I have been updating the home computer. Today I purchased a new keyboard to replace the Microsoft “Internet” keyboard I have been using. The old keyboard has been serviceable, but it always felt “cheap” in its key action. You know, the keys are a bit “wiggly”. The whole keyboard just felt like plastic.
I also use the computer late at night in a darkened room. Not totally dark, as I had to have a light to see the keyboard. I am not a great typist so I do have to look to hit all the letters.
The feel for which I was looking was something like the Apple wireless keyboard I bought for my Mini-MAC. Not the newest version but the one before. I totally liked the feel of that keyboard.
Well, I have found it. The keyboard I purchased and I am using to write this is the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard. Yes the letters are lighted and that is a big plus for me. A bit pricey as you can see in the link but I already like the feel as well as the lighted keys. What I really like is it is a very standard keyboard without a lot of special purpose junk just cluttering the board. I knew it was a winner when I picked it up off the store shelf. This is a heavy keyboard. It just said quality to me.
The few nits you will read in the web site are just that, nits. I still don’t work in total darkness but I don’t need the light on the keyboard any more. The keys are quite like the Apple board. Not dead quiet, but no click. It is quieter than my laptop. That is good.
The second item that showed up today was my Wacom Bamboo pen tablet. It matches the style of the new keyboard. I played with it a bit but it is too soon to make a judgment. There is a learning curve for sure but so far I have found it is as expected. The strangeness is the tablet represents the entire screen. So it is not like a mouse where you can lift, move back and push again. There may be a setting to do that but I haven’t found it yet.
SO, I have some new improved input devices. I wonder if my output will also improve.