The CODE Keyboard • Hacker News Board

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#131

Post by EvanYou » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 1:14 AM UTC

X-Istence wrote: post #97

I don't understand what the obsession is with the old IBM Model M type keyboards. I am able to type faster and more accurately on my Apple flat aluminum keyboard that I have ever been able to type on a Model M. On top of that, switching to a flatter keyboard that sits closer to the desk has actually caused any and all pain I used to get while typing to go away. The other thing is I'd miss the extra function keys I ge…

Same here. I've used a Filco MajesticTouch (with Cherry MX Brown) for a like a month but switched back to Apple keyboards because I prefer its flatness.

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#132

Post by jseliger » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 1:26 AM UTC

chrismonsanto wrote: post #5

I really can't think of anything good to say about this keyboard. I've used keyboards like this, and I've damaged my body with them. You know what matters a lot more than a backlight? Ergonomic design. Get a Kinesis Advantage instead.

I switched to a Kinesis Advantage years ago, and it's hard for me to imagine going back to a flat keyboard full-time for the reasons I wrote about here: http://jseliger.wordpress.com/2011/07/17/further-thoughts-on... .

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#133

Post by ecopoesis » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 1:37 AM UTC

sharplusplus wrote: post #4

What I would really like is a version of the Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard, that is backlit + mechanical. And WIRED, please, I hate wireless keyboards.

Yes Yes Yes. And please come with extra key caps so I can put my Mac modifiers in the correct places. Though I'd prefer wireless.

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#134

Post by welly » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 1:41 AM UTC

abecedarius wrote: post #64

catshirt wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

it's for typing in the dark

Still puzzles me: who touchtypes looking at the keys?

It's to light up your face while you're hacking with others at 3 in the morning. Makes you look prettier.

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#135

Post by anotherevan » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 1:42 AM UTC

People might be interested in the Combimouse which is in development. It's a keyboard in two parts, where the right part doubles as a mouse.

http://www.combimouse.com/index.htm

Current Indigogo campaign: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/combimouse-combination-key...

(Disclaimer: I'm not involved with this project aside from contributing to a previous campaign.)

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#136

Post by joshontheweb » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 1:46 AM UTC

Seems cool. I'd pull the trigger if it was wireless.

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#137

Post by anotherevan » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 1:47 AM UTC

I love my MS Natural Ergo 4000 keyboard. Straight keyboards feel cramped and awkward. Every now and again I take it outside and blast it with the air compressor to clean it out, and it has lasted so long the type has worn off the middle row.

The nubs of the J and F keys had also worn down that much that I ended up getting an old soldering iron and scarring those two keys again.

I suspect ergo keyboards are not as advantageous if you are a hunt and peck rather than a touch typist (most useful thing I ever learned in school.)

I like the dip switch options on Jeff's keyboard.

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#138

Post by nucleardog » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 1:55 AM UTC

X-Istence wrote: post #97

I don't understand what the obsession is with the old IBM Model M type keyboards. I am able to type faster and more accurately on my Apple flat aluminum keyboard that I have ever been able to type on a Model M. On top of that, switching to a flatter keyboard that sits closer to the desk has actually caused any and all pain I used to get while typing to go away. The other thing is I'd miss the extra function keys I ge…

I've got two Model M keyboards at home. I could threaten to beat you with one for disagreeing that it's the best thing ever, knowing full well I could continue writing scathing retorts online with it immediately after, but I won't... Because it's not the best ever /for everyone/.

I have an Apple keyboard at work. I don't love or hate it. I'm indifferent to it. But I can totally understand why it may be the right keyboard for you.

Me? I type significantly faster and with fewer mistakes on my ancient Model M. The biggest factor I can see for me is the huge amount of feedback it provides both tactically and audibly (much to the chagrin of my neighbours, I'm sure). I think it helps my brain keep track of what my fingers are doing with less conscious effort, allowing it to work a few steps ahead of my fingers. I grew up when basically all keyboards were chunky and clicky, so it's probably primarily just what I'm used to.

Different editors for different folks. Different browsers. Different operating systems. Different styles of vehicles and modes of transport. Different clothing choices...

Different keyboards.

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#139

Post by tammer » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 2:00 AM UTC

X-Istence wrote: post #97

I don't understand what the obsession is with the old IBM Model M type keyboards. I am able to type faster and more accurately on my Apple flat aluminum keyboard that I have ever been able to type on a Model M. On top of that, switching to a flatter keyboard that sits closer to the desk has actually caused any and all pain I used to get while typing to go away. The other thing is I'd miss the extra function keys I ge…

The difference is pressure - you have to be used to typing softly on newer Apple keyboards or else you'll soon get pain from the low travel.

Learning to do so can be very rewarding, since the low travel allows a very fast keypress. Typing softly in general is great for finger pain, and mechanical keyboards allow one to use more force but retract before connecting with the keyboard's backplane (bottoming-out in keyboard-speak) and causing the louder "clack" after the initial actuation.

Re: The CODE Keyboard

#140

Post by kepano » Wed, Aug 28, 2013, 2:07 AM UTC

X-Istence wrote: post #97

I don't understand what the obsession is with the old IBM Model M type keyboards. I am able to type faster and more accurately on my Apple flat aluminum keyboard that I have ever been able to type on a Model M. On top of that, switching to a flatter keyboard that sits closer to the desk has actually caused any and all pain I used to get while typing to go away. The other thing is I'd miss the extra function keys I ge…

I had the same experience. After hearing friends rave about mechanical keyboards I ordered a custom one from WASD. Great build quality though custom engravings are less sharp than I expected. It's a lot of fun to click clack away on, but within 2-3 weeks I developed serious wrist pains that I had never experienced before. My typing wasn't any faster, the noise was distracting (even with "quieter" Cherry Brown switches) and it was seriously crowding up my workspace.

I switched back to the wired Apple keyboard and the pain gradually went away. For my posture and setup the ergonomics of a thin keyboard are a lot better. I can see the romantic beauty of mechanical keyboards, but they're not for everyone. If you're able to, borrow one from a friend before splurging... YMMV.