Tools of the trade: Keyboard

The keyboard is probably the most used part of the computer. I recently wrote a piece for the magazine where I suggested that most of us probably don't think enough about these essential tools and make do with the basic models supplied with a new computer. This can be false economy if the design of the keyboard makes it uncomfortable.

Computeractive reader Roger Lawrence asked that I share the model of the keyboard I claimed had lasted five computers. Read on for the exciting reveal...

So here it is, the Logitech LX501. The white one, though to be honest that wasn't really an issue for me.

I like it because the action of the keys is comfortable with just the right amount of force needed to let me know I've pressed the key without being so hard as to strain my hands.

My oldest keyboard is one of the early Microsoft Natural keyboards. So old in fact, that it connects with PS/2 (though luckily there is a USB adapter). As a touch typist (one of the most useful courses during my A-Levels) the split between the two halves fo the keyboard doesn't affect my typing but is very comfortable.

Sadly it fell out of favour as it doesn't have any extra keys for controling volume or media. So I have to say that I'm quite excited about the upcoming Microsoft natural keyboard. The curve isn't anything like as extreme as the one above but I'm still looking forward to giving it a go.

My current keyboard in the office, and the one that gets the most use, is the Logitech Wave. It's now about three years old (you can read my review here) and seems to be doing ok with no more wear than some of the transfers on the keys. Although it is comfortable to type at there are a couple of minor annoyances. There's no scroll wheel as the LX501 and I've never used the zoom keys in its place. Also the menu key is missing, so if you want to access spelling corrections, the keyboard combination is the Fn key and Print Screen. This is something that annoys me every couple of days, which isn't trivial when you consider how long I've been using the keyboard!

The Wave is also a corded keyboard, which means I don't have to go searching for batteries every so often.

That's my selection of favourite keyboards, what does everybody else use?