Physical Keyboard

tvandyck7 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 12:55 PM

Just curious... Does everyone's physical keyboard look a bit uneven or wavy between the rows of keys? Mine isn't bad and doesn't affect the functionality at all, but I'm being picky. I don't really remember if it was like out of the box or not.
The keys look kind of concave and the top row and bottom row sit a bit higher than the middle rows. I rarely use the KB so I haven't really paid much attention to it. I saw a post on another forum where someone's keys actually started getting ripped off from hanging on the screen when opened. Mine isn't even close to being like that. My KB actually looks perfect until I look at it in the bright sunlight or a bright light (which will pronounce the slightest of anything), then it looks a bit uneven. Are all of the keys made together or are they separate pieces? Like I said before, I'm just curious how other Droid KB's compare to mine as I'm still well within my 30 days.

Novah · #2 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 01:43 PM

Mine is wavy, and since I've had it replaced once (for stuck pixels), I can attest that my first one was as well. As for the keys getting ripped off, if we are thinking about the same person, it was because they affixed the rubbery case front backwards ...only one side of the case front has a tab on it (to hold the case on), and it's supposed to face away from the keyboard. They'd affixed the tab on the side that slid out over the keyboard and it was catching on keys. I'm pretty sure the waviness is inherent to the Droid. (: No idea how the keys are constructed, though.

tvandyck7 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novah

As for the keys getting ripped off, if we are thinking about the same person, it was because they affixed the rubbery case front backwards ...only one side of the case front has a tab on it (to hold the case on), and it's supposed to face away from the keyboard. They'd affixed the tab on the side that slid out over the keyboard and it was catching on keys. I'm pretty sure the waviness is inherent to the Droid. (: No idea how the keys are constructed, though.

HAHA. I can see how that could happen. I'm using a snap on case as well and top screen edge guard can be installed either way because of the symmetry it. The only way I can tell it is on correctly is by the small indent the leave above the ear piece (and common sense-LOL).
Well that makes me feel better that it is just a quality of the Droid and not unique to mine. It doesn't bother me at all, I just wasn't sure if it was a progressive thing or not.

tvandyck7 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 02:17 PM

Oh... and Novah, WELCOME TO THE GEEK SOCIETY!!! I gave your 1st thanks (reputation) for the help.

Novah · #5 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 02:58 PM

Thank you so much! (: Glad to have a reason to emerge from lurkerdom.

I must say, I've had plenty of my own concerns about the physical keyboard (including the fact that the space bar seems to wobble some from side to side), but mostly, I just wonder if the amount I use it will rub away at the letters, or at least the secondary letter markings...no idea how those keys will react to wear! I suppose once Swype is available in the Market, I won't be worrying about the physical keyboard much anymore

Hoss · #6 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 03:11 PM

The keyboard does appear slightly wavey, more like an accordian effect with the horizontal rows alternating from up to down to up, etc. Doesn't bother me much and have wondered if this will loosen over time or stay as-is. I too worry about the lettering and whether it will remain forever but I have not seen any sign of wear after several weeks of use so no concerns to report yet.

tvandyck7 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 03:16 PM

Yeah. I don't use it enough to wear it out, but I definitely don't want it to fall apart on me. It's nice to have when I need to copy and paste or need to see the full screen while typing. I've never tried Swype but I heard good things about it. Maybe someone will bring it over to android.

Novah · #8 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 03:22 PM

It's on its way! http://www.androidcentral.com/early-...-swype-android

I can't stand the portrait keyboard, and I like seeing the full page when I type, so I tend to gravitate towards the physical keyboard, even though it gives my thumbs quite a workout in comparison to, say, my brother's ENV Touch's keyboard - Swype will be a godsend

tvandyck7 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 03:39 PM

Wow. That does look handy. I'd use it, especially since it will also work like normal. Too bad they are testing it on the Eris. It would be nice to have a beta version for the MotoDroid.

tvandyck7 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009, 04:02 PM

Has anyone tried ShapeWriter? It's the same thing as Swype. There is a trial version and the full version is $6.99. I'm going to DL the trial now. I might give it a try and see if it is worth $7.