Keyboard recommendations?

Playdo

I'm looking for recommendations for a new keyboard. I'll use it for work and not gaming. I'd like one that's well made and has a nice feel, and I tend to prefer low profile keyboards but am open to suggestions. Oh, and for under £25 ($40)

Thanks

Edit: Wired + for PC

Ark

Well for under £25 that pretty much rules out any mechanical keyboards. Id either spend more and get a decent mechanical one that will last a lot longer and not to mention feel a lot better or go with some cheap one that you can replace again in a couple of years.

SKaREO

I'm using a CMStorm QuickFire Rapid, 10-keyless with Cherry Blue switches. Highly recommend!

ZacD

I'd agree with Ark, any $7-40 keyboard will all feel about the same, just got to your local version of Microcenter and feel them out. Decent mechanicals start around $80 usd, but will last 10-30 years.

Bigjohn

What's a mechanical keyboard? First time I hear that term.

ZacD

Most cheap keyboards used plastic domes to resist when you press down on a key, mechanical keyboards use better switches that are more consistent and give better tactile and sound feedback, plus they last longer. They also allow for faster typing, and gamers prefer them as well. There's about 5 different types of switches for mechanical keyboards and they each work a bit differently, just pick what ones fit your needs. Mechanical keyboards are known for their loud clicking noise, but there are quieter switches.

Ark

There's a good explanation here: http://www.keyboardco.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/an-introduction-to-cherry-mx-mechanical-switches/

Personally I love Cherry Blues on my current Filco Majestouch but id love to try Greens.

Playdo

I didn't know about mechanical keyboards either. Interesting. I wonder if we'll even be using keyboards in 10-30 years.

I'm gonna go for a cheaper one at the mo. Think I'll pick up a microsoft 400 - it seems to have good reviews for a basic keyboard. Was looking at the Microsoft Sidewinder X4, but doubt I'd use those macro buttons when modelling.

ExcessiveZero

spilt a drink on my merc stealth, now I have some Microsoft keyboard with media controls for about 10.

when it comes to keyboards they are all more or less the same, don't see why you need a expensive one.

ZacD

ExcessiveZero wrote: »

spilt a drink on my merc stealth, now I have some Microsoft keyboard with media controls for about 10.

when it comes to keyboards they are all more or less the same, don't see why you need a expensive one.

Just a heads up, the Merc Stealth is not a mechanical keyboard.

Bruno Afonseca

I'm using an mechanical Azio Levetron (http://ncix.ca/products/?sku=73583&promoid=1360) got it for $30 on sale. Looks ugly but feels great, though my roommate hates it since it's super noisy. I kinda like the feedback, makes me feel badass when I'm typing something really fast

Snader

Have you considered going to a MediaMarkt, Target, BestBuy or some store where you can touch and feel the keyboard? Just walking past a row of 20 keyboards and trying them out will give you much more valuable information than everything we can tell you.

MikeF

if you can find one of these http://www.cwc-group.com/k4900099.html
grab it!
i've been using one for over 10 years and i love it, just gave it a good cleaning the other day and it's as good as the day i got it. soft key presses but still nice feedback and travel distance

glynnsmith

I use the full-width (+ keypad) apple keyboard on a Win 7 machine, and I wouldn't want to type on anything else.

It's the easiest, most comfortable keyboard I've ever typed on.

Though, they're £40, they've an aluminium frame, and mine's lasted 3.5 years without so much as a worn down key graphic. Low profile keys, quiet key action. IMO, worth the extra cash.

Calabi

Get mechanical your fingers will thank you for it. I use a Qpad MK85. I've used brown keys before but I prefer reds.