Best keyboard for a busy content writer

which keyboard helps you keep writing for long hours

[Akash]

which keyboards are you using / suggest using for long tireless hours? :)

[not2easy]

I use a wireless solar powered lightweight that I would not surrender willingly. It is from Logitech and keystrokes feel natural - not so light you aren't sure you hit the key, but fairly effortless. It can be positioned where it is most comfortable for you.

[lucy24]

Some people absolutely swear by those ergonomic keyboards where everything is at an angle. I don't know how well they fit with a standard pullout keyboard shelf, though. (The one on my computer table has a wrist rest thingy along its entire width. I'm not sure a deeper keyboard would even fit.)

not2easy, I've got one of those keyboards that are supposed to recharge by ambient light (no battery backup), only the vendor's notion of "ambient light" is evidently very much at variance with my own, so every now and then I have to put it in the front window overnight for several nights in a row until it stops blinking at me.

[not2easy]

lucy24 - I found out the hard way and now have a lamp positioned over the board. I just thought that most folk's offices might be brighter than mine. I complained when mine died and they sent me a new one, no questions. I think they had a learning curve when those first came out, but this one is better, no problems.

[lammert]

Have you though of a Dvorak keyboard? The layout is different from qwerty but optimized for short distance finger travel whereas qwerty was optimized for mechanical collision prevention. Your fingers travel on a Dvorak keyboard only about 10% of the distance compared with qwerty when entering the same text. If you are experienced, typing speed should be about two times faster than with qwerty.

[lucy24]

I thought the question was about physical keyboards :(

[lammert]

The question was about keyboards in the context of long tireless hours for a busy content writer. Keyboard layout can do much more to prevent stress and strain than the mechanical construction of the keyboard.

[tangor]

Ultimately it is what is most comfortable. I prefer mechanical (expensive) to other types... but even touchscreen keyboards work... if you are accustomed to them. You need to try many, find a few, then find the one.

But I do so much work on keyboards I beat the krap out of them... thus the high end keyboard does not make sense as I only get about a year, perhaps two out of them. The next under (price wise) keyboard gives me the same service at 2/3rds the cost. Like that old adage, you don't blame the hammer, you blame the carpenter... so I make this "hammer" work just as well as a chrome plated spiffy keen version. :)

I even work on $4 keyboards... for as long as they last.

Comfort is more than the keyboard, however. You need a proper workspace, adequate space, and (above all) touch typing skills. If you don't have the latter you will always "work" harder than necessary. Makes no difference whether DVORAK or QWERTY in that regard. If you are a touch typist, then yes, there can be differences between the layouts... but not necessarily for coders.

[lucy24]

Keyboard layout can do much more to prevent stress and strain than the mechanical construction of the keyboard.

But you don't have to buy that. It's already an option in your computer. Well, unless you're using Window 95 or similar. Get a keyboard you physically feel comfortable with, and then try fiddling with the layout.

Besides, OP may not do his primary writing in English. Non-Roman scripts open up a different range of possibilities, though it's still only a matter of software.

[J_RaD]

MS natural 4000

been using the MS natural keyboards since the 90s, can't go back to a normal keyboard.

[blend27]

-- as far as Logitech wireless solar powered and no battery backup.

I have 3 of those, K750, 2 at home and one at work.

The first one I have purchased was about 4 +some years ago, it died on me about 2 month ago, it would simply not recharge, period. I was very upset at first and was going to get an exact the same thing($50-$60).

Logitech does not sell replaceable batteries, but after little research I found a proper rechargeable battery - MAXWELL ML2032 Rechargeable 3V Coin, bought 3 of them at $3.40 each on Amazon, replaced the old one(there is even a video on YouTube) - 5 minutes + 5 minutes of recharge under the Sun.

I just typed this message on it.

[diberry]

I have that Logitech K750, too. Found it for $3 at a Goodwill shop. By the way, those shops often have 10-12 keyboards to choose from, all for around $3 and you can return them if they don't work.

I've had no trouble with mine, and I love typing on it. It does sometimes warn me it's down to 60% charge, but all i have to do is leave the keyboard tray extended so it's not under the desk at all. It's in a room that doesn't get much sun, but I can often work in there without electric lights on.

[J_RaD]

looks like a good keyboard if you want a full side of carpel tunnel .

[lucy24]

if you want a full side of carpel tunnel.

Heh. My pullout keyboard shelf has a built-in wrist rest, so I simply don't think about it.

[J_RaD]

but you still have your wrists bent in a not so friendly way with straight keyboards, which is why i was suggesting the MS natural for someone who will be banging the keys all day.

[Anthony1]

For long time, ergonomic keyboard is best solution.
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic looks fine but price is high.

[diberry]

I never could get used to "natural" keyboards. Maybe it's because I trained on piano from an early age, so my wrists are prepped to cope with a straight board.

[J_RaD]

For long time, ergonomic keyboard is best solution.
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic looks fine but price is high.

that is one pretty keyboard as well! just got to sit in front of one a few weeks ago, no diff then the 4000 just looks way better.

i like my old never replace the batteries USB with the keypad on the side. newegg has the sculpt for 70 which is great for an ergo... the 4000 is at a fire sale price, think you can pick them up now for under 30.00 !