Professional Mechanical Keyboards?

[AussieDave]

Yet another k/b has crapped itself. Our spare/junk room it literally littered with these things (I should throw them all out)... Tried Microsft, Logitech in all varied prices ranges, and they all sh#t themselves after a few months. Yes, I type a lot

Been looking at the Das Mechanical Keyboard range. These key connectors are gold plated, not the cheap plastic crap, on the those I've been using above.

However before I venture down this path, wanted to ask... If any of you guys/girls use a professional level keyboard, and if it's mechanical? If so what do recommend for longivity.

NB - I'm not exactly tame, so I need a k/b than can withstand heavy duty use etc.


Cheers

Dave

 

[CygX1]

I do not know about keyboards but nowadays Logitech, HP and Microsoft mice fall apart after no more than a couple of years. Back in the days I have been able to use mice for multiple years without problem. The same goes for printers if the original cartridges are not used... and most likely external keyboards as well.

 

[inspiration]

Cherry mechanical USB keyboard seem to be great

 

[Aeternus]

I am currently using a mechanical keyboard from QPad. I have only used it for about 6 months, so can't really comment on the longivity, but it seems very well built and sturdy.

Mechanical keyboards feels very different from ordinary keyboards, and have a much better feel to them imo. Be ware of the fact that they are very loud in use.

 

[Guard Dog]

I have had my regular old keyboard from Logitech (wireless) for at least 2 years now with no problems. I pound the keys pretty good too. I mean.... I'm not like Mozart or anything, but I strike keys pretty strong and I am typing all day.

 

[Engineer]

I'm in the market for a new keyboard, too. My wireless Kensington worked well for a few years, but lately -- even with fresh batteries -- it randomly gets very sluggish and doesn't transmit all of the keystrokes as I type, forcing me to hit the backspace button repeatedly to correct the missed letters. I'll probably switch to a wired USB keyboard; hopefully that will solve the problem.

 

[casinonewbie]

I got a logitech wave 350 about 6 months back, pretty good so far. Nice comfy palm rests http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-keyboard-k350

 

[LandofOz]

I'm using a hub keyboard that I purchased from a supermarket store for a whopping $4.50

 

[TheGooner]

I've never had a keyboard give up on me - they've come with the computer and stay until an upgrade (every 3-4 years).
By the end they are starting to lose the letter "ink" on the keys - I've still got a couple of "old faithfuls" stashed somewhere..
;-)

What seems to be causing the failures - computer games with rapid keystrokes? Or spilled coffee?

 

[NDG]

I just use a cheap USB keyboard that normally lasts about 6-8 months, before I need a new
one. I've had problems where certain keys quit working or they stick. If I am busy with
something, and the keys keep sticking.. then I normally start typing with hammer fists.

 

[AussieDave]

@TheGooner - to have a keyboard last 3 or 4 years, wow!!! Yes, this is a gaming rig, so maybe it's the rapid keystrokes.

I've had problems where certain keys quit working or they stick. If I am busy with something, and the keys keep sticking.. then I normally start typing with hammer fists.

Yes... Yes... Yes! Hammer fists... that cracked me up

That's the same problem I get. 1 sticky key, and usually a damn vowel.

Needed a k/b yesterday. Couldn't be fudged driving to the city (going there today). With limited shops here, got this one (http://gaming.logitech.com/en-au/product/g213-rgb-gaming-keyboard) a gaming k/b with a USB cord.

4x faster than standard keyboards
The G213 Prodigy gaming keyboard features Logitech Mech-Dome keys that are specially tuned to deliver a superior tactile response and performance profile similar to a mechanical keyboard. Mech-Dome keys are full height, deliver a full 4mm travel distance, 50g actuation force, and a quiet sound operation.

The G213 Prodigy gaming keyboard was designed for gaming, featuring ultra-quick, responsive feedback that is up to 4x faster than the 8ms report rate of standard keyboards and an anti-ghosting matrix that keeps you in control when you press multiple gaming keys simultaneously.

"quiet sound operation"... compared to what? It's certainly not quiet.

I've only ever spilt tea once on a k/b...here at AGD. I'd taken a snip, then read something really funny... you can fill in the blanks. Back on topic... This k/b has a protective membrane, so me thinks, maybe dust etc is getting into the keys. Maybe as TheGooner suggested it's rapid keystroke gaming.

I like the backlite keys, because the white lettering rubs out.

I'll see how long this lasts me. If I get 6 months out of it, I'll be impressed

Edit:
Compared to my other keyboards, this one has a bit of weight in it. Feels secure and sturdy. Also with it being a USB cord, wont be chewing through batteries; keep forgetting to kill the power switch when not in use.

 

[KasinoKing]

I just buy cheap wireless ones - they usually last a couple of years.
My favourite was one with silver keys and black lettering - but it didn't like the drink of beer I gave it, and it packed up.
Went back to the shop to see about buying another - but they stopped selling it & I couldn't find it online either

KK

 

[slotplayer]

Respect the tech mates. Maybe the stress of the industry causes unnecessary pounding on the keys? I used to see patrons bang the hell out of the land casino slot machine buttons. That is why many of them don't work. Pretty cheap buttons though.

I'm over 8 years on my Dell keyboard. Only thing wrong is the the stencil on the DEL key is worn off. TBH, I never really liked it too much.

The best keyboard I ever had was and old IBM, it was metal and heavy. Best thing was the wider spacing on the keys. When I switched to this Dell keyboard I immediately could feel the spacing difference and kept hitting the wrong key. Took a long time to get used to the smaller footprint.

 

[DaftDog]

Took a long time to get used to the smaller footprint.

I guess you bought a toeboard.