[SOLVED]Looking for a new, abuse resistant, USB keyboard

xahodo · Last edited by xahodo on Thu Apr 16, 2020 2:31 pm; edited 1 time in total

Hello,

Currently I'm using some cheap logitech keyboard, but managed to get one of the shift keys damaged already. So, I'm in the market for a new one.

I'm not the best typist, which shows in that I don't always hit the keys right in the center. I also depress the keys quite hard. On top of that, I eat at the keyboard. I guess the shift key couldn't quite handle me.

So, I'm looking for a new keyboard. No need for any bells or whistles (well, backlit (white) would be appreciated), but it does need to be sturdy. Are there any good quality keyboards that I can buy?

If this is the inappropriate forum to ask this question, I apologize.

[EDIT]
1) It must have a qwerty us (international) keymap
2) I type a lot, but I do not game.

AlexJGreen · Tux's lil' helper Joined: 19 Sep 2018 Posts: 149

389292 · Guru Joined: 26 Mar 2019 Posts: 504

build your own, with cherry green, and fill the case with epoxy resin. if the initial soldering is good enough it will serve you for decades.

Jaglover · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2020 1:14 am Post subject:

Disassembling and thorough cleaning can do wonders with such a keyboard.
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Jackalope · n00b Joined: 24 Sep 2018 Posts: 31

I am searching for custom keyboard too, I can soldier keys, but I don't know where to get circuit and case.

C5ace · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2020 11:04 am Post subject:

Go to a Computer wrecker and get a couple of old and heavy Compaq and IBM PS-2 keyboards and PS-2 to USB Adapters. Mine are working since 1996.
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fcl · Tux's lil' helper Joined: 31 Dec 2016 Posts: 77

Look for a "mechanical keyboard". Most of them (except the very cheapest ones) are usually well built and reinforced with metal internally to prevent flex. The switch types vary a lot so if possible it's a good practice to go to a computer store that has many available to test 'em out. For keycaps looks for ones that are PBT. They last longer and don't grease as easily.

axl · Veteran Joined: 11 Oct 2002 Posts: 1146 Location: Romania

I was asking the same question a few months back. https://forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic-t-1102822-highlight-keyboard.html

I ended up finding an old keyboard in my basement. http://xahlee.info/kbd/ms_keyboard/ms_natural_keyboard.html

I bought this in like 2005. It refuses to die. It's uncomfortable. Buttons are hard to press. I spilled my beer way to many times in it.. and yet it refuses to die.

I must have buried 20 logitech keyboards since then. and 20 other types. And at this point in time, I accepted the fact that once in 1 or 2 years you have to buy a new keyboard. Fortunately... not yet. I hate microsoft, with passion. And I hate my keyboard. But it works...

It's a love/hate relationship. On the one hand, I know that if I were to buy a new one... it would be great. Would be easier to type. I really loved the Logitech mx800 set. Awesum keyboard. awesum layout of keys. easy to press. easy to write. and in 6 months, the buttons would just break. I got 3 of them by this point. and every 6 months... they just break.

On the other hand, this M$ keyboard is not nice, comfortable or easy. It's just bad. But it's die hard. By which I mean it just doesn't die.

PS from what I know, I am not the only passionate linux guy with a hated m$ keyboard. Make of this what you will

Tony0945 · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2020 1:26 am Post subject:

AJM · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2020 3:44 pm Post subject:

Banana · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2020 6:57 pm Post subject:

if you often use different setups / workstations and such, stick to a standard keyboard layout. Specialized ones are fine, but you do not always have them.

I use a cherry a lot. Currently the stream model.
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xahodo · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2020 2:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the replies!

I ended up going for a Leopold FC900PD with blue cherry MX switches. It's going to be my first mechanical keyboard.

Banana · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2020 8:22 pm Post subject:

can I ask you where did you get/buy it?
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