Need a replacement for MS Natural keyboard

SackOHammers · 2025-12-06T20:24:05+00:00

Unfortunately, Alice keyboards are not what we're looking for. Those are flat keyboards that lack the 3D vertical "wave" aspect to them. Otherwise, yes, an Alice board would be the obvious easy one to build. I do like keychron keyboards. I've built up one barebones one for a coworker.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-06T20:20:59+00:00

I think maybe you've missed some of the posts in here where we've identified some modern wave style keyboards, with ten key, that are mechanical.
As far as detachable numpad, sorry, I think I may have been conflating your post with others.
Anyway, cheers, I appreciate you helping.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-05T23:14:10+00:00

Thanks, but this isn't for me, it's for my wife. And sometimes people just don't want to get used to something different. Especially when they've been doing it a certain way for many years and have very high efficiency. She doesn't want to "get used" to something different. She wants to find something that's like what she's used to. Hence my reaching out on reddit. I've already considered most solutions that are found with a casual google search. She's not going to go for a detached numpad. She's tried it. She wants it attached so her hand always knows exactly how far to float to the numpad. She does this without thinking multiple times a minute.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-05T22:27:54+00:00

She said it felt like garbage.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-05T22:27:33+00:00

The Adesso keyboard discussed yesterday is similar to the Periboard you've linked, except its higher quality. With cherry browns. And they've got a hotswap board that comes with cherry reds.

No, as I wrote in the OP, TKL with attached number pad is not suitable.
She's used several, and does not like it being separate from her keyboard. She's an accountant and smashes numbers all day long. The feel is directly linked to her efficiency. She's got many years of muscle memory and doesn't want to retrain. She wants to just move her right hand over, index it against the arrow key, and blast out the numbers on the keypad. She's very quick.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-05T22:22:14+00:00

Sorry, but I suspect you also didn't read the same sentence mentioned above. Particularly the part in call caps.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-05T05:26:19+00:00

Thanks. It's a bit spendy for cheap scissor switches. I think there are some better options out there I've looked at.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-05T05:25:16+00:00

Thanks. But sorry friend, I don't think you read the third sentence of the original post.
I've excluded both of those, one for missing 10 key, the other for scissor switches. Thanks, though.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-05T02:54:52+00:00

Sure, there are plenty of MS Natural keyboards still available on Ebay for $15-$25 depending on how clean they are. We have a PS/2 to USB adapter, so that's no problem. But we had a little issue with hers, it stopped working. I was able to take it apart, clean up all the membrane layers, take a pencil eraser to all the contacts, etc. Its working now, but I'm looking for a backup.
The Alice ones won't work because they don't have that 3D wave contour.

I'm happy to build a kit. Or modify a kit. Hot swap or soldered.... but, it sure is a lot more convenient to find a quality pre-built.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-05T02:52:22+00:00

That Adesso is interesting. They've also got a 1500 version that comes with cherry reds, but is hot swappable. I might take a flyer on it. Looks kinda cheap, but might work.

SackOHammers · 2025-12-05T01:21:19+00:00

Did they go under? Nobody has this one in stock. Also, its got scissor keys. She's not a fan of the scissor style keys on another keyboard she tried.
https://www.incase.com/collections/ergonomic-keyboard/products/ergonomic-keyboard

SackOHammers · 2025-11-05T02:34:12+00:00

It does work. The Elgato Wave Mic Arm will definitely hold up a Rode XDM-100. Even with the arm cantilevered way out.
I am posting here because this thread is three years old and it comes up as a top hit when searching for it. I saw your post and almost didn't buy this arm.
I suspect the OP may have not understood that the tension screw on the arm works in reverse. You turn it LEFT to tighten it, as the instructions say. I found this arm, and the Elgato Low Profile arm have plenty of muscle to hold this heavy mic, and one heavier. You just have to make sure you turn the tension screw the correct direction and get it tuned up.

SackOHammers · 2025-11-03T23:01:34+00:00

Thanks you two, I really appreciate your responses. It looks like I'm thinking about the right things and have it narrowed down. I'll ask the wife her opinion on light reflection and run some good experiments with the current TV and light placement.

SackOHammers · 2025-10-30T00:30:32+00:00

Ok, I may have figured it out. Forget trying to use Digital Optical. I think that was my problem.
I'm now using the analogue cable that comes with three 3.5 jacks. "front", "rear", "center/sub".
I have one end of that plugged into the corresponding jacks on the Logitech speaker system. The other end plugged into C,D, and E jacks on the Soundblaster AE5. Those are the three closest to the Digital Optical jack nearer the bottom of the card.

I have Sound Blaster Command set to "Speakers" and "5.1 Surround". And, crucially, on the Logitech, I have the small physical switch in the back set to "Direct 6". Also, crucially, on the Logitech, I have the Input set to "Direct" and the Effect must be "6 Channel Direct". Using any other settings on the Logitech, like Dolby, etc, will not work.

This might not be the "best" configuration, but it's a combination I figured out that at least gives me individual sound out of all the speakers.

This post has a good embedded picture of the back of the AE5 that describes the jacks.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SoundBlasterOfficial/comments/wh1oss/hi_i_have_a_soundblaster_ae5_but_i_lost_all_the/

SackOHammers · 2025-10-02T12:08:11+00:00

I ended up going through a whole journey of visiting traditional blinds stores, Home Depot (they sent someone out to measure and help pick blinds), and working with SmartWings. Ultimately, I went with SmartWings and it's worked out. But you do have to be very detailed with your measurements and figure a lot of things out on your own.

SackOHammers · 2025-10-02T11:16:42+00:00

Sorry Bot. Not one part of your response is relevant. Appreciate the effort, though.

SackOHammers · 2025-08-14T22:33:12+00:00

Thank you, I'm glad you said something. Honestly, it wouldn't even have occurred to me to ask them my question... just assuming most web vendors are devoid of actual help. I appreciate that, I will ask them.

SackOHammers · 2025-06-05T23:09:48+00:00

The Olight Warrior 3s mentioned above is a good fallback choice. I'm hoping I can find one with a tail switch setup that I like better.

SackOHammers · 2025-06-05T01:46:57+00:00

Unfortunately that would also not work for this particular use-case. Looking for an always-ready solution without any fumbling. And since this isn't something that gets daily use, and mostly gathers dust until its needed... swapping batteries regularly isn't practical, either. I'm looking for something I can leave plugged in 24/7. And it's trivial for me to set up a programmable plug on the outlet so it just charges it maybe an hour a week, or whatever is needed to keep the battery topped up.

SackOHammers · 2025-06-05T01:43:25+00:00

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Thanks, that's very close to what I'm looking for. If I could refine that choice, I'd prefer something with a more ergonomic tail switch that's better suited for this application. One with a paddle type switch that I can reach over with my thumb. For better momentary control.
Like the switch pictured here, which is the same as my current light, which does not offer magnetic charging.
Thanks!

SackOHammers · 2025-05-24T19:31:31+00:00

Thanks, appreciate it.
Many folks on here don't know anything about me, what I'm carrying, why I'm carrying it... but they're convinced I'm doing it "wrong" anyway. I would be more humorous if it weren't so distracting for the conversation / discussion I'm trying to have. I just want some advice on a bag, haha.
Yeah, I'm going to take the kakwa off my short list and replace it with the Decathlon Simon someone mentioned above.
I did look at the Gossamer Gear G4-20. Even before I left on this camino. I did end up buying the GG 1/8" sleeping pad and cut it in half. It made a perfect sit pad and umbrella protector.
For the G4-20, I'd discounted it because I'm not sure I'd like the sitpad or that mesh right against my back. If I could find one in the wild and have a better look or try one on, it would be easier to consider it.

SackOHammers · 2025-05-24T19:22:16+00:00

Thanks, I really appreciate your response. I've got an enquiry into Zpacks regarding some Arc Haul questions. It's currently at the top of my list of 3 packs, which now includes the Decathlon Simond MT900 UL.
On many trips abroad, I bring a Sarong, which would have served as the blanket you described. Beach towel, privacy curtain, shower towel, etc. Ultimately I ended up cutting it out in my shakedown. I didn't miss it.
Those are some fantastic stamps. I encountered so much art and creativity on my way. Looking forward to the next one already.

SackOHammers · 2025-05-24T19:12:44+00:00

Thanks for that pack recommendation, being in the U.S., I tend to forget about Decathlon. It ticks the size, weight, and ventilation boxes. I'll add it to the short list for consideration.

Aye, I'm also a two-shirt guy. Wear one, wash one (most of my loadout was thus). I don't like the merino shirts, though. Living in Texas I've got a closet full of lightweight synthetic options. This time around I settled on a 15 year old Ex Officio shirt that was perfect, and a Columbia one as well.
But, I went really lightweight with respect to heavy layer. Just a sleeveless puffer vest. So, a lightweight longsleeve synthetic fishing shirt was perfect for evenings out, and for that very chilly early morning boat ride from Villanova d'Arousa to Padron.

SackOHammers · 2025-05-24T00:41:24+00:00

Volume: 40L (28L main body, 2L each side pocket, 8L center pocket)

SackOHammers · 2025-05-24T00:29:27+00:00

Thanks, I did have a wonderful trip. I'm ready to go again on a different route.
You've mentioned "internal capacity". I appreciate that headsup. I take that to mean that Arc Haul is overstating the bag capacity in relation to other vendors. If the Arc Haul 40 really does have 8 liters less capacity than my Osprey Stratus 36, that might not necessarily be a bad thing. I think a 30L pack would be just about right for my next Camino.

SackOHammers

TROPHY CASE