Macally USB Slim Keyboard - ICEKEY by Macally
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Digital camera reviews of Macally USB Slim Keyboard - ICEKEY
Digital camera Review: Excellent keyboard.
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the reviews here before buying this keyboard and I must say that I agree with all the positive comments about the superior comfort and quality of this keyboard. This keyboard is a real pleasure to use -- it is just what I was looking for.
While this keyboard offers all the unique keys that Apple's keyboards offer (volume controls, eject, brightness controls via F14 and F15), those unique keys don't work right out of the box. The keyboard comes with a disc and you have to run the installer to get these to work. (The installer loads a kernel extension. Presently, a version of the installer for Intel Macs is available from the Macally website -- dig around under their "Tech Support" link.)
I really like the "laptop style" key travel, but I did have to get used to the low profile of the spacebar relative to the edge of the keyboard housing. This was actually a good thing as it prompted me to hold my hands in a better typing position.
Oh, and about that strange "extra" key down in the bottom row -- I think I found out why it's there. This keyboard apparently comes in a "Windows" flavour which uses the extra key. To see what it looks like you can use the A9 web search (or Google ;-) to look for DS International -- they call it the KB-5000.
Digital camera Review: Excellent replacement for Mac keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
It was inevitable that the kids would spill something on the 3 y/o original Mac keyboard. I tried a Logitech keyboard from WalMart but the lack of a command key, no volume keys, and squishy keys were deal-killers. I bought this Macally based on other reviews, and I am thrilled with it.
The keys don't have a long down stroke, and they provide an excellent tactile feel when the key is depressed. It's not a loud clackity-clack by any means, like the old IBM keyboards that Gary North likes. I sense that I am typing faster that I used to, probably because of the key response and the shorter stroke.
This keyboard does have volume increase, decrease, and mute buttons and DVD eject buttons like a Mac original keyboard. The help-home-page up-del-end-page down keys are also arranged like the Mac original. There is a little extra key at the bottom right. It did throw off my fingers for a few days when trying to hit 'control' but my fingers learn quickly. This keyboard is an excellent replacement for the Mac original.
If I could make a design change, it would be the direction of the USB ports. Instead of sticking out from the left and right ends of the keyboard, I'd put them on the top end nearest the computer. Sticking out from the sides, they take up an inch of desk space. Not terrible, but worth a look. (Maybe it's an IP idiocy issue.)
Regards,
Brian & Amy
Digital camera Review: Excellent replacement for white Apple keyboard
Summary: 4 Stars
Bought this to replace my aging white Apple keyboard. The keys were starting to stick when hit off-center, which made the data-entry portion of my job a pain (literally). I wanted something other than the slim, silver Apple keyboards of today, so gave this one a try. So far, I'm loving it. Great key response with minimal effort, and quiet. The little notches that help your fingers find the "home" position are also large enough that they probably won't wear away, like the dots on my Apple keyboard did.
Also it's a very nice-looking keyboard. Not quite as artsy as the Apple ones, but still looks like it belongs with my 24" iMac. A small ding on the score due to the need to install software for the volume and other specialty keys to work. Other than that, I'm very happy with this purchase.
Digital camera Review: Excellent, yet curious
Summary: 5 Stars
The keyboard so far is great. I've been using it for two weeks now, and only have 1 minor complaint. If I am being lazy, slumping back in my chair with my thumb resting across the base of the keyboard, it is sometimes a little tough to 'thumb' the space bar, because of the low profile of the keys. This issue does not bother me, because I quickly adjusted, but I thought I would point it out. The curious part has to do with 2 keys and an apparently useless LED.
First the keys; There is a blank key on the bottom right of the main set of keys. No idea what it is for. It doesn't seem to do anything. I suppose you could map it to something useful, but I have no idea how to do that. The other interesting key is the num lock/clear key. This ties into the numlock LED. Pressing the numlock key does not seem to toggle the numlock LED. Likewise, I don't know what the keys do if numlock weren't on. No alternatives are listed on the keys. Not a big deal, just kind of peculiar. I use a keyboard to make a living as a software developer. I really like this one.
Digital camera Review: Expect to Replace it in a Year or So...
Summary: 2 Stars
I'm writing this review after having the keyboard for about a year, so keep that in mind in comparison to other reviewers who are eager to sing it's praises once they get it out of the box. It's the best looking keyboard I've ever owned and the key response was very good at first (just a light tap was all it took) but over the course of one year the spring mechanism underneath the keys started to wear out and the keys became unreponsive (flat.) The more a key is used (space bar is the first to go) the faster it will lose response.
Usage was moderate: two users using it mostly on weekends and nights for 12 months.
There is no print screen button which can be an annoying surprise.