Bought a T60 and like the keyboard (not sure which brand I actually have). Because I expected to like the keyboard, and use my laptop in dock station much of the time, I ordered two external keyboards, after being assured they were similar to laptop's in feel and layout. Neither is true: the external keyboards are cheap plastic crap, and layout is quite different. they're going back.
Meantime, I'm hunting for desktop keyboards that are as close as possible to T60 keyboards. Any suggestions as to brand, model, source?
Thanks
-
Try Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard. I'm using it with z61t and dock
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0002IG356/ref=dp_olp_2/002-6053470-6119263?ie=UTF8
I bought from cybershops $59. it's an OEM KB/mouse package and it's great. -
Cerebral_mamba Notebook Consultant
Get the Model-M .....
Its too bulky though and mine is now sitting on the shelves. I prefer the Notebook keyboard. Logitech has some really slim keyboards and IBM also has one that is basically the exact same Notebook keyboard fitted with a frame to from an external keyboard. Its got the tackstick, three buttons and one versio even has the touchpad (if at all anybody actually uses it on a ThinkPad) -
Do you live near a computer store that has keyboards on display? You could try different models and pick the one you like most.
-
S -
S -
Check out Unicomp, it's the result of an employee buyout of an old IBM/Lexmark keyboard factory. They still make those excellent mechanical keyboards, as well as some older style laptop type keyboards (Mighty Mouse w/ or w/out stick). I own a couple of the Mighty Mouses, and they're pretty decent, but kind of clackity and loose feeling. The buckling spring types, though... those are wonderful, but a bit loud.
Their typical rubber dome is pretty nice (the Might Mouse has shorter travel, but is also rubber dome), but nothing approaches the tactile joy that is buckling spring. -
sometimes the keyboards are all called the same thing/model number, but they are actually sourced by different companies....so that explains why some people swear by a thinkpad keyboard while others can say they are disappointed.
i have experienced this personally....the "thai" keyboard on a t42 a few years ago was noticeably better. -
-
Chris -
They use a different mechanism from just about any keyboard out there (laptop or desktop), a buckling spring, which provides a definite, solid tactile respones with each keypress that, really just feels... good. They've really developed a fanatic following. The two drawbacks are that they are rather noisy, with audible clicks, and on the heavy side. But god they feel good to type on
Wikipedia has some information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Model_M_Keyboard
And more information is here: http://www.dansdata.com/clickykeyboards.htm -
Cerebral_mamba Notebook Consultant
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-PS-2-Space-...QQihZ014QQcategoryZ116290QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
There are a few varients of this type like I said. Ones with and without the touchpad, 2 mouse button, 3 mouse buttons etc... You will have to do a bit of searching and you'll soon find the exact model number of the one you like. then finding a good price is easy. -
I really like MS natural keyboard for the desktop (the original one, no fancy buttons). But I'd never trade it for an IBM A30 keyboard, ever. Almost silent, never fails me in touch typing, always "there" for me.
PS: even though I've got a T42, I still like A30's keyboard much better. -
What model would yopu say is closest to the T60 laptop keyboard?
-
Cith said it all, but if you like peace and quiet buckling spring isn't for you. It's almost as loud as an old mechanical typewriter.
I just wish they'd make an all black version, those grey keycaps are ugly. -
-
Did you originally order these Thinkplus Keyboards with Ultranav? Those look like the closest thing, but the layout won't be the exact same because it's the older layout without the Windows key.
Here's a higher res pic of the japanese version of it: http://fula.jp/blog/image/ThinkPlus_USB_Keyboard_with_UltraNav_Japanese.jpg -
Ethyriel: I agree - the grey keys are ugggggly. And all black model with white lettering would be gorgeous.
Re windows key: A quick tip: All the windows key really is, is Ctrl+Esc. So you really don't have to live without the functionality it provides, if your keyboard lacks it. (Honestly even with keyboards with the windows key, I often fall back to ctrl+esc as it seems a more natural motion for my hands for some reason.) -
-
I own an IBM M and a Unicomp M
I like them very much. The Unicomp is made from a softer plastic, and types a bit softer as well. I actually like it just slightly better, though it feels a tiny bit less "solid"... Anyways, neither of the two is anything like a thinkpad keyboard in feel. They are quite nice though.
Sad thing about ctrl+escape is that you can't use it with "m" to minimize everything. -
There's even more shortcuts if you install microsoft's intellitype keyboard software. -
Good site. This one appears to have EXACTLY the T60 keyboard, which sounded perfect until I realized I rely on a numeric keypad. So, I'll keep looking.....
Saul -
Had not seen this model, even after searching IBM site uner "keyboard." This looks like what the doctor ordered. Has anyone tried one? Any reports on the keyboard "feel"?
IBM keyboards
Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Shiffman, Aug 20, 2006.