Keyboard recommendations?

[biggles1000]

I guess this would be the right area to put this thread. I wasn't really sure as I wouldn't consider it an 'issue' or 'problem'.

Anyway, I built my own midrange computer, saving up money to build an awesome one, but my current keyboard sucks. My desk doesn't help, as you can see:
http://www.sevenforums.com/attachme...show-us-your-office-computer-room-my-desk.jpg
that is with the keyboard tray fully extended, and the shadow is cast by a spot directly above it on the ceiling. So as you can see, all the number keys and most of the the qwerty row are obscured. I keep forgetting that any media buttons even exist, as they are completely blocked, even if I move the keyboard over the edge of the tray.
My computer is in my bedroom. Not in any other room as this way it's in my own comfortable. My bed is to the bottom left (area of the picture) part of my room, so I can just lie on my bed and catchup on TV or revision3 shows. As my signature would suggest, I seem to be rambling...
Still, I would like some suggestions for a good quality plug and play fully windows seven compatible wireless keyboard, preferably with media keys and around £50. I explained the bed bit as that is a much more comfortable place to type from as well and my chair is awful.
Thanks for any suggestions

 

[PooMan UK]

maybe an "illuminated" might help

illuminated keyboards

 

[biggles1000]

ooh, those look nice, thanks!

 

[GEWB]

I purchased the Logic 920-000914 wired ultra-thin illuminated keyboard two years ago and I really like it. My wife tried it and within minutes she wanted one - so she got one, too. Newegg link to the keyboard:

Newegg.com - Logitech 920-000914 Black 106 Normal Keys USB Wired Ultra-thin Illuminated Keyboard


Regards,
GEWB

 

[whs]

If you want to use it in bed, a keyboard with trackball would be ideal - then you do not need a mouse. That is all I use, much more comfy than a mouse. I have this one which is very light and easy to haul around: RF Wireless Keyboard with Optical Trackball

 

[biggles1000]

I purchased the Logic 920-000914 wired ultra-thin illuminated keyboard two years ago and I really like it. My wife tried it and within minutes she wanted one - so she got one, too. Newegg link to the keyboard:

Newegg.com - Logitech 920-000914 Black 106 Normal Keys USB Wired Ultra-thin Illuminated Keyboard


Regards,
GEWB

That's a pretty slick looking keyboard

 

[biggles1000]

If you want to use it in bed, a keyboard with trackball would be ideal - then you do not need a mouse. That is all I use, much more comfy than a mouse. I have this one which is very light and easy to haul around: RF Wireless Keyboard with Optical Trackball

Wow. It may look a bit plasticy and chunky, but it still looks awesome! Yeah, that built-in trackball would be handy and I like the way they put the mouse buttons on one side but the rollerball on the otherwise so that you're still holding it and completely in control.

 

[whs]

The scrollwheel is also on the left side - under the clickers on the side. And there is a left clicker on the opposite side by the scrollball. Mine is silver with black keys. These controls are very convenient to operate and you can lay your hands on the table - a lot less fatiguing than a mouse.

For my laptop I also have a mouse - with scrollball. The Logitech - last one on this page: Trackball Mouse Reviews

 

[biggles1000]

The scrollwheel is also on the left side - under the clickers on the side. And there is a left clicker on the opposite side by the scrollball. Mine is silver with black keys. These controls are very convenient to operate and you can lay your hands on the table - a lot less fatiguing than a mouse.

For my laptop I also have a mouse - with scrollball. The Logitech - last one on this page: Trackball Mouse Reviews

wow, that keyboard keeps getting better!
i used a trackball mouse back in 2006 for a while but i was never quite in the environment to justify it's use. thanks for reminding me about them, as this situation would be perfect for it!

 

[seekermeister]

For what it is worth, I have a Saitek Eclipse keyboard with red backlighting, but I really don't like it much. I still use it on my HTPC in my bedroom, but I think that the red color is a problem with my stigmatism, because it seems blurry, maybe a blue backlight would be better. Regardless of the color, I would not recommend this keyboard, because even though they described the keys as being engraved, it fact they are simply painted, leaving the lit areas clear, and the paint wears away, increasing the difficulty to read.

One idea that might help is to replace the desk with a glasstop one. I have the same problem with the keyboard tray not pulling out far enough, but all of the keys are visible through the glass.

 

[seekermeister]

Another idea that might help is to go to Lowes or the Home Depot, they both have keyboard tray rails that you can install yourself, and adjust the amount that the keyboard protrudes by where you attach the rails. These rails also have a better length of travel than some that come with the desks.

 

[biggles1000]

thanks, great table ideas!

 

[MadSupra354]

I use the Microsoft SideWinder X6. On Microsoft's website it's priced at £70, but I got it for half the price!
However, it probably isn't a good choice for the tray your sitting it on. My desk has a keyboard tray, but my desk is huge.

 

[biggles1000]

That's a pretty cool looking keyboard!