I cannot believe I'm asking this question, but the more I look at the choices the more confused I am. 

What I'd like out of it - 1 quiet 2 no clutter (?wireless) 3 easy to type on for a NON typist (use for facebook and emails). Quite like somewhere in between a chiclet apple keyboard and a full sized key travel (the more travel the more likely I am to make a noise when typing??)

The options that confuses me

- wireless - if I already use a wireless mouse (hate cables!) will a second 2.4GHz receiver get interference? (mouse not able to use a unifying receiver)

- touchpad! woo hoo can control from a distance without needing to use a mouse on the couch! but crammed arrows, missing number pad & insert/home/end six pack. expensive!

- I don't want to spend money for mechanical however amazing they are ... or should i for the sake of my kids learning touch typing??

- cheap and nasty (prefer not to unless it's free)

- cheap and quiet (Microsoft 600 desktop - is that actually quiet? that's my budget so far)

- palm comfort - what makes a palm sore and what makes it comfortable? to be honest that's not a worry as I said, only rarely type