Re: Keyboard Recommendations

[cc:ed to midrange-nontech.  Replies should go there.]

* David Wright <dwright@celsinc.com> [2001-11-20 10:40 -0800]:
> A little off topic, but I have been struggling to find a good, responsive
> keyboard for a couple of months now, and was wondering if anyone out there
> has found the 'Ultimate Programming Keyboard'?

Well, my preferred keyboard is the IBM Model M (p/n 139401, recommended by
other people in this thread) with the microswitched keys.

> My biggest demands are quick response (do not have to pound the keys),

Yep.  The keys might require slightly more force than the average
keyboard, but it's still responsive.  The key design also remains
consistent through the life of the keyboard, so pounding is not required,
even as it ages (unlike many other keyboards).

> durability (you can pound the keys),

As others have mentioned, these things are durable.  Very, very solid
construction, very durable keys, all around excellent.

> and quiet (wake the girlfriend and die)...

Here's where it falls down.  The keys make a very audible clicking sound
as they contact.  This does tend to put a lot of people off of the things
(though others like the tactile sensations that produce the clicking).

Well, I also have a newer IBM keyboard at home.  It uses the more-or-less
standard plastic domes with contacts in them for its keys.  Response is
good and it's quiet, but it doesn't feel quite as durable.

On a completely different note, some people seem to really like the "Happy
Hacking" keyboard.  <http://www.pfuca.com/products/hhkb/hhkbindex.html>
It's an interesting concept, but I've run into as many people who don't
like as I have those who do.