I need a new keyboard and monitor—any advice?

[Vidya]

My TVS Gold keyboard has served me well for 20 years now. I thought I’d like a wireless one this time, but I read wireless keyboards don't last very long.

Is there any other keyboard better than TVS Gold, one that will last 20 years? The keys of the TVS Gold are rather hard and I’d like one with softer keys this time, but I don't want something that lasts only a few months or years.

I’m also looking for a monitor that’s about 18 to 20 inches. I want only a good brand. Amazon India has some Dell monitors in this size, but some reviews complain the picture quality isnt that good. Is that because they’re described as LED Backlit? I googled but I didn't understand the difference between LED and LED Backlit.

I’d like a monitor with inbuilt speakers, but I cant find any. looks like i’d have to buy a TV for that and use it as a monitor. Not keen on that.

Thanks for any advice.

[PJ Post]

I know I'm straying from the brief, but...

One of these Ultra-wides. You can really utilize multi-tasking windows and even use multi-screen setups. LG has them for under $300 (lower image). They're fantastic for editing and researching because you can have two Word documents open and visible at the same time, as well as a browser, or whatever else you need.



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJQKLTW



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GL93KG

___

Keyboards are too subjective, but, if you like mechanical switches, this is pretty nifty:



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY32G54

They have a few different colors, back-lit and wireless versions as well.

[TimothyEllis]

It's been a while since I was in India, but back then, tech was a good 5 years behind Australia.

Assuming it still is, you'd be better paying for international delivery, and getting something up to date.

I've been using 34" widescreen monitors for years now, and they allow me to have 3 things side by side at the same time. I'm currently using 34" wide, but half again as high, which gives me the ability to do graphics at a size where I can see the whole cover.

The old style monitors just don't cut it anymore. Especially for writing, where you may have up your manuscript, plus your notes, plus what you're working on for a blurb, or an older book as you search for something to double check you have it right before writing something more about it.

Logitech make good keyboards, and good bluetooth mice. I'm currently using a K850 bluetooth k/b, and MS Master 2 mouse.

Oh, don't go curved wide screen. I've got one, and while its brilliant for gaming, it's not so good for putting documents side by side, or as a second monitor.

[dgcasey]

The monitor I'm using right now is a Dell 24" and the last two monitors I've had have also been Dells. That's going back about 15 years. Can't say a single thing bad about them.

As for a keyboard, I replaced my wireless keyboard last year because I was getting tired of the mushy feeling keyboard and every time I got a chance to try a mechanical it was like night and day. But, not wanting to spend hundreds of dollars on a good, name brand keyboard, I couldn't get myself to buy one.

Then, I was perusing used keyboards on Ebay and found a really nice Corsair Strafe keyboard with mechanical blue switches and was able to pick it up for $40. When I got it, I pulled all the key caps off and cleaned the whole thing, front and back. One of the Shift keys was a little sticky and I found some sticky substance on the pole of the switch and I cleaned that off with a Qtip and some alcohol. After putting it all back together, I've been using it for about ten months now and couldn't be happier. Everything works perfectly, the keys feels great with their clicky feeling and sound and I do seem to type faster and better with it.

[Simon Haynes]

I'm using a Corsair as well, with loud keyswitches. Nothing says 'I'm writing' better than the constant hammer of keys.


As for monitors, I have a three-screen setup using old Samsung 2443s. These are the 1920x1200 rez, not the modern 1080 (which I detest).  Two screens would still be good though - one for writing and the other for web/netflix/whatever ;-)

[TimothyEllis]

Nothing says 'I'm writing' better than the constant hammer of keys.

Which would drive me insane.

The minor click of normal kb's is bad enough. I prefer silence.

[Simon Haynes]

For years I used a Logitech K740, which is a silent backlit keyboard.  I wore all the keytops off and ordered a second one from the US, second-hand. (They're no longer made)

I needed the silent keyboard because of the rest of my family and 2am writing sessions, but now I live alone so it's no longer an issue. I do like silent typing, but I also like the feel of proper key switches.

[TimothyEllis]

For years I used a Logitech K740, which is a silent backlit keyboard.  I wore all the keytops off

I've been using the Kanex bluetooth, which also had the same problem. since the vast majority of bluetooth k/b's have missing keys, it was the only one I could get, and so I've run through a lot of them.

When the Logitech finally turned up, I jumped at the better quality, but alas, it makes more noise. And I'm already wearing off the E.

[Simon Haynes]

I use a PC, but when I'm forced to write on a laptop I'll use the Logitech K740. Can't handle most laptop keyboard, as they're akin to writing on the original ZX spectrum.