Why are modern keyboards BLACK

[pparks1]

Microsoft Ergo Keyboard 4000 - split and angled. I can't use anything else: To the point where I bought my own to use at work.

Yes, those are the exact ergo keyboards that I use. I have 2 of them at home. The only thing I don't like them for is gaming. For straight out typing though, I love them. Fantastic keyboards and a great price.

 

[bigmck]

Hi guys
I find as an older guy using modern keyboards which have black keys with silver / white letters on them very difficult to see sometimes.

The older one's which had WHITE keys with BLACK letters on them far far easier to read seem almost to have disappeared these days.

I've managed tro rescue 2 or 3 of these from "The tip" but can I make a plea here -- not everybody who uses a computer is under 25 these days.

Cheers
jimbo

I couldn't agree with you more. I have always had white keyboards until 3 or 4 years ago when I couldn't find them anymore. I don't necessarily look at the keys all the time, but it causes me to need better lighting so I can FIND the keyboard.

 

[bigmck]

Microsoft Ergo Keyboard 4000 - split and angled. I can't use anything else: To the point where I bought my own to use at work.

Yes, those are the exact ergo keyboards that I use. I have 2 of them at home. The only thing I don't like them for is gaming. For straight out typing though, I love them. Fantastic keyboards and a great price.

Like the two of you, that is what I use and I also purchased one for work. It is about time to purchase another as I have worn the letters off of several of the keys.

 

[valtonray]

i think they are black just because for the last decade most desktop systems sold have been black. now you can still find white keyboards but typically they tend to be a bit plain. there are just certain features i've grown used to.

 

[Lordbob75]

I like black keyboards. I hate white computer parts, feels old (no offense). Plus, black hides dirt. I am NOT a clean person.

I also am a touch typist (although at some point I need to sit down and retrain myself). So the letters themselves make no difference to me, I would rather have an ALL black keyboard with just feeling of bumps of letters or something, that would help me a lot.

I have crap ALL OVER my room, my stereo (that I never use....) is covered, I have random computer and monitor parts all over.

~Lordbob

 

[valtonray]

I would rather have an ALL black keyboard with just feeling of bumps of letters or something, that would help me a lot.
~Lordbob

while it's not all black maybe this would help you. btw why print letter on a keyboard made for the blind?

 

[Lordbob75]

I would rather have an ALL black keyboard with just feeling of bumps of letters or something, that would help me a lot.
~Lordbob

while it's not all black maybe this would help you. btw why print letter on a keyboard made for the blind?

Braille would be pointless for me, as I cant read it, but it might be fun actually, that might teach me.

Unfortunately, my KB I have now I like, and was rather expensive (got a good deal on it though), so I will be sticking with that for now.

~Lordbob

 

[Dinesh]

I feel your pain Jimbo, that being said, I've been typing for 45 years and no longer need to look at the keys anymore...

:roflmao:

 

[noobvious]

I have to look at the keys to type....never learned to type "properly". That said, I have two keyboards that are either beige, or once were white....and I wish I had a black one to match my tower and monitor. Also, after reading through this thread,I think that it would be really cool if the letters were backlit, as I am often at the computer all hours of the night, and don't have a whole lot of lighting on in the room.

 

[smsff7]

I would rather have an ALL black keyboard with just feeling of bumps of letters or something, that would help me a lot.
~Lordbob

while it's not all black maybe this would help you. btw why print letter on a keyboard made for the blind?

So none blind people can use it?

The real question is why would blind people do with a computer?

 

[valtonray]

I would rather have an ALL black keyboard with just feeling of bumps of letters or something, that would help me a lot.
~Lordbob

while it's not all black maybe this would help you. btw why print letter on a keyboard made for the blind?

So none blind people can use it?

The real question is why would blind people do with a computer?

ummm blind people can use a computer. they have software that can read everything out to them. they just wouldn't particularly need a monitor.

 

[Lordbob75]

Ease of access is there for a reason.

~Lordbob

 

[KremmenUK]

I used to have a M$ Office Keyboard which was brilliant. Unfortunately the version of Intellitype needed is not Win7 compatible.

I treated myself to a Wireless Desktop 3000 set which also comes in black = mistake.

In subdued light the keys are difficult to read.
Also, being wireless, there are no NumLock, CapsLock or Fkey Lock lights either.

Now considering one of the wired Logitecs with illuminated keys - are they any good?

 

[Zen00]

I'm using the G110 right now. It's black, but it's illuminated and wired, and if you're into gaming it's good for that too.

 

[CarlTR6]

We are though

Then you haven't seen my room.

i dont enjoy a messy environment either. our house stays pretty spotless. but im sure that will change one day with children.

Believe me; it will! I had four.

 

[CarlTR6]

The question why are keyboard black. Before, this thread and my thinking about it, I just assumed the black makes the white keys easier to see. Not everyone knows touch typing and some people have vision disabilites.

But not in dim light lighting with old eyes.