Thoughts: Nokia E75 Keyboard

I'll come out and say it. Initially, the E75 keyboard was atrocious for me to use. It was too spaced out, and the keys were too hard and seemingly unresponsive in regards to any physical feedback. Very good to look at, but an unhappy experience to use. That's still true in most regards, but having given it some time, I feel like things have changed just enough for me to alter my original opinion.

While the E75's keyboard is still ranked below that of the E71 in my mind, it has redeemed itself with extended use. It seems that the keyboard has something of a learning curve, and that it took my thumbs a significant while to get up to speed on this new type of input. Having recently acquired a Peek device, I realized that by comparison I'd choose the E75 keyboard over the Peek's any day. Most of this has to do with the feedback felt through my fingers... The E71 keyboard is laid out perfectly, and the buttons are "fun" to use. Meanwhile, the E75's keyboard is a little bit larger, and features keys with less travel perhaps to cut down on the illusion of long distances travelled by one's thumbs. Then we reach the Peek. I frequently "B" instead of "N", or "@" instead of "Z". Add to this very firm buttons and it's not my most ideal solution for composing lengthy emails.

Does this mean I would prefer the E75 keyboard over the Peek? Maybe... I'll have to see if I ever manage to become accustomed to the Peek's quirky keyboard. In regards to appearances, though, I still like the high-end appearance of the E75. In darkness, though, the Peek keys are much better lit. So it's tied, really.

(Post composed on the Nokia E75.)

Comments

[bogart]

[this is good] Can you post some nighttime (dark) comparisons of the E75 vs. Peek?

I loved the E71, and like you am getting used to the E75.

[kuzma]

Sure thing! I'll put a post up with pictures hopefully tomorrow... it's gonna be difficult to get a steady shot of the two at night, but I think I'll manage to pull it off!

Have you noticed the nail-length difference I noticed? I like to keep my nails short on my E71, but it seems extra-important to do so on the E75 to keep it from being weird.