[flatwound]

Hey all:

Got a question: I've got a relatively new Powerbook 12-inch and a 2x2 G5. The Powerbook has one of the best feeling keyboards I've ever typed on, and the keyboard that came stock with the G5 is garbage.

Anyone have any idea on a replacement keyboard for the Powermac that feels like the one on the laptop? Forgive me if this post isn't in the right forum, and thanks for any suggestions.

[vdrummer]

I've purchased two Macally Icekey keyboards for the purpose of duplicating the feel of a powerbook keyboard. It's close, but not quite. Having USB connectors is convenient, though.

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

[tooki]

I like PowerBook keyboards, too. Go to a CompUSA and look at what they've got: there are a few Logitech models that use laptop keys. I personally have a Kensington SlimType, which works well (caution: it has no built-in USB ports, so you might need a separate hub).

I haven't personally used an IceKey, but it should be similar in feel. The Logitech feels even nicer than the Kensington, but it's more expensive.

tooki

[Chad A Wright]

I've got 2 of the Kensington SlimType models and love them. I originally bought one, and have since switched all my systems to this keyboard.

[EndlessMac]

I definitely like my G4 PowerBook's keyboard a lot better. I miss it a lot now that I have my Power Mac G5. I bought the MacAlly IceKey in hopes of getting the same feel as my PowerBook but it's a just a little too stiff for me. Apple has created such a great keyboard on their PowerBook. I really wish they would create a similar version for their desktop computers.

Originally Posted by tooki

I personally have a Kensington SlimType, which works well (caution: it has no built-in USB ports, so you might need a separate hub).

How does the Kensington feel when compared to a PowerBook's keyboard? Is it very similar? The MacAlly IceKey is very close but is just a bit too stiff for my liking. My PowerBook's keyboard is about as soft as the standard Power Mac keyboard but it has the short throw of laptop keyboards and the keys seems to be slightly wider. The standard desktop keyboard feels a little compact and small in comparision. My fingers feel squished together. I believe this is the reason why my wrist hurts so much from using it. I never had any wrist pains when I used the PowerBook's keyboard.

If there is no keyboard close enough to my PowerBook, I wonder if there is a way to connect my PowerBook to my desktop Power Mac?

[tooki]

The SlimType's keys are about equally stiff as those of the PowerBook -- they sound a bit more clackety, though.

The PowerBook and desktop keyboards have identical key size and spacing (obviously, the shape of the keycaps is different). I happen to like the short travel of laptop keyboards, too, which is why i like the SlimType.

tooki

[EndlessMac]

Originally Posted by tooki

The SlimType's keys are about equally stiff as those of the PowerBook -- they sound a bit more clackety, though.

Well, that's good to hear. I prefer the sound from the PowerBook too, but I can live with the clackety noise because comfortable and overall feel of the keyboard is more important to me. I also notice that I type faster with laptop style keyboards too.

Originally Posted by tooki

The PowerBook and desktop keyboards have identical key size and spacing (obviously, the shape of the keycaps is different). I happen to like the short travel of laptop keyboards, too, which is why i like the SlimType.

I guess it's the shape of the keycaps, but my hands and arms seem to feel more squished in when using the standard desktop keyboard. When using my PowerBook, my hands feel more relaxed and comfortable. I wish Apple made a desktop version of the PowerBook keyboard.