FiringSquad Keyboard Guide

More Recommended Keyboards

Thresh's comments in BLACK

Kenn's comments in BLUE

Kenn:
These are the "clickiest" keyboards you'll find. Using a patented "buckle-spring" method, the keys on the Lexmark are a little harder to press than the Avant Stellar or Northgate, but feel much more solid. Some have complained that they keys are a bit too hard to press down, but if you've grown used to them, they're a pleasure to work with. Unfortunately, I don't believe these keyboards are being manufactured anymore as well (good things just don't seem to last nowadays). As noted before, the keycaps are removable, so if you ever get the urge to switch to some weird layout, such as the surprisingly popular Dvorak keyboard, the IBM will suit you perfectly. This is the keyboard I use, and it's about 10 years old now, a testament to its toughness. If it ever breaks, I'll probably spring for an Avant Stellar or Omnikey if I can find one.

http://www.lexmark.com/

Lifetime Series Designer - Keytronic
Thresh:
If you're not ready to spend a couple hundred bucks on a keyboard, the Keytronic Lifetime Series Designer Keyboard is a darn good choice. The keys feel crisp, but are softer to the touch and quieter than tactile-click keyboards. It's made of high quality plastic, and doesn't bend like its lower-end cousins. No left function keys on this puppy, but its high-quality feel makes up for its lack of features. The keyboard only comes in black, which can be an added bonus or a drawback depending on the rest of your system. If you're looking for a no-frills, high-quality keyboard, check out the Keytronic Lifetime Series Designer keyboard.

http://www.keytronic.com/designer.stm

Keytronic Lifetime Designer

Focus 2001 - Focus Electronics

Kenn:
A couple years ago Focus used to make excellent keyboards. Their Focus 9000 keyboard was relatively well made, had a good tactile feel, dual function keys, and a built in calculator- all for under $50. Unfortunately, they discontinued that model when they switched their product line to include the Win95 keys. Their new line of keyboards are stylish, but have a mushy, unresponsive feel. The Focus 2001 is the only keyboard from their original lineup that is still being manufactured. The Focus 2001 is a basic, no-frills keyboard, but has a solid mechanical-click tactile feel and is very durable. The keyboard's main drawback is its hideous plastic cover which is supposed to double as a paper/file holder, but fortunately is removable. (I always throw away the cover) Priced around $20, the keyboard a good deal for gamers looking for a solid budget keyboard. I had one for a few years, but eventually three keys broke on me (that's when I picked up the old-school Lexmark I'm currently using). I do think it's due more to having huge ogre-like friends banging on it while trying to play Doom rather than shoddy construction, but you've been warned.

http://www.focus-usa.com/fk2001.htm

Focus 2001