Cherry G86 series programmable USB keyboards

[Steph]

I just stumbled across these two keyboards of the G86 series:

http://www.cherry.de/english/products/images/G86-61400_468.jpg
SPOS G86-61400
http://www.cherry.de/english/products/keyboards_16740.htm
I also found a huge, high resolution picture of the keyboard for a closer look here (http://www.edgb2b.com/images/produit/produit_la_71824.jpg).

http://www.cherry.de/english/products/images/G86-63400_468.jpg
SPOS G86-63400
http://www.cherry.de/english/products/keyboards_16748.htm

I think I will upgrade from my G83-308 to this G86-61400 in black. =]

[Memn]

I really like the SPOS G86-63400, but cannot seem to find a retailer with it.

Need MOAR keys!

[daviddoran]

Anyone know of a US Retailer? Or a way to get it in the US? Pricing?

[Ajuga]

I really like the SPOS G86-63400, but cannot seem to find a retailer with it.

Need MOAR keys!

Wifissime ('http://www.wifissime.com/ms2fr/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=59&products_id=1153') has it at only 281.10 EUR! Wow, it aint cheap.

How about an x-keys keyboard ('http://xkeys.com/xkeys/xk12884.php') instead?

[Steph]

I requested a quote for these from my regular PC-shop. The POS in the name means point of sale. Unlike most of the products of the company, this is not really something that is regularly sold over the counter to end customers, but sold via distributors to people setting up cash registers instead. Kinda like Vetra's focus. Once I got the price, I will let you know.

I have been using my Cherry G83-308 for years now, and am completely convinced that it was worth the 100+Euro I paid for it back in 2002! :D

[Ajuga]

I have been using my Cherry G83-308 for years now, and am completely convinced that it was worth the 100+Euro I paid for it back in 2002! :D

Can I ask you to sort of give a review? How's the software? Easy to use? Enough features? What features? And how's the hardware? What kind of buttons (tall or low laptop-like)? Ergonomy? Etc.

Ohh, and can you reprogram all the "normal" keys on the SPOS G86-61400, so ie. the Windows and Caps Lock keys could be used for spells rather than.. well, being in the way?

Thanks!

[Steph]

I posted about the G83-8308 keyboard before: Cherry G81-8308 Keyboard ('http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums/index.php?page=Thread&postID=33132#post33132').
I did not look at the thread before posting this one, but after looking for it now I see that I already posted the pictures of the two keyboards above in there.
That should take care of the review of the old G32-8308 as such. I do not have one of the G86s yet.

To your specific questions:
>> How's the software? Easy to use? Enough features? What features?
The software is basic, without any eye-candy. It does the job though. Keyboard layouts can be saved and loaded. That includes programming that has been created on the fly.
Keep in mind that this stuff is targeted at professionals who set this up for the commercial end users. The software is functional and has it's windows help files, but it is not overly ergonomic.
The above is regarding a software package from back in 2002 for the PS/2 8308 though. I am sure that by today there is a new and improved version.
At http://www.cherry.de/english/service/download.php you can download the software package and manuals if you want to give it a look.

>> And how's the hardware? What kind of buttons (tall or low laptop-like)? Ergonomy? Etc. Ohh, and can you reprogram all the "normal" keys on the SPOS G86-61400, so ie. the Windows and Caps Lock keys could be used for spells rather than.. well, being in the way?
These things are build to last. Full size keys with full depth keystroke. The reason I would want to go for a newer G86 is that the programming via USB is faster (PS/2 takes 2 minutes or so due to the low bandwidth) and that there are no gaps between the number row, the function key row and the additional keys. On the G83, the only keys that can be programmed are the two additional rows on the top. All other keys have normal default function. For the G86, I expect the one with legend able keys all over the place to be fully programmable, while the one with printed keys will have only the keys on the top programmable.

[Ajuga]

Thanks a lot.

I downloaded the software, but couldn't start it without a keyboard - what I saw looked good though. For anyone interested I read in the manual that you can get extra 1x2, 2x2 keys. I can imagine using a 1x2 for space/jump and perhaps make a huge 2x2 red IWIN button :P

Steph, if you decide to get one I hope you'll review it here or send a PM with your experience of the device.

[Xzin]

perhaps make a huge 2x2 red IWIN button :P

Did that already :)

[jurence]

This entices me simply because of the fact that I can have a whole block of a board with no letters on it. That is all. I want people to see me (well i guess they will be thrown back by me playing 5 wows) tapping on a keyboard with no labels randomly with my left hand.Lol.

I still want to get the footpedal thing working