Apple USB Keyboard: Yay or Nay?

I'm looking for a good keyboard, and the Apple one is very nice, and not too expensive. I'd be mostly using it for chat and gaming, since I'll only want it while I'm at home.

Just wanted some opinions about it, and if it's worth the $50. It may look great, but I'm worried that underneath it all it's an overpriced POS (see: Macbook Air ).

 

if your going to be using vista, keep in mind that it has the mac layout (at the bottom next to the spacebar). depends on how much you use windows compared to OS X.

 

Its definitely nice. I like the keys, they're nice aesthetically, feel comfortable, are great. The only thing you have to note is that the USB ports on it actually cannot power most USB 2.0 devices such as an iPod...only with an iMac can it. I don't know, they may have fixed this now, but they weren't fixed at the start.

 

...my Logitech Classic 200 is much better hehehe its cost $14 doesn't look amazing but it does the job and is nice to type on

I didn't know its had that problem sammy?

 

Well, I mapped crtl, and alt onto my mouse buttons so I'm not too worried about the keys at the bottom. But I really only go to Vista to game.

Do you think it would be able to power a Razer mouse? I was using one of the older Mac keyboards at school, and a certain one (probably a much older model than the others) wouldn't support my mouse so I had to use one of those crappy 1-click apple ones, lol.

 

I'd go ahead and spend a bit extra on something nicer if I were you. The Logitech S530 is extremely nice for the money, I'll be replacing my RK49 with one soon.

 

Well I wanted to clean up my desktop space, so I ended up getting the apple keyboard, and I really like it. Small and pretty nice to type on (really nice if you ask me)

And you mentioned if it could power a razer mouse, I've been using a razer pro click mobile with my mbp, but I used a razer before. But yea I tried plugging in my razer copperhead and it worked fine, so that works with it.

 

I had the usb keyboard and loved it. The only reason why I don't use it anymore is I needed a wireless keyboard and bought the Apple wireless model.

 

I don't know for gaming, but for chat/write it feels great. I changed my old ones for the new ones a couple of months ago and I'm really happy with the change.

DrPoi

 

that makes absolutely no difference in either operating system actually, the only difference is the Command key is now the Windows key and vice versa, doesn't effect usability in Windows at all.

and for the record, this is the best keyboard ever made, actually owning one, I have no problems saying that. I am a fan of very short throw keys, and this keyboard is the perfect balance.

it is also the sturdiest keyboard I have ever used, each key feels exactly the same as all the others, and it just feels like a very strong device.

I guarantee you most of the people who have voted on this poll have never used one. it is without question the best Apple keyboard yet, and I am yet to use any other keyboard that I like more.

 

Hm, I can't guarantee but I think it won't have a problem. Its not a useless USB port...it just can't power high-powered devices like an iPod.

 

I believe there is a difference. If you look at a windows keyboard, you'll notice that the windows key is in the middle and the alt key is adjacent to the space bar.

 

Each operating system is capable of handling several keyboard variations. Just like OS X can use windows keyboards, Windows can use Apple keyboards.

 

There is a visual difference, but yeah, if you remember your shortcuts, the input is the same on any keyboard, Mac or Windows.

 

The visual difference affects me. I grew up with Windows and so I've memorized the copy and paste function (ctrl +c/v) to a certain position of my fingers. Having the control button switched throws me off and forces me to look down when copying and pasting on a Mac.

 

Well I'm used to working on Mac keyboards, so the I'm more comfortable with the Mac layout and using the command key. Either way, the Mac layot has never been a hassle for me when in Windows, exept for when I accidentally hit command instead of control, lol.

 

At first its a bit weird, but you get used to it.

I wouldn't let be the deciding factor though in getting a keyboard.

Whenever I go to a windows machine, i use command, and realize it doesnt work, and then just use ctrl. It isnt that much of a big deal

 

Naw, I'm pretty sure you'll get used to it soon. I know I did.

And its kinda funny, because I constantly work between Windows PCs and Macs, I will often get my shortcuts confused .

 

If you want to increase your productivity, the Das Keyboard seems like a good option. I've always wanted to try one. I definitely like the way the Apple keyboard looks though. I say yay.

 

That Das keyboard has got to be the lamest thing I have ever seen. Learn to type for god sake. I type 50+ word a min, but some keys that I hardly ever use I look down for because every keyboard is different.

$79 for a blank keyboard....crazy!!

 

Yeah... thanks but no thanks. If I'm going to pay $79 for a keyboard I at least want to have some high quality letters painted on and an ergonomic shape. Sounds good to learn to type faster, but considering I'm used to a laptop keyboard, and already don't look at keys when I type anyway it seems like a bad idea.

 

I just picked up the USB one at Best Buy. It doesn't work 100% correct with my MBP though. Not sure why, but I cannot control any of my system functions (such as brightness, audio, or other function shortcuts) because it has no function key. still trying to find out how to get around that whole thing.

But otherwise it seems a solid keyboard. Would have preferred if it used the MBP keys (best keyboard i've ever used) but oh well. It's a very slick, lightweight, tough and portable keyboard :-D

I would have gotten the wireless... but it's not a full keyboard. What gives Apple??!?!

 

Did you run apple update? I think there was 1 or 2 updates for the keyboard.

 

The updates were for the built in keyboard.

I found a function key :-D I dunno why, but apple decided it would be okay to completely rearrange the function key shortcuts. like... f10-f12 are volume controls instead of f3-f5.

It's a nice keyboard though.

 

If you go to the system preferences | keyboard & mouse preference pane you should see a check-box somewhere in the keyboard section. Uncheck it and you'll get use of the volume, screen brightness, expose, etc. keys. See the following picture: