SOLIDTEK USB MECHANCIAL DESIGN

Comment:
I bought this Solidtek keyboard to replace a failing 2-year old Saitek Eclipse, not the Saitek's fault, I'm a software developer and I type about 40 million characters a year which puts wear on any keyboard.The keyboard that I had before the Saitek was a white Fujitsu mechanical, the best I've ever used, which are now impossible to get. I wore out the Fujitsu too in about 6 years, which is why I got the Saitek, and now it's on to the Solidtek.I decided to purchase a mechanical keyboard again this time because the Saitek wore out too quickly for me.I looked at the few mechanicals that NCIX stocked, and decided to give this one a try.I must admit I'm only 50:50 pleased with this unit.[+] It is nice to have mechanical full-stroke keys again.[-] I wasn't expecting it to be so loud though, this is due to the construction which is all rigid plastic with no damping material. For the price they could have put a damping sheet into it for the $0.05 it would have cost them, and cut the volume in half.[-] It also won't work in USB mode on my ASUS P5KE-Wifi/AP motherboard -- it just hangs the system on power up. So I had to run it in PS2 mode (it's a good thing that they supply the adapter).[-] The keyboard is also designed with the larger L style Enter key, so the | key is moved up beside the Backspace key. I am not used to this style of layout so I always hit instead of Backspace.[-] The keyboard also has minimal spacing between the main area, the cursor area and the numpad. Most other keyboards have at least 2 to 3 times the space.[-] Lastly, NCIX dropped the price by $10 the day after I bought it. :-(Now I'm just whining on that last one... ;-)I'll know in a few months of typing whether it was a good buy or whether it will have to be replaced, I'll have it well worn in by then.

Comment:
This keyboard reminds me of the days of the old IBM model-M keyboards, although the keystroke feel is much lighter and not as loud.I also own a 1990's AT-style keyboard that uses white-alps mechanical keyswitches, but this Solidtek keyboard is much quieter.My only qualm about this keyboard is that the key press aren't as stiff as I would prefer, but that just might take some getting used to.Overall, this is an excellent keyboard and definitely a joy to use compared to those gummy run-of-the-mill keyboards that cost $20 bucks.

Comment:
If you just need a comfortable keyboard to type on, this is the one to get. I have owned a logitech g15 in the past and this is far more enjoyable to type on. For only $40 /w pm, the value is fantastic. my only criticism of this keyboard is that the backspace key is small, but i think i will eventually get used to it. one word of advice: this keyboard is very loud, louder than any non-mechanical keyboards i have ever used. personally though, i enjoy listening to the "clicking" sounds.

Comment:
I docked this one star because it is a loud keyboard, otherwise it would be a five star. For all you more experienced (read, older) folks who, like myself, have been looking for a solid keyboard with the old IBM style 'L' enter key, look no further. This keyboard is back to basics, with the mechanical key clatter, clearly labeled keys, and nothing that doesn't absolutely have to be there. The footprint is smaller than average, but the board is not cramped. Heavy duty cord as well. As I run Linux, this board has exactly what I need and no more.With the exception of the louder keys, I recommend this keyboard and I would buy it again.