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is the wireless keyboard more cramped than the wired with number pad?

fruitpunch.ben

fruitpunch.ben

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 16, 2008
599
174
Surrey, BC
Hi, I have searched for this topic and not found a satisfactory answer.
Are the keys on the new wireless keyboard (late 2009) more cramped and smaller than on the wired keyboard, or is the only difference between the two the addition of the number pad?
This will help me to decide whether to change my i7 order or not.
Cheers.

Ben
 
Cockroach said:
Not quite, the arrow keys are smaller as they have to fit in one row instead of two (and hence the spacebar is smaller as that row has to accomodate extra keys).
Click to expand...

ok, but the keys themselves are the same distance apart?
does that mean that both the wired and wireless keyboards are similar size to a laptop keyboard? Because I have a powerbook I have used for years but I still find that I sometimes hit the wrong key because the keys are so flat and they are close together
 
AFAIK they are all identical - wired, wireless and laptop.

For me, the numeric pad is an advantage and the wireless isn't. No brainer.

The PowerBook keyboard was, if I remember correctly, the same size as the MacBook Pro first was, while at the time the MacBook was different. Now everything's inherited that MacBook style keyboard. Chiclet, I think they call it.
 
fruitpunch.ben said:
ok, but the keys themselves are the same distance apart?
does that mean that both the wired and wireless keyboards are similar size to a laptop keyboard? Because I have a powerbook I have used for years but I still find that I sometimes hit the wrong key because the keys are so flat and they are close together
Click to expand...

Yes, the keys are the same distance apart. I made the comparison this weekend at my parents' house. Brought them side by side. Above comments about arrows are correct.
 
BenLava said:
Yes, the keys are the same distance apart. I made the comparison this weekend at my parents' house. Brought them side by side. Above comments about arrows are correct.
Click to expand...

ok thankyou!
I don't use the number pad often enough, the wireless keyboard will be more worth it for me! No need to change my order, yay!
 
On the wireless keyboard, the 'function key' is in the bottom left, with the 'control key' to the right of it. As the 'control key' is the menu button for the mouse, this layout is completely crap. It should have been swapped around! This reason alone was enough for me to throw the wireless keyboard in the cupboard and buy a full-sized keyboard. They're easier and more comfortable to use, and wireless keyboards are kinda useless for most peoples uses. I don't recall ever in my life needing to move the keyboard away from the computer. It's more for the wank-factor of having another wireless gadget... ;)
 
mbikeboy said:
On the wireless keyboard, the 'function key' is in the bottom left, with the 'control key' to the right of it. As the 'control key' is the menu button for the mouse, this layout is completely crap. It should have been swapped around! This reason alone was enough for me to throw the wireless keyboard in the cupboard and buy a full-sized keyboard. They're easier and more comfortable to use, and wireless keyboards are kinda useless for most peoples uses. I don't recall ever in my life needing to move the keyboard away from the computer. It's more for the wank-factor of having another wireless gadget... ;)
Click to expand...

Actually, right-click is the menu function for mice. ;)
I use my Mac mini and MacBook Pro with the plethora of external displays in my rooms, so it really helps to have wireless peripherals.
 
I have either of them. They are form over function.

As in, I want separate function keys. Actually I want real keys, not Atari chic let keys.
 
omgitscro said:
Actually, right-click is the menu function for mice. ;)
I use my Mac mini and MacBook Pro with the plethora of external displays in my rooms, so it really helps to have wireless peripherals.
Click to expand...

Sorry, my terminology wasn't great, but everyone knows what I'm talking about. :p

Having used both keyboards extensively however, for the majority of users needs things are different, and in my case I ditched the wireless in a heartbeat to have a full sized one for the comfort and user-friendliness. Apple needs to extract a digit out and make a wireless full-sized model...I'd buy one if they did.

Btw, I'm used to the small keyboard due to owning a MacBook so it isn't a problem, but full-sized wireless should be standard with the iMac range, period.
 
Definitely took some getting used to, but wow, I am flying now on my new Mini Keyboard :d As well as on my Magic Mouse.
 
timdafweak said:
Definitely took some getting used to, but wow, I am flying now on my new Mini Keyboard :d As well as on my Magic Mouse.
Click to expand...

i ended up getting the wireless, and I love how small it is and easy to move around on my desk and store out the way. Its definately not too cramped for typing.
It came with a manufacturing fault however, the 'y' key only works intermittently. I have to take it to a dealer for replacement, at the moment I'm too busy writing exams. It makes writing papers difficult, I keep having to go back and re-type the y!
For all those wondering, unless you really need the number pad, get the wireless keyboard!
 
Or do I like I just did: get both! I ordered a $49 wired keyboard to go with my 2006 iMac and then I'll also have the wireless one that comes with the new iMac (once I order one in a few weeks).

I absolutely love these keyboards...they are so easy to type on! I can really tell a difference when I get to the office. A regular keyboard feels cumbersome now.

Bryan
 
I love the wireless keyboard, and mouse. The main keys, except the arrow keys, are the same. The keys are much more responsive than the keys on my MBP. On my PC at work I rarely use the number pad because I've gotten so used to the MBP at home. Even on my now retired Dell at home I rarely used the number pad. The smaller keyboard allows for more usable space on my desk. My uncluttered desk looks great:D. Still, its a matter of preference and taste.
 
Does the wireless kb with the new 27 inch imac have a USB port?

If it doesn't, does that mean you have to reach around the back of the imac?
 
Chucksta said:
Does the wireless kb with the new 27 inch imac have a USB port?

If it doesn't, does that mean you have to reach around the back of the imac?
Click to expand...

No it doesn't have a USB connection like the wired keyboard. Yes you have to reach around the back of the iMac however, I purchased a Belkin USB HUB. It is a powered HUB (A/C powered) and has 7 USB connections. Five in the back and 2 in the front making flash drives easy to connect. That makes a total of 10 USB connections not including the one being used by the HUB plugged into the iMac.
 
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