I've got this Apple keyboard (the non-EU version), but it's currently having problems. So time to look for a new one.
What I'm looking for in a keyboard:
- "compact" (no numpad): I've found i really like this form factor because it's simple and doesn't take up much space
- USB: I've got desktop and laptop PCs using the keyboard that don't all have Bluetooth or PS/2, so it has to be USB.
- Under $100: Ideally under $50...i'm just worried about spending so much on an item that can be destroyed fairly easily. Otherwise I don't mind spending the premium on a quality product and will certainly consider it (but no more than ~$100 or so, i'm still a student )
What I use the keyboard for:
- Web, word processing, other 'ordinary' uses
- Programming, vi, terminal, etc.
- Occasional gaming (but this is far from the most important use)
- Usually use OS X or Linux, but sometimes run Windows
One possibility is Happy Hacking KB Lite 2, at around $90 or so. My main concern is that it might be *too* simple as to make it hard to use...for instance, it lacks "F" keys. Does this pose a problem, or is it one of those things that is more efficient once you get acclimated (like using vi, shell, etc)? How is the quality/durability on this model (vs the $300 Pro model)? It still uses keyswitches, right?
I was also looking at these "Leopold" tenkeyless keyboards from elitekeyboards.com. They fall into my price range and have keyswitches too. I couldn't find much information about this particular brand of keyboard, any thoughts?
Or of course, i could just go for a dirt-cheap one like this knockoff of the Apple I have now.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
What I'm looking for in a keyboard:
- "compact" (no numpad): I've found i really like this form factor because it's simple and doesn't take up much space
- USB: I've got desktop and laptop PCs using the keyboard that don't all have Bluetooth or PS/2, so it has to be USB.
- Under $100: Ideally under $50...i'm just worried about spending so much on an item that can be destroyed fairly easily. Otherwise I don't mind spending the premium on a quality product and will certainly consider it (but no more than ~$100 or so, i'm still a student )
What I use the keyboard for:
- Web, word processing, other 'ordinary' uses
- Programming, vi, terminal, etc.
- Occasional gaming (but this is far from the most important use)
- Usually use OS X or Linux, but sometimes run Windows
One possibility is Happy Hacking KB Lite 2, at around $90 or so. My main concern is that it might be *too* simple as to make it hard to use...for instance, it lacks "F" keys. Does this pose a problem, or is it one of those things that is more efficient once you get acclimated (like using vi, shell, etc)? How is the quality/durability on this model (vs the $300 Pro model)? It still uses keyswitches, right?
I was also looking at these "Leopold" tenkeyless keyboards from elitekeyboards.com. They fall into my price range and have keyswitches too. I couldn't find much information about this particular brand of keyboard, any thoughts?
Or of course, i could just go for a dirt-cheap one like this knockoff of the Apple I have now.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
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