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Code Keyboards

codekeyboards.com

101–110 of 110 posts

Re: Code Keyboards

#101

I really want someone to make a mechanical keyboard with a nub mouse. Even with xmonad/amethyst, I still can't stand having to take my hand off the keys to move a cursor. Until someone does do that, I'm going to stick with a Lenovo USB keyboard. But when they do, I'll be the first to buy, especially if it has n-key-rollover for plover stenography.

The TEX Yoda looks pretty good for this: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-yoda

On mobile that link redirects to a generic landing page, but thank you.

Web marketers take note. If you redirect from a product page to a landing page, you are making it harder for people to give you money and harder for people to spread the word about your products.

Re: Code Keyboards

#102

For people who want an ISO layout, custom keycaps or greater choice of switches, the WASD V2 is identical to this except without the backlighting (how often are you at your desk with the lights off?). I've owned one for a year and it's been fantastic. http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/mechanical-k...

I don't understand the attraction of backlighting in "programmer" keyboards. Seems like it would only benefit people who look at the keyboard. Which explains why it's popular on consumer laptops, but not why any computer professional would want it.

Exactly. In fact I'm not sure why going a step further isn't more popular. Some of the Das Keyboards do so and completely remove all symbols from the keycaps. Looks pretty cool and I haven't had issues using it, apart from the non-ergo layout. (Please, someone, make a MS Ergo layout with mechanical switches and take my money.)

Re: Code Keyboards

#103
post #46

I have one with MX Clears, got it as a Christmas gift, love it.

Have you used any other MX switches before? Wondering how the MX Clears compare to MX Blue; I'm currently using a Ducky Shine 3 with MX Blue, I attempted to put on some o-rings to quiet the clicks, but lost a lot of tactile feedback which annoyed me.

[deleted]

Re: Code Keyboards

#104

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't understand the attraction of backlighting in "programmer" keyboards. Seems like it would only benefit people who look at the keyboard. Which explains why it's popular on consumer laptops, but not why any computer professional would want it.

I like having light on my keyboard. Something about that area not being dark. If it's not lit, it throws me off. Not sure why.

Agreed, I wouldn't call it a necessity but its kind of an aesthetic thing for me. It's not exactly a deal breaker but for a couple of extra bucks on an expensive keyboard why not just shell it out.

Re: Code Keyboards

#105
post #78
post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Normally keys are scanned group-by-group digitally, but Cherry recently came out with a keyboard that uses analogue readout of the key matrix. They now put different resistors at each switch and measure the voltage (so they save delays introduced by the scanning and can sell it as "super fast" to gamers …) Interesting to imagine most keyboards are that primitive. It's also interesting to see gamers continuing to pu…

There needs to be a utility that will set the keymap for you, given a photo of your keyboard.

That's actually a really clever idea. Secondary levels take manual work of course, but the basic principle should be viable, especially if you have a "default" layout photo to compare.

Re: Code Keyboards

#106
post #80

I would really love a mechanical keyboard in the split ergonomic layout of a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic keyboard. Something about that shape feels right to me, but most mechanical keyboard either use a standard layout or something radically different (I'm looking at you Ergodox).

You should look at the Kensis Advantage, though it may border on too "radically different" for you. It takes a bit of getting used to, but everyone I know who has one swears by it (myself included).

How well can you switch to a "normal" keyboard? I worry that with some of the more extraordinary designs switching between them and my laptop or a random keyboard at university would be annoying.

Re: Code Keyboards

#107
post #106
post #80

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You should look at the Kensis Advantage, though it may border on too "radically different" for you. It takes a bit of getting used to, but everyone I know who has one swears by it (myself included).

How well can you switch to a "normal" keyboard? I worry that with some of the more extraordinary designs switching between them and my laptop or a random keyboard at university would be annoying.

I haven't owned a Kinesis but I've owned and used Japanese keyboards (which have a different layout for many of the symbol keys) and various ergonomic keyboards and found being able to switch between them isn't such a big deal.

Re: Code Keyboards

#108
post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Saying the software is so bad you wish it was done in hardware seems like a step backwards to me. Surely a simpler answer is to write a nice xmodmap GUI.

In this case, I honestly think the hardware solution is the better UI. A very naïve person would expect that changing where the keycaps are would change which switch corresponds to which keycode. Only they'd think of it more like "Hey, the key I want to press is over there, but if I swap things around a bit, I can put it in this more convenient location over here." This isn't stupidity, it's merely expecting the worl…

>A very naïve person would expect that changing where the keycaps are would change which switch corresponds to which keycode.

I don't agree with this. Nobody would expect that rearranging the buttons on their car dashboard would change the original functionality. Same for buttons in a lift, coffee machine, anything you care to name. People are very familiar with the idea that the switch is just a sticker on an underlying mechanism. They don't think the letters inscribed on the plastic magically embody some functionality. So I think your whole premise is wrong.

Re: Code Keyboards

#109

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have a CM Storm with Blues, and it really is awesome (as awesome as getting a new keyboard can be!) You should buy one for the ~60-70 USD if you're interested, worst-case you have a new keyboard (probably one that is known to be reliable), best case you're a whole lot happier typing!

The CM brand sort of surprised me. I am a keyboard snob and didn't really consider them as they are marketed as a "gaming" keyboard. Then I saw they had a "Hybrid Capacitive" (read: Topre) keyboard, which is my absolute favorite switch type -- but this had a unique spin, Topre + Cherry Caps... I was able to get my hands on one, and it felt perfect... tenless, nkey rollover, topre, cherry mx keycaps, removable cable a…

Yup! Pretty good for the price, too. TKL is actually a minus for me, but given how much I like the keyboard I got over it ;)

Re: Code Keyboards

#110

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The CM brand sort of surprised me. I am a keyboard snob and didn't really consider them as they are marketed as a "gaming" keyboard. Then I saw they had a "Hybrid Capacitive" (read: Topre) keyboard, which is my absolute favorite switch type -- but this had a unique spin, Topre + Cherry Caps... I was able to get my hands on one, and it felt perfect... tenless, nkey rollover, topre, cherry mx keycaps, removable cable a…

Yup! Pretty good for the price, too. TKL is actually a minus for me, but given how much I like the keyboard I got over it ;)

Additional benefit of the TKL: office friendly with included dampeners, first mechanical(ish) I feel non-rude wanting to use in a shared office environment.

Just realized I didn't mention the actual keyboard, too much inside baseball on this thread I guess -- you knew what I was talking about at least, the Novatouch TKL: http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/keyboards/novatou...

It is interesting that in the time since I purchased it, they toned down the gaming aspect in the marketing.

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