Anyone buy new Matias OSX Keyboard?

This keyboard isn't even shipping yet, but you can get it for $39.99 with free shipping while it's on pre-order. Looks like a good keyboard. Judging by the reviews of their Tactile Pro, I'm hoping it will be just as good. From what I understand, it uses rubber dome switches, so it shouldn't be nearly as loud...but it still has the special characters on all the keys, and a couple of other features, such as a Tab key in the number pad area...very cool.

The keyboard won't ship until late February, but I'm buying a Mac mini in a few days, and with the ship times being what they are, I figure they should arrive at around the same time.

Two USB ports, eject key, and volume keys...seems like it could be a very respectable replacement to the Apple keyboard. I've never been impressed with Macally's keyboards...so ugly. This one seems to complement the new approach to design Apple is taking.

Linky:

http://matias.ca/osxkeyboard/index.php


Just wondering what other people's thoughts are on this keyboard, and if anyone else is pre-ordering it.


EDIT: They are also offering a $20 piece of software for it that allows you to create custom keyboard commands. Here's a quote from their site about the software:

"The OS X Keyboard works even better with Key Maestro automation software. Key Maestro lets you set up your own custom keyboard commands that can be triggered much faster using the OS X Keyboard's extra Control key. You can create new menu shortcuts, automate frequently-used commands, control iTunes or other applications running in the background, and much much more."

mkrishnan said:

The idea to print all the extra characters on the key somewhere is a nice one. I'm not personally looking for an external mac keyboard, especially not one with wires, but I guess, that if I were, I'd expect it to match at least one of the Apple styles a little bit better. But other than that, I guess it seems like a thoughtfully designed keyboard from a *functional* standpoint.

Click to expand...

I think the style is a bit plain...but I've yet to see a third party keyboard I actually thought looked good. Actually, I don't even like the looks of the current Apple keyboard. IMHO, the best looking keyboard Apple made was the Pro Keyboard that shipped with Quicksilvers...black keys....mmmmm.

Anyway, from a style standpoint, I prefer this over the current Apple offering, but all the other third party keyboards I've seen, especially the Macally, have been "overdesigned"....so I guess it's nice to see a really clean, white keyboard. To me that matches Apple's designs right now better than even their own keyboards.

andiwm2003 said:

how about this one? at least its small........

http://peripherals.engadget.com/entry/1234000813025740/

but for me only bluetooth keyboards are an option. although the usb hub might be useful.

andi

Click to expand...

I read about that one, but I don't think I'd have the patience to relearn typing..lol