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+--- Thread: Questions about aluminum keyboards (/showthread.php?tid=60775)
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Questions about aluminum keyboards - AlphaDog - 08-24-2008
GeneL's post got me thinking... I do a lot of typing on my trusty 17" PB so am used to its keyboard. I've had a couple of big projects lately that I've been doing at my iMac, and I noticed that I don't type as fast or as accurately using the white keyboard. I also get frustrated because of the physical size of it, and I actually prefer the small one that came with the old B & W, which I still use. So, my questions are:
1. Are the aluminum keyboards the same overall dimensions as the white keyboards?
2. Does typing on an aluminum keyboard really have a feel that's more similar to that of the keyboards on the Al PBs?
3. Can anyone think of a non-Apple, keyboard that I might like?
Re: Questions about aluminum keyboards - GeneL - 08-24-2008
AlphaDog, I bought a Macally IceKey keyboard quite some time ago after reading some very favorable reviews describing it as having a laptop keyboard feel that was preferable to the regular Apple keyboard.
For some reason, which I can't remember now, I put it away and went to using the keyboard that came with my new (at that time) G5. When I Apple replaced the G5 with a MacPro they gave me a BT keyboard and that's what I've been using since.
I'm going to try out the IceKey again, but since I got the BT I have to say that I'm very stuck on wireless.
The new AL BT keyboards are too expensive for me right now and also they don't have the numbers keypad built-in, so that's in the future, if ever?
I originally paid $60 for the Icekey (the cheaper model-the iKey was poorly reviewed), but now it's selling for $30.07 on Amazon (read 68 reviews) http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B00006HYP6/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?%5Fencoding=UTF8&coliid=&showViewpoints=1&colid=&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending and Antonline has it for $20.88 (a steal based on what I paid) http://www.antonline.com/p_Macally--ICEKEY--Macally-USB-Slim-Keyboard---ICEKEY-_235666.htm
Like I said, I'm going to try it out again and if I don't fall in love with it, I'm thinking that you can have it. I'll let you know.
In the meantime, I'm still wondering about the keyboard cover idea.
Re: Questions about aluminum keyboards - AlphaDog - 08-24-2008
I still have the page with both Aluminum keyboards open, and I see what you mean. Now, me? I'd love to have the one without the numeric keypad, but I don't want wireless. If you decide you don't want the Macally, let's talk. However, it still is the extended keyboard, and that's what makes the whole thing too wide for what I'd prefer. Geez, I might have to use my old B & W's keyboard to get what I'm after. Wouldn't that be the pits?
I just can't help ya with the keyboard cover piece. My keyboards stay clean.
Well, I take that back partially; the most recent project I was working on was transcribing notes that had been handwritten back in the early 1900s. I was sent photocopies to type from, and I finally noticed the keys on the left side of the board were getting black, because I'd use my left hand to turn the pages. At least that can be cleaned; the other thing I noticed is that the aluminum is wearing off this keyboard. The 'e' key is so badly worn that you can't even read the letter any more. Maybe aluminum isn't for me after all, now that I think about it.
Re: Questions about aluminum keyboards - GeneL - 08-24-2008
AlphaDog, do you have an Apple Store near you? If so, you should try out the "wired" AL keyboard. I really like its feel, myself.
Btw, the wired AL kybd is extended, but the BT is not. If you don't need the keypad you really should try the BT version if your Mac has built-in BT. I had mixed feelings about BT at first, but now I love it.
Check out both:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB167LL/A?fnode=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/mice_keyboards&mco=Mjg4MzE3#overview
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/A?fnode=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/mice_keyboards&mco=MTE2MTI5#overview
Re: Questions about aluminum keyboards - AlphaDog - 08-24-2008
Well, it depends on how you define "near." According to me, the answer is no, because I won't go that far up I-5 just to go to the Apple store, and there's nothing else to do while I'm up there that can't be done closer to home. It's a 30 to 45 minute drive each way, and that's if the traffic is light, which is rarely the case.
Absolutely the only enticing thing about the aluminum wireless keyboard is its smaller size, but not for that price, and I'd also like to avoid using batteries. I'm just cheap.
Re: Questions about aluminum keyboards - MacArtist - 08-24-2008
I like my bluetooth wireless aluminum keyboard. I thought I would miss the number pad but I just don't input that many numbers when I am working/surfing.
As far as battery use, just pick up a set of AA rechargeable batteries. It's all I use in my keyboard and mouse.
Re: Questions about aluminum keyboards - AlphaDog - 08-24-2008
If I have a wireless keyboard does that mean I have to have a wireless mouse, too? Can you tell I've never bothered to look into this at all? I suppose I might weaken, since that keyboard doesn't have a number pad, although I'm still not totally sold on the idea. Then I'd have to buy the rechargeable batteries, and the charger, and find a place for the charger, ta da, ta da, ta da. That white extended keyboard I already have is looking better and better.
Re: Questions about aluminum keyboards - RAMd®d - 08-24-2008
You don't have to use a wireless mouse, but you can't plug a wired one into a wireless keyboard.
Re: Questions about aluminum keyboards - AllGold - 08-24-2008
2. Does typing on an aluminum keyboard really have a feel that's more similar to that of the keyboards on the Al PBs?
Yes. And it's just a better quality keyboard than the stupid white Apple keyboards. However, that is also reflected in the price difference.
3. Can anyone think of a non-Apple, keyboard that I might like?
As already mentioned, the Macally iceKey. It's less expensive than the Apple aluminum and has a very nice feel with laptop-type key travel with real scissor keys. It comes in white or black. That is what I'm currently using although after having tried an Apple aluminum, I would have to say the Apple is a little better quality.
There is also the Kensington Slimtype. Similar in style and feel to the iceKey and I think it's a little better built than the iceKey. It might also appeal to you because it is a more compact keyboard--not as wide as the Apple or iceKey but obviously not as narrow as the Apple Al Wireless.
The Kensington Slimtype is so close to being a great keyboard. However, every time I think about it I get pissed off because they had to give it a non-standard key layout for no good reason. The key layout might not bother you but it does me because it's so senseless.
Re: Questions about aluminum keyboards - Bimwad at remote location - 08-24-2008
The Kensington SlimType also has notebook-style scissor keys, and a compact size, but the layout is different and may not be to everyone's liking.
IMO, the current Al duo are the first truly worthy Apple keyboards since the ADB Extended series. The series of USB keyboards sporting translucent, then clear housings with black/white keys were mushy, or descended into mushiness with use.
If there isn't an Apple store nearby, many Best Buys now sport Apple sections.