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Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 6:01 am
by intx
What keyboard is still in production that, from someone who has used and generally liked the Logitech UltraX find an acceptable replacement?

Thanks

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 3:47 pm
by Reachable
The closest I've tried is a keyboard from Rosewell (NewEgg's house brand) called the Rosewell RK7431. It's a little smaller, doesn't have the classy appearance, and is not quite as quiet as the UltraX, but it's basically an attempt to copy. It's quite inexpensive.

Another alternative I tried is the Logitech illuminated Keyboard with Backlighting. It's so quiet it makes the UltraX seem loud. It's a luxury item. I'll admit, though, I didn't like it. The letters are laser etched on to the keys, meaning they are transparent, so you need the backlighting even during daylight. The letters are located in the center of the keys, which would take some getting used to if you are a hunt-and-peck typist. It's expensive -- I got mine at about half price but it still wasn't cheap.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 5:10 pm
by goatsandmonkeys
I think logitech still makes scissor switch keyboards. I woudl reccomend buying the cheapest one available. Rubber dome based keyboards seem to wear out quickly.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 1:01 am
by Vicotnik
I have the same problem. I love my Logitech UltraX flat and I have a spare one just in case. Both are PS/2 though and I will probably need a USB keyboard for my next build as PS/2 connectors are disappearing fast. There was a USB version of the UltraX and I curse myself for not getting one while they were still available..

I've tried the Ace KL300 but didn't like it. The new version of the UltraX is also no good. That Rosewell board looks really nice but I cannot find it here in Sweden.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 1:14 am
by Modo
The Logitech K750 looks like a nice upgrade. For simpler designs, look at Cherry Easyhub, and Cherry Infinity. The Cherry ones can take much more punishment than Logitech products.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 8:37 am
by AhamB
The UltraX is really out of production?! That has been my favorite keyboard for the past 5 years or so! I'd better get myself a spare one quickly, if I can find one.

The K750 is wireless -- no way I'm getting wireless stuff, especially mice/keyboards.

Edit: found one for 12,99GBP on ebay! There's still more than 10 available, with reasonable shipping costs. Ebay item # is 350454869006.
For German users there's lots more on ebay, but others probably won't want the German layout.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 2:03 am
by Vicotnik
AhamB wrote:Edit: found one for 12,99GBP on ebay! There's still more than 10 available, with reasonable shipping costs. Ebay item # is 350454869006.
For German users there's lots more on ebay, but others probably won't want the German layout.
That seems to be the newer version (sometimes called 'premium'). It's still available in many places but it hasn't got the same feel as the original UltraX Flat.

edit: Right now I'm considering either a PS/2-USB converter (not a "passive" one, they don't seem to work with my keyboard) or an Apple keyboard with numeric keypad. They are expensive though, and perhaps not ideal for a non-Apple computer.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 7:58 am
by AhamB
Vicotnik wrote:That seems to be the newer version (sometimes called 'premium'). It's still available in many places but it hasn't got the same feel as the original UltraX Flat.
I had the older UltraX "Media" version which had different media buttons with text instead of symbols below them, but it didn't feel different to the later Premium version that I got. I tried the (more compact and completely black) Logitech UltraFlat though and that one did have a less damped, more rattly feel compared to my UltraXes.

Is this the original UltraX? http://dobrochan.ru/src/jpg/1001/Logite ... yboard.jpg

Anyway, the UltraX Premium doesn't seem to be in stock anymore in any shops in the Netherlands. I found one shop that has 2 pieces left of the black version.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 3:36 pm
by intx
AhamB wrote:
Vicotnik wrote:That seems to be the newer version (sometimes called 'premium'). It's still available in many places but it hasn't got the same feel as the original UltraX Flat.
I had the older UltraX "Media" version which had different media buttons with text instead of symbols below them, but it didn't feel different to the later Premium version that I got. I tried the (more compact and completely black) Logitech UltraFlat though and that one did have a less damped, more rattly feel compared to my UltraXes.

Is this the original UltraX? http://dobrochan.ru/src/jpg/1001/Logite ... yboard.jpg

Anyway, the UltraX Premium doesn't seem to be in stock anymore in any shops in the Netherlands. I found one shop that has 2 pieces left of the black version.
My original UltraX has a PS2 connector. This looks to be a second version, as it has an USB connector (i think this is the premium version, maybe someone here can confirm that).

You should also be aware that the UK UltraX keyboard has a different layout than the US UltraX keyboards. Something I didn't realize until later.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 5:21 am
by AhamB
That picture that I linked to isn't the Premium or Media version that I had. Mines look like this: http://cokupic.pl/i/c_big653567.jpg (except the Media version had buttons like that other picture I linked to).

Thanks for the heads up on the UK layout being different -- I just checked it out and the only difference I see is that the enter key is L-shaped and the backspace is a small key with the backslash to the left of it. The backspace being small could be kind of annoying -- I like it being big much more than a big enter key. Maybe I'll cancel my order...

Edit: Here's a PS/2 version on ebay: 150373316730
Strangely I can't find any other UltraX with US-layout on ebay??

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 5:53 am
by Vicotnik
AhamB wrote:Is this the original UltraX? http://dobrochan.ru/src/jpg/1001/Logite ... yboard.jpg
Yes, that is the original. The first ones had PS/2 connectors (I have two of that version), the one on the picture is the USB version. I could kill for one of those. ;)
AhamB wrote:Mines look like this: http://cokupic.pl/i/c_big653567.jpg (except the Media version had buttons like that other picture I linked to).
That's the newer version. Not a bad keyboard, but it hasn't the same feel as the first one.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 8:55 am
by mastabog
Sorry to resurrect this zombie of a thread but do any of you know whether the USB version of the UltraX works with a passive USB -> PS/2 adapter, i.e. to be then used on a PS/2 port.

(please don't ask me to buy a USB card for that machine .. it's for a very different purpose).

Cheers

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:36 am
by ces
[quote="mastabog"]Sorry to resurrect this zombie of a thread but do any of you know whether the USB version of the UltraX works with a passive USB -> PS/2 adapter, i.e. to be then used on a PS/2 port). I have a Logitech mouse that works well like that.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:40 am
by mastabog
I do too but that's irrelevant. I'm interested for this particular keyboard, the UltraX. Not all USB keyboards work with a USB->PS/2 passive adapter.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 10:02 am
by Vicotnik
UltraX USB keyboards came bundled with a passive adapter I think. So it should work.

edit: Typing this on a Cherry USB keyboard btw. So I finally found my decent replacement for Logitech UltraX gen1 PS/2. :)

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 8:41 am
by MikeC
Vicotnik wrote:UltraX USB keyboards came bundled with a passive adapter I think. So it should work.

edit: Typing this on a Cherry USB keyboard btw. So I finally found my decent replacement for Logitech UltraX gen1 PS/2. :)
So please share -- which Cherry model is it? http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/keyboards/index.htm

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:31 am
by Vicotnik

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:19 am
by MikeC
Vicotnik wrote:Oh, sorry. It's this one
- http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/keybo ... /index.htm
Hey, that's really cheap too -- found one for $27 shipped in Canada. Wanna say what you like about it?

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:44 am
by Vicotnik
To me it feels right, almost like the original Logitech UltraX Flat. It has the classic layout, with insert, del, home, end, pgup and pgdn in the proper place. LEDs are amber and not that bright. I also like the color. :)

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 1:57 am
by Das_Saunamies
I've tried the Cherry Stream XT, very nice keyboard for the price. Special mention should be made for the precise key travel, demonstrated to some degree here: http://youtu.be/vHoOPW73wkQ. The keys travel "true", as in a repeating, uniform fashion. This adds confidence to typing, as you can reliably tell when the key is activated.

Other pluses for me were the solid build/heavy weight and the unintrusive indicator lights. My Ducky's lights might cause retinal damage in prolonged use.

If I was to move away from Cherry MX mechanical switches, I would probably get the Stream XT as a replacement.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 11:42 am
by JazzJackRabbit
Ugh... glad someone else has asked this question. And sad that no one has found a good replacement. I have several of UltraX. I'm ashamed to say the one I'm using right now is so filthy it feels sticky :shock: on humid days. Unfortunately I just do not know of any good replacement for these. UltraX keyboards have the best key response I have ever seen from a keyboard. Any other keyboard feels cheap in comparison.

If only I could find an ergonomic keyboard like of the the old microsoft keyboards from years past, but with ultrax keys.....

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 1:46 pm
by Reachable
JazzJackRabbit wrote:Ugh... glad someone else has asked this question. And sad that no one has found a good replacement. I have several of UltraX. I'm ashamed to say the one I'm using right now is so filthy it feels sticky :shock: on humid days. Unfortunately I just do not know of any good replacement for these. UltraX keyboards have the best key response I have ever seen from a keyboard. Any other keyboard feels cheap in comparison.

If only I could find an ergonomic keyboard like of the the old microsoft keyboards from years past, but with ultrax keys.....
Perhaps one of the other Logitech keyboards would suit your fancy. I'll repeat myself by saying that the keys of the Illuminated Keyboard are superior to even those of the UltraX.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 3:21 pm
by JazzJackRabbit
Reachable wrote:Perhaps one of the other Logitech keyboards would suit your fancy. I'll repeat myself by saying that the keys of the Illuminated Keyboard are superior to even those of the UltraX.
I think I tried it before and didn't like it as much. Plus it has double sized delete in place of ins key which I do not like. I can try it again, but I doubt my impressions will change.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 1:35 am
by nutball
I have one of these

http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/keyboards/keyboards/7288

and I find it quite nice. Better than the corded Logitech illuminated keyboard I have one of at work (which I think is out of production now). IMO it's also better than the UltraX, which I never really got along with.

I do wish manufacturers would make more keyboards without a numeric pad - I find it totally redundant, all it does is shift my mouse 10cm to the right on my desk.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 3:24 am
by Pappnaas
Vicotnik wrote:Oh, sorry. It's this one
- http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/keybo ... /index.htm
I just realised that i'm sitting at one of these keyboards (at a serverroom of a customers).

This keyboard comes really close to the UltraX and typing on it feels good.

I tried the Logitech illuminated wireless and found whole keyboard reacts "softer" to the touch, adding some wobbly feeling while typing.

After having used both keyboards: +1 for Cherry.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 2:02 pm
by Mats
Have anyone used one of these?

Fujitsu KB400, KB520. Different key profile, I'd really like to try one tho.
http://www.fujitsu.com/fts/products/com ... index.html

Enermax Aurora Lite looks a lot like my PS2 Ultrax under the keys, but it's only available with English and German layout.
http://www.enermax.co.uk/produkte/perip ... alite.html
http://www.techreaction.net/2011/07/25/ ... -kb010u-b/

Here's a comparison of the Windows key, There is a metal clip in the UltraX (only present in Shift, Ctrl, etc), and the Aurora has a reinforced key cap.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:01 pm
by Pappnaas
The Fujitsu keyboards come with those cheap placed Fujitsu-PC. Tried a few while setting them up.

They seem to have no scissor mechanics and do feel ordinary cheap compared to the cherry. But they are quiet and look acceptable, typing is sufficient, so it depends. YMMV.

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 2:00 am
by Mats
Pappnaas: Thanks for the feedback!

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:32 am
by kor_
I just bought a Fujitsu KB900 to replace my old UltraX. This keyboard is a bit larger and the buttons are smooher to press. But the overall "feeling" of the keys is quite good (it's not as "snappy" as UltraX, but still good). I asked directly from Fujitsu and this keyboard should have the scissor mechanism (havn't checked yet).

I'm happy with this keyboard. Hopefully it will last as long as the UltraX did :)

Re: Decent replacement for UltraX Keyboard?

Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 2:15 pm
by plonk420
whatever the fuck you do, do NOT get the Rosewill RIKB-11001. bought two in a sale, and i'd prefer the oldest, <50% unreliable keyboard you could find to it. can't touch-type on it (well); the touch is terrible. there's no spacing between the number row and the F-row. trust me. you never think it would be an issue until you experience it. so the earlier Rosewill suggestion makes me a bit skeptical.

edit: i got a few of the Logitech Illuminated Keyboards for $30 on a black friday. they're pretty amazing. keys aren't quite as stiff as Ultra X, but they still feel quite nice. my main issue is that i've had keys come off for various reasons. and they're usually a pain to get back on. and after my recent move, i broke a few more to the point where i can't spare any to fix them. (i replaced the ] key with scroll lock at one point)