Are all keyboards the same?

N9eav

I am getting a new PC built for me, so I want to get a new keyboard and mouse.

What's the difference? I recently bought a £4 keyboard from ASDA and I am sure I make more typing errors on it compared to the old MAC one I had. Is there an optimum keyboard for people with fat fingers like me.

John_Gray

I would say you had to pay more than £4 to get a decent keyboard, probably at least double. Look (for example) at the Microsoft ones on Amazon. Some people (not me) like wireless mice and keyboards, but these tend to need new batteries at inconvenient times.

carlpayne

The keyboards from amazon are really good. I prefer buying any keyboard from Microsoft or Logitech.

GunJack

they are definitely not the same...you really need to try them if you can, to get the feel of them. I'm still using a 10-y-o Trust keyboard, which just feels right, keystrokes nicely weighted, etc....and will keep using it until it finally gives up the ghost - I'm just not looking forward to the day when it does break

esuhl

There's a big difference between the various keyboards available, but thankfully not all the good ones are expensive. My favourite is the Microsoft Internet Keyboard because it's really well-built and really comfortable to use.

As for mice, it won't be for everyone, but I use the (also fairly cheap) Logitech Marble Mouse (which is actually a trackball rather than a mouse). I used to get RSI which was pretty painful until I started using this mouse and the MS keyboard.

Wireless keyboards are great in theory, but I've found that they're too often flimsy and have signal problems (short-range, intermittent drop-outs), and some eat through batteries. They're not worth the hassle in my opinion.

The wireless Logitech MX1000 mouse was pretty good, though. It recharged itself on its dock so you didn't need to replace the batteries constantly, was really comfortable and had a good range. I only switched to a trackball because my RSI was so bad.

mart44

I've tried quite a few keyboards but the present one is the best. It is a Logitech that has fairly large illuminated letters. Not inexpensive at around £50-00 (shop around) but with eyesight not quite as good as it once was, it is worth the money to me. Below is a photo taken in a near dark room:


(click to enlarge)

Dave_C_2

The best keyboard is the IBM model M, sadly no longer made. But still available to buy but are somewhat expensive

ATM I'm using a Dell quietkey, nice well separated buttons, nice action and not as expensive.

Dave

John_Gray

I also like the Dell QuietKey keyboards - good feel, but a bit clackety.
Beware that UK keyboards have two slightly different layouts which could be annoying if you are used to one or the other. I refer to the layout of the Insert/Home/PageUp/Delete/End/PageDown keys. I like the two rows by three columns format, but the three rows by two columns format is also available.

mttylad

My son is a pain with his keyboards, he games a lot so wants a fast response from the keys.

He is looking at an old keyboard that has very fast switches in it so is paying £30 for a kb that is likely 10 yr old!

ada1988

i think keyboard have their difference.
the ones in amazon and newegg are both good.

aliasojo

I find it much easier and more comfortable to use one of theose 'Natural' keyboards, the shaped kind. I find the keys are usually slightly more spaced out and the angle helps accuracy.