How long does your keyboard last?

I bought a Microsoft Natural Multimedia keyboard almost exactly a year ago and the space bar flew off today.    I managed to get it reattached but now it sticks and doesn't work correctly... slowing me WAY down.  So, now I have to switch back to my regular flat keyboard until I get a new one ordered and rush shipped.  I'm having a hard time with a normal keyboard after using the nice split one for so long.

I need recommendations on a good keyboard that isn't going to cost me an arm and leg.  Something that will last a little longer or is 1 year about the life of one when used so much?  (Full time MT working 40+ hours a week, doing household paperwork, and also working as DH's secretary for his new business about 10-15 hours a week typing letters, doing bookwork, etcetera.  On top of that also some private usage/emailing)  I'm on the computer a LOT.

• How long does your keyboard last? - Bella
  • same keyboard 4 years - Anna
  • I go through 1 keyboard a year..(sm) - getting older
  • Question about these, is the wrist rest removable ? or - sm -
    • Not removable on the Microsoft Natural Multimedia, not sure about others. nm - Bella
      • Thanks, I did not think it was, it is on the regular "natural" one though - nm -
  • There is one of these on Amazon right now for $84 - nm - XXX
  • About 1 to 1-1/2 years. I buy the $19.99 keyboards. sm - CTS
  • My Logitech cordless is 5-years-old and works fine - sm - XXX
  • I just bought a Microsoft Natural Ergo 4000 from Officemax - sm
  • Keyboard - Patti
    • Same here, I have a Logitech and the letters are worn off, SM - MT50
    • About 6 months. And guess what... - MSMT
      • keyboards - Jaedy
      • Got mine on Amazon too. I've really liked it... will have to look around too then. nm - Bella

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That key printing never wear down because the letters are part of the key itself.  They just don't make them that way anymore because it is too expensive to make.  Some of the mechanical keyboards like Cherry have what they double shot key imprinting and the letters are part of the key itself and don't wear off. That IBM keyboard is very noisy from the type of keyswitch it has so you may not like that.  Logitech and Belkin make some membrane switch keyboards that are supposed to have longer lasting key imprints.  I have a logitech that has the longer lasting key imprints and it is pretty good.  You have to look on the specs to find out if has the longer lasting key printing.

I have experimented so much with keyboards and have done a lot of research.  Way too much info.  

Okay, any lefties use this keyboard? How long did it take to get used to? I use my left thumb for the space bar and I notice on a diagram of the keys that I would always be hitting the backspace key.

I'm really interested in getting a better keyboard. I destroyed my left hand and wrist the other week when I fell because I'm becoming a real klutz.

I bought the Soft Flex gloves, but they only help a little bit. My production is down because of it and it's driving me crazy. I can only type an hour without stopping and then have to rest the hand for some time.

I did buy a Microsoft 2000 keyboard but have yet to recieve it. Is this a good one?

Do you use a keyboard tray with it or just set it on the desk? Do you think a kayboard tray would be the least expensive item right now that would help with a straight keyboard?

Any info you can provide to help me in making any decision would be greatfully appreciated.

'Scuse me for being old school, but I've only ever used a straight keyboard.

For longtime comfort which is best - split keyboard mounted on chair arms or split keyboard to be used on the desk?

Also, why the preference over split keyboards that come totally apart versus split keyboards that are permanently connected at the top?

I want to revamp my office and there are so many different options.

I used to make $70,000 and up a year and did so for most of the late 80s and 90s (one girl used to make six figures a year working 7 days a week!)  Because we were making more money than the supervisors and Medical Records Directors in hospitals, they began to switch to transcription services which were sprouting up all over the place.  Plus AAMT came into existence and even though in the beginning it claimed it was to fight for transcriptionists (although assured us it was NOT a union), they eventually morphed into an organization that was more management friendly.  They developed the "guidelines" and the 65-char line.  That was the beginning of the end for those high-end wages.  Then all those mickey mouse transcription schools popped up, and now outsourcing overseas.  YES, we're complaining. 

I'm very sorry that your lines are 90 characters line and you get paid by gross lines.  You are cheating yourself - that's not my fault.  You cannot change the definition of a gross line.  So I gues I'm not understanding what you are trying to say.  Now if you are trying to say that your line equals 90 characters and that's how you figure your lines, than you are not using gross lines.  You have defined a line to be 90 characters, whereas most MTSOs define a line as 65 characters.  If that is the case, then I must say again, you are cheating yourself.

So which is it, do you get paid by gross lines or by a 90 character line?

If neither one works then you are not getting a reading or connected via the received.  Have you pushed the "connect" button on both?   Are by accident using rechargable batteries?  Are the batteries good?  I have a rechargable Logitech now and thinking back to my one that wasn't to remember  how it works.  Sometimes you have to move the receiver around a bit so that it can receive the connection as that is how it works.   Are you sure you are plugged into the correct port on the back of your computer.  I am sure you have checked all of this but just going over in my mind what I would check  Again, you have to sometimes push the connect button simultaneously  on the keyboard and the connection base station.   But move the base station around, recheck the batteries and that is all I can say.  I could not type a couple of time but moving my base made it possible.  GO onto Logitech and check out their site for help also. 

Good luck - Patti

I found one in my pile of old computer stuff that I'm sorting through.  It sams NMB The Right Touch and it is a heavy keyboard with a big round plug-in, not USB or PS2.

I left e-mail address, if you want it let me know and you can have it for postage. 

Ha!  What a nut I am!  I wondered "why does she want to know where I am?"    Go to:  www.comfortkeyboard.com.  There are three models, but a lot more expensive than Goldtouch or Maxim.  I think they're worth it, though, as they do come totally apart.  What d'ya think?

are the A-angle keys hard to get used to or is it a natural feel?

i tried the microsoft ergo keyboard - gave it a good try - but it just did not work out.  wound up selling it.

is the ksb with the A angle keys easier to adjust to?

thx for your time!