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My Unhealthy Relationship with Keyboards

jackevansevo.github.io

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Re: My Unhealthy Relationship with Keyboards

#51

Post by thom »

frameset wrote: post #16

I really don't understand the numpad-less trend of fashionable keyboards. Doing any kind of number entry beyond one or two digits is very annoying without one. They also don't take up that much space really. If your keyboard is a portable one you pack with you on trips, I get it. If it lives on a desk, why not splash out the small amount extra to make number entry much easier.

The last time I used a numberpad was to play Civilisation in the 90s, so I don't really miss it. I hate moving my hands too far from the home row, and it's now a few inches less travel to my mouse when I need it so that's a positive. If I ever had to manually enter a bunch of numbers in a spreadsheet or something I'd either automate it or re-evaluate my life choices.

Re: My Unhealthy Relationship with Keyboards

#52

Post by alias_neo »

frameset wrote: post #16

I really don't understand the numpad-less trend of fashionable keyboards. Doing any kind of number entry beyond one or two digits is very annoying without one. They also don't take up that much space really. If your keyboard is a portable one you pack with you on trips, I get it. If it lives on a desk, why not splash out the small amount extra to make number entry much easier.

It's an easy one for me; I'm a lefty, the majority of numpads are utterly useless to me because I am so much slower entering numbers on it with my right hand, than just using the number row, or a separate numpad, or a board with a left-numpad.

Re: My Unhealthy Relationship with Keyboards

#53

Post by slowmovintarget »

sime2009 wrote: post #15
pelalmqvist wrote: post #7

I might be biased by spending too much time watching people dive into the hobby of mechanical keyboards, but I'm impressed he found the strenght to not go too far into it.

I'm just surprised that this low level of engagement with keyboards is considered on the "unhealthy" side of the fence. I mean, this is only about 5 keyboards and not even owned at the same time.

I own seven, at the moment. One is an IBM Model M buckling spring keyboard (1983, needs a PS2-to-USB adaptor). Two others I use daily, including the Das Keyboard (Cherry MX Blues) I'm typing this on.

My latest is the Launch Heavy with Kaith Brown keys that arrived yesterday (with a new system). It's replacing a gaming keyboard I've had for more than a decade.

I'm not even "in to keyboards," I've simply been using computer equipment at home for so long that I have them around.

Re: My Unhealthy Relationship with Keyboards

#54

Post by superhuzza »

frameset wrote: post #16

I really don't understand the numpad-less trend of fashionable keyboards. Doing any kind of number entry beyond one or two digits is very annoying without one. They also don't take up that much space really. If your keyboard is a portable one you pack with you on trips, I get it. If it lives on a desk, why not splash out the small amount extra to make number entry much easier.

I'm a designer and primarily use my mouse + keyboard shortcuts. Keyboards with numpads push my mouse position further out right, which is actually quite awkward on the shoulder (it has to be twisted outwards). With a tenkeyless board, my shoulders and forearms are straight.

I would consider a separate numpad so it can be moved around if needed, but that need never really comes up for me.

Re: My Unhealthy Relationship with Keyboards

#57

Post by Jackevansevo »

otikik wrote: post #4

This person might enjoy the Keychron K1. I have used mine for many years. It's a bit less "low profile" than a mac keyboard, but the difference is not enough to require different finger movement - I get used to the different height in minutes. https://www.keychron.com/collections/all-keyboards/products/...

Thanks for the recommendation, the keychron K1 is definitely something I've been looking at closely. I've heard some complaints about the bluetooth connectivity not being great.

They recently announced a budget friendly version the C3 Pro that's wired (USB-C) only that looks like it might actually satisfy my requirements.

Re: My Unhealthy Relationship with Keyboards

#58

Post by Jackevansevo »

Aeolun wrote: post #28

One of the 5 keyboards on your list you used all the way through university, and there's only 2 keyboards after. This feels far from an unhealthy obsession to me.

Compared to a lot of programmers here, I totally agree (but my parents and girlfriend might disagree).

But gotta generate that clickbait headline ;)

Re: My Unhealthy Relationship with Keyboards

#59

Post by EtienneK »

zvmaz wrote: post #23

I recently got a Keychron Q11 split keyboard. The quality of the keyboard is so good that I think the people involved in making these keyboards must be truly keyboard lovers.

Loving my Q3. Stock it's fine, but after I modding it quite extensively (new switches, keycaps, tape mod, foam, etc.) it's been amazing!

Re: My Unhealthy Relationship with Keyboards

#60

Post by Jackevansevo »

frameset wrote: post #16

I really don't understand the numpad-less trend of fashionable keyboards. Doing any kind of number entry beyond one or two digits is very annoying without one. They also don't take up that much space really. If your keyboard is a portable one you pack with you on trips, I get it. If it lives on a desk, why not splash out the small amount extra to make number entry much easier.

I've just habitually never learnt to do number entry with a numpad, I kinda envy those people that can.

Also any time my hands leave the home row it feels kinda wrong.

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