|
I've gone through 4 of these [^] over the last few years and after about a year the keys start sticking and get worse quickly. Looking for an inexpensive mechanical keyboard!
Something like an abacus but with more keys. 
They call me different but the truth is they're all the same!
JaxCoder.com
|
|
|
|
|
My current keyboard was made by DEC. The previous one was made by IBM (circa 1997).
|
|
|
|
|
Yeah I'm thinking that would be the most inexpensive way to go. Feabay has IBM PS/2 for $25 wired and I can get an PS/2 to USB adapter for another $6!
They call me different but the truth is they're all the same!
JaxCoder.com
|
|
|
|
|
just lay off the PB&J's when you're coding, no keyboard can withstand those
this internet has become nothing but fake news.
... time to fix it, time to get back to the fax!
|
|
|
|
|
|
That surprises me, I had a Logi K/B for five or so years without problems - it replaced a fifteen+ year old "really cheap" k/b I bought with my first "real" PC (i.e. with a 486 processor). And I only replaced that because Herself complained I'd worn the legend off nearly all the keytops and she couldn't work out what letter was where ...
Currently using a MS 600, and it's not too bad at all: good travel and the feel is ok, if a little noisy. "A" and "S" are unreadable already though, and it's only a few years old (maybe four?)
The one I'd like is The Datamancer "Seafarer" Keyboard[^] but I'll leave it in the shop for the moment.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
|
|
|
|
|
OriginalGriff wrote: "A" and "S" are unreadable already though
Mine has that problem with the 'C' key. Sheesh, I'm not that much of a copy/paste programmer...(well, at least apparently I copy more than I paste...)
|
|
|
|
|
I'm being charitable with myself and assuming the "S" is because I save too much. 
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
|
|
|
|
|
I like the keyboard but they just don't last long, a year maybe 1-1/2 for me. I used an old IBM for years but switched to this one because it was wireless. I just want oee that will last a while.
The thing that most PMO is when I go to copy the ctrl-C works sometimes and not others so I end up going back and re-copying when I find that there;s nothing to paste.
OriginalGriff wrote: The one I'd like is The Datamancer "Seafarer" Keyboard[^] but I'll leave it in the shop for the moment.
Ah yeah I'll leave that one as well!
They call me different but the truth is they're all the same!
JaxCoder.com
|
|
|
|
|
I have the same experience a Griff.
So I counted backwards and realized that my logitech Internet keyboard 350 is eight years old.
Pity the letters are printed on the keys, because my s and a aren't that readable either.
|
|
|
|
|
So there is a use for white-out in the computer world after all--repaint the legends!
|
|
|
|
|
|
I've been using a mechanical Code keyboard for many years now.
I'm happy with it; it has a good feel to it, and the keys are illuminated (white only)
Couple of keys are worn out (left control key and "a" key); but nothing to type home about.
I'd rather be phishing!
|
|
|
|
|
I use a Dell QuietKey[^] . They're built like tanks and work well. 
/ravi
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks Ravi, that one looks pretty good. Got a bunch of good responses now just have to decide on the one I want to order.
They call me different but the truth is they're all the same!
JaxCoder.com
|
|
|
|
|
1) Take an old keyboard, tear out the encoder and the cable. Throw the rest away.
2) Buy a sufficient number of cherry keyboard switches of your choice. There are quite a few types. harder, softer, with or without a 'click'.
3) 3D print a 'tray' with square openings to mount the switches in, with the proper layout of course.
4) Wire up the keyboard switches and the encoder on the underside of the 'tray.
5) Buy or 3D print keycaps and put them onto the switches. Now you already should have a functioning keyboard.
6) Design and 3D print a case, mount the 'tray and the encoder inside. Done.
Some fine sandpaper, spraypaint, decals (especially for the keycaps) and a coat of clear paint to protect the decals can work wonders for the appearance.
I have lived with several Zen masters - all of them were cats.
His last invention was an evil Lasagna. It didn't kill anyone, and it actually tasted pretty good.
|
|
|
|
|
I replaced my first keyboard from 1996 just last year 
It still works, but it's quite dirty and my cleaner broke a key somehow.
I'm now using a Microsoft wired keyboard 600[^] and I have a feeling this one will last me another 20 years
|
|
|
|
|
I still favor my 20+ y/o HP that I got with my very first Windows system back in '98. I take it apart every few years and give a good cleaning. So far, it's been one keyboard for my entire coding career!
"Go forth into the source" - Neal Morse
|
|
|
|
|
Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard.
Takes some time until you get used to it, but then it's much better for your health.
And I use it daily, and it is about 15 years old, still no problems (okay, except for some dirt  ).
|
|
|
|
|
I have had one of these for about the same time and agree with M.Vo
|
|
|
|
|
I just bought a Rosewill RK-6000 with Cherry Blue keys for $65. But Black Friday is over, so it's probably back up to $100 now.
I had one before, but I got overzealous with the cleaning and put it into a coma.
|
|
|
|
|
I have been using wireless Logitech mice and keyboards for 20+ years - they were the first quality brand to offer wireless keyboards, which to me is essential. It is an undisputable fact that wireless mice more easily fall to the floor than cabled ones. I still can't understand how Logitech manages to make things that still function flawlessly year after year of almost daily falling down on a stone floor. Logitech makes quality components.
Any keyboard gets sticky keys after a while, at least in my working environment and with my sweating fingers. So every now and then, I flip all the keytops off, put them into one of these string bags made for keeping sock pairs together in your washing machine. The bag with the keytops, I put it in the dishwasher (make sure to place the bag so that it isn't washed down onto the heating element!). The keys come out shiny and black and lots of water in small openings on the underside; it takes several hours, usually overnight, in front of a fan to make all the water evaporate.
While the keytops are being washed/dried, I brush out the keyboard "bed" with a discarded toothbrush. If you have never flipped off the keytops, you'll probably get shocked by what you can find there! With the keytops off, you can also far more easily clean the top surfaces of the keyboard, between the groups of keys.
I do this sort of cleaning "whenever needed" - I guess the average would be around once a year. It takes some effort, but afterwards, the keyboard is as good as a new one, at zero cost. And the keyboard is familiar: No need to re-train your fingers to modified positions of functions keys etc. The mechanical stroke provides the familiar feedback. The keytops have the same curvature or flatness as you are used to. I hate changing keyboards!
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks for the tip, I will try that!
They call me different but the truth is they're all the same!
JaxCoder.com
|
|
|
|
|
I've got two (one for home, one for work) - I use a Filco Majestouch 2 with Cherry-MX Browns at work, which is very nice, and an Aukey keyboard (like this one, but without the key backlighting) which, for £35 (about $45) is an absolute bargain. The Filco one is better made, I'm sure, but the Aukey one will also take years of use & abuse...
Java, Basic, who cares - it's all a bunch of tree-hugging hippy cr*p
|
|
|
|
|
This is the one I am using after my Saitek died. It even came with extra key switches and a tool to help swap them out.
It's a gamers keyboard so they expect some keys to get worn out...
It is clackity clack, though and that was the only thing I miss about the newer membrane keyboards.
|
|
|
|
General 
News 
Suggestion 
Question 
Bug 
Answer 
Joke 
Praise 
Rant 
Admin 
Submit an article or tip
