Keyboards: Do Not Buy (V7 Comfort Keyboard)

[unixronin]

I'd hoped this keyboard might make an inexpensive replacement for my buggy Microsoft Natural Keyboard 4000 and its astoundingly fast-wearing key caps (which aren't a defect, because Microsoft has cunningly redefined keys wearing completely blank within a few months of use as "normal wear").

No such luck.  "Comfort" and "ergonomic" on this keyboard are bad jokes.  Cheap construction, appallingly poor key feel, almost nonexistent height adjusters, and so flat that it actually feels dished in the middle.  It probably comes as no surprise that, just like the MS Natural 4000, it's made in China.

So is this one, of course, the only other Natural-style wired ergonomic keyboard I could find that's not made by Microsoft (since all the ergonomic keyboards Microsoft currently sells are, frankly, garbage).  The hard part, of course, is finding one that ISN'T made in China.

If only Microsoft would start selling the Natural Keyboard Pro again... that was the best keyboard I've ever used.  Dell even sold black ones with their name on them.  But they haven't been made in at least ten years (manufacturing cost was too high, apparently, because they were decently made), and are pure unobtainium now.  You might occasionally come across a refurbished one selling for almost as-new price.

Sometimes I regret ever getting used to this style of ergonomic keyboard.  But then I remember the wrist pain I used to get from using traditional straight keyboards...  it gets pretty hard to write code when it hurts to type.  I suppose I can try the Adesso PCK-208; of course, it's Chinese too, but looks as though it may be a lot closer to the Natural Pro model.  I just have to pray I never need tech support, because when I tried to ask Adesso about how the key caps are marked, the answers I got back were completely incomprehensible.  All I can manage to recall is something incoherent¹ about "not possible laser".

[1]  If you'll pardon the pun...

Comments

[ithildae]

Look for the underlying OEM contract manufacturer. Logitec used to do all the Micro$oft branded stuff, although they don't have the exclusive any longer. Logitec stuff is generally well made. China is not necessarily a mark of poor quality, but you pay for the better stuff. I can sometimes find old IBM keyboards at computer box shops, they are really well made. Sometimes you find a gem, but you need to look for a while.

[unixronin]

Yeah, Logitech hardware is generally very good (though the original Mouseman was an exception). And Logitech does make an ergonomic keyboard. Unfortunately, it's wireless; worse, the last I knew, it was available only as part of a bundle with some godawful asymmetric mouse that cannot have been designed for any human hand.

Which makes me think of the short-lived Microsoft ergonomic "banana mouse", with the button section bent to the left to be allegedly more comfortable for right-handed users.
"So," people immediately asked, "is there, or will there be, a left-handed version that bends to the right?"
"Oh," said Microsoft, "no, this is better for left-handed people too."
"WTF are you SMOKING?" asked all the left-handed mouse users.....

[vatine]

I still swear by the IBM "Model M" as least unergonomic keyboard I've ever used. Loud as a loud thing, but the keyboard I am using right now has been my primary keyboard for, uh, 12 years and was not new when I laid my grubby mitts on it in 1998.

Prior to having this keyboard, I di dhave occasional "my hands/wrists are tired and it hurts to type" moments, but since then I've been fine. Its a straight keyboard, but taht suits my decidedly non-standard almost-touch-type typing much better than a bent keyboard and is more easily adapted to working on other keyboards. Less of a problem, these days, when I don't find myself in customer data centres, typing on whatever's at hand, but used to be a major concern.

Don't know if the same key technology is available in non-straight keyboards, a brief look at Unicomp's website didn't show any non-straight keyboards, alas.

[unixronin]

Funny you should mention that, since someone else just pointed me at a page including a complete explanation from the patent of how the Model M buckling-spring keyboard mechanism works.

Interesting design; but I still find them WAAAAAY too clattery for use any place less noisy already than a boiler shop.

[vatine]

They're a bit noisy, yes. But a 12-year-old keyboard with no noticeable wear on the key tops? Built like a freakin' battleship? That stays where you put it (because it's heavy enough nnot to slide about with normal use)?

[unixronin]

Yeah, they're definitely well made, and proper double-shot keycaps instead of cheap screen-printed decals.