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The coolest 10 keyboards ever made

our-picks.com — The title says it all.

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  • bakeyman, on 10/12/2007, -32/+51No IBM Model M, no Digg.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_Keyboard
    • aahpandasrun, on 10/12/2007, -26/+11Enough about the Model M! That keyboard is loud enough to wake the dead!
    • flamingmb, on 10/12/2007, -25/+16those Model M's are not the best keyboards by far, they make to much noise.
      Those roll up keyboards a ***** too, I used to have one and it was very hard to type on and missed keystrokes constantly.
    • EXreaction, on 10/12/2007, -3/+12http://duggmirror.com/hardware/The_coolest_10_keyboards_ever_made/

      ...and only 55 diggs...
    • abid786, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2@Exreaction

      Thanks...the site went down FAST

      Also, did someone else think 5. Maltron 3D Ergonomic Keyboard was not ergonomic at ALL?
    • Lyanto, on 10/12/2007, -15/+2I wish someone would ddos that ***** conspiracy site so that stupidppl would stop spamming every front page story.
    • devnill, on 10/12/2007, -4/+19I am currently typing this on a model M. Its not the coolest or most innovative keyboard ever, but it is extremely effective for typing comfortably. I wouldn't even think of using another.
    • Rikkochet, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8Huh. And all this time I thought that keyboard in the upstairs closet my dad refuses to throw away along with the XT PC was just "that old keyboard without the windows keys".

      Now I know its name... Thanks?
    • moofree, on 10/12/2007, -2/+17I do love the feel of the Model M keyboard.
      I wish it was quieter, but I really can type faster and more accurately using that keyboard.
      It really is loud.
    • mfratt, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9@lyanto

      Behold the block button
    • GeneralAntilles, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4What's the point of typing if you don't get some feedback from it? Silicon-nipple keyboards are hell on my hands, anyway.
    • rootneg2, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6You are all wrong. Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional is the god of all typing input devices (yes, even over the Das Keyboards...)

      Circular cone springs with capacitance switches (good "clicky" feel without the audible "clack"); built-in 2 port USB hub; ultra-portable compact size yet full-sized keys and key-travel; DIP switches to remap select keys on the fly (backspace/delete; modifier keys, etc.); removable cord with a standard mini-USB jack; 3 height levels; rated over 30 mil. keystrokes

      company info: (the english version is a bit dated)
      http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/en/hhkeyboard/hhkbpro/index.html

      buy the HHK pro2:
      http://www.geekstuff4u.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=346
    • bobmagoo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6the model m is awesome, i played Oregon Trail and gorillaz using one of those as well as learned how a DOS command prompt worked.

      The article is missing the logitech wireless mx duo keyboard/mouse set. Its the best keyboard combo set that i have ever used and its a shame that logitech stopped making it.
    • 0o0Moylan0o0, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1uhhm... they all sucked...
    • bowdie, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Word. I'm typing this on my model M right now. Yeah, it's a bit noisy, but this keyboard and I have been together since my 286, and it's still as responsive and reliable today as it was then. Model M for the win.
    • cybe, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4You don't get 100% reliable tactile feedback from modern keyboards like you get from the IBM Model M.
    • ChuckIT, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2i had 3 of these, the sound that these keyboards make is amazing, such a great "pop". it's like you KNOW you're typing.
    • mwosh, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Why have people not seen this article yet? I try hard to avoid it, and I still end up seeing it every two weeks. Yes, there is a keyboard that can roll up. Yeah, That one uses a laser. We get it.
    • BenderFlexo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1Weird!=Cool
  • boghy2k, on 10/12/2007, -18/+2Ah, sheesh, that would have been my next choice. Maybe next time.
    • zybch, on 10/12/2007, -9/+1Ever heard of comment spam.
      If you get dugg down a lot, well, you asked for it!
    • Atlantics, on 10/12/2007, -9/+1STOP COMMENTING. Thank you.
  • andreiknox, on 10/12/2007, -4/+3Cool keyboards, I'd love the roll-up one
    • boghy2k, on 10/12/2007, -13/+1I touched one a while ago and it was like leaning back your chair, keeping your hands tighten and trying to type on a regular keyboard.
    • nbcivic, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1they're all over ebay
    • nofxjunkee, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I've always wanted that data hand since I saw it a couple years ago. Each key moves 5 directions so you can hit 25 keys from the home row! HELL YEAH! :-)
  • boghy2k, on 10/12/2007, -15/+1That'd make a nice belt :P
  • aahpandasrun, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8"The roll-up keyboard"

    I had one of those, but it never worked properly. Must have been some sort of manufacturing issue.
  • baalzebub, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3the coolest keyboard i seen was at newegg and i think tigerdirect has them too, was a keyboard that had illuminated keys so you can type in the dark...
  • Cyre, on 10/12/2007, -5/+6DAMMIT! When will people learn that the title NEVER says it all! Buried just for spite!!
    • inmatarian, on 10/12/2007, -1/+18Replace "Title says it all" with "Our-Picks.com gives us a list of their 10 favorite keyboards."

      So much better, isn't it?
    • music13, on 10/12/2007, -0/+11It ought to be renamed the 10 weirdest keyboards. I was actually expecting cool keyboards that might be worth buying.
    • wvdavis, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3How did the submitter go from "Top 10 weirdest keyboards ever" (as in the linked page) to "The coolest 10 keyboards ever made"?
  • ZippidyDoo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4Nothing is cooler than my $5 LITE-ON keyboard.
  • max1574, on 10/12/2007, -0/+21the laser one is pretty sweet...why? because it has FRICKIN LASERS
    • sephiroth965, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Yeah, but supposedly your fingertips end up really sore when you use it.
    • PathDaemon, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Yeah, cause you end up hitting the table (though technically contact isn't necessary). Without tactile feedback, accuracy plummets. Also, there are no computer drivers (just mobile) and the Palm driver is CRAP ON A STICK. Takes like 30 seconds to recognize the keyboard and LOSES ITS SETTINGS on restart.

      Yea, I have one.
  • PaulGriffin, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8I thought they were going to be cool. These are ridiculous and lame.
  • fjf314, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2I always wanted to try the Virtual Keyboard. I just never wanted to drop $150+ on it when I don't have a smart phone or PDA to use with it.
  • ahill7, on 10/12/2007, -4/+2Good list overall. Although a dupe of:

    http://digg.com/tech_news/The_Top_10_weirdest_keyboards_ever

    Still, as many argue, its good to be reminded (especially for new users).
  • Nick22, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5"You must admit that these little gadgets are cool, but if you get seen in public with them, you might risk being tagged as a geek ;)"
    Embrace your inner geek.

    Also, they forgot the optimus keyboard http://www.digg.com/hardware/Optimus_Keyboard_February_1st_
    • zybch, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3And who was gonna pay the $2000 (or whatever, $1500 I think) to buy one to test, coz optimus sure as hell won't be giving out samples at that price!
    • truegodofwar, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6I want one of those. It would be great for switching between dvork and back again. Cause when I forget to hit control-shift my sentences come out like this...

      App ,gdoh alh islyf;dh pssvglue H.soav g; uodakw nfk g odappt ,g;j kjak msod rdsrpd ,sfph ;,gkij ;s kjak gk ,sfph ndismd al aiidrkanpd apkdolakg.d pgvd pglvfbe Nt kjd ,atw G ja.d ls ghda gy kjd ans.d islkagl; ktrs; Gkq; jaoh ks odah ,jdl kjd ijaoaikdo; tsf ktrd hslqk makij fr ,gkj kjd ;ioddle
    • macaddct1984, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2@truegodofwar

      How come more people have to switch to make it a viable alternative?
  • Domza, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Optimus any one?
    • foolfromhell, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11*ever made*
      Optimus has not been made yet.
      It ships with Duke Nukem Forever and Half Life 2: Episode 2
    • Domza, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6touche.
  • zephc, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5The coolest 503 keyboards never made!
  • DeFex, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4It says WEIRD not COOL
  • TheNik, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6According to the article, this is a list of the 10 WEIRDEST keyboards. Not coolest.

    By the way, the Datahand reminds me of Johnny Mnemonic.
  • ers35, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1A top 10 list not made by Techeblog? Impossible.
  • sgr215, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2I prefer my keyboard over all those ones:

    http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/eclispekey.htm
  • macinbest, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4I like my Apple Extended II with a USB adapter, thank you =)
  • CrudE, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2the keyboard i have now is really loud, whats the quietest keyboard anyone's come across?
    • boghy2k, on 10/12/2007, -8/+2The pencil
    • rootneg2, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3the Happy Hacking Profesional uses capacitance switches (i.e. no contact), so they don't have to make any noise at all. The springs have a bit of a tactile "snap" to them though; so at normal typing speed and pressure (for me at least) it's about as loud as a normal keyboard when they keys reach their end-of-travel. It's a really, really, really nice keyboard though, supurb keyfeel.

      http://www.geekstuff4u.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=346
    • tripple-breve, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3"the keyboard i have now is really loud, whats the quietest keyboard anyone's come across?"

      To tell you the truth, they don't make much noise when I'm coming across them.
  • foolfromhell, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2http://l3shop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LSOS&Category_Code=5

    If only it was under $70, i would buy some.
  • EelfinnTy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3A list of cool keyboards is not complete w/o having a Fingerworks keyboard listed.

    http://www.fingerworks.com/

    If you check out the site you'll know what I mean. The company was bought by apple and from the looks of it they used the design in the iphone for the touch screen.
    • PathDaemon, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Hell yeah. I used one once, at DigitalLife '05. Awesome.
    • rootneg2, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I had started saving up for that keyboard, and then when I finally could afford it, they stopped making them. :o(
      now they're thousands of dollars on ebay (if you can even find one).... super lame.

      does apple have any plans for re-releasing the full sized keyboards? I know they offered a kit to replace your macbook keyboard briefly on the site before they got bought out/went under.

      Even when theey were selling for $400 i was fully prepared to buy one; it's still cheaper and more useful than the optimus.

      One of the few times i've truly felt sad and disheartened when a company/product went off the market...
  • tw0bit, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3i want a frogpad, anyone have experience?
    • hlee1981, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I bought a Frogpad several years back when I first heard about it so that I could type with one hand and use the mouse with the other (I'm lazy). It's pretty cool, but I found it to be difficult to master. The company that produces it says that after typing solely on the Frogpad for a few days, one can get up to forty words per minute. Averaging at least double the speed on a QWERTY keyboard didn't make the learning experience that much worth it, so it's just been collecting dust in my room the last several years. I may consider letting go of it if anyone is interested.
    • hlee1981, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I have a pair of both models, the original Das Keyboard, and the Das II. I think they kick butt. The 'clickitty click-click' sounds in the second one took a short while to get used to, but, per the comment at http://defragit.blogspot.com/2006/07/das-keyboard-ii-105-keys-for-accent.html, I've come to believe that it is the "ultimate typing machine" (taken from BMW's motto of "ultimate driving machine" I'm guessing) for me.
    • tw0bit, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1hlee, ill buy it off you for $20
    • hlee1981, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I was trying to figure out a way to contact you (can someone tell me how to do this - if digg supports forwarding messages to users?) and I ended up trying to add you as a friend, but I didn't see your contact info. Feel free to IM me on the specified AIM handle in my profile - same handle on Yahoo! as well.
    • tw0bit, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1meh forget it, not that interested anymore
  • Rikkochet, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I've heard and read in several places that that badass laser projection keyboard is horrible as hell to use.
    It's a sweet proof of concept but isn't very usable in a production environment. Here's hoping it's the beginning of the next generation of input devices. I'd love to see how the sensors would react to all the pop cans and crap I have on my desk getting in the way of its projectors!
  • Nero51, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Wow, awesome list the laser one is awesome as heck, could dawn a new age for phones and mobile devices with some improvement as Rikkochet said.
    And sense I feel the need to brag about how awesome my keyboard is and how much better mine is than any of these or suggesting it is better than yours depending on who you are, I'll post a product page of my keyboard:
    http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/CA/EN,CRID=2166,CONTENTID=10717

    @sgr215
    We don't care =/

  • wing05, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Hey, didn't Commander Rick from Prisoners of Gravity had a wrist keyboard 10-15 years ago.
  • BananaGrabber, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I've always dream of having another keyboard that works alongside my regular keyboard. The difference would be that it came with a bunch of blank keys that would let you assign what each individual key does via software. For example, one key would open firefox and another would open photoshop or whatever program you want. Then there would be a separate section that would let you do things that would normally take two or more keys to accomplish like copy and paste, new tab, open windows task manager, group layers (photoshop), etc... Do to limited number of keys, the program would let you customize to whatever you use most. Does such peripheral exist?
  • beni, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I'll keep my Logitech G15, thanks.
  • malavalla, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1digg is getting sad, one thing hits the front page, then everyone Googles the item to find something cooler,take a nap your brain needs to dream to reset it
  • terraji, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Das Keyboard II FTW.
  • GeneralAntilles, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1It ain't worth using if it's not buckling spring.
  • vandalet, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2If your into video editing, then you gotta love the DV-Pro http://www.bella-usa.com/DV.htm
  • rc_collins, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3I wish I still owned my Model M. I have no clue where it went, movers took it or something.

    --dan
  • sgr215, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Nero51, I was simply making a point that most of these keyboards might look original but often end up being useless and absurd. Meanwhile, something as simple as a normal keyboard with lighting to see in the dark can end up being the most innovative. When it's all said and done it's not about how original the keyboard can be, it's about how practical the keyboard really is.
  • neko, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Just as long as it doesn't have that huge ass Delete key with the home/end/pageup/pagedown block mangled, the way recent Logitech and Microsoft keyboards have done. Ugh! I guess some people feel Insert has no use, but I sometimes like to do the old ctrl-Insert shift-Insert method for copy and paste.

    And don't get me started on the whole F-lock deal! So useless!

    the Logitech Elite keyboard I'm using to type this is reasonable. It's got F-lock but I just switch it on and leave it on. The nice thing about it is it has a little scroll wheel on the left hand side, so I can easily scroll without leaving the keyboard. It's a membrane keyboard though, so I found it a bit frustrating to begin with - I seem to have adjusted to it though, or it adjusted to me, because no more extra characters have been creeping into my typing.
  • cmorrell, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I met the inventor of the Orbitouch a while ago, and though I don't think that keyboard will ever make it it does have some great potential in the gaming & handheld device realms. "Keys" are "pressed" using a combination of the two directions your hands move. After about a 1/2 hour with it I was able to type alright, and I imagine that I could get to a reasonable speed after some time. Now translate that to the dual joysticks of most modern gaming systems and you're in business.
  • lordgreg, on 10/12/2007, -0/+21 thing:

    those keyboards are NOT the coolest, but as the main article explains "weirdest". that explains, why Das Keyboard isn't listed :)
  • everfalling, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1The Datahand keyboard looks like something outta Ghost in the Shell.
  • Daniel0, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Weirdest != coolest
  • PaulRClark, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1WTF do people say these days.

    3. The wrist keyboard
    ...The WristPC keyboard comes with an /optional/ wrist strap to provide the capability of attaching it to your wrist.

  • bkubiat, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Not to forget the former hype about the Alphagrip "keyboard"/gamepad:
    http://www.alphagrips.com/
  • woogley, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I use the roll-up keyboard.. it's great for portability but its best feature is that it doesn't make a sound! it's almost like typing on bubblewrap (without popping the keys, of course)
  • TimFrost, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Awesome site, gonna have to get one of them.
  • rumit, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2The virtual laser keyboard is the best.
  • sparechange, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2The title of the article is 10 weirdest keyboards...not coolest.
  • icexe, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1from reading that article it's obvious that "cool" does not imply practical or usable.
  • rpt1700, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0those are some pretty lame keyboards. More sensational than cool. And many look difficult or impractical to use.
  • Apreche, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Once you use the Happy Hacking Keyboard you never go back.

    http://pfuca-store.stores.yahoo.net/haphackeyser.html
  • mastersword, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0It looks like a complete rip of the original one over at Fosfor Gadgets:
    http://gadgets.fosfor.se/the-top-10-weirdest-keyboards-ever/
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