Keyboards - Regular or Streamlined Laptop-style?

Steve 211 · Aug 23, 2006

Which type of keyboard do you find most useful in writing - the standard keyboard that comes with a PC, or the laptop style, called "scissor-switch," where the keys don't have to travel as far and are usually quieter?

I've never used a laptop, so I was hoping that those who've tried both can give some input on which helps them type faster and more accurately, and which models they prefer.

And for anyone else interested in a good, quiet laptop-style keyboard, I found a ten-page forum on them at silentpcreview. To sum up, their two most recommended keyboards are the

Logitech UltraX - $20 - which you can see at epinions

PSK-5000 - $20 - which is available here.

The UltraX and the PSK5000 seem to be physically the same identical keyboard except for one difference. The UltraX is a PS/2 keyboard and the PSK5000 is a USB keyboard. Both are great keyboards, and the quietest I've ever found, in my endless quest for a standard-layout, quiet keyboard.

Look for the PSK-5000 model. For touch typists, I highly recommend this keyboard. Mac users can find its equivalent with the MacAlly IceKey [macally.com] which appears to be a re-branded PSK-5000.

Another forum lists the same models, and these, as well as the Benq and diNovo, all have the Home, Del, and arrow keys in the standard position, which is key for those switching from a similar keyboard.

expatbrat · Aug 23, 2006

I love my Acer laptop. I love the feeling of my fingers gliding over her keys. I have a personal preference for a slightly curved keypad but straight is fine too.

Mark Lazer · Aug 23, 2006

Don't really matter to me.

smiley10000 · Aug 23, 2006

Typing wise, there is no difference. But I find the sound of the keys on my Hubby's laptop dreadful!

Try it out at Office Depot of something and see what you prefer...
:Shrug:

10000

Monet · Aug 23, 2006

I mainly use a laptop. The one I use now is a Dell Inspiron 5100. Works great, haven't had any problems with it. (This is its third year). I don't use it for the internet or playing games or anything other than my writing. I have Microsoft Office on it. My keyboard is very quite.

gp101 · Aug 23, 2006

I use both a Mac laptop, and a PC. I have to say, I loooove my laptop and prefer it for most applications. My fingers do seem to fly over the keys on it quicker, as well. But if it's a long bit of writing, fatigue sets in... the shoulders, the wrists, the back hurts because the laptop keyboard is in a fixed position (no, I don't actually use my laptop on my lap or on the floor so I can sprawl out--the laptop needs a solid, flat surface underneath it so it can "breathe" and not overheat, hence, a tabletop is best unless you want the damn thing to catch fire). For this reason, I much prefer my PC only because I have a wireless keyboard and can recline in my chair (like I'm doing now) with my keyboard in my lap, my wrists and shoulders relaxed.

ChaosTitan · Aug 23, 2006

I like using my laptop, because of the silent keys. But I like to let my fingernails grow, and they tend to slide over the wrong letters if I'm not paying attention.

I use my PC for everything, really. Internet, music, games, and writing. They keyboard needs to be replaced because half of the letters have smudged off (but i'm not a hunt and peck typer anyway, so it doesn't usually bother me). The laptop is for when I'm away from home or want to go out onto the balcony in spring/fall.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 23, 2006

I hate laptops. I don't know if it's because the keyboard is flat compared to a regular slanted keyboard, or if the footprint is too small for my big fingers, but well, I just hate laptops.

They make my wrists cramp up and I make all sorts of weird typing mistakes.

sassandgroove · Aug 23, 2006

Laptops are a bit confining, but I don't mind mine once I get in the swing.

Um...you do know there is a tech forum around here somewhere, right?

HI Ferret!

MidnightMuse · Aug 23, 2006

I prefer a good slanted keyboard. I actually prefer one split down the center, so I can move the two halves further away from each other. But I'm using a laptop more and more, and my fingers make all manner of typos, so it slows me down dramatically, but sometimes that's a good thing

DVGuru · Aug 23, 2006

Originally Posted by gp101
I use both a Mac laptop, and a PC. I have to say, I loooove my laptop and prefer it for most applications.

Macs are amazing computers. Since I started using them I dread having to work on a PC (I'm the computer repairman for my family). No spyware, no viruses--no hassles. I use a Powerbook G4 exclusively for my writing. I love the feel of the keyboard, and with a laptop I can get comfortable on the couch and write for hours.

drachin8 · Aug 23, 2006

Laptop keyboards are evil. Pure evil. Everything is way too squished, and all my happy spots are moved. They hate me. I have small hands, so it isn't like the key size is a problem. It is just that I have been typing on regular keyboards since I was a little kid playing computer games, so my hands have them somewhat memorized. Laptop keyboards are just enough off from that memory that it screws me all up. Especially since I am what they call a "hunt-and-pecker" typist (although I can hit a good 60-70 wpm in my odd style)(which makes people gawk when they really watch me on a roll). Hunting and pecking has big issues when things shift too much, though.

Boo for laptops! Hiss!

-Michelle

Anonymisty · Aug 23, 2006

I write on a laptop, but I used to adore the ergonomic split keyboard on my PC. I never had sore shoulders or achy back when I used it.

MadScientistMatt · Aug 23, 2006

I use one of those split keyboards too, the sort that look like what you might get if Salvadore Dali designed a keyboard.

I have a laptop that I sometimes use for writing, but it has a full-sized keyboard.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 23, 2006

DVGuru said:
I use a Powerbook G4 exclusively for my writing. I love the feel of the keyboard, and with a laptop I can get comfortable on the couch and write for hours.

Ick. We had Mac G3's at work with the teeny tiny keyboard and it was horrible. As bad, if not worse, than the laptop ones. Not to mention they came with these silly ROUND mouses, so you always had to adjust it in your grip to make sure your fingers were over the clicker.

MidnightMuse · Aug 23, 2006

MadScientistMatt said:
I use one of those split keyboards too, the sort that look like what you might get if Salvadore Dali designed a keyboard.

If Salvador Dali designed a keyboard, wouldn't it have 3 boobs?

CaroGirl · Aug 23, 2006

I use a laptop for work, but I have a docking station at my desk so I can use a regular keyboard. I also have a second monitor, so I can view two screens at the same time. I love that, very handy.

At home I use a regular pc. I wish I could use my laptop for my personal writing, but it's for work only (bummer).

MidnightMuse said:
If Salvador Dali designed a keyboard, wouldn't it have 3 boobs?

I'm busy trying to imagine what a keyboard with 3 boobs might look like.

Anonymisty · Aug 23, 2006

MidnightMuse said:
If Salvador Dali designed a keyboard, wouldn't it have 3 boobs?

And the number keys on the side would be all melty...

DVGuru · Aug 23, 2006

Originally Posted by Shadow_Ferret
Ick. We had Mac G3's at work with the teeny tiny keyboard and it was horrible.

Stephen King writes on a PowerBook so I feel I'm in good company.

scarletpeaches · Aug 23, 2006

I type so much that I find a laptop suits me better - fingers travel less distance, less chance of RSI...And I like the sound. But I have to keep my nails short as it's easy to press the key above.

Simon Woodhouse · Aug 23, 2006

I definitely prefer a Laptop. Besides the gentler action of the keys, I like the way I can shut the lid at the end of the day, it's symbolic, it's my way of saying 'I'm done, it's going home time now'.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 23, 2006

Simon Woodhouse said:
Besides the gentler action of the keys....

snarky rant:

What kind of wimpy kids are we raising here? Why in my day we typed on manual typewriters. You had to have MUSCLES in your fingers to hit the keys with enough power to make the letters strike the paper hard enough to make a nice black imprint. You even had PINKY finger MUSCLES, by gum!

Tarnation! Now everyone here be talkin' about "less travel" or "fatigue." Kids.

end snarky rant.

MidnightMuse · Aug 23, 2006

Shadow_Ferret said:
snarky rant:

What kind of wimpy kids are we raising here? Why in my day we typed on manual typewriters. You had to have MUSCLES in your fingers to hit the keys with enough power to make the letters strike the paper hard enough to make a nice black imprint. You even had PINKY finger MUSCLES, by gum!

Tarnation! Now everyone here be talkin' about "less travel" or "fatigue." Kids.

end snarky rant.

Ahh yes, I was just recalling the days of my youth, when I learned how to type using a manual typewriter, and the teacher put tape over the keys so you couldn't just glance down and cheat.

Back then, if it weren't loud, you weren't typin'!

'Course, by High School, we got to use them thar fancy-dancy plug in Electric Typewriters, and dang if we didn't think that was nifty! 'Twas right about then I decided Science and Chemistry classes were more fun, tho.

CaroGirl · Aug 23, 2006

Shadow_Ferret said:
snarky rant:

What kind of wimpy kids are we raising here? Why in my day we typed on manual typewriters. You had to have MUSCLES in your fingers to hit the keys with enough power to make the letters strike the paper hard enough to make a nice black imprint. You even had PINKY finger MUSCLES, by gum!

Tarnation! Now everyone here be talkin' about "less travel" or "fatigue." Kids.

end snarky rant.

Easy, Old-Timer Ferret. I’m sure the day nurse will be along anytime now to give you your medication and Centrum Silver multivitamin, and to change your Depends. You’ll feel better after she puts your teeth back in.

Shadow_Ferret · Aug 23, 2006

CaroGirl said:
Easy, Old-Timer Ferret. I’m sure the day nurse will be along anytime now to give you your medication and Centrum Silver multivitamin, and to change your Depends. You’ll feel better after she puts your teeth back in.

They said I might be back on solids by the end of the week.

Keyboards - Regular or Streamlined Laptop-style?

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