My favorite keyboard of all time was the original extended keyboard from Apple, back in the days before USB keyboards. I could type on that thing all day. Since the advent of USB keyboards, I’ve had more trouble finding a keyboard I’m comfortable with. Since I spend many hours every day working on my computer, I really really a good keyboard.
For years, I’ve used the iMediaKey from Macally. I liked that keyboard. It was almost as comfortable to use as the original Apple extended keyboard. For a long time, whenever I spilled coffee on it or needed a new one for any other reason, I ordered another identical keyboard. I wish now I had bought up a lifetime supply, because Macally has stopped making them.
I’ve tried Apple’s fancy new brushed-metal keyboard. I kept reading reviews by people who said it took them a while to get used to it, but once they did, they wouldn’t want to use anything else. Well, I tried for several months to get used to it, and I just couldn’t. There’s not enough tactile feel to the keys or sufficient tactile feedback on keypress. Too many typos, too slow, not comfortable to use. I’ve decided that any of the new “slim” style keyboards are just not for me. Which makes it difficult to find a good keyboard, because that’s what all the keyboard makers seem to be moving toward.
I also tried the white keyboard that Apple was shipping with its Macs for a while. It’s not a “slim” style, and it has better tactile feedback, but still too many typos and not very comfortable. The biggest problem is that the keyboard has virtually no bezel or frame around the outside. Whenever I rest my elbow on the desk while reading over something, my arm presses against the space bar and I end up entering hundreds of space characters in whatever document I’m working on, until I notice it.
I had been wanting to try the Matias Tactile Pro keyboard. Everyone says it’s the closest thing ever to the original Apple extended keyboard. But they apparently don’t make it anymore. I’ve read up on the keyboards from DiNovo & Logitech — none of them appeal to me. I’ve rejected out of hand any PC keyboards. My husband uses a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard with his laptop, and he loves it. But the labeling of the alt, control and “windows” keys always throws me off — I want to use the Command key, goshdernit, not the control key!
Yesterday I ordered the USB 2.0 keyboard from Matias. It looks promising. I’ll post an update after it arrives and I’ve had a chance to try it out.
