Need a new keyboard.

audiobliss

I'm using a pretty old keyboard and am ready to upgrade, but am not sure what to get. I have a ThinkPad, and I LOVE the keyboard on that. I don't need to have a lot of key travel, so I've been looking at a lot of the slim, low-profile, laptop-like keyboards. I don't really care about any extra features, but I do want it to be backlit. Wireless, as long as it's a good implementation and won't have drop-outs, would be awesome as well. If a feature has to go, I'd rather it be wireless than backlighting.

Logitech's K340 (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/6059&cl=us,en) would be ideal, as it is low-profile, looks nice, doesn't take up much space, isn't too expensive, is wireless (with a nano receiver no less!), but it's not backlit.

Logitech's K300 (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/5759&cl=us,en) is basically the same thing, but backlit and wired. Looks like my best bet so far.

I've even thought about buying a Logitech G11 or G15 (older version), or a Saitek Eclipse I or II. But I don't need all those extra macro buttons and nor do I want something so massive.

Basically, low-profile, laptop-like; backlit keys; solid, reliable construction; wireless if possible.

Anybody know of any off the top of their heads? You know of any good places to read reviews on them?

Thanks!!

audiobliss

Oh, I forgot to mention, I really want it to be quiet when I'm typing on it. No loud, annoying clickety clacking.

swegyptian

I have this one and I like it a lot. It's pretty quite, it has a subtle backlight, low profile, and the keys are easily customized with the logitech software too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16823126043

audiobliss

swegyptian wrote: »

I have this one and I like it a lot. It's pretty quite, it has a subtle backlight, low profile, and the keys are easily customized with the logitech software too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16823126043

That seems to be the best option so far. Thanks for the recommendation!

Sherardp

Heres what Im using, the logitech

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch_v3.asp?scriteria=4445027

And I'm using this mouse

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch_v3.asp?scriteria=4146093

gtu2004

Here you go. DiNovo line, it's high end of Logitech keyboards. Probably no backlit though. Still a very good deal and is a sleek looking keyboard

Finding a wireless keyboard with backlit option is hard due to the fact that it uses batteries instead of taking power from the computer.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FB55GC/ref=xs_gb_bd_C9D-yMJAall-?tag=slickdeals&_encoding=UTF8&pf_rd_p=441937801&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=20&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=119DH2KVT8Y5D5XXXY4D

audiobliss

gtu2004 wrote: »

Here you go. DiNovo line, it's high end of Logitech keyboards. Probably no backlit though. Still a very good deal and is a sleek looking keyboard

Finding a wireless keyboard with backlit option is hard due to the fact that it uses batteries instead of taking power from the computer.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FB55GC/ref=xs_gb_bd_C9D-yMJAall-?tag=slickdeals&_encoding=UTF8&pf_rd_p=441937801&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=20&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=119DH2KVT8Y5D5XXXY4D

Thanks for the link. That keyboard looks REALLY similar to one recommended above, just wireless instead of backlit. They both look like really nice keyboards. I just have to decide if I want wireless or backlit.

Microsoft actually has a wireless backlit keyboard that looks pretty awesome, but it's expensive and only comes as a combo with a mouse. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109041

gtu2004

hmmm, i don't know why my link is showing that keyboard with that price. The price is actually $50 with a $30 Mail In Rebate that makes it $20 after rebate. Good deal to me.

audiobliss

gtu2004 wrote: »

hmmm, i don't know why my link is showing that keyboard with that price. The price is actually $50 with a $30 Mail In Rebate that makes it $20 after rebate. Good deal to me.

I hadn't noticed the rebate, but dang...for that price I might get both! :eek:

ben62670

I really don't like MS keyboards. Logitech's are my favorites by far.

gtu2004

audiobliss wrote: »

I hadn't noticed the rebate, but dang...for that price I might get both! :eek:

I don't know why my link isn't working. You could perhaps follow the link in this thread. It is a very good deal if you don't mind the rebate.

You can get 2 too Use this one when the light is on, and use the backlit wired one when the light is off LOL

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=112058&t=1555149&highlight=logitech

audiobliss

Well, I just couldn't refuse an awesome Logitech wireless keyboard for $20. Just bought that DiNovo off amazon. If I really like the way it feels, I may very well buy the wired backlit model, too.

Thanks for all the info! And thanks very much for the link to the amazon deal!

mmadden28

I realize you already got something--and I might jump on the DiNovo too, but figured I'd throw it out there in case anybody else was following your thread for themselves...
HP wireless Elite KB for $26 at Amazon- no rebate--looks even smaller than the DiNovo.
If only the dongle were smaller.

mmadden28

By the way, if you also looking for a mobile wirelss mouse_I love this Logitech VX Nano. The dongle is very very small and stores inside the mouse when your not using it. Or you can leave it in the laptop--Its doesn't really stick out so o worries for breaking it or the port.
I especially like the wheel. In one mode its has clicks, where each click scrolls a certain amount or # of lines. Or you click it in and it becomes free scrolling--you can fly through long docs or web pages with one or two flicks of the wheel-its just keeps spinning--I love it.

audiobliss

mmadden28 wrote: »

By the way, if you also looking for a mobile wirelss mouse_I love this Logitech VX Nano. The dongle is very very small and stores inside the mouse when your not using it. Or you can leave it in the laptop--Its doesn't really stick out so o worries for breaking it or the port.
I especially like the wheel. In one mode its has clicks, where each click scrolls a certain amount or # of lines. Or you click it in and it becomes free scrolling--you can fly through long docs or web pages with one or two flicks of the wheel-its just keeps spinning--I love it.

Yes, I LOVE that mouse! I bought it last semester for my laptop, and it is quite awesome! The feel of the mouse, the awesome blazing fast scroll wheel, and the uber small dongle.

mmadden28

Now when I go from my VX Nano to regular wheel mouse, its the same feeling of loss as like going from a reg wheel mouse to a mouse with no wheel at all.

audiobliss

My regular mouse for my desktop is a G5. I really miss not having a forward button and thusly wish I had the newer 7 button version G5, but I really enjoy using it, especially since I got a mouse pad for it last week.

concealer404

Das Keyboard!

http://www.daskeyboard.com/

Get the blank one!

mmadden28

concealer404 wrote: »

Das Keyboard!

http://www.daskeyboard.com/

Get the blank one!

Yeah right--As if it doesn't take long enough already for me to convert my thoughts to e-print.
Way back when I did Computer Service, one of the techs thought it would be funny to alphabetize all the keyboards in the shop. IIRC it was determined that that kid had way too much free time on his hands to accomplish such a mission. :D But it was funny

He also liked to trash talk to the customer while on a phone support call, but while he was holding the MUTE button. It was quite funny to watch. He didn't find it too funny when one day the MUTE button didn't work (he he he - mute wire snip )

audiobliss

Just got my wireless Logitech diNovo in from amazon today.

Pulling the Logitech box out of the amazon shipping box I could tell it was going to be nice. Very 'fancy' appearing packaging by Logitech. I do believe this the most stable, substantial keyboard I've ever seen. It has a small form factor and is definitely really small, but it has some bulk to it! It definitely screams quality, whether you're looking at it, holding it, or typing on it. The keys feel very nice, and they're almost COMPLETELY silent! I love it.

I have the wireless receiver plugged into the back of my computer and can type just fine on this keyboard with no dropouts at all from ~12' away. Certainly too far away for me to be able to see the text on my 21" monitor. If its been inactive for a few minutes, there is a very slight delay when you start typing on it again, but the first word definitely still appears before you get into the second word.

Definitely recommended!!