Ask anyone what they think is the best computer keyboard and you’ll probably get a different answer for each person you ask. Some prefer “natural” keyboards, others prefer traditional shapes. Some are die-hard Logitech fans while others like Microsoft’s models.
Let’s step back in time for a moment.
If you can sacrifice the “Win” key (which I can’t because I use it all the time,) you need not look any further than the IBM Model M. Those have the most rock-solid construction of any keyboard ever made, but it has one drawback: It’s loud. Really loud. Every key pressed results in a CLICK-CLACK, but the responsiveness is unbelievably good. I have used a few of these, and if one existed with the Win key I would buy one. But that will never happen unfortunately. Asking me to give up my Win key is like asking a Mac user to give up the Apple key, i.e. not going to happen.
Incidentally, the Model M can serve as a bitchin’ gaming keyboard too. Responsiveness counts in any game and many serious gamers choose the Model M.
Now let’s step forward to the present.
Some say the upcoming Optimus Maximus keyboard is the ultimate keyboard to own. And yes that is its real name.
Just to let you know how serious this keyboard is, it requires a power supply to run it. All the keys are backlit, but this one does one better: Each key is a 48×48 stand-alone display. In color. I’m not kidding. This means you could literally program it to display any language. You could also make it look like a Mac or Windows keyboard (just choose your logo.) Or you could program the key displays specifically for a game like Half-Life.
This keyboard also has USB ports, SD card reader and an optional K-Lock.
Why the lock?
Because this keyboard costs over $1500 US Dollars.
Will we be purchasing one for review? Um… no. Don’t think so.
But we’d be happy to receive a test unit. 
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http://www.pckeyboard.com – theese guys own the IBM keyboard tech and have buckling spring keyboards with the Windows key
You can have the IBM Model M technology (buckling spring mechanical switches) in a keyboard with the windows key. I just bought one at http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/customizer.html
They bought the technology from Lexmark, who bought it from IBM. It’s not quite as durable as the original IBM’s (it’s the same as the “Made for IBM by Lexmark” ‘boards made around 1993.
Still, if the original IBM Model M is a 10 for durability, the customizer and the Lexmarks are about a 7-8, where everyone else is a 1-5.
I got one a couple of weeks ago. It’s not an IBM Model M, but very close. It’s better than the other keyboards I have used so far by far, except original Model M of course. That being said, to me, there are also other very good mechanical keyboards out there such as the Dell AT101W, the Das keyboard, or other Cherry switches keyboards.
Pressing control-escape is exactly the same as pressing the Windows key, and it can be done one-handed with ease, especially on the Model M where the escape key is angled towards the user (and thus towards the control key). The wonderful attributes of this keyboard far outweigh the slight inconvenience of pressing two keys instead of one.
And yes, I am typing this on a Model M =)
No, it is not the same. Ctrl-Esc will bring up start menu, but it won’t let you do keyboard shortcuts that use the win key.
The best keyboard in the world has to be the Dell space saving keyboard. Not an ounce of wasted space. It would have been even better if they had cut of the useless number pad. Having worked with computers for 25 years I have yet to use the number pad.
Keith: Having worked with computers for 25 years I have yet to use the number pad.
Having worked in engineering and finance for ten years I can not recall I day I didn’t use the 10-key.
Been using computers 25 years and I use the number pad daily too. But mine’s embedded – no reach to get to it and the keyboard’s smaller as a result.
Also I use Dvorak, great easy home row and more comfortable typing. Speed’s higher too.
As well, my keyboard’s not staggered to the left giving awkward reaches for the right hand and backward twists for the left. We aren’t using typewriters anymore; why are most keyboards still staggered?
Oh, and it’s the World’s Best Keyboard!!
Take a look:
http://www.typematrix.com/ordernew/view_2030dv.php
Have you heard Made in Japan Capacitive keyboard manufactued by TOPRE CORPORATION ?
This keyboard is known as best keyboard in Japan because of the typing feeling and endurance.
I also use this keyboard but nothing I can compare with.
Please see the website below
http://www.topre.co.jp/e/products/comp/index.html
It’s still got the typewriter stagger to the left layout. That’s a deal breaker for me. I almost had to quit typing because of the pain in my left wrist that’s now gone when using the TypeMatrix.
I have a Fujitsu FKB4725. I have had it for 20 years. It’s very responsive, built like a tank and works as good as the day I bought it!!! The number lock light is a little dull. I have seen this keyboard online used for $50 to $60 bucks.
Not to zombie post…
If you liked the model M, check out Das Keyboard. All standard keys (win key included) and its based on the model M. The quality is supposed to be superb.