Resolved Wireless Keyboard

Looking for a couple of inexpensive, wireless keyboards. Bluetooth is not essential. Requirements are:

- compact design (I don't want much depth to it and a wrist rest is not really desired)
- simple (I don't want a lot of gimmicky buttons... just a keyboard)
- keys (they should travel a standard distance when pressed... now this last requirement might be eased... I'll explain)

More and more I see keyboards with Chicklet-like keys... very flat and not much travel... like Mac laptop keyboards. I'm not sure I could get used to such a keyboard but I'm wondering... have any of you switched to such from a standard keyboard and if you did, did you like it and did it take some "getting used to" or did you go back to the old standard, typewriter-like keyboard.

Here is the one I've had my eye on:

http://www.amazon.com/HP-FQ480AA-AB...UTF8&coliid=I1J6QSW2RI9Z3T&colid=T5JBKGCQ3D40

 

I can't comment on the one you're looking at but the one I'm using suits my needs better than both my laptops keypad's. e.g. There is more give and the keys aren't flat like some laptops which gives some reassuring feedback when typing.

It does have extra gimmcks but they're fairly unintrusive and do come in handy once you get used to them.

 

Nice looking keyboard. Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately it doesn't appear to be available in the US.

 

That's the problem with the world wide web , perhaps it's available under another brand name across the pond? Though I can't help you find out... Sorry

The only branding on this is Sumvision/Paradox (PN: pradox+) which you already know. Made in China.

 

I really like the idea of the keys giving back feedback as you mention. Unfortunately, many slimline keyboards have those flat, laptop-like keys that do not do that.

 

Note that a synonym for inexpensive is "cheap ". A cheap wired keyboard is not likely to give you problems, but a cheap wireless has a good chance of having connectivity issues due to lousy radio systems, especially in a "crowded" RF environment, or when you will be operating the keyboard at a distance from the computer - such as in a home theater environment.

I don't know who really makes the Microsoft branded keyboards and mice but I sure like my Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 set. It is not "cheap" in both meanings of the word, but then again, you can spend a $100 on just a mouse if you want - and can some how rationalize it. This keyboard has a nice feel, a positive solid sound and while it has a wrist pad, it is only 18" wide so it leaves plenty of room on my keyboard tray for my mouse. And while I am right-handed, I use my mouse with my left hand, and this mouse is contoured for either.

If you will be using this keyboard on a notebook, sadly you did not say, I would look for one that uses a micro-dongle. These tiny USB adapters only stick out less than 1/2 inch so you don't have to remove it when stuffing the notebook in a travel case.

Finally, don't listen to any of us regarding specific recommendations! Your keyboard (and mouse) are extensions of YOUR hands, and YOUR interface to your system. What feels good in my hand may feel horrible in yours. You need to visit your local computer/electronics store and play touchy and feely for yourself.

 

Thanks for the advice. The keyboard is for a desktop and as such it will not be used apart from my desk (I'm getting a second one for my wife's desktop as well). The distance to the tower is about three feet... max. I've had my eye on a couple... the HP Elite Wireless which is a slim-line keyboard with keys similar to those of a laptop and the Logitec K340. My only hesitation with the HP is the very fact that the keys are touted as laptop-like. I don't really prefer typing on our HP laptop since I find that I like a bit more travel to the keys although I would imagine that I could get used to it over time (I seldom use the laptop although it is brand new (well... two months old). It will be used mainly for travel and my wife has been using it while she cooks.

The reason I would prefer a compact (depth is important here) keyboard is the limitation of the sliding desk drawer (if in fact that is where it will ultimately end up). There is a wooden wrist-rest (which I never use) that prevents the keyboard from sliding off the drawer but it means that the keyboard is thrust forward two inches. A keyboard with greater depth (my current Dell keyboard has no wrist-rest and measures about 5 and1/2 inches in depth) would have its upper rows of keys cut off by the top of the desk which overhangs the sliding drawer. I suppose I could forget about the sliding drawer altogether and position the keyboard on the top of the desk and simply slide my chair closer to the desk (which frankly I had not considered until now).

I agree, however, that the only way to be certain is to go to the store and play around with a few.

Thanks for the advice. BTW... we already ordered Microsoft wireless mice (Microsoft Explorer Mouse Bluetrack) which should be arriving to replace our older Logitec wireless mice. I'm assuming that the connectivity of the mice will not affect the connectivity of the keyboard if they are from different manufacturers but I could be wrong. Any comments?

Thank you.

 

Actually, I would be more worried with different makers. The same maker would ensure no conflicts between mouse and keyboard.

 

Probably not the best idea, the keyboard I recommended came with it's own mouse (with the dongle slotting inside to turn the mouse off).

Worst case scenario is your keyboard/mouse recievers may cause issues, best case is you're going to waste an extra USB port connecting the two devices. You should really look at buying the two as a package, they won't conflict and only use one USB port.

 

Went to the store today (Ultimate Electronics) and after trying a few bought two Logitec Wireless K340 keyboards. Compact design and love the travel on the keys. Thanks for your suggestions.