Recommend a keyboard

[timeshifter]

I need a new desktop keyboard. Want to avoid Logitech this time. It's not going to be used for gaming, I have a special keyboard for that.

Must have Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections so I can toggle between Mac and Windows. Must have a separate number pad, 101 key style. I want something relatively compact, and somewhat lightweight. (It's replacing a bulky heavy Logitech G613).

Bonus would be if it had a fingerprint reader for Windows, but I'm not finding many with that.

Front runners so far:

Wireless Rechargeable Combo Keyboard and Mouse-US English | 4X31K03931 | 4X31K03931

Get reliable performance and precise cursor control with the Lenovo Professional Wireless Rechargeable Combo Keyboard and Mouse. Free delivery available!

www.lenovo.com

Amazon.com

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

We stock that keyboard you linked as an option for our clients, since we usually do Lenovo workstations or laptops with docks. IMO Lenovo keyboards are generally well above average.

For myself, since I have big paws, I've always preferred ergonomic keyboards. In the past, it was always Microsofts ergonomic keyboard. But since they stopped doing keyboards and mice (and other peripherals)....they made a deal with "InCase"...who carries on those same products...calling the brand "InCase Designed by Microsoft". Same quality products, just different name/logo on them.

Incase Designed By Microsoft

We create products that help our customers move through the world as a reflection of their creativity, we are an outward expression of their ethos. Our ecosystem of designs deliver organization, mobility, protection and, most definably, style. Protection and carry solutions for notebooks...

www.incase.com

That said, my current desktop keyboard is ..and I know you said you wish to avoid it...a Logitech keyboard. Their ERGO K860 with fabric wrist wrest. I love it! I always preferred their mice. I never install their software, Windows installs the drivers fine (since I don't use the fancier mice with extra programmable functions)

Amazon.com

 

[HCHTech]

We started offering that keyboard you list as an option on our workstation quotes a year ago or so. We sold a dozen or so before we started getting the calls. Folks forget to recharge them, so they start acting wonky when the battery gets low. Then, because having to remember to charge them is such a pain, folks just left the charging cable plugged in all the time and voilà - it's no longer a wireless keyboard.

We don't offer that keyboard as an option any more.

 

[Sky-Knight]

We started offering that keyboard you list as an option on our workstation quotes a year ago or so. We sold a dozen or so before we started getting the calls. Folks forget to recharge them, so they start acting wonky when the battery gets low. Then, because having to remember to charge them is such a pain, folks just left the charging cable plugged in all the time and voilà - it's no longer a wireless keyboard.

We don't offer that keyboard as an option any more.

I despise wireless keyboards, they often only allow 4 simultaneous key presses, so if you can type greater than 80wpm... splat. Not to mention they go wonky on low battery at the worst times, and almost always on password input leading to account locks and everything else.

I was issued a wireless keyboard for my day job, I told them to keep it and brought in my own wired keyboard after a month. An office full of wireless keyboards turns into random key presses I didn't make, repeated characters, and all sorts of other annoying events. Wired kb later... perfection.

I always tell people, make your mouse wireless if you want! But ALWAYS wire the keyboard.

 

[timeshifter]

We stock that keyboard you linked as an option for our clients, since we usually do Lenovo workstations or laptops with docks. IMO Lenovo keyboards are generally well above average.

Agree. I've always really liked most of their keyboards. I'm thinking of some stock 101 key wired keyboards that came with some all in ones a client bought 10 years ago. Solid keyboards, good shape and feel. It's also one reason I think the ThinkPad T Series, I like the keyboard design and feel.

Glad to know you like that keyboard I linked. Logitech makes a similar keyboard with the three input buttons and was worried it was just a re-badged Logitech.

 

[timeshifter]

Then, because having to remember to charge them is such a pain, folks just left the charging cable plugged in all the time and voilà - it's no longer a wireless keyboard.

I see this all the time too, makes me crazy.

Also, customer calls...

Customer: my keyboard's not working
Me: have tried replacing the batteries?
Customer: IT HAS BATTERIES?

 

[britechguy]

Customer: my keyboard's not working
Me: have tried replacing the batteries?
Customer: IT HAS BATTERIES?

You just can't fix stupid.

And given that wireless keyboards and mice have been with us for decades now . . .

Do people think these somehow generate their own power "out of the air"?

What actually surprises me is that no one has marketed one that can charge wirelessly. There's no reason this couldn't be done, but there's also no reason that one could not develop the habit of plugging the *&%^ thing in "every Friday" (or whatever interval, it could be daily) when walking away for the day.

This isn't rocket science, and it shouldn't come as a surprise, either!

 

[timeshifter]

What actually surprises me is that no one has marketed one that can charge wirelessly.

Logitech and others make (made) them. There's a little solar strip on them.

You just can't fix stupid.

True, but you can earn a decent part of your living from it

 

[NviGate Systems]

Logitech and others make (made) them. There's a little solar strip on them.


True, but you can earn a decent part of your living from it

But those batteries fail and are a bit harder to locate as they are the same size as CR2032 but rechargeable.

There are wireless one, I recall Linus testing one but the range of Qi and other wireless chargers are part of the issue unless it's in the mousepad, but then you are forced to use their pad

 

[Rigo]

that can charge wirelessly

Logitech had some gaming mice with wireless charging craddle, don't know whether you can still get these

 

[timeshifter]

But those batteries fail and are a bit harder to locate as they are the same size as CR2032 but rechargeable.

There are wireless one, I recall Linus testing one but the range of Qi and other wireless chargers are part of the issue unless it's in the mousepad, but then you are forced to use their pad

Yeah, not saying I recommend them, just that they exist. Swapping out AA or AAA batteries or occasionally plugging in a charging cable isn’t an issue for me.