Getting good keyboard (?)

[Nowhere]

Recently I wrote a lot more than usually and I think symptoms of RSI started to show up...so one of the measures I'll take is finally getting really good keyboard.

Which of course doesn't mean anything flashy, just something that's joy to write on.

Unfortunatelly...IBM Model M keyboards don't seem to be easily available in EU (I was checking for 2 weeks on auction sites...), and when it comes to US based auctions - while prices are acceptable, costs of sending add up way too much for my liking...

So...suggestions?

I remember some of you praising Cherry keyboards, are they all equally good? (btw, apparently they also have now "laptop like" keyboards, are they just as good as normal Cherry ones? Yeah, it's actually hard to check...only few places in this country have them...)

[degrub]

sure it is only the keyboard ?

have you done a ergonomic review of desk, chair, body position, etc ?

i can send you some info we use at work if you are interested.

Frank

[Fat Tone]

Do you want a 'Natural' Keyboard (with a hump in the middle, and each half angled away slightly so overall it forms a subtle V shape), or even an adjustable split one?

When I had users with RSI and other difficulties they went for an MS Natural design, a thumb-operated rollerball instead of a conventional mouse, and Dictation software.

[Gurm]

The new MS ergos are decent again, except for the noisy-as-hell space bar.

But my wrists love a Logitech UltraX, which is just a notebook keyboard with full-sized key spacing. And it was $20.

[UtwigMU]

Old IBM clicky keyboard. I have one, it's from 1993, not model M though
Das Keyboard, there's new version, preorder for 80 euros or so, ships in August
Lenovo UltraNav keyboard there is version with and without numeric keypad. It's same keyboard as on Thinkpads, which are excelent and has the clit and the trackpad. The clit is teh win since you don't have to use a mouse unless you do serious gaming or graphics work.

I don't have a budget ATM but I'd get one without numpad for work and one with numpad for home. My second favourite is Das keyboard: clicky springs, completely black keys (no signs).

[xortam]

I've used a clackety Northgate OmniKey for 20 years now. I recently tried a thorough cleaning on it (including using switch cleaner) but I'm afraid I've finally worn this poor old fellow out. I noticed that there are some clone Northgate OmniKey keyboards sold under the name CVT Avant ... http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/prime.htm . The CVT Avant Prime which is a clone of my OmniKey 101 is a bit pricey at $149.00 USD but it still uses the same Alps mechanical switches.

[Dr Mordrid]

Microsoft 4000's here. OK, but I would prefer a higher "hump" and the old "L" shaped enter key.

Thinking about trying an Adesso PCK-308UB....

Buy.com link....

[VJ]

If you have to do a lot of plain text typing (i.e. not programming), the Datahand keyboard is really excellent. BUT it takes a lot of getting use to (and could most likely suit programming purpose as well, I needed it for text).

If you want to alter the desk-situation, I can really recommend the Vitra Ypsilon chair.


Jörg

[xortam]

DATAHAND SYSTEMS, INC. ANNOUNCES IT IS NO LONGER MARKETING AND SELLING THE DATAHAND ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD
Unfortunately our supplier has advised us they can no longer produce the DataHand Ergonomic Keyboard and until a new manufacturer can be identified and is in production, the company will no longer offer the DataHand Keyboard for sale. The 90 day warranty will be honored for units shipped since October 28, 2007.

October 28, 2007.

[VJ]

Rats... I didn't know that...


Jörg

[az]

I used to praise the more expensive Cherrys (and no, the cheaper ones aren't as good; in fact, they're completely different).

But I LOVE the new Apple Keyboards. The old ones were horrible, but the new, Notebook-Style ones are great! Try them, if you can. They're a little expensive, but well made, look great and, most importantly, type very well, easy and quiet. They do work on ordinary PCs.

[Gurm]

I used to praise the more expensive Cherrys (and no, the cheaper ones aren't as good; in fact, they're completely different).

But I LOVE the new Apple Keyboards. The old ones were horrible, but the new, Notebook-Style ones are great! Try them, if you can. They're a little expensive, but well made, look great and, most importantly, type very well, easy and quiet. They do work on ordinary PCs.

What, the chickle-key ones? EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW.

Or can you get the macbook-pro style keys on the bluetooth keyboard? That'd do it for me!

[Jammrock]

I use the MS Natural 4000...but that's just my preference.

[Adis]

You may wish to try something like this one I have:

http://www.speedlink.de/?p=2&cat=141&pid=16839&paus=1

[az]

The MacBook non-Pro Style ones. I love typing on my MacBook. BTW, I think they'll eventually switch the Pros to MB-Air-like keys.