New keyboard

[Donald]

I have a Logitech ultrathin membrane keyboard. But a couple of key seem to have gotten flaky.

I ordered the same keyboard (so I thought) and what arrived is a Logitech mechanical keyboard.

Reading on "Toms Guide" it seems all the writers there prefer mechanical keyboards.

The keyboard I have is no longer sold.

I am not a touch typist

So do I just need to get use to the mechanical keyboard or try and find one similar to my membrane keyboard?

I used mechanical keyboards on IBM 3270 terminals attached to mainframes before there were PCs. But it's been awhile.

 

[racer12306]

There are plenty of membrane keyboards out there. If you want one, Logitech makes them.

I use what's comfortable, currently a Logitech Ergo K860 with a Logitech MX Vertical mouse.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

The best membrane keyboards stopped being made years ago (Keytronic KT800 and E3601)

The Logitech mechanicals aren't terrible. I have one that I use at work - found in the trash - and it's great to type on. I am a good touch typer ~115 WPM. It's loud, but there's quieter versions. I wouldn't mind a quieter one.

Since you're familiar with the IBM terminal keyboards, there' still a company making them ... Unicomp started by ex-lexmark employees

 

[Cujet]

I've got fat fingers and XL hands, so a typical rectangular keyboard is a bit difficult for me to use. While it is a membrane keyboard, the old Microsoft comfort curve gives a nice key feel, not quite silent, and good for big hands. Wired for instant response. Nice.

There are so many good keyboards available, I'm not sure a mechanical one is the 'thing' it used to be.

 

[alarmguy]

There are plenty of membrane keyboards out there. If you want one, Logitech makes them.

I use what's comfortable, currently a Logitech Ergo K860 with a Logitech MX Vertical mouse.

Yes, gosh I love my Logitech Ergo K860 The keys are so crisp and quiet, fully integrates with my Mac desktop too.

As far as a mouse, I use one that no one seems to be able to use *LOL* For decades now I have used a MS roller ball mouse that I just wore out. (I had two both were still working but worn out) If I had to guess, I bought my first one around the year 2000 or so.

No longer made just this year I bought a MS replica, SANWA GRAVI. Thank god, almost 100% as good as the Microsoft was. I know of no others. Big plus is it was also offered in USB instead of bothering with batteries if preferred.

 

[Pablo]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDFMW94G?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

[racer12306]

Yes, gosh I love my Logitech Ergo K860 The keys are so crisp and quiet, fully integrates with my Mac desktop too.

As far as a mouse, I use one that no one seems to be able to use *LOL* For decades now I have used a MS roller ball mouse that I just wore out. (I had two both were still working but worn out) If I had to guess, I bought my first one around the year 2000 or so.

No longer made just this year I bought a MS replica, SANWAY GRAVI. Thank god, almost 100% as good as the Microsoft was. I know of no others. Big plus is it was also offered in USB instead of bothering with batteries if you preferred.

View attachment 306239

I fell in love with the ergo keyboards with the Microsoft Ergo4000. That and a big gaming mouse saved my wrists, went from wrist pain daily to non-existent.

I've killed a couple of the Microsoft ones over the years and just upgraded the other year to the Logitech combo. Vertical mice are amazing however, I still whack it off my desk when I reach for it from time to time.

I worked with a guy who would only use trackball mice like that. Absolutely would not use anything else.

 

[alarmguy]

I fell in love with the ergo keyboards with the Microsoft Ergo4000. That and a big gaming mouse saved my wrists, went from wrist pain daily to non-existent.

I've killed a couple of the Microsoft ones over the years and just upgraded the other year to the Logitech combo. Vertical mice are amazing however, I still whack it off my desk when I reach for it from time to time.

I worked with a guy who would only use trackball mice like that. Absolutely would not use anything else.

I used to use a Microsoft Ergo, dont remember the model number but it wasnt the one you had. I think maybe mine was maybe the first of the series as I remember when they came out. Wow, they were big boards.

Funny you mention it as far as the guy you worked with. I will not use anything else. *LOL* truly it does not make sense to be sliding a mouse all over the desk. I have tried all kinds of others, they dont make sense to me. Does not compute!

My wife who is at a keyboard all day long for decades has some company supplied mice, standard kind that you slide, forget the brands but expensive. One is an EVOLUENT Vertical Mouse though recently went back to a standard Logitech. I actually liked the uniqueness of the vertical and if I now longer had the choice that maybe it. Anyway, the point is she hates my rollerball, *LOL* drives her crazy, she cant get the concept and wont even bother trying to use my computer.

For me, I was so grateful to find a replacement. I would go out of my mind without the rollerball.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Reading on "Toms Guide" it seems all the writers there prefer mechanical keyboards.

There are so many good keyboards available, I'm not sure a mechanical one is the 'thing' it used to be.

Input devices like keyboards and mice are subjective, and highly personal. What matters most is that you're comfortable with it, not whether others find comfortable.

I'm sure many of use here probably started out with typewriters, including manual typewriters that had no cords of any kind, and a big lever to move the platen after reaching the end of the line. And keystrokes that had to have enough force to strike a proper impression on the paper.

Despite such a history, I've personally become accustomed to low-profile membrane keyboards. Switching back to a mechanical keyboard would be easy, and something I wouldn't rule out, but without a compelling reason to, the status quo is fine.

So, like with vinyl records, I see the revival, and current state of the mechanical keyboard market with at least some degree of amusement No doubt it's great to have those options, and see that enthusiasm, but still amusing that some try to make it a "thing."

 

[Pew]

Mechanical keyboards at popular again because of streamers and gamers. They claim better and customizable pressure for the buttons but IMO it's all personal preference. Those old IBM white-turned-beige keyboard from the 80s and 90s were selling for a couple hundred dollars at one point.

 

[Nessism1]

The custom mechanical keyboard hobby exploded a few years back. Buy your chassis, the better ones are CNC machined from billet. There are lots of different form factors and styles. Pick from hundreds of different switches; tactile, linear, clicky, silent, and various spring rates. Last, pick your keycaps. Some of the most popular are made in Germany. Great fun!

https://cannonkeys.com/collections/brutal-v2-keyboards

 

[Donald]

I ordered a Logitech K650 keyboard as it looked similar to my old keyboard that has gotten flakey

With the new keyboard in order to use the FN keys I need to press FN and the FNn key at same time. And to use insert I need to press some other key "OPT?" and INS at same time.

Never have had to do that before on any computer keyboard. Not starting now.

I am an old mainframe guy and use various 3270 emulators. The FN keys are very important as they do the expected things one needs. They represent the PFKn keys on real 3270 terminals.

Do I need to look for another keyboard?

 

[Pew]

I ordered a Logitech K650 keyboard as it looked similar to my old keyboard that has gotten flakey

With the new keyboard in order to use the FN keys I need to press FN and the FNn key at same time. And to use insert I need to press some other key "OPT?" and INS at same time.

Never have had to do that before on any computer keyboard. Not starting now.

I am an old mainframe guy and use various 3270 emulators. The FN keys are very important as they do the expected things one needs. They represent the PFKn keys on real 3270 terminals.

Do I need to look for another keyboard?

I believe you can make the Function keys permanently "on" in the Logitech software called Logitech Option +.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Having to press function to get the F keys and other common productivity keys would drive me absolutely nuts.

 

[Donald]

I believe you can make the Function keys permanently "on" in the Logitech software called Logitech Option +.

It's a company computer and I do not have admin. So getting software installed is a PIA.

 

[Donald]

Having to press function to get the F keys and other common productivity keys would drive me absolutely nuts.

I found the FN keys can toggled between "media keys" and FN keys by pressing FN + ESC. But I had to read over directions on their website.

As for the INS key, the one at the bottom of the keyboard works as expected. But the one close to the ENTER key, you need to press OPT + INS. I am use to having a plain INS key near the ENTER key

I was looking for a plain wired membrane keyboard that I could just plug in and use. Not read directions on how to use a keyboard.

Since I used mechanical keyboards back when I used 3270 terminals attached to mainframes. But over the years with PCs and laptops I got use to membrane keyboards. So now mechanical keyboards seem foreign to me. But part of me says I should give them a try.

 

[racer12306]

Yes, gosh I love my Logitech Ergo K860 The keys are so crisp and quiet, fully integrates with my Mac desktop too.

As far as a mouse, I use one that no one seems to be able to use *LOL* For decades now I have used a MS roller ball mouse that I just wore out. (I had two both were still working but worn out) If I had to guess, I bought my first one around the year 2000 or so.

No longer made just this year I bought a MS replica, SANWA GRAVI. Thank god, almost 100% as good as the Microsoft was. I know of no others. Big plus is it was also offered in USB instead of bothering with batteries if preferred.

View attachment 306239

How long have you had your keyboard?

Have you broken the legs on it yet? I've broken three now since April 2022.

Maybe I have heavy arms