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Zimwy · May 13, 2005, 12:23 PM

Hi everyone,
±So recently my keyboard has starting putting the plus or minus sign whenever I hit left shift. So, I think it's time to start looking into a new keyboard. ± ±±I read some reviews of this one:

http://matias.ca/tactilepro/index.php

and they mentioned that they designed the circuit board slightly incorrectly such that any key combos of more than 2 (or maybe it was 3?) keys simply don't work. Does anyone know if this is true. ±I do a lot of the apple-option-shift-g and such in keynote and things like that. Any advice? Right now I have a macally icekey that's dying. Stupid plus-minus.

Thanks,
gabe

OreoCookie · May 13, 2005, 01:53 PM

You misunderstood the FAQ, it's Kensington's keyboard which has problems with more than 2 keys pressed at the same time, not the Tactile Pro.

I'm still waiting for a localized version, ... no news on that one yet.

selowitch · May 13, 2005, 02:49 PM

For my money, nothing beats the standard Apple keyboard (M9034LL/A). It has a wonderful feel as is quite durable.

nerd · May 13, 2005, 10:34 PM

The Matias is loud. It sounds exactly like the early PC keyboards with the micro switches. I bought one and returned it in an hour because of this. Yes the keyboard felt nice but until they can get it quiet like the Extended II keyboard then it's no go for me.

Brad

OreoCookie · May 14, 2005, 09:04 AM

It's because it has micro switches. The very reason I want one!

selowitch · May 14, 2005, 07:52 PM

What is the advantage of microswitches?

Abit667 · May 14, 2005, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by selowitch

What is the advantage of microswitches?

If you ever remember using one of those, or the old IBM ones that made that loud clicking noise on each keypress it's because those microswitches in there actually click on each keypress. Plus the spring assembly in there feels a ton better then those cheap plastic scissor things or rubber membranes like most current keyboards. Any true advantages? Apparently they last longer, but it's mostly a feeling thing, they'll also never start getting soft like some keyboards do after a while.

It's all a feeling thing, if you had one of those and liked it, here's a newer nicer looking one. I'd get one if I had $100 to blow on a keyboard.

brettcamp · May 15, 2005, 02:56 AM

I have a Tactile Pro. Best keyboard I've ever used, by far, and yep, it's clacky. Doesn't bother me as I I tune it out and crank music pretty loud whenever I'm typing anyway. Well, it actually did bug me once when I was doing a live transcript of an interview in progress, so I just switched to my 12" Powerbook's keyboard instead. But as a writer who types a LOT, for me the much greater accuracy and feel of the Tactile Pro is well worth the noise. If you need quiet, though, look elsewhere. BTW matias now makes a much cheaper, standard style keyboard which presumably would be a lot quieter, but I haven't seen or tried it yet myself.

OreoCookie · May 15, 2005, 04:17 AM

Accuracy, the feel when writing. Even good keyboards nowadays have a sucky feel to them. (I like to `feel' when I pressed a button.)

Not having used the Tactile Pro yet, the IBM M-series keyboard is the queen of keyboards to me. 2nd place goes to NeXT keyboards

Lee33 · May 15, 2005, 09:28 AM

I love the clicking sound of the microswitches and had never heard of that Tactile Pro Keyboard. Thanks for the link. Am definitely going to look into this.

Zimwy · May 15, 2005, 11:38 AM

Thanks guys for all the input. I think I'm going to end up trying one next year once I start my job!

Cadaver · May 17, 2005, 07:35 AM

How does the key loudness compare with the beloved Apple Extended Keyboard II?
Louder? Same?

I've still got one of those in a closet. It was by far the best keyboard I had ever used. There are some days where I still think about getting an ADB to USB adapter for it.

kikkoman · May 17, 2005, 10:31 AM

I recommend the MacAlly iceKey. It uses "scissor switches" similar to laptop keys but this keyboard is a bit firmer. It doesn't make a lot of noise and is cheaper than the Matias.

http://www.macally.com/spec/usb/inpu...ce/icekey.html
http://tinyurl.com/cu4su

Edit: just noticed you already had and iceKey. fortunatley i've had mine for a couple years no problems. if it were to die i'd probably get another one.

TimmyDee51 · May 17, 2005, 05:43 PM

I have the Tactile Pro and I absolutely love it. I was a bit wary of the noise at first, but to be honest, it doesn't really bother me. Plus, I haven't run into any key combos that don't work yet (and I use keyboard shortcuts all the time).

Cadaver · May 21, 2005, 08:34 AM

All thins talk about keyboards made me give in and order a Griffin iMate ADB to USB adapter for my old Apple Extended Keyboard II. It'll arrive on Monday and I'll let you know how it works out. Goin' old school should be interesting.

brettcamp · May 22, 2005, 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by Cadaver

How does the key loudness compare with the beloved Apple Extended Keyboard II?
Louder? Same?

I think the Matias is a bit louder than my memory of the old extended keyboard 2, which we were using in my office until last year! It had a slightly more muffled sound, whereas the Matias is kinda clacky sounding. The keys feel about the same, though.

Link · May 22, 2005, 04:42 AM

If you wish, the kensington studioboard is essentially the same, and costs about $20 less too

You do lose a few markings and the return key is slightly different, though!

http://www.kensington.com/html/2529.html
Review:
http://www.atpm.com/11.01/studioboard.shtml

OreoCookie · May 22, 2005, 06:37 AM

It's not the same, the electronics is different.

Cadaver · May 23, 2005, 06:38 PM

OK, so for no other reason than to play with it, I received my Griffin iMate today and I'm now typing (and clacking) myself happy on my old school Apple Extended Keyboard II.

Works just fine under MacOS X. I changed the Dashboard key to F13, so F12 will act as the eject key. F14 and F15 still control my CInema Display's brightness as they did on my USB keyboard. The Power/Reset key on the top right will bring up the Restart/Sleep/Shutdown dialog box.

Interestingly, the Caps Lock key doesn't always engage if I hit it too quickly. I've got to slowly & purposefully hit it, or the keypress will be ignored (and the Caps Lock light will not come on). Not sure if this is a software issue or a physical issue with the keyboard (I'm thinking software at this point).

And, happily, the iMate doesn't require a driver... so nothing to screw up/crash.

Anyway, its kinda fun... but strange to see a rainbow-colored Apple on my desk again (haven't seen one of those in years).