After being at Geekhack for a while, I'm curious to see if anyone here has a preference for a keyboard that isn't the one that came with their new computer.

For example, I mainly use AT IBM Model F keyboard:
Picture

Okay, I know I'm crazy and all, but no one around here uses a keyboard different from the one that comes with their computer?

Currently,i have a Logitech Media keyboard 600 but it did not come with my computer as i built my computer myself.

A Microsoft ergonomic keyboard and I love it! :=)

OK , so what is the big difference in a key board,I build all my own computers an use several key boards. So if you build it yourself, there is No name brand

i agree with steven, if it works for you and you like it, then who cares which one you use. me, i hate this keyboard, but it aint mine so i dont care :)

*looks down*

Wadda ya know.... it's the keyboard of my laptop...what else!!!

:oD

Logitech LX310

i win >:D

The thing I don't like about the majority of keyboards is that they really don't vary that much in quality for the difference in price.

Most keyboards use sets of rubber domes over a membrane, which is cheap, but not very satisfying to type on.

The keyboard I show actually uses a mechanical mechanism that I find to be more satisfying in tactile and aural feedback than the average rubber dome keyboard.

i think i know what your talking about Tim...

having used older computers... 286 and older.. ive seen that keyboards used to be more satisfying to type on.

Its like the feel you get typing on a typrewritter... that awesome feedback

That's exactly it, Tommy.

As I touch-type all day at work, I'm rather picky about the comfort of a keyboard. With a traditional rubber dome keyboard, a lot of typing tends to make my wrists ache, and my fingers fatigued.

This makes keyboards that I like more expensive, and somewhat more difficult to find.

There is a difference Tim - I agree. I use an IBM keyboard which is much better than the HP keyboard that came with my pc. The keys are much more responsive and whatever I type is likely to make more sense. .....no comments please! ;) If you are getting wrist ache use a wrist rest pad - I have them in front of my keyboard and my mouse.

This is why I use mechanical keyboards.

I have a iOne Scorpius M10 for work, and the Model F for at home.

I've never felt fatigued in the same way with either of these keyboards.

Of course, I'm crazy enough that my Scorpius M10 just acquired a set of blank keycaps.

So is this IBM keyboard a Model M? If it isn't, it is most likely a higher-quality rubber dome keyboard.

I have a Model M keyboard, but I'm more fond of my (somewhat rare) Model F as it requires less activation force, and doesn't bottom out as hard as the Model M keyboards do.

I use the keyboard on my iPhone. It is less than ideal.

I just bought a brand new flat screen computer, and it came with a keyboard...but not me...nope I know that..Microsoft Ergonomic is the absolute best. I've only used them for years and years. So I kept my ol' faithful. But whatever ya all like, do it....Verena

Sometimes I cant sleep at night. So I get on the computer but I just hate to turn on the lights just to see the keyboard. It took a while but I found a keyboard that backlights the keys with a dimmer switch. Classy egh! It is a Saitek Eclipse II keyboard. Its got a lot of gadgets, but I just use it for the lit keys, so I dont have to turn the lights on at night. My fat fingers dont seem to slam on neighbor keys as often, because the keys are spaced just a little farther apart. I plug it into my laptop, so it definately is not the keyboard that came with the computer. Moose

Since I stress the pen tool in graphic programs (eventually a wico pad)...I put more emphasis on a mouse (definitely a good optical), so a keyboard is kind of just there...

Every one of those keyboard described is a rubber dome...although I guess I'm not very surprised.