Re: Looking for a new USB-A PC104 keyboard.

Ant <[email protected]> wrote:

> VanguardLH <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Ant <[email protected]> wrote:
> 
>>> Now, I am going to focus on getting a new USB-A keyboard. Which one 
>>> though? 
> 
>> I got the Logitech K845 for around $54 back in December 2025 at
>> Walmart.  Now it's $60.  It's even more pricey at Newegg ($80).
> 
> https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Mechanical-Illuminated-Keyboard-Adjustable/dp/B086YD9Z2X/ref=sr_1_1 
> shows $59.90.

Same as the current Walmart price.  

If the seller is Walmart, and there is a problem with the device, you
can return to a local Walmart store; however, many times they've paid
the return shipping, so I dropped off the package at a Walgreens about 4
blocks from me that had a Fedex dropoff.  Amazon may have a similar
policy for returns (and probably don't need to be a Prime member).
Returning to a local Walmart store is still a bit faster than shipping.

>> The K845 does not have the bottoms of its keycaps below the deck of the
>> keyboard; that is, the keycaps do not extend down into the keyboard's
>> case.  Instead the bottom of the keycaps are about 1/4" above the deck.
>> This makes if far easier to clean debris from under the keys either by
>> using a tweezers, or just blowing with a can of compressed air.
> 
> But how do they feel like the old clicky keyboards?

Read up on blue, brown, red, and black key switches.  They have
different tactile responses, and different noise levels.  The blue keys,
like I have, are closest to tactile feel and noise as were the old
Northgate keyboards.

>>> Any recommendations on a good keyboard online that is low cost and
>>> easy to return in So., CA, USA? 
> 
>> If a mechanical keyboard isn't a requirement for you, look at the
>> cheap membrane keyboards.  I've used several of the Logitech K120
>> (had to get another after smashing during frustrating game play)
>> which are cheap at around $15, and $10 at Target, but you'd have to
>> check on shipping cost. However, the K120 is a membrane keyboard, so
>> no clacky noise that you want.
> 
> https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Keyboard-Windows-Optical-Full-Size/dp/B003NREDC8/ref=sr_1_1 
> has it for $17.77 and comes with an optical USB mouse (no option for not 
> including the mouse?). 

Pretty much they're giving away the mouse.  That's the MK120 model.  I
focused on just the keyboard that you asked about (K120).

If you are not an Amazon Prime member, remember there will be a shipping
charge for orders under $35.  Are you ordering LOTS from Amazon to
qualify the $15/month fee for their Prime "deal"?

Also, you specifically asked for a noisy/clacky keyboard.  The MK120
(which includes the K120 keyboard) is a *membrane* keyboard.  It has a
spongy feel compared to mechanical switches.  The membrane is a silicone
sheet with indentations that contain carbon.  When you press the key, it
presses down on the membrane, and the carbon spot touches the split
semicircle foil on the PCB to short the contact to register a keypress.
The only tactile feel you get with membrane keyboards is the flexing of
the indentation (to collapse it into itself which is when you feel the
"give" of the keystroke).  You asked for something like the old ones you
have.  Those are probably mechanical keyboards.  You'll find membrane
keyboards to feel mushy, and be quiet instead of clacky.

> Does it feel good 
> when typing like those old school clicky keyboards though?

Nope.  Membrane keyboards will feel mushy compared to mechanical
keyboards.  They can falsely feel like the key got pressed, but you
didn't push far enough to get the carbon to contact the PCB.  I type
VERY fast, and membrane keyboards just couldn't keep up, so I'd lose
keystrokes.  Luckily, since I touch type, I watch the monitor instead of
my fingers, so I can see if what I felt to press actually shows up on
the screen.

If you're in an office scenario with lots of cubicles with each having 1
to 4 keyboards, the clacking of mechanical keyboards can be deafening.
Often membrane keyboards are used in that scenario to reduce noise.
Home users get membrane keyboards, because they are cheap (both the user
on price and the keyboard on quality and durability).  You get what you
pay for.  However, regarding mechanical keyboards, there are some good
ones for under $100, but most cost more.

If you cannot afford, or are unwilling to pay, the cost of a mechanical
keyboard, go with membrane, but be ready for softer feel and quiet.