# old-fashioned type wireless keyboard? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 31, 2015, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466 "2015-01-31T22:23:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![KlondikeGeoff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3e96dc/32.png) [@KlondikeGeoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KlondikeGeoff)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2015, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/1 "2015-01-31T22:23:05Z")
OK, I am old enough to have used a typewriter for years before computers showed up. I member the early IBM keyboards that had a tactile feel and click that was not all that far from a typewriter. i loved them. I see the new ones now seem mostly to have flat keys more like a laptop (which is why I never enjoy typing on a laptop). There are still a few of the older type keyboards around, but none than I can find that are wireless. I used a Logitech trackball for years, and when it died about a year ago, I got a new one that has a wonderful little transmitter that plugs into a USB port. It is so tiny, one can hardly see it, so looked to see what their keyboards were like that connect to the same “Unifying” transmitter. All flat keys that have a very poor feeling. So, does anybody know of the old type keyboard that is wireless? No luck searching. Thanks in advance for any suggestions (other than telling me to get into the 21st Century). 😃 ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2015, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/2 "2015-01-31T22:42:49Z")
I don’t have a specific recommendation, but when googling you might want to add “mechanical” or “clicky” to your search terms. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2015, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/3 "2015-01-31T22:57:36Z")
Good quality, wireless mechanical keyboards are apparently rare or virtually nonexistent enough to get at least one enthusiast to build his own. > **[Wireless Das Keyboard Modification - Build log — ivanyu](https://www.ivanyu.ca/blog/2014/2/2/wireless-das-keyboard-modification)** > > As someone with an affinity for both wireless devices and mechanical keyboards, I am saddened that wireless mechanical keyboards are few and far between. Only a handful of models exist, and unfortunately none of them quite fit my tastes. For this... [Das Keyboards](http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2455340,00.asp) have the quality and tactile feel you describe (at a fairly steep price) but even they do not offer a wireless version to the best of my knowledge. The enthusiast above mated a Das Keyboard with an HP wireless keyboard to produce a hybrid like you describe. Unfortunately, I don’t believe any commercial models with the same specs are available even today. That sounds like a business opportunity for someone. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2015, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/4 "2015-01-31T23:15:06Z")
> [@KlondikeGeoff](#): > > I used a Logitech trackball for years, and when it died about a year ago, I got a new one that has a wonderful little transmitter that plugs into a USB port. And like all wireless input devices, spends far too much time not working or working poorly. You can’t buy the wired trackball any more, which is or should be a crime. I have had two wireless ones that I gave away (rather than pound into sand with a sledgehammer), and I pursue good-condition used wired ones on eBay, along with a good many other folks, which drives the price considerably past their original MSRP. (I have two spares on hand now.) I don’t have time to f\*ck with wireless devices when wired is a perfectly good option that never fails to connect or needs batteries. Other than the market forces that are pushing you to find something nonexistent, why are you spending more money for less reliable performance from a keyboard you don’t like, when good, ol-fashion clicky-key keyboard with tails are cheap and reliable? ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2015, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/5 "2015-02-01T02:36:17Z")
What nest? Carbon fiber buggy whips? ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2015, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/6 "2015-02-01T03:25:08Z")
I don’t know if this is what you’re after, but I am writing this post on [this Logitech wireless keyboard](http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Desktop-MK320-Combo/dp/B003VAGXZC/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1422760961&sr=8-11&keywords=logitech+wireless+keyboard). The keys stick up. They click when I type. It’s sort of a noisy damn keyboard, but a dream for swift typing with few errors. I love it. I would say that it’s just like all of the keyboards that went with all of the desktop computers I used in the 1990s. Probably easier typing than keyboards from the 1980s, but I was a child then, so my memory gets fuzzy. I’ve had it for about a year. I think it needed new batteries once. I use it for hours every day. And it comes with a mouse. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2015, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/7 "2015-02-01T03:26:28Z")
Good quip…but how is a tactile-feedback keyboard as obsolete as a buggy-whip? It’s a nice ergonomic option, and provides extra accuracy in typing. Some of us like trackballs, others hate 'em. Neither is obsolete, and both should continue to be supported. ---
**Author:** ![straight\_doped](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@straight\_doped](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/straight_doped)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2015, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/8 "2015-02-01T08:38:04Z")
this was the first google result from “wireless mechanical keyboard” > **[Amazon.com: XArmor U9W Nano USB RF 2.4 GHz Wireless (and Wired) Mechanical...](https://www.amazon.com/XArmor-U9W-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B004S862FW)** > > Buy XArmor U9W Nano USB RF 2.4 GHz Wireless (and Wired) Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Brown Switches - Includes USB Power Cord for Low or No Battery Operation Perfect for Keyboarding, Gaming, or Typing: Gaming Keyboards - Amazon.com ✓ FREE... i believe is it exactly what you are looking for. i myself prefer the blue switches, which is what i am typing on right now. loudest keyboard ever, but it the tactical response/feel is THE best imo ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2015, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/9 "2015-02-01T08:48:34Z")
The [Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 800](http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/wireless-keyboard-800/2VJ-00001), which I’m typing on right now, has a pretty good tactile feel to it, and is also fairly noisy, if you’re into that. They seem to be easy to find in stores, too. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2015, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/10 "2015-02-01T10:28:21Z")
Heh. I would love a wireless trackball, but the only ones I’ve found are either right-handed or tiny. I use a Kensington Orbit with scroll ring. As for keyboards, I would love a wireless version of my Ducky Shine 3. ---
**Author:** ![KlondikeGeoff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3e96dc/32.png) [@KlondikeGeoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KlondikeGeoff)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2015, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/11 "2015-02-01T17:14:43Z")
> [@straight\_doped](#): > > this was the first google result from “wireless mechanical keyboard” > > [Amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com/XArmor-U9W-wireless-mechanical-keyboard/dp/B004S862FW) > > i believe is it exactly what you are looking for. Thanks, you are right, that is exactly what i am looking for. However, at that price, i’ll stick with the good old USB keyboards I have now. 😃 Thanks for all the other input guys, it has been interesting. I did a lot more searching (not “Googling” as i use Duck Duck Go) and am surprised that there are companies still making the good old IBM type boards, but at prices too high for me to bother. I am really intrigued with the idea of building my own wireless keyboard. I built my own stereo units for years, and built many computers (which y’all know isn’t that complicated, but impresses people) so am looking into that. Something to keep me out of trouble fora while. So, my hopes have been dashed for finding one at a reasonable price. It is not that important, as long as good ol’ USB is available. I got a USB extension cord to give me more flexibility where I place the keyboard, especially when I want to stand up to type. Thanks, everybody. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/12 "2015-02-02T01:40:31Z")
I think I’m confused… Are the new variety of keyboards made with “inert” keys? No actual motion to a keystroke? You place your finger on the spot indicated? Sort of like a touch-screen? Or is there some actual key motion – a physical key physically descends some fraction of an inch? I had thought the OP was referring to the former, but the picture linked by **Alessan** looks like it has physical, moving keys. Is the complaint about the lack of rising “tiers” of keys? The picture in the link seems to lack that feature, and I’d sure need some time to get used to that. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/13 "2015-02-02T02:08:44Z")
There’s key motion but it’s a “soft” switch underneath. A sort of [bubble in the membrane](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/30/Keyboard_Construction_Layer.JPG) that gets depressed. What the OP is looking for is a mechanical keyboard with an [actual mechanical switch](http://cchotspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/general-mech-pic.jpg) under each key to give it a solid click. Unfortunately for the OP, the biggest users of mechanical keyboards are gamers and thus the keyboards command enthusiast/hobbyist prices versus the standard soft types used in offices and homes everywhere. Also, most enthusiast gamers prefer wired products for better reaction speeds (and no unfortunate battery failures) so, again, wireless mechanical keyboards aren’t especially popular. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/14 "2015-02-02T03:33:38Z")
**Jophiel** : Ah! Gotcha. Thanks! I guess I’ll just have to try one some day to see. I don’t suppose anyone markets a wireless module you could plug the tail of an old-style keyboard into? Keyboard \> remote dongle ~~~~~rf signals~~~~ host dongle \> CPU? (I just love saying “dongle.”) ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/15 "2015-02-02T03:57:09Z")
Microsoft Ergonomic Sculpt Keyboard is both wireless and possessing of mechanical switches. It uses the flat keys, so the key doesn’t travel as far as the classic keys do, but it’s got a satisfying crispness to it. I adore typing on this keyboard, but as a gamer, I sadly had to go back to the mushy-but-wired keys of the Microsoft 4000. > **[Amazon.com: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001 ) :...](https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Ergonomic-Keyboard-Business-5KV-00001/dp/B00CYX26BC)** > > Amazon.com: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001 ) : Electronics If they ever make a wired model I would be all over it. I’d guess the detachable numberpad is holding them back since they need a wireless receiver for that bit, anyway. It’s a crying shame, though. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-fashioned-type-wireless-keyboard/711466/16 "2015-02-03T02:36:01Z")
> [@Sattua](#): > > I don’t know if this is what you’re after, but I am writing this post on [this Logitech wireless keyboard](http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Desktop-MK320-Combo/dp/B003VAGXZC/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1422760961&sr=8-11&keywords=logitech+wireless+keyboard). The keys stick up. They click when I type. It’s sort of a noisy damn keyboard, but a dream for swift typing with few errors. I love it. I would say that it’s just like all of the keyboards that went with all of the desktop computers I used in the 1990s. Probably easier typing than keyboards from the 1980s, but I was a child then, so my memory gets fuzzy. The ad says the keys are low profile, though, and I’m currently typing on a different Logitech model (K250) that also has low profile keys. I don’t really like how shallow the depression is with these low profile keys, and I swear it makes my typing less accurate.