Is the keyboard really that bad?

[Sauvignon]

I have my eye on the 8830 but everywhere i turn i see user opinions that slam the keyboard. Is there anyone that actually likes the keyboard on the 8830?

[davidlleroy]

I don't have a problem with the keyboard. It's not an issue for me. I had the treo 700 prior to the 8830. Make the switch.

[gibber9583]

What was your previous phone?

Yeah the buttons are close...will you get used to it? yes. I can type very fast on it with no errors. Its really not a deal breaker.

[ArgonNJ]

Keyboard ok for me as well.

[juwaack68]

I switched to the 8830 from the 7100i. I could type a helluva lot faster on the 7100i, but I'm getting much better going back to the full keyboard (I had the 7520 before the 7100i).

The thing I don't care for is that the keys are RIGHT next to each other, where with the other models I've used there was a little bit of space between them.

[surfgrom04]

I am new to blackberry (the 8830 is my first device) so my opinion might be less valuable than those who have used multiple blackberry devices and can offer some comparison. However, I have no problems with the 8830's keyboard. What I can tell by talking with people is that it seems a little smaller/more cramped than previous devices, but that doesn't make it bad, and it certainly doesn't make it "unbuyable." I have no problem using it, and I don't see why anyone else would. That's not to say that it's perfect, but rather to say that it shouldn't be the reason you choose not to get it. If the 8830 appeals to you in other ways, don't skip on it because of the keyboard.

[Sauvignon]

Personally, i don't know how people can use the keyboard on Treos but no one really seems to complain about that.... the keys on the 8830 seem better. Although i had no errors in my little typing test, i'm concerned about longer messaging....

[deo59]

For what it is worth, the keyboard is slippery and the backlight on the letters only make it less useable than the 7250 or 8703. That said, the device is much more comfortable to carry and use. Trade offs.

[Blackberryer]

First, you should go and test out the keyboard for yourself. Even if everyone loved it, there's no guarantee you will.

Second, I DO love the keyboard. I previously owned an 8703 and I prefer the 8830's. It feels much more solid.

[jeremyckitching]

I love the form factor of the 8800 but I am coming from an 8700g, where I love the keyboard. I am going to test it out and see how it feels. My main reason for upgrading will be for the addition of expandable storage and the myFavs option on T-Mobile.

[ufkal]

I've had a 7100T, and a Treo 700 and now the 8830. I got used to the 7100T and the Treo was much better. It is just taking me a bit to get used to quickly getting the num lock and caps lock set on the 8830. That being said. I really enjoy the 8830 keyboard. I rarely even "fat finger" a message.

[stevew]

I switched to the 8830 from the 7100i. I could type a helluva lot faster on the 7100i, but I'm getting much better going back to the full keyboard (I had the 7520 before the 7100i).

The thing I don't care for is that the keys are RIGHT next to each other, where with the other models I've used there was a little bit of space between them.
I also switched from the 7130 to the 8830 and have a hard time getting used to the keyboard, because there's no space between the keys. Every other BB I've had -- and there have been lots of them, had no issue because there was space. My 7130 was fast as hell in typing...big learning curve on the 8830.:x

[dbdynsty25]

For what it is worth, the keyboard is slippery and the backlight on the letters only make it less useable than the 7250 or 8703. That said, the device is much more comfortable to carry and use. Trade offs.

Co-signed. The 8703 I had prior were better from a keyboard standpoint, but the form factor of the 8830 are so superior, it's a tradeoff that I'm willing to make.

[akosnitzky]

Wirelessly posted (Verizon 8830: BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

I came from a 7250, which has a better keyboard in many ways. However, the 88xx boards are not as bad as I was led to believe. The trackball is far superior to the track wheel. You have to compare based on every aspect of each model

[FBlack]

The lack of contrast between the color of the keys and the color of the letters is tough on me. I much prefer solid black keys with white letters.

[ArgonNJ]

The lack of contrast between the color of the keys and the color of the letters is tough on me. I much prefer solid black keys with white letters.

The Sprint model does have black keys with white letters. The verizon model has the horrible silver keys with blue backlight.

[Kyos]

The Sprint model does have black keys with white letters. The verizon model has the horrible silver keys with blue backlight.

(y)

[SDCromer]

The Sprint model does have black keys with white letters. The verizon model has the horrible silver keys with blue backlight.

This my only complaint about my Verizon 8830. I would love to have the black Sprint keyboard.:razz:

[Sebatical]

I make more typos on the 8800 than I did on the 8700, but it's not drastically different. I came from a Treo which is substantially harder to use.

[JaredH]

I've heard a lot about the blue backlight being hard to see and the buttons too close together.

They are close together but it manager just fine, maybe I adapt easier because it's my first QWERTY keyboard but who knows.

And for the blue backlight, I did notice a small amount of trouble with seeing keys but after having the phone for two weeks I didnt even notice it. Not a problem what so ever anymore. You've got to be challenged to not remember where the keys are located after a while.

Buy the 8830 with confidence imho.

[want_a_new_bb]

I have had my BB for less than a week. I came from the old qwerty KB on the 7520. I have found that it is small for us sausage finger types, but everyday I find that I get better. Bottom line like everything else with practice you will get better. ;-)

[mundyb]

I have had my BB for less than a week. I came from the old qwerty KB on the 7520. I have found that it is small for us sausage finger types, but everyday I find that I get better. Bottom line like everything else with practice you will get better. ;-)

Practice is the key. It took a little getting used to vs. the 8703, I still seem to hit "b" for "n" a lot. Having to use that awful blue backlight is what I consider the worst thing about the 8830. I wish I could swap the keyboard out for one of those black ones.

[checkcashing]

i had an 8700 before i got the 8800. it took me a little gettin used to but its fine i guess. the keyboard is a little smaller than the 8700 imo.

[zachberry]

it took me about a week coming from a pearl to a 8800.....but now I love it and like it more

[TBOLTRAM]

After a month and a half with the 8830 I found that growing your thumbnails a little and shaping them with a nail file can really improve your typing. I am mixed on the silver keys and blue backlight on the Verizon version. At first I was not happy with it but found that I got used to it. Also after typing for a while you start to hit the keys without thinking about it sort of like using a real keyboard.

Realistically one must realize that you ain't going to type the great American novel on this thing (or any of the other smart phones) as that is not it's intended purpose.