Wireless Keyboard/Mouse combo recommendations? (Page 1/2)
williegoat JAN 02, 12:27 PM
It's time to replace my desktop keyboard and mouse. I don't need or want anything fancy with all the extra keys that do everything from start your car to brew coffee. I just want something reliable that doesn't eat batteries like they were Cheetos, and I see no reason to spend $70 on a stupid keyboard.

It used to be that Logitech was always a safe bet. Is that still true? Any recommendations?

This cheap "Gear-Head" brand key/mouse combo has lasted me about five years:

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Jonesy JAN 02, 12:53 PM
Microsoft makes good quality keyboards and mice.. You can get a nice ergonomic keyboard thats simple with media features (volume, fast forward, ect) for pretty cheap. Same with their mice, a simple mouse from microsoft is probably about $10 to $20.


I personally use logitech keyboard and mouse, some of the more high end ones tailored for gaming..

Here's a nice combo set for a pretty good price.

https://www.amazon.com/Micr...194464_t1_B07WKRXG3C

[This message has been edited by Jonesy (edited 01-02-2021).]

Monkeyman JAN 02, 01:07 PM
I'm a fan of Logi (what used to be Logitech) although I don't think they have the same quality they used to have. I use a keyboard and trackball both for work and home so they get a LOT of use. The keyboard I've found that works the best is a Logi K350. It's not a fancy keyboard but it's got everything you'd need for daily use. I get 4-5 months use out of one. You can find them Amazon for about $35. Like I said, mine get worked HARD. Probably 10 hours a day of pretty constant typing.

As far as a mouse, I don't use 'em. I've used trackballs for years. Much more ergonomic and easier to use. I use a thumb ball and the Logi MX ERGO is my go-to. I won't use anything else.
williegoat JAN 02, 02:02 PM
Thanks for your help, guys! I just ordered a Logitech MK335 from Amazon for $26. That's just about what it costs to get a pizza delivered.
Jonesy JAN 02, 02:22 PM
Yeah thats a nice one.. I don't like "straight" keyboards though.. After long gaming sessions they make my wrists hurt, lol.
williegoat JAN 02, 02:44 PM

quote
Originally posted by Jonesy:

Yeah thats a nice one.. I don't like "straight" keyboards though.. After long gaming sessions they make my wrists hurt, lol.


I don't really use the keyboard a whole lot. Most of the time I am either reading on the internet, annoying everybody on PFF, or editing music or photographs. I don't play games and don't do a lot of typing, so half the time (like right now), I am leaning back in my chair with my feet propped up on a guitar amp and the keyboard is in my lap.

A keyboard of standard size and configuration is just right for me and the new one is actually slightly smaller than the one it will replace.
Jonesy JAN 02, 02:57 PM

quote
Originally posted by williegoat:

I don't really use the keyboard a whole lot. Most of the time I am either reading on the internet, annoying everybody on PFF, or editing music or photographs. I don't play games and don't do a lot of typing, so half the time (like right now), I am leaning back in my chair with my feet propped up on a guitar amp and the keyboard is in my lap.

A keyboard of standard size and configuration is just right for me and the new one is actually slightly smaller than the one it will replace.



What type of Amp are you rocking?

Fender Princeton Chorus stage amp here. Got two 12 inch celestion speakers in it..

Super creamy cleans, and fantastic gain/distortion channel.. Never needed a distortion pedal, its that good. (Other than my Big Muff, lol)... Oh and of course it has a built in Chorus effect.

williegoat JAN 02, 03:28 PM

quote
Originally posted by Jonesy:

What type of Amp are you rocking?

Fender Princeton Chorus stage amp here. Got two 12 inch celestion speakers in it..

Super creamy cleans, and fantastic gain/distortion channel.. Never needed a distortion pedal, its that good. (Other than my Big Muff, lol)... Oh and of course it has a built in Chorus effect.


My feet are on a Fender Rumble 25 that sits next to a Champion 20. I only play at home so that is all I need.
theogre JAN 02, 03:49 PM
Many Should NOT use wireless KB and "Mice." Besides they eat batteries or need changing, many have big security problems.
Logitec and some others w/o using Blutooth have some encryption software but when battery dies often lose the encrypt keys and few will check and relearn after changing/charging the batteries. But Many units w/ Blutooth have problems too.

As to wear out after only a few years... Even just a year or two...
Very few KB including some higher $ units have keys that will last long.
Unless you "touch type" Ergo KB's are fairly useless. If has disable user is often worse then useless.

If you eat/drink near KB then most key marking ink wears off and fast. Even when food/drink doesn't get on/in them.
If you work on cars etc and touch KB w/ dirty hands have same problem.
People let finger nails touch then often have same problem and not just long nails either.

The only keys that last here is keys double molded w/ 2 colors of plastic so marking is in the key.
Even they wear out but can see markings longer.

Many different KB "guts" and switch types to cover here fast. Even best switches won't last long w/ food/dirt getting at them. Oddly while many claim "membrane" switch KB suck, they last better in dirty spaces because plastic layer keep out all but worse crap. Many "membrane" switch KB can be cleaned even then.

Even Original IBM and Apple KB in 80's made a lot better then nearly all current units had same problems. Now Some current units from Dell and others have drain holes so Business owners don't have a warranty claim for every coffee soak KB.


quote
Originally posted by Jonesy:
Microsoft makes good quality keyboards and mice..

M$ Does Not make KB's or anything else and never did.
M$ KB and most other things are made by whatever 3rd party is "cheap."
Example: Keytronics made many M$ KB for years but don't know the current maker.

But M$ had good KB software and supported macros too but stopped many features in newer IntelliType Pro.
I'm using an old version ITP so can still use macros in FF etc. I have FF macros for °F, Ω, and others because needs HTML Special Characters for many of them.

Logitec and others make crap to good KB and "mice" but very few work well w/ left hand.

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(Jurassic Park)

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Jonesy JAN 02, 03:51 PM

quote
Originally posted by williegoat:

My feet are on a Fender Rumble 25 that sits next to a Champion 20. I only play at home so that is all I need.



Yeah i only play at home these days. But 20 years ago me and my band would play gigs at the local bars on the UA strip.. So its bigger than i need these days, but i could never get rid of it for something else. I've owned Marshals, Crates, Peavy, Pig nose, none of them, in my opinion, can match the Fender.. At least i don't have to worry about lugging it around anymore lol..