I've never experienced a keyboard issue with Toshibas myself.

I'll admit the new Samsung line (series 9 especially) has really caught my attention. But i havent owned one so i cant speak to their reliability. Samsung products are usually top notch though.

Work is about to get me a new Dell Latitude so i'll report on it in a few weeks.

Another Toshiba in your price range (and similiar spec to the asus)
Toshiba Satellite S855 S5252 Laptop Computer With 156 Screen And 2nd Gen Intel Core i5 Processor With Turbo Boost Technology 20 Blue by Office Depot