[Macworld]

Post your comments for Aluminum keyboard loses its luster here

[rickcarl]

MW wrote: I find that it doesn’t record all my keystrokes as easily



Same here. I gave up on it.

[aalexzander]

I have this same keyboard, essentially, on the MacBook. And I find the same things happen to me often. The word "good" becomes "god". "Facebook" becomes "acebook". There are keys we just do not press perfectly, and I am sure everyone is different. For me, it's the P, G, F, O, and A keys. I simply do not use enough force on these keys when typing and they are often left off as a result of this keyboard. In fact, when I was typing "often" I had to correct that because the letter "O" was omitted.
Since I bought this new MacBook I have complained like crazy. My friends all claim not to have any problems. But then, I am sorry to say they are more Fanboys than users.
Problems with that Might Mouse too, which a ton of people report as well. The little trackball stops working rather quickly. It's a shame too cause I like that mouse, when it works, more than any other mouse Apple has made.
Problem is, Apple wants to redefine the keyboard and mouse, but those two devices are already pretty much perfect in their general boring state already widely used by so many. I honestly, (had to correct the O again) wish Apple would pay greater attention to getting the keyboard and mouse right. They sometimes appear to like design more than function. What good is it if we can't use it?
Alex Alexzander

[akira34]

Maybe you got a bad unit, or maybe you're just not all that adaptable. I find that it's many times easier to type on the aluminum keyboard than the old style keyboards. With less key travel, it's much easier on the hands and wrists than the old style.
I like it so much, in fact, that I have one connected to my pc at work (using KM software to use it on the Mac too). Two others in my group have also made the switch from old 'standard' type keyboards to the aluminum ones.
I've not really had any issues with the keyboard that couldn't be attributed to human error.
The only 'short coming' on the new models is the lack of an 'insert' key. Although, with a little digging you can find out the key combination to get it to work (at least on the pc side where it matters)...

[dshan]

I found just the opposite, I got rid of my Apple Pro keyboard after buying one of the new aluminum keyboards. I use the new KB every day and I just love it, it's accurate, easy on my fingers and a pleasure to use. When the MacBooks first came out I was very dubious about the new keyboards, but after testing them out at various retailers I changed my mind, so when the new aluminum keyboards appeared I soon bought one for my MacBook Pro. I kept my old Apple ext kb around for a good while, just in case I changed my mind but I never did - the new kb is just as good (perhaps even better) for typing as the old ext kb and it's so much lighter, easier to keep clean and more attractive. I have no problems switching between the MBP's inbuilt kb and the aluminum ext kb, they're both very good.
Keyboards are funny things, everyone seems to have their own preferences and there seems little objective evidence or agreement on which is best.

[joepublic]

I replaced a white BlueTooth keyboard with a wired Aluminum one, and my only complaint is that I need to tolerate a wire in order to get a numeric keypad. I'm not sure what the justification was for removing the keypad on the wireless unit, but I'm cautiously optimistic that at some point they'll release an extended wireless version, at which point I'll trade up again. Other than having to revert to key by wire, I'm extremely happy with this one.

[Jayzchang]

I think the response it amazing. and its THOUSANDS of times quieter than those clunky big keyboards. I also prefer this keyboard because it is more low profile. This is a genuine opinion not fanboism.

[Atwin]

I bought this keyboard not too long after it was available. I really like(d) the keyboard on my macbook so I figured this must be ok as well. I use it as an external keyboard for my MacBook whenever that is hooked up to my external screen.I use it to write reports and mails for my work using ten fingers to type (still glad I had that course at school!). I actually like it much better than the keyboards I had with my iMacs (G3, G4, G5). I still use the previous white wireless keyboard on my iMac G4 but I prefer the aluminum one (I still have to get used to the fact that it isn't spelled aluminium in the States!)
I find the keyboard to be faster, more quiet, lighter to type and more accurate. And besides that I think it's a beautifull design. Too bad you can't collect bread crumbs anymore behind the show window!

[moby]

I got two bad ones in a row. One didn't register the "n" key, the other rattled like crazy while I was typing and the space bar felt like it was going to go bad in a short while.
But at the Apple store, they all feel perfect. Weird.

[davidrhowe]

We got all our macs upgraded to the new quad core mac pros, which came with the new keyboards. Firstly, I noticed how dirty the keys became, very early on. Which need a good cleaning after a couple of days.
Then to my horror, my delete key popped out. I was shocked to see that there was very flimsy light metal clips which held the key in place. Not very impressed with the build quality!

[mkates]

I really like the new keyboard. I found it very comfortable to right on and if I have to write something on a different keyboard I actually find it difficult.

[spinoza2]

I have to agree with the others that my bluetooth aluminum keyboard is easily the best I've ever used. I type very fast and with a light touch, so I really appreciate not having to press so forcefully and hard as with the more traditional keyboards. I can understand why Apple designed this new keyboard in terms of ergonomics, since you don't have to expend near as much energy as with the older more mechanically primitive keyboards.
I do agree with the one comment regarding the Mighty Mouse, though: the little scroll ball works unreliably with Leopard, so much so that I find it pretty much useless. The mouse itself works great, so it's too bad that the ball is a problem. I don't recall this being a problem with Tiger, so it might just be a Leopard thing with these mice.

[Gee4orce]

I love mine - compared to the new keyboards the old Apple keyboard is like typing on sponge.
As for the mighty mouse, if you find the scroll wheel clogs up the solution is to hold it upside down, press the scroll ball quite hard and give it a good roll around. Oh, and wash you hands more ;)

[RalphDaily]

I find my Aluminum BT easier to type on than my previous BT Apple Pro connected to my mini. I got the Aluminum BT as soon as they were out and find the shorter key stroke great. I don't have to press hard. My setup isn't fancy, I have everything including 20" ACD on the foldout of a corner secretary. I love my Aluminum BT, reliability has been 100% for me. ralph
p.s. just remembered I did have to exchange my first aluminum keyboard after two weeks for missing letters but the replacement has been perfect. Maybe you just need a replacement.