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Hands on with the CODE keyboard

jorgecastro.org

61–66 of 66 posts

Re: Hands on with the CODE keyboard

#61
post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'd buy the Razer BlackWidow happily, except that critically (for me) the Escape key is not mechanical. (Nor are the Function keys) Yes, I am a vi user. :-)

The escape key on the BlackWidow is 100% mechanical. You're thinking of the CoolerMaster ripoffs... ew.

> You're thinking of the CoolerMaster ripoffs

As in CoolerMaster knockoffs or the CM Storm QuickFire line? I've got a couple of the CM Storm QuickFire TK's (1 at work, 1 at home), and they have easily just as good, if not better, of a build quality and feel as the filco's or ducky's I've tried around the office, and definitely better than any of the blackwidows I've tried (old or new model).

Re: Hands on with the CODE keyboard

#62
post #18

Razer makes some nice mechanical keyboards (BlackWidow series) with optional backlight, Cherry MX Blue or Brown switches, extra macro keys (that can be bound to any action), along with keyboard mapping software that works very well on Win/OSX. For $50-70 less than this, depending on if you buy on sale. I'm failing to see why this is a good option.

I've used a Steelseries 7G for the last ~3 years. It's built like a tank, compared to the Razer keyboards I tried in-store before buying it. It doesn't have many fancy bells-and-whistles, but it's far and away the best keyboard I've ever used.

I'll be sad to see it go when I move house and no longer have room for anything more than a laptop.

Re: Hands on with the CODE keyboard

#63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The build quality of the razer keyboards is rather bad. That's why. Also this features Cherry MX Clear switches and standard profile keycaps so you can easily get a set of replacement keycaps if you need or want to.

I have a blackwidow, no build problems. I even spilled alcohol on it (scotch) and it's still working as expected.

Did you expect it to continue working? :)

Re: Hands on with the CODE keyboard

#64
post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

you can't just move to a mechanical and expect an immediate increase in speed. I use a mechanical keyboard. When I switch to a rubber dome, i notice a DECREASE in speed, because I'm just not used to it. It takes a long time to get the same speed when you switch to a mechanical, but when you do, you may continue to increase and surpass your speed on a rubber dome. Most fast typists (200-250+ wpm on short passages) use…

@jrs99, I explicitly state that I do not expect an increase in speed. Especially when switching to a more efficient keyboard layout, like Colemak or Dvorak, after using QWERTY for 15+ years. I expect it to take at least a year to reach my old QWERTY speed on Colemak. Sure, speed is important, but comfort: that's the Rolls Royce of typing.

You said "Either Jeff types really slowly, or has golden wrists of the gods."

Which made me think you associate slow typing with low comfort and fast typing with high comfort.

I mean that if you switch, you'll be uncomfortable simply because you are not used to it. That will automatically make you slower.

But if you take any keyboard, you can become reasonably comfortable with it, in my opinion, if you get used to it. For example, if you've been using ergonomic dvorak keyboards for many years, then it will take a while for you to get comfortable with a standard qwerty keyboard.

But, that's my case. I'm comfortable with most keyboards that I use for a long time. I guess there are many factors like hand size, finger size, shape, previous injuries/strain etc that could change that.

Re: Hands on with the CODE keyboard

#65
post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You might be overestimating the actual observable effects "ergonomic" keyboards have over traditional designs. I wouldn't make a confident ergonomic claim for either type of keyboard, but I'm very skeptical that ergonomic keyboards on average provide observable health benefits. And, anecdotally, I've never had any health problems related to ergonomics (26 years old, 8+ hours a day at a computer desk for at least the…

@baddox, which keyboard layout are on, QWERTY?

Yes, standard QWERTY with Caps Lock remapped to Ctrl (I use Emacs).

Re: Hands on with the CODE keyboard

#66
post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'd buy the Razer BlackWidow happily, except that critically (for me) the Escape key is not mechanical. (Nor are the Function keys) Yes, I am a vi user. :-)

The escape key on the BlackWidow is 100% mechanical. You're thinking of the CoolerMaster ripoffs... ew.

You're right, thanks! :-)
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