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steve666 · Dec 26, 2009, 01:26 PM

Hey all, I searched the topic but everything is at least 2 years old so I'm starting another thread.

I may be the only one who likes the feel of cheap PC Keyboards but I type better with them, possibly because the keys are farther apart or maybe I prefer the key needing to go some distance after pounding on it.
I currently have the MacAlly IceKey Black to go with my new Mini but I don't like it. The keys are flat and close together and have no play when I type on it (stiff). I want to replace it with something else (wired) so I want to see if you guys have any ideas.
The Apple keyboard feels odd to me-too flat.
I also need a wired scroll mouse, 3 button is fine. I'm thinking maybe Logitech?
Any opinions appreciated.

angelmb · Dec 26, 2009, 03:14 PM

The Logitech S530 Mac Desktop combo would be a great fit, the keyboard is cute and noisy, it is wireless though.

macforray · Dec 26, 2009, 04:58 PM

I can't help much with the keyboard since I have and love a Macally iKeySlim. For a mouse, I use only a Logitech, and for a basic three button wired mouse, I don't think you can beat their LX3 model. They fit my hand well and last a long time. The price is right also.

steve666 · Dec 26, 2009, 06:15 PM

Thanks guys. Wireless is out for me.
The MacAlly keyboard I have is different than yours (I have the Icekey) so maybe I will try the iKeyslim. They make one now with 2 USB 2.0 Ports. They actually have a bundle with their mouse for an extra $9.
Now, do I want black or white? I find the black a little hard to see in my place but I like the way it looks. The combo only comes in white. Decisions decisions.

cgc · Dec 27, 2009, 09:16 AM

I have an Apple aluminum keyboard but I do recommend the Matias Tactile Pro (v3 will be released soon). It costs ~$150.

I have two Logitech V450 Notebook laser mice and love them.

steve666 · Dec 27, 2009, 01:27 PM

The Matias looks cool but I don't like all the icons on the keys, I'm a bad enough typist as is!
That mouse looks nice but I'm trying to stay away from wireless because of wavelength concerns.
I have an iMac at work in the business center and I'm trying to see if I can get used to the Apple Keyboard. I type pretty good on it but it just feels kind of odd.

mduell · Dec 28, 2009, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by steve666

I also need a wired scroll mouse, 3 button is fine. I'm thinking maybe Logitech?
Any opinions appreciated.

MS Laser Mouse 6000. Best mouse ever.

steve666 · Dec 28, 2009, 12:30 AM

Originally Posted by mduell

MS Laser Mouse 6000. Best mouse ever.

Wireless, though

mduell · Dec 28, 2009, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by steve666

Wireless, though

Wired

Simon · Dec 28, 2009, 10:32 AM

Get a Logitech. I find MS' flimsy. Logitech mice OTOH are sturdy and accurate.

steve666 · Dec 28, 2009, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by mduell

Wired

Oops, my bad.
It has one flaw though-it says Microsoft on it!

steve666 · Dec 28, 2009, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by Simon

Get a Logitech. I find MS' flimsy. Logitech mice OTOH are sturdy and accurate.

I hear that Logitech scrolls are herky jerky on Macs. Some folks have recommended a Kensington mouse. I guess trial and error may be the way.

Interestingly enough I found an old wireless microsoft mouse in my closet, still in the box. I hooked it up and it worked, although the scroll is balky and for some reasons the sides of the mouse are sticky.
Then, I remembered having a Logitech keyboard and I found it. It works also, so I will use this keyboard for a little while until I decide whether I like it or not. I am leaning towards the Apple Keyboard (the small one without the numerical keypad) and I'm sending the Macally Icekey keyboard right back-I don't like that keyboard at all.

cgc · Dec 29, 2009, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by steve666

... I'm trying to stay away from wireless because of wavelength concerns.

"Wavelength concerns?" What do you mean by that? Are you scared of being exposed to wireless RF signals?

steve666 · Dec 29, 2009, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by cgc

"Wavelength concerns?" What do you mean by that? Are you scared of being exposed to wireless RF signals?

Yes, that's what I meant.

cgc · Dec 31, 2009, 10:12 AM

I seriously doubt there is any threat of harm from using a wireless mouse or keyboard. If I remember, I'll bring home my RF Sniffer from work and check out my RF mouse, WiFi, TV, monitor, and ambient RF emissions and post them here next week.

steve666 · Dec 31, 2009, 01:23 PM

OK, it would be interesting to know

cgc · Jan 6, 2010, 04:46 PM

I finally got around to bringing our RF meter home and measured my mouse. The meter would fluctuate between 0 and 0.004 mW/cm^2 as I moved the mouse. When I stopped moving the mouse I'd get a reading of zero.

According to Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene (5th ed.), the maximum permissible power density for a 2.4GHz source (the V450 mouse) is 1.6mW/cm^2. The measured value is 400 times lower than the safety limit (which itself is much more restrictive than the non-OSHA value of 10mW/cm^2 to protect workers). I think this if for a 6 min exposure which is the time chosen for thermal equilibrium of the eyes and testicles (organs most affected by higher frequency RF).

steve666 · Jan 6, 2010, 07:22 PM

Interesting. Then according to this it is safe, as long as there actually are safe exposure times. I get a little antsy being around this stuff, I turn airport off and keep my cellphone off most of the time.
Right now though I am using a microsoft intellimouse wirelessthat I found brand new in my closet. I was surprised that it worked right away and even the batteries were still good. The scroll wheel is a little balky though. I'm going to use it until I decide what new mouse to get.