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A Good External Keyboard

merc669

merc669

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 7, 2006
370
0
Southern MD, USA
What is a good External Keyboard that I can use for my MBP when not on the road and its sitting at my desk. I am trying to extend the life of my laptop keyboard by using an external keyboard when not on the road. Any good recommendations? Thanks!!

Bill....:apple:
 
You're going to get lots of different suggestions.

I like the Apple Wireless Keyboard (last gen). I would like to try the new slim version but that's not anywhere near the top of my "want" list. Maybe go to your local Best Buy and try out those first?
 
Thanks for the idea. But I did not think Best Buy carries anything for the Mac? But will give it a look. I was looking at the new BT Keyboard from Apple or even the wired. Either is an option. Thanks!!

Bill.....:apple:
 
Well if you're looking for wireless then any usb dongle/BT keyboard (should) be compatible. I'd check the box to see compatibility. If you have a local Apple Store nearby you could checkout the new keyboards, test them out and see if you like them :)
 
The new Apple keyboard is honestly BY FAR the best and most comfortable keyboard I've ever used. I've used Logitechs, Microsofts, and a bunch of others and this is the best ones I've ever used.
 
I will have to stop buy Best Buy and see if they have them or may just order one from the store. Nearest one is about 60 miles away. But have heard some good things about both the wired and the BT one! Thanks!!

Bill....:apple:
 
Most people have a strong opinion about the new Apple keyboards. Some absolutely love it and others loath it. Personally, I can't stand it. I used it for a week with my new iMac before I went out and bought a previous generation Apple keyboard.

Word of warning: try it before you buy it.
 
Well, another vote FOR the new keyboard. I use it with my MBP and carry it around in the bag. It works very well for me and I like the feel of it. The slimness means I can carry it more easily without giving up the full-size keyboard function.

-mx
 
topgunn said:
Most people have a strong opinion about the new Apple keyboards. Some absolutely love it and others loath it. Personally, I can't stand it. I used it for a week with my new iMac before I went out and bought a previous generation Apple keyboard.
Click to expand...
I'm one of those in the LOVE IT camp. I've got a Apple Wireless/Bluetooth keyboard if anyone is interested...need to get rid of it after I just bought the new wired aluminum one.

I've wanted to wait for the bluetooth one, but I'm actually developing Carpal Tunnel in my left hand, so I needed a lower-profile keyboard NOW, and can't wait any longer for the bluetooth one :mad:
 
topgunn said:
Most people have a strong opinion about the new Apple keyboards. Some absolutely love it and others loath it. Personally, I can't stand it. I used it for a week with my new iMac before I went out and bought a previous generation Apple keyboard.

Word of warning: try it before you buy it.
Click to expand...
I don't like it either. The low profile design is not at all ergonomically friendly. It's the worst external keyboard Apple has ever released.

In all fairness, I gave this new keyboard a good try. As soon as I could buy one I swapped my old white keyboard and used the new keyboard every day for weeks. Just yesterday I swapped back the old, normal profile white keyboard when I was cleaning my desk. It feels so much more natural and better to have my fingers meet the keys.
 
LOVE the new keyboard, wired version. Have always preferred the feel of laptop keyboards over the clunky feel of standard desktop versions. If that's your preference too, then go with the new one.
 
I bought the new wired keyboard. I really like it.

But as others has written. Try it out before you buy it. And make sure to try other keyboards as well.
 
The new wired Apple Keyboard is REALLY nice.

I bought it recently; its thin, the keys are great for typing, AND it has 2 USB ports!!!

Great for laptops.
 
I have a Saitek Eclipse for my desktop PC and it's a great keyboard. It has a great key feel and has backlit keys, which helps me because I like to work/game in the dark most of the time.
 
The new Apple keyboard feels tacky and very cheap. Now, if they made a USB keyboard based on the MBP model, that would be a diffferent story.

The best keyboard in workmanship, by far, is the Matias Tactile Pro 2.0, which has been sold out since early summer.
 
I like the full keyboard of the Wired Apple one with the two USB Ports. The Saitek is a PC Only not for Mac. One question is there a power restriction on the MBP as far as how much or how many USB devices you plug in? I use a cooling pad for the laptop which maybe helping. But wondering if using a wireless would reduce power usage since I use a cooling pad (USB) and a USB Wireless Mouse. A lot of good reply"s and answers. Much thanks to all for the info!!

Bill.....:apple:
 
^But the Saitek also works for Mac, the only thing that is different is the Windows/Apple key, and those are interchangeable when using it on a mac. All the the Function keys work the same as they do on a Mac keyboard. But if you're looking for a keyboard that has the same looks as a mac, then obviously the Saitek isn't your best choice
 
After trying four keyboards, I settled on the Microsoft Curve 2000. http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=040

* My old MS Natural Elite uses a PS/2 connector. Connected via PS/2 to USB adapter, I can't swap Alt and Win key behavior.

* The new and old Apple keyboards are not curved nor "ergo", and I find them uncomfortable.

* The MS Laser Mac Wireless runs at 28 MHz and doesn't connect well in my house.

* The MS Natural 4000 had a wonky keyboard and quickly became annoying.

* The Curve 2000 is only $15, is highly configurable with MS' normal keyboard & mouse drivers and has unlabeled Function keys (so I don't get confused going for Expose but seeing Copy/Paste/Email icons).

And for a mouse I bought the Logitech MX Revolution.
 
tmoney468 said:
^But the Saitek also works for Mac, the only thing that is different is the Windows/Apple key, and those are interchangeable when using it on a mac. All the the Function keys work the same as they do on a Mac keyboard. But if you're looking for a keyboard that has the same looks as a mac, then obviously the Saitek isn't your best choice
Click to expand...
I was looking on the site and they showed no drivers for the Mac. Just Windoze. I looked at Logitech and MS and certain models for both have Mac OS Drivers. So where did you get the drivers? Or did your Mac just see it as normal and work? Thanks!!

Bill Sends...:apple:
 
I tried the new slim brushed metal apple keyboard, and it hurt my hands after about a half hour of coding. my fingers in particular. Some people have said that it just takes getting used to, but I agree with the sentiment that you should definitely try it for a bit before buying it.

I currently own the tactile pro 2.0, and an older belkin usb keyboard that seems to work with my mac, and actually has a sleep button along with the power button. The only complaint I have with the tactile pro 2.0 is that the cable is actually two usb connectors and therefore takes up two usb ports on my macbook. One is for the keyboard, and the other is for the usb 2.0 dock. I do like the clicky older style of keyboards, but other people generally dont like how loud the tactile pro is, and if you are on the road this might be a concern. Especially on a plane.

I would suggest you check out the icekey, which is a scissor switch mechanical keyboard based on the same technology as laptop keyboards. It is very comfortable to type on, relatively quiet, and should suit your needs.
 
sligo said:
I would suggest you check out the icekey, which is a scissor switch mechanical keyboard based on the same technology as laptop keyboards. It is very comfortable to type on, relatively quiet, and should suit your needs.
Click to expand...
Have been reading some reviews of this after you posted this. I have read a lot of good reviews of this and may spend the money to try it out! Thanks Much for the info!!

Bill.....:apple:
 
merc669 said:
I was looking on the site and they showed no drivers for the Mac. Just Windoze. I looked at Logitech and MS and certain models for both have Mac OS Drivers. So where did you get the drivers? Or did your Mac just see it as normal and work? Thanks!!

Bill Sends...:apple:
Click to expand...

No drivers to install for the Saitek, worked fine after I just plugged it in.
 
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