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What do you think is the best Keyboard upgrade for iMac?

Turnpike

Turnpike

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 2, 2011
591
326
New York City!
This isn't just a "best keyboard" thread, I did search. Here's my SPECIFIC goal-

I've been a PC guy my whole life, and just bought an iMac (yesterday) to use daily for all my internet fun/work/research, knowing that it's how I will learn to use Mac computers and software the quickest.

I just can't get used to the flat profile keyboard that they come with, and I WANT TO KEEP TO THE MAC COMMANDS, as I'm taking online courses (Apple & Lynda.com) to learn all the commands, shortcuts, and so on that are involved with using a Mac to be as efficient as I can with my work (includes graphics work, will include Photoshop, etc...). So I'm looking for a keyboard that not only has "regular" PC style external keyboard keys (or something like that) but I'm also intersted in keeping the Mac layout/commands. Price is not a concern.

Best pro (using every day, all day) keyboard recommendations? Advice from the Mac users out there will be appreciated!

Thanks! :)
 
Razer Blackwidow (regular and Ultimate) have Mac versions.

The function keys on the top are shifted slightly and there's some extra function keys down the left side. To me, the benefit is that they have mechanical keys. Other than the extra function keys, they have the same keys as the Apple keyboard w/numeric keypad.

The regular has no USB port. The ultimate has one USB port, but requires 2 ports on your computer to help power the backlighting.

Amazon usually carries the Mac version. The online Apple store carries them as well.
 
If you want a high quality reliable keyboard, go mechanical. If you want to keep the Mac function keys and volume buttons, etc, then you have one awesome choice:

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/onthestick.html

I have one and I love it. I actually have three Unicomp keyboards in the house, all being used regularly. Unicomp bought the machine parts and patents for the original IBM Model M keyboards that we all grew up with in the 80s and early 90s. They can be noisy and not appropriate for some environments, but if you care about build quality, reliability and performance, this is the keyboard to get. I prefer buckling spring over other mechanical switches. And with the Mac keys on the unciomp, you don't have to compromise. I like being able to mute, adjust volume/brightness and have all the convenience of the crap Apple keyboard that comes with the iMac without sacrificing the awesomness that is the Unicomp.

The price might seem high, but considering this keyboard will last you 30 years or more AND the letters won't wear off, ever, it's worth it. Consider that I have an IBM Model M from 1989 that looks and functions as if it were new. I'm not using it as my daily board, but it's here and it works.
 
moonbeep said:
I bought an Apple Pro 7803 black Keyboard for my iMac and love it,it has 2 USB ports on side of Keyboard

You can find them cheap enough on likes of Ebay.............
Click to expand...
Except for most things on ebay you need paypal. And it didn't answer my question. The Apple Pro keyboards while nice are not mechanical.
 
I have this one

logitech-dinovo-keyboard-mac.jpg


logitech-dinovo-mac.jpg


Logitech dinovo mac edition.

I hated the stock keyboard. This one actually matches the design of the imac better then the stock keyboard.It has been rocksolid, and is still on the original batteries two years later:eek:
 
Bear said:
Does this keyboard have any USB ports? I couldn't find that information on their website.
Click to expand...

No, but a USB hub could solve that. Others might say it's "ugly," while I find it classic looking and simple. Function over form. I write for a living, so I need a quality keyboard. Can't tolerate rubber dome or scissor switches.

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Rogue. said:
That's one ugly keyboard :eek:
Click to expand...

I think it looks fine. Considering it will look and function exactly the same 20 years from now, I'd say that looks don't matter so much as quality and reliability.
 
BasilFawlty said:
Anyone have any experience with This Keyboard?
Click to expand...

That looks promising. If you want to know more about mechanical keyboards and how each of the different types of switches feel/sound (ALPS, Cherry, Bucking Spring) you should consider going to geekhack.org. It's basically the place to go on the internet for anything mechanical keyboard related.
 
Bear said:
Funny the manufacturer isn't listed as Apple. Also, it isn't anywhere near what the thread starter was asking about.
Click to expand...

it is not manufactured by apple but it still an apple keyboard with apple commands. i didnt see that he didnt want a thin keyboard
 
Turnpike said:
I just can't get used to the flat profile keyboard that they come with, and I WANT TO KEEP TO THE MAC COMMANDS, as I'm taking online courses (Apple & Lynda.com) to learn all the commands, shortcuts, and so on that are involved with using a Mac to be as efficient as I can with my work (includes graphics work, will include Photoshop, etc...). So I'm looking for a keyboard that not only has "regular" PC style external keyboard keys (or something like that) but I'm also intersted in keeping the Mac layout/commands. Price is not a concern.
Click to expand...

Just use your favorite PC keyboard and re-assign the keys to match the Apple layout. The Windows key is the same as the Command key, while the Alt key is the same as the Option key. You just have to swap the command and option. Go to System Preferences --> Keyboard -> Keyboard ->Modifier Keys... and do the switch. You won't get the special function keys (brightness, Mission Control, Launchpad, iTunes controls) but those aren't necessary anyway.

FYI, I use a 23 year old Northgate Omnikey keyboard on my iMac. It works fine.
 
KylePowers said:
I used to use a diNovo Edge long ago when they first came out (custom PC at the time). It was such an awesome keyboard! Plus it was gorgeous. Not sure if it's changed at all though

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126008&Tpk=dinovo edge
Click to expand...

I stopped using mine. Not great in many ways . . . Just sitting here in its cradle for no reason.

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Logitech Illuminated Keyboard. If wired is OK, I find everything wonderful about it. It has the typical control/windows/alt function key layout, and you set them for whatever you want in the system prefs.
 
Hi Chorny,
I agree with that one also - I have 2 of those (1 for Mac, 1 for a PC).
Also have the Logitech 810 (I think that's the model), which is illuminated + cordless, which suppose to be 'improvement' on the 'Illuminated', but the prob. is that the illumination'll switch-off (at pre-determined time {like 5~7 sec}), which defeats the purpose of having it illuminated...
This keyboard has (luckily) removable recharging cable, so if you want to have the keyboard illuminated you have to leave the keyboard plugged-in constantly...
Don't know if that would be detrimental to the rechargeable batteries inside.
So I'm not using that one now.
 
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