A while back I was in the market for a new mouse and I asked for reader recommendations. I’m having issues with my keyboard now. I got a new compute a couple months ago and I didn’t like the keyboard that came with it so I noticed a Logitech wireless keyboard (K-350) and mouse (M-705) set at Sam’s for about $45. I purchased it. I use the wired mouse I got a few months ago (Logitech MU0007 which I’m very happy with) but I hooked up the wireless keyboard to the new computer.
I don’t know what it is about wireless computer devices but they never seem to work well for me. I’m not the best typist in the world but I’m convinced this thing misses keystrokes and occasionally when I go to backspace to correct a mistake nothing happens. Of course I hit the backspace key again and again and eventually I lose a whole word or two. This happens intermittently. The receiver is close by in a USB port so I don’t think distance is the issue.
So I’m asking you about your experience with keyboards, wired and wireless. What do you use and what would you recommend?
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Do you pick your keyboard up and put it on your lap, etc.? Or move it around? Or does it stay stationary on your desk 100% of the time? If it stays stationary, get a wired keyboard… so much less hassle. I’d check out the Logitech PerfectStroke keyboards. I also prefer the illuminated keys. I don’t use any of the fancy media keys that some keyboards have either. Just give me a plain old keyboard. Check out Logitech’s keyboard http://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/articles/5925
It’s on my desk stationary 99.99999999%
Since you leave the keyboard on your desk, it could be too close to the receiver. The radio waves must have a couple to few feet to widen for good reception.
I’ve been using a Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 3000 and a Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 for about five years and they have performed flawlessly. The keyboard never misses a key stroke. The mouse is a bit large and heavy but it works well. I purchased them as a set complete with a USB wireless dongle.
I use these with an HP notebook and they are fixed position 100% of the time. I don’t take them with me when I travel with the laptop or take it to another room. I like the flexibility to position the keyboard and mouse easily on a pullout keyboard tray or the desktop without any wires — very convenient. I would never go back to wired devices if I could avoid it.
I’ve noticed there’s a random issue with the cursor here in wordpress. I only see it here, but then again, I don’t comment on other boards other than facebook. Sometimes, I’ll move the cursor (via backspace or the arrow keys) and it doesn’t appear to move. Then, when I backspace again or start typing, it’s in a different location than indicated. So, basically, I’m saying it might not be that your keyboard isn’t responding, just that somewhere there’s an incompatibility in the application (through wordpress, the browser, the device driver, etc.) that’s causing a problem that doesn’t actually have to do with the hardware itself.
I’m having the issue with several programs. I actually don’t use the keyboard in WordPress that much.
Since the bluetooth is a low power radio broadcast, do you have anything close by that could interfere? The computer speakers?
I work from home so I am on my computer all the time. I use this keyboard http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1515763&CatId=142 and this trackball http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1085690&CatId=540 both are wired. The Keyboard does take a few days to get use to but your hands will thank you.
Well, since you’re not necessarily into a wireless one I can share my experience:
Bought an old-style simple IBM- Keyboard at the BAY (new as in unused, old as in still-PS/2-plug) for just a few € (equalling less than 20 USD). It’s a FRU 89P8313. Features: NONE except for the normal 105-set of keys. Typing experience: GREAT.
IBM is (at least in my parts) famous for its (Thinkpad-) keyboards, and this one is no exception.
Bottom line: Cheap, simple, function excellent.
I have Microsoft Wireless Multimedia Keyboards and Mice both at home and at work. Aside from when the battery gets too low, I’ve never had a problem.
The only time I’ve had to replace a keyboard was when it was broken out of frustration……but I’m feeling MUCH better now!
Wired Logitech Illuminated keyboard with a wired Logitech mouse. Flawless for 5 years.
Hi there.
I had this problem a while ago and recalibrated the keyboard to the dongle. There was a button that could be pressed with a pen or similar on both the keyboard and dongle (receiver). I also have the dongle plugged in to the rear of my computer (distance?). If problem persists take the keyboard set back.
Just a thought… Have you checked the repeat rate in the keyboard setup? It may be set to slow or you type too quick
I love my daskeyboard (daskeyboard.com). It’s clicky..
I’ve got a Microsoft Sidewinder x4 keyboard. I really like this keyboard, it is likely the best I’ve ever used. Key press is kind of a middle ground, not really soft like some laptops I’ve used, but not a large amount of travel and pressure like some others. I’ve been very happy with it, I’ve had it for 2 years now.
The worst thing about wireless keyboards/mice is the battery dies instantly. This was years ago (wired since). They are prob USB chargeable these days, but then you are wired.
Bluetooth is black magic, when it works, it’s magic, when it doesn’t it is a black day in your life (figuring out WTF? is wrong).
Logitec MX 5500 Very comfortable, nice typing, mouse very responsive and ergonomic.
I am sure there is a new model and it usually is a little pricey but well worth the money.
My advice: don’t spend a lot on a keyboard.
If you buy an expensive keyboard, what do you do after a year when it gets grimy and dirty? Or what if you spill something sticky on it? If you have to remove keys to clean it, it will never be quite the same once you get it back together. But if it’s expensive, you won’t want to get rid of it…
I consider keyboards a consumable item. Spend fifteen or twenty bucks, tops. Replace it when it’s not easily cleanable.
I’ve always had a lot of luck with Microsoft peripherals. Currently I use a Comfort Curve 2000 (wired) that I bought for ten dollars, and it’s the same keyboard I use at work. Some of my employees use a Comfort Curve 3000, which is also nice.
I should add… using the same keyboard at home and at work is just plain smart.
I disagree to a degree. Don’t spend a lot of money on wireless or “membrane” keyboards, it’s a waste of money and won’t last you more then a year or two at most, and have the problems G-Bull mentioned. Generally speaking, these days, if the keyboard doesn’t say it’s a mechanical keyboard (they WILL advertise it), then it’s almost certainly a membrane type keyboard.
However, do spend a lot of money and get a high quality mechanical keyboard. I noticed earlier in the comments someone recommended one of the better brands, Das Keyboard (The Keyboard, daskeyboard.com).
I’m a medical transcriptionist, and typing is my livelihood. The most recent keyboard I bought was the Microsoft ergonomic version. It claims to be a plug and play keyboard, but some keys (like the num lock, /, and * above the keypad on the right of the keyboard) didn’t work when I first plugged it in. I had to download the full driver software to make those function. If your keyboard has spotty function like that, either install the driver CD that came with it, or try the downloaded software to see if that helps. Good luck!
I thought the model number would help. Mine is a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. It’s not wireless, but it did have issues that sound similar to the ones you’ve had. I hope that helps.
Just get one that doesn’t make so many typos.
I got a Logitech G710+, but the darn thing makes typos too.
I’ve never used a keyboard that doesn’t make a bunch of typos. I think that means they all must be defective.