For nearly two years, I've been using the PC version of the Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard, and I've been quite happy with it.
I've always been a huge fan of the feel of the IBM Selectric typewriter keyboard - perfect keyboards, not too noisy, incredible feel with a definitive release. IBM simulated that with bucking spring technology of the original IBM PC and its follow-ons, and I used those keyboards too, and thought they were the best at the time.
These days there are some similar keyboards for the Mac, and I've tried them all, but never really liked any of them. The feel just wasn't right, and while they had a similar sound, they were just too noisy, or too 'fake' feeling. It's hard to describe, but... they just didn't work for me, and I kept going back to the Apple keyboard.
The diNovo Edge isn't anything like those keyboards. It's more like a very high quality laptop keyboard, but with much better "feel". It's got smooth travel -- and not too short, which is a common failing (see the Apple aluminum keyboard, which I've also tried) -- a good 'release' feel when you make contact (but before you bottom out on key travel, and good layout. (It feels similar to the original IBM Thinkpad keyboards, if you've ever used one of those.)
Unfortunately, while it worked, it wasn't really made for the Mac, and you had to play some games to get it to function. But I liked it enough to recommend it back in November of 2006.
Well, this week, I replaced that keyboard with the new Logitech diNovo Edge Rechargeable Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac. (And it has an awesomely catchy name. Not.) They've reworked the key layout, improved operation, and written Mac drivers that work well and activate various application-specific keys. Plus, it has built-in rechargeable batteries that last about 30 days per charge, and comes with a little dock charger thingy.
No, it doesn't clack. It's not a selectric. But it's got a good feel, nice (adjustable) flat profile, excellent build quality and -- to my hands, and in my opinion -- it's the best modern keyboard out there.
30 Aug 2008 at 09:38 pm | #
Hey Dave,
You should consider adding a “Zen” tag to this post
BTW, SD! is the greatest backup utility ever! I’ve started helping a friend with her Mac and have her on SD! now. Her first backup took over an hour. But the next time it only took 12 min. Boy was she happy!
01 Sep 2008 at 12:54 pm | #
Glad to hear it, Joely! (Now I have to figure out why I didn’t get an emailed notification of your comment...)
13 Sep 2008 at 03:07 pm | #
Hello!
I have a Intel iMac 2 Ghz Core Duo and want to buy a MacBook or a MacBook Pro. Is it possible to copy my “Backup-all files” of the iMac to the MacBook or will I get trouble because there are two different kinds of computer?
Thank you, Thomas
13 Sep 2008 at 04:32 pm | #
You’ll typically migrate when initially prompted to “copy from another Mac”. You can migrate from the original Mac or a full SD! backup.
01 Dec 2008 at 04:53 pm | #
Ahhh… somebody with similar preferences in keyboards. I’ll definitely will be looking into these keyboards. Thanks!
04 Jan 2009 at 12:23 pm | #
Nice article.!
04 Jan 2009 at 01:12 pm | #
Amazing entry there..I’ve bookmarked your site for future reference.
05 Jan 2009 at 01:17 pm | #
Good stuff..I’ll be on the lookout for more in times to come.
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