Thinkpad keyboard ... desktop version?

[xandey]

Greetings Thinkpad Users,

So I've found that I love the key action on my T42p, and the A31 I used to have before that. Now I find myself using desktops more, and I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a usb keyboard with similar key action to the thinkpads?

I found some guys talking about the desktop version of the thinkpad keyboard, but they seemed to think the plastic was inferior on the usb versions, and they're kinda expensive.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/archive ... 50290.html

Thanks,
Sandy

[slagmi]

Mid to high $ Logitechs such as the G15 are somewhat similar in feel, IMO. So is the Keytronic 'Lifetime' series, but those are slightly more tactile, and so may not be preferred by some. Genuine Apple keyboards feel similar in key travel and response, and alpha key placement, but of course that would create other issues('Option' key?).

Truth is, once you actually get used to the Thinkpad keyboard especially a large one like the A31, nothing else is quite the same!

[lightweight]

How about using your T42p to control the desktops? There's a cool application called Synergy thats easy to install and user friendly. The server runs on your laptop while the client runs on the desktops. The whole thing is super small and not resource intensive at all. While this requires taking the Thinkpad around, it also allows one to transition from desktop to mobile and back easily. I even save desk space by tucking the keyboard and mouse away.

Here's a howto from the Engadget guys using Apple OSX and MS Windows. Synergy is supported by OSX, Windows, and *nix:
http://www.engadget.com/2005/08/09/how- ... h-synergy/

http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

[ducky2802]

I use the usb travel keyboard with ultranav for my desktop (well, T60 turned desktop). I love it because it looks and feels just like a T4x keyboard, swiped directly from a T4x lappy and sealed in a very slim keyboard package. As an added bonus, this is one of the few desktop keyboards that has both a trackpoint and trackpad built-in... ever since using this keyboard, I have stopped using my external wireless mouse. I HIGHLY recommend the travel keyboard.

I got mine on ebay gently used. They are in AZERTY french but its a small price to pay when they cost ten bucks, and windows maps them as a regular QWERTY us version keyboard, and all I did remove and replace the A/Q and Z/W.

[spaznrq]

I have been tossing myself back and forth whether I should try out the new UltraNav travel/fullsize keyboards.

I have been using my Logitech Dinovo set, but had lost my USB dongle for a couple of months now. Logitech now allows customers to buy replacement dongles for $10 + $5 shipping. With all this trouble, I started considering buying a Lenovo UltraNav travel keyboard.

However, no matter where I look into for reviews on these two keyboards, people mention quality issues. I would really like to feel one in person, and ideally in-store, but not one store around here sells them or I cannot find any friend who has one I can just hit a single key on it just to have a feel.

Other than the quality of the plastic on the UltraNav keyboards, is the feel of them really that far off from Thinkpad keyboards? Key size and key travel distance should be similar, but is does the keystroke feel a lot worse?

Thanks.

[j-dawg]

I have a Cherry G84 USB keyboard with a trackball mouse. It uses mechanical keyswitches like the Model M, but much smaller and lower. The resistance is a little greater than that of the TP keyboard but it's the same size. It took a bit of getting used to but I love it. I feel like I am typing on a huge clunker every time I use a full-size, full key-travel desktop keyboard now.

It's this with a trackball. I thought I would miss the numpad more than I do.

[argonaut]

I've got the UltraNav travel keyboard with pointer and track pad. I'll never use a mouse again.

[bdoviack]

I believe this is exactly what you are looking for. An IBM made ThinkPad keyboard made for a desktop. They have it at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/IBM-USB-Keyboard- ... 040&sr=8-1

[iamdmc]

I've never even considered this until today, and it sounds great! Only thing I would prefer is that it is wireless (by bluetooth) very light, and similar in quality to Thinkpad Keyboard.

It would definitely be the last keyboard I every buy - especially if it had the use of 2 Lithium AA batteries (you can buy them from Energizer) or a cheap/light Li-Ion battery from Lenovo.

Who's with me?

[spaznrq]

I believe this is exactly what you are looking for. An IBM made ThinkPad keyboard made for a desktop. They have it at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/IBM-USB-Keyboard- ... 040&sr=8-1

I was actually referring to this particular keyboard in my previous post, as well as the one without the numeric pad.

Many user reviews have commented that these keyboards do not have the Thinkpad quality and feel to it (cheaper plastic), but I wanted to know how the keystroke felt. Anyone here in the forums have one and can comment?

[bdoviack]

I actually have 3 of these IBM keyboards (home, office, offsite). They work great and are basically identical to what you will find on your ThinkPad. The only difference is that the keyboards feel a bit more durable and stable but this is probably because they are sitting firmly on a solid desk rather than in a laptop.

One minor note to point out is that these keyboards use the older IBM layout (no Windows key). Some might prefer this, others not.

[argonaut]

I believe this is exactly what you are looking for. An IBM made ThinkPad keyboard made for a desktop. They have it at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/IBM-USB-Keyboard- ... 040&sr=8-1

I was actually referring to this particular keyboard in my previous post, as well as the one without the numeric pad.

Many user reviews have commented that these keyboards do not have the Thinkpad quality and feel to it (cheaper plastic), but I wanted to know how the keystroke felt. Anyone here in the forums have one and can comment?

The quality is just fine...at least for me. Your standards may be different, but I can't see how you can go wrong. I have the travel version without the numeric block on the right side. Perfect for lap usage. Go for it.

[Asphalt]

I just received my USB UltraNav travel keyboard and am in the process of sending it back for exchange.

The quality is not comparable to the keyboard on my IBM T43p and is no where close to my awesome IBM A20p. The new travel keyboard feels cheaper and the key press depth feels more shallow.
I have not tried the Lenovo-generation keyboards (T60x and WX00) yet, so it might very well be comparable to what Lenovo is currently offering on their laptops.

The problem I have with my particular unit is that the UltraNav mouse buttons require a very heavy press before registering a click. It's as if there's the normal press which hits the bottom of the travel (not registering a click), then if you push really hard down it will register a click. I suspect this is a manufacturing quality-control issue.

While disappointed, I am not entirely surprised. I should have heeded all the Lenovo-quality issue discussions on this forum.
I'm going to give Lenovo one last chance to fix this because I love the efficiency of the TrackPoint nipple. However, this is probably the last Lenovo product I'll buy.

[T400plus]

I got a T400 (with Wxga+) and the mouseclick keys on keyboard are (to be charitabe)
lousy.Require a much effort just to click them. I previously had a T41 whose keyboard
was much much better.