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Do you long for a keyboard as good as the old "Saratoga" Apple ExtendedKeyboard? Have I got a recommendation for you! [more]
Mac 911 Weblog: Keyboard of the gods
#1
Macworld.com 
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Posted 31 August 2004 - 11:40 AM
MultiQuote
#3
Chris Breen
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Posted 31 August 2004 - 12:20 PM
I purchased two of them -- and glad I did because I really like the feel. But they're pretty loud compared to some other keyboards you may have used. For that reason I suggest you start with one and then see how you like it.
Chris
Chris
#4
Grant_G
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Posted 31 August 2004 - 12:36 PM
Just heard back from Mo, and she's got a sticking key on the iMac now, so she actually does want a new one. Maybe I'll get this for her then (she's a sloppy coffee drinker with a hole in her bottom lip ... either that or she thinks the current 'board is thirsty).
G /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
G /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
#6
Chris Breen
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Posted 31 August 2004 - 01:27 PM
I did pay full price -- partly because I'm lazy and partly to give the developer as much of the money as possible as a way of thanking him.
Chris
Chris
#7
d00d
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Posted 31 August 2004 - 01:34 PM
I've seen this keyboard reviewed couple times. Always good, but the price is always a sticking point. People might also consider the Kensington StudioBoard Mechanical Keyboard, which I've read is similar (no personal experience).
I personally opted for the Macally iceKey. I always loved the scissor-key mechanical design in Apple's keyboards to be the most pleasant feel and that's exactly what the iceKey offers. I just thought I'd mention it.
I personally opted for the Macally iceKey. I always loved the scissor-key mechanical design in Apple's keyboards to be the most pleasant feel and that's exactly what the iceKey offers. I just thought I'd mention it.
#8
Grant_G
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Posted 31 August 2004 - 01:52 PM
Hey, I'm lazier'n you are! Don't take my pride away from me. There was a link in the link you posted that led me to SmallDog. I've heard they're good to deal with, so I gave them a shot. It turns out that Mo, who has never said a word to me about it, has hated her keyboard since she got the iMac. Too flimzy, too small, too light -- she just doesn't like it. I think the Saratoga aka "Tactile Pro" will work well for her.
G
G
#9
Dan Frakes
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Posted 31 August 2004 - 02:19 PM
I wholeheartedly agree with Chris -- this is one of the best keyboards on the market and perfect for those who yearn for the quality and tactile feedback of the long-discontinued Apple Extended Keyboard II. The only other keyboard I've found that I like as much is the one d00d recommended, the ICEkey, which I'll be talking about myself in a Gems Weblog entry later this week.
As for the price, d00d, keep in mind that Extended Keyboard II, which the Matias keyboard emulates, retailed for $129 -- and that was ten years ago, so when you adjust for inflation... /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
As for the price, d00d, keep in mind that Extended Keyboard II, which the Matias keyboard emulates, retailed for $129 -- and that was ten years ago, so when you adjust for inflation... /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
#11
Dan Frakes
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Posted 31 August 2004 - 07:41 PM
Yeah, I've been noticing that trend, d00d -- which insider is tipping you off? /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
#13
wheat
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Posted 01 September 2004 - 04:27 AM
Why can't Matias make a mechanical-key keyboard with the layout of the old Apple Ergonomic Keyboard? THAT was the best keyboard ever, bar none!
I appreciate what Matias is doing but I need a split, contoured keyboard. I have been using a Microsoft Natural Keyboard (USB) for years, but the "6" key is on the wrong side (heresy to touch-typists, including me) and the key action is much too mushy.
http://www.microsoft...ls.aspx?pid=022
I'm still searching for the ideal 'board...
I appreciate what Matias is doing but I need a split, contoured keyboard. I have been using a Microsoft Natural Keyboard (USB) for years, but the "6" key is on the wrong side (heresy to touch-typists, including me) and the key action is much too mushy.
http://www.microsoft...ls.aspx?pid=022
I'm still searching for the ideal 'board...
#14
Nobody
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Posted 01 September 2004 - 06:10 AM
I bought this keyboard the moment I could put my hands on it. I'm a fast touch-typist and have longed for the tactile feedback this keyboard provides. Yes, it's LOUD, and you know what? I LIKE it! When I get rolling, it sounds like a herd of stampeding mice! The only demerit I would give this keyboard is the confusion I had over the light on the (num lock/clear) key. It wouldn't light and I first thought the keyboard was defective. A note to support revealed it had no function on a Mac and wasn't supposed to light. It would have been nice to have a note to that effect in the box, since, after all, the keyboard is made for use on a Mac!
