C# Shiznit - Best Keyboard Ever

posted on Monday, September 11, 2006 by bobby @ 3:39 pm

7 comments

My taste in keyboards changes about once every two to three years. About 6 years ago, I fell in love with a certain Fujitsu keybard because the tension of the keys was perfect. A couple years later, I switched to the Microsoft split-key Natural keyboard. which I followed up with their Natural Wireless Multimedia Keyboard Pro. So it's been a few years and my tastes have changed once again.

Since I've had my MacBook Pro, I've really taken a liking to the keyboard. I love the tension of the keys - easy to press, firm, and a little click to let you know you've pressed the key all the way. So after using my MacBook Pro for awhile, I go back to my desktop w/ my Microsoft split-key keyboard. Instantly, the keys feel huge - the distance it takes to actually press the key seem really long. It's time for a new keyboard. I'm over the split key and I want something that resembles a laptop keyboard.

This time I'm looking for 4 main things:

Low profile, slim, notebook-style keyboard
Wireless - bluetooth preferred
PC and Macintosh compatible
No frills - I don't need a key to access the "My Videos" folder

Having much love for the keyboard on my Apple, I decided to give the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard a shot (also picked up a BT Mighty Mouse). So after about a week and half of using the Apple keyboard, it's time for it to return to its home at the San Francisco Apple Store. While the connectivity w/ the MBP was great and the integration was seamless, the keys are, at best, mushy. It just felt a little too cheap for a $65 keyboard.

I checked out the Logitech diNova keyboard too at a local Staples. This keyboard rocks, and it should for $200 w/ a combined bluetooth mouse. But I don't need a new mouse. I also wasn't thrilled w/ the whole left side of the keyboard being a separate unit.

So I found a little-known maker of keyboards called Enermax, most notable for their power supply units. They make a certain keyboard called Aurora which comes in black, silver/white, and a combination of the two. It just arrived a few days ago and I absolutely love it. The only thing missing is the wireless - so for now, I'm tethered to my machine w/ a USB cable. I guess this isn't a huge deal since this keyboard will mainly be for my desktop. I bought mine from NewEgg for $69.

The keys are super responsive thanks to the integrated "scissor" technology. It's solid diamond-cut aluminum frame adds to the overall solidness of the keyboard. The only plastic parts are the keys. It has a zero-degree tilt w/ rubberized stands, blue LED indicator lights, a 2-port USB hub and audio/mic IO connectors. This keyboard also boasts a 10-million keystroke lifetime - I can dig it.

So while it doesn't come with Bluetooth, or any wireless protocol for that matter, the pros far outweigh the cons in this case. For me, the key sensitivity, flat profile, and general durability of the keyboard was more important than connectivity.

Type on.

CommentsComments

Searching for THE keyboard seems a little like searching for the holy grail. I go with the Cherry Standard since i can remember using a computer and i have to admit that i sometimes thought about changing.

I wonder if you used the Apple Keyboard for Windows Programming and if you got to the point if you were able to use it without thinking about this.

When i have the chance i will take a look for your new keyboard at my beloved hardware-dealer. Perhaps i will have the same sensation...

I had this wireless Logitech keyboard & mouse & that I loved & will probably start using again once I get some more rechargeable batteries.

I'm using a Logitech LX 710 bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo. It comes with a laser mouse, super responsive keys, and a claimed 6 months of battery life (we'll see). So far it rocks.

You mention that you looked at the Logitech diNovo but because it came with a mouse you weren't digging it; unfortunately your keyboard excursion was a month to early for you to see the new diNovo Edge.

I'm really liking the Enermax Aurora keyboard you went with, but after seeing this new diNovo Edge from Logitech and reading a few reviews, it's hard not to be sold on it! Along with embedded Bluetooth® technology, hidden backlit touch-sensitive controls, and being constructed from a single, semi-translucent piece of black Plexiglas® set in a brushed aluminum frame - what I'm liking most is that you get all this and it's still compatible in not only Windows but also Mac and Linux (Ubuntu specifically).

So, because of my situation, the only choice left for me is what mouse to go with that will look and function just as pimp-tight as this keyboard? I was looking at the new Logitech MX Revolution, but the "quick-flip" wheel in the thumb area is a little much I think. Apparently you're happy with the mouse you've got, so what is it?

Man, that does look pretty tight. Microsoft is supposed to release a new keyboard along those same lines (bt, backlit, light sensing, etc) but the logitech one looks real nice. I guess the only thing I kinda wish it had was come curvature for ergonomic sake. A numeric pad would also be handy for programming. Better be fuggin' bad ass for 2 large.

My mouse ain't all that great - it's the wireless mouse that came w/ my MS Natural KB combo package. It has what I need and it's pretty reliable. I just didn't want to replace because there's nothing wrong with it. I'm not a fan of forced combos (I can only get the kb if I buy it w/ the mouse).

So when you buy this new KB from logitech, post your review. I might have to pick one up.

I purchased the MX Revolution mouse about 2 months ago, and absolutely love it. It is pricey at $100, but worth every penny as far as I'm concerned. Today, I purchased the DiNova Edge keyboard, and must say, that my initial reaction is that I am going to be as happy with it as I am with the Mx Revolution mouse. Like my mouse, this keyboard is well worth the $200 I paid for it. In the past I have been happier with Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouses. But, I certainly think logitech has them beat with these two.

I have the Logitech diNova with the separate media pad you talk abou tin your review, have had it around 3 years now and its and starting to get a few problems with a few of the keys feeling a bit sticky, its not half the keyboard it was when I first brought it although it has had a lot of use, I know and have seen the Enermax Aurora keyboard you are on about and it does look stunning and from what I hear and have researched its every bit as good as you say, I'm getting ready for a new keyboard and am devastated the Aurora is not wireless, it would have been my next pick for sure, but my PC is used in my front room as a media centre hooked up to my 42" LCD full HD TV and 5.1 surround sound Integrated Amplifier, I use the keyboard from my settee and all around the room I don't even have a computer deck to sit at, instead I sometimes use the coffie table, so my keyboard has to be wireless, I wish they would do a Wireless version of that keyboard, its been out a while now but still no wirelss version so I don't think its ever coming, I will have to go with the Logitech Edge instead, but the Enermax Aurora is still pure quality if you can live with the cable.

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