy. I think it still has a calculator button also which is neat. I'm used to just hitting that to bring up the calculator so it's nice to retain one.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

SeaMaiden — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 22:55:20 GMT

@gardenman wrote:
My old Microsoft Natural Multimedia keyboard that I've been using forever is starting to go a bit gaga. Specifically, the "A" key works fine maybe ninety percent of the time then just freezes and won't move maybe ten percent of the time without some fiddling. I've had it since 2007 so I guess I can't complain too much. I've cleaned the keyboard but it seems to be something more internal that's causing the issue.

Anyone have a recommendation on a keyboard they truly love? Thanks.

Lots of keyboards at Good will...I replaced my 10 year old HP keyboard from one there brand new...3 dollars!

Re: I need a new keyboard.

SilleeMee — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 23:01:50 GMT

I just bought a brand new HP keyboard from eBay for $14. It's identical to the one I had where a row of keys became unresponsive.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

glb613 — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:08:07 GMT

Unfortunately for me, my favorite keyboard is the one in my older MacBook Pro notebook computer. I loved the soft touch and ease of use. My new MacBook's keyboard is so stiff, I find myself missing letters because I didn't press the keys hard enough. I know I can connect a different keyboard but, I use it on my lap which makes that option not an option.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

gardenman — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:17:29 GMT

@glb613

One of the things I advise people looking for a new laptop to do is test out the keyboard and trackpad in a store. If you're not happy with either item, using the laptop will be a pain. And there's a lot of variability from laptop to laptop. For most users the specs don't matter as much as the usability. The keyboard and trackpad are how you physically connect to the computer. If there's a less than ideal connection, you won't be happy. If you're in the Apple ecosystem you don't really have much choice, but in the Windows and Chrome ecosystems options abound.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

glb613 — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 20:46:32 GMT

@gardenman wrote:
@glb613

One of the things I advise people looking for a new laptop to do is test out the keyboard and trackpad in a store. If you're not happy with either item, using the laptop will be a pain. And there's a lot of variability from laptop to laptop. For most users the specs don't matter as much as the usability. The keyboard and trackpad are how you physically connect to the computer. If there's a less than ideal connection, you won't be happy. If you're in the Apple ecosystem you don't really have much choice, but in the Windows and Chrome ecosystems options abound.

It's not my main computer so I can tolerate it. I like the size and how light it is so, I can't tolerate the stiff keyboard. I just wish I knew why Apple changed it but, I'm sure it had something to do with money.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

Cats3000 — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:40:21 GMT

I have the Apple plug-in keyboard with the 10 key number pad. It, along with my iMac, is now 5+ years old. Works well for me, so far anyway.

Re: I need a new keyboard.

gardenman — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 22:41:56 GMT

The new keyboard is here and it's pretty neat. Everything's a bit different than the old keyboard, but not horrible. I like the zoom key. It's pretty neat to be able to enlarge what you're viewing in a heartbeat. The Home key doesn't take me to my home page yet, so there might be some setting I need to adjust for that. No manual came with it other than a vague user guide and a warranty pamphlet. The forward and back keys are handy when web surfing. It's a very nice new keyboard.

Now that the new keyboard is here I've taken some time to look at the old one and the letter A is hanging when you hit it off-center. Hit it in the middle or right-hand side and it works fine, but hit on on the left-hand side and it locks and won't move. Quirky. I'll pop the key cover off and see if I can find a reason for it at some later date. For now, it goes into my reserve pile of stuff in case this one gives me trouble in the future.