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Keyboards Reviews
Updated August 2007
We found the best reviews for computer keyboards at websites devoted to computer hardware analysis. ExtremeTech.com and its sister site, PC Magazine, have the best roundups of standard keyboards, gaming keyboards and other types. EverythingUSB.com's reviews don't really compare keyboards to each other, but they are extensively documented with photos and screen shots, and reviews are comprehensive and balanced. XYZComputing.com's reviews are balanced, comprehensive and comparative, but lack any method of identifying the best products. These reviewers all conduct extensive testing, which requires using keyboards long enough to get used to something different. Editors type in typical business applications, test multimedia features and play games. This is more work and less fun than it sounds if the keyboard isn't comfortable to use or requires considerable adjustment. Most consumer magazines, such as Consumer Reports, do not review computer keyboards at all. Loyd Case, who reviews computer keyboards for PC Magazine and ExtremeTech, says, "Gear like mice and keyboards are intensely personal…some of them may physically work better for some people than others." He adds, "Everyone has differing feelings about issues like tactile feedback, audible clicking, stroke depth, and keyboard layout." For that reason, we give considerable credence to user reviews (while acknowledging that consumers usually lack the frame of reference of professionals who frequently compare keyboards). Also, all the professional reviews we found are by men. Since men and women generally have different finger sizes and shapes, user reviews by women that vary from professional reviews can be helpful for female buyers. As perceptions of keyboard differences are perhaps more subjective than technical, we found mixed reviews of many keyboards, and a surprising number that at least one reviewer doesn't recommend at all. Conversely, we found only one reviewer who doesn't like the Saitek Eclipse II keyboard (*est. $60). Although we found some favorable reviews of the
Reclusa Keyboard
(*est. $55)
, multiple credible reviewers say it's not a great gaming keyboard,
and that for its features it's overpriced. EverythingUSB.com's Scott Clark
explains that for about the same money, you can get a keyboard with lots of
additional features such as anti-ghosting, scissor keys, lockable Windows keys
and integrated displays. At the same time, there are cheaper gaming keyboards
that also offer backlighting and dedicated media keys. Clark does say that the Reclusa is comfortable and responsive. The Reclusa keyboard is a joint development effort between Microsoft and
highly regarded gaming peripheral manufacturer Razer. The Microsoft Habu gaming
mouse (also only favored by a minority of reviewers) is a matching product.
Sal Cangeloso of XYZComputing.com says, "Razer's and Microsoft's input
can both be seen, but instead of getting a great hybrid of the two we have
something that is neither a solid gaming keyboard like the [Razer] Tarantula
or a great media keyboard like Microsoft's Wireless Desktop 7000." Although we cover keyboard and mouse combos in this report, see the separate
ConsumerSearch report on computer mice and trackballs
if you also need
a mouse. Reviewers say that either the keyboard or the mouse is usually not
a great performer in a combo set.
... Continued
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our The Saitek Eclipse II keyboard dominates the competition, according to reviews. The best reviews place comfortable typing above all other considerations, and the Eclipse II shines in that important regard. Gamers might like the Eclipse II as well, but some reviews say they might like the Logitech G15 even more. The Logitech is the better choice for features, but the Saitek excels in all uses. The Razer Tarantula is another gaming keyboard that's popular with reviewers. The Logitech Media Keyboard is the best choice for an inexpensive upgrade or replacement. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is the best ergonomic keyboard, though most reviews of it are older. Advertisement
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© 2008 ConsumerSearch, Inc. A service from 
, a part of The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved.
ConsumerSearch and ConsumerSearch.com are registered trademarks of ConsumerSearch, Inc. Other trademarks or service marks on this site are the property of their respective owners. ConsumerSearch is not sponsored by any source reviewed, and we accept no consideration or payment for including, excluding, or ranking any reviews, products or services in our reports.
* Pricing information is approximate as of the time this report was written and is based on observed market selling prices and/or list prices. Actual selling prices may differ.
