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

In alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt VanguardLH <[email protected]> wrote:
> Ant <[email protected]> wrote:

> > Now, I am going to focus on getting a new USB-A keyboard. Which one 
> > though? 

> Mechanical keyboards tend to be pricey.  I used to have a Rosewill
> mechanical keyboard, but one day I smashed it too hard.  Usually a
> keycap would pop off that I could press back on, or the wire bail under
> the spacebar key had to get reseated, but one time I hit it too hard,
> and needed a new keyboard.  Rosewill was no longer producing a
> mechanical keyboard, so I had to look elsewhere, and the prices for
> mechanicals was too high.  I keep a spare keyboard for when I break the
> current one.  I then 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.


> 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?


> > Do I want wired or wireless (always typing on my desks)? 

> If your keyboard isn't moving, there's no point is bothering with
> wireless hookups, and having to replace a battery that eventually dies
> in the keyboard (but keyboard operation gets flaky when the battery gets
> weak).  The K845 is wired.

Ah, OK. I go wired USB-A. Hmm, I don't like those abbreviated letters 
(HM, SL, PB, etc.) on above of the arrow keys section.


> > I don't want to configure keys and use software like drivers and apps
> > to use the keyboard. 

> There are no programmable keys on the K845, so no extra software is
> required to program the non-existent programmable keys.  

> There are media keys on the K845, so technically this is a media
> keyboard: web search, calculator, music play, rev/pause/fwd, volume
> up/down/mute, along with keys to control lighting.  This is a lighted
> keyboard (USB port provides the power), so you can see the keycaps in a
> dim or dark room, or if you're shadowing the light from behind you.  

> No software is required to use the media keys.  You press FN+Fkey for
> the media keys that share the F-keys.  These are the standard scan codes
> that are pre-registered in the Windows registry for those events (and
> you could edit the registry to start other events or programs).  A
> couple of the Fn key combos control the lighting: Fn+F1 dims the light
> intensity, Fn+F2 increases intensity, and Fn+F12 changes the lighting
> effects (on, off, snaking across the keys, etc).  They could've used 1
> key to toggle between the various lighting settings.  I don't use any of
> the lighting effects, and just have the lighting at max intensity.
> There are no instructions with the keyboard, so I had to discover what
> the other Fn+Fkey "media" keys did.  

> I used Sharpkeys to redefine a couple other keys (PrintScreen and
> ScrollLock which I never use) to replace the missing Fn+F1 combo for Web
> (brings up web browser) and Fn+F2 combo for e-mail (brings up default
> e-mail client), but you don't have to bother with with redefining any
> keys if you only need to use the mouse to click on shortcuts to load
> your web and e-mail clients, like pinning icons to the taskbar.  

> > I'm old school and loved clicky standard PC104 keyboards with 
> > multiple computers (Windows, Linux, and maybe future Macs) since the 
> > early 90s. 

> The K845 that I got has blue key switches.  That gives me the tactile
> feel that I like, but it is a clacky keyboard.  I prefer a quiet
> keyboard, but this makes the noise you like.  Because I'm a fast typist,
> others have commented is sounds like a Geiger counter at my workstation.

My friends say I type loud and fast like a machine gun. LOL.


> > 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?). That's not a bad price. Also, high ratings with 
over 22.5K! I have too many mouses including Logitech's! I guess I could 
use it as a back up. :P I am OK if less audio noises. Does it feel good 
when typing like those old school clicky keyboards though?


> > Seeing and trying out in person in retail stores would be nice, but
> > they (e.g., Fry's Electronics) are gone. :(

> In my area, all the brick-n-morter computer stores disappeared.  Nowhere
> to go to tryout the keyboards.  There is one shop, MicroCenter, that
> does have a few keyboards for demo, but not all keyboards are available.
> In your area, Fry Electronics liquidated a few years ago.  At office and
> retail stores selling keyboards (e.g., Staples, Walmart), they're in
> boxes, and unboxing them to test them is probably frowned upon,
> especially if you have to break shrink wrap or seals to get inside the
> boxes.

Yeah, it sucks. I miss the old days. I used to love to see, try, and buy in person! :(
-- 
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." --Ephesians 3:20-21. Dang KVMs & adapters causing kb issues! RIP, Bonnie Tyler! :(
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