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

In alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt VanguardLH <[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.

I agree. I might try 
https://www.target.com/p/logitech-k120-ergonomic-desktop-usb-keyboard-black-920-002478/-/A-21502870 
since local stores have it. If it doesn't work well, then back to the 
store and I go look for a better keyboard.


> >> 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.

I really wished I could try each one out in person before buying. :(


> >>> 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).

https://www.target.com/p/logitech-k120-ergonomic-desktop-usb-keyboard-black-920-002478/-/A-21502870 
is in my local stores! I can buy one and return if not good easily.


> 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"?

I don't have Prime.


> 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.

Hmm. I really hate the laptop/notebook keyboards like from Apple. I do 
like the old clicky keyboards like old Dell 104-key PS/2 Dell Model 
SK-8110 keyboard I got from my former employer's etrash over a decade 
ago). My co(worker/lleague)s hated my loud typings as if they were  
machine gun shots. Heh.


> > 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.

Argh!!!!! This might be a problem for me.


> 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.

I am going to try K120 from Target first. If it is no good, then I'll 
return it and buy a better keyboard like Keychron C2 Pro Wired 
Mechanical Keyboard: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2FBM5RG from 
https://reddit.com/r/keyboards/comments/1us5eid/looking_for_a_new_usba_pc104_keyboard/owown6h/.
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