> I thought about selling off some of the anniversary gift jewelry I bought for my wife through the years so I could preorder Slightly off-topic, but that moment is when you know you have a problem.
I think it was meant as hyperbole.
My Mechanical Keyboard
51–60 of 203 posts
Re: My Mechanical Keyboard
#52IMO the keyboard is the software engineer's most important tool. I feel most at home on a Chromebook keyboard (ctrl and alt keys on both sides with no win or cmd keys), but I can't find a good external Chromebook keyboard. Even if I could find one, it probably wouldn't be mechanical or wireless (two more keyboard features I love). I'm with Joe, today's keyboards make me sad.
To me the Chromebook keyboard layout is a key feature. I thought the absence of a delete key would be a problem, this has not proven to be the case. The simplicity is a joy.
A keyboard that you might want to try is the Logitech K810. I accidentally bought the Apple keyed 811 variant and have decided to go for the PC variant as I have done so well with the 811 version. You can also get a case for it and nowadays that is what I travel with, leaving the laptop behind. I can use the Logitech keyboard on all devices that matter, swapping between desktop, phone and laptop with a simple keypress.
http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/bluetooth-illuminated-...
I also balance this keyboard over the keyboard on my laptop, it somehow doesn't affect the keys below and offers a better typing experience. The keystroke illumination is better than on the Chromebook Pixel, as is the keystroke mechanism feel, and I did have the Chromebook Pixel keyboard down as best in any laptop. For these reasons I am doubling down on the portable Logitech keyboard.
Another idea: maybe go for retro cool keyboards. For instance an SGI keyboard from back in the day. This is a totally standard keyboard without any Windows keys:
Re: My Mechanical Keyboard
#53I have about 5 mechanical keyboards (WASD, Duckys, DAS, ...) and yet if I want to type fast, I use an apple keyboard. The short travel distance of those keys really work for me. I've been waiting for switches that are somewhere in between, mechanical but thin travel. I've looked at some really esoteric and rare keyboards as well but I wouldn't fork $220 for a keyboard... Anyways I totally understand his view though.…
The Magic Keyboard and Retina MacBook Pro Keyboards are the sweet spot for my fingers. I tried the MacBook keyboard and I can't get used to it for the life of me.
I NEED a little bit of travel under my fingertips, it's an important feedback that speeds up the typing. The butterfly mechanism is way too similar to typing on a screen.
Re: My Mechanical Keyboard
#54Earlier quoted context omitted.
It does cross into irrational territory though when you can make money with an equivalent tool.
I don't even know what "irrational" means in this context. If I enjoy using the keyboard and think it improves my performance, even if I am mistaken, how is that irrational? Happiness is not a measure of efficiency.
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Re: My Mechanical Keyboard
#55I have about 5 mechanical keyboards (WASD, Duckys, DAS, ...) and yet if I want to type fast, I use an apple keyboard. The short travel distance of those keys really work for me. I've been waiting for switches that are somewhere in between, mechanical but thin travel. I've looked at some really esoteric and rare keyboards as well but I wouldn't fork $220 for a keyboard... Anyways I totally understand his view though.…
It's the same for me. Although owning 2 mechanical keyboards I'm actually feeling fastest on good low profile keyboards, like the 2015 Macbook Pro keyboard. The Non-Pro-Macbook keyboard however seems awful.
However this superior typing speed seems to be only a subjective feeling for me, some typing speed programs suggest that the end result about the same. I don't think the reason is the key travel alone, it's also the height of the keycaps and the overall keyboard. I find it easier to move the hands around on the lower profile ones.
For less key travel you could try the offerings from Logitech (Romer G Switches have less travel than) or the newer Cherry Mx Silent Switches (which can however only be found on some rare Corsair offerings). I have a Logitech one and the feeling is significantly different to classical Cherry. However the keycap and keyboard height for all of those is pretty much equal to classical mechanical keyboards.
Re: My Mechanical Keyboard
#56Anyone interested in a mechanical FN-key only keyboard for the new MacBook Pro's? :) https://twitter.com/logotype/status/792337059050459140
Re: My Mechanical Keyboard
#57I find it a bit ironic that after complaining that Apple keyboards have lost all of their "sound" and "force", he goes out and buys a keyboard with Cherry MX Red switches, which have no tactility, no feedback, and very low actuation force.
You have a point, but it would be rather jarring to go straight from the light touch of a scissor/butterfly switch to the rigidity of an MX Green or a buckling spring. MX Reds and Browns can be a happy compromise.
Re: My Mechanical Keyboard
#58> This keyboard makes real noise — more of a clacking than a typing sound but satisfying just the same — and I had forgotten how much I love the noise. I hope the author realizes that others might not appreciate the sound. I find it very hard to do work when someone else in an office is typing on a buckling spring keyboard.
If you work into an open office it is time to change jobs ... I use mechanical keyboards as a management deterrent when they try to move me from remote work to on premise.
Re: My Mechanical Keyboard
#59I'm not sure what the appeal is personally about mechanical keyboards. As long as I can feel where the keys are so I don't need to look down and feel that I've pressed them I don't understand why you'd want a lot of noise and a lot of travel to the keys. I'm very skeptical about having to work with a touch based ESC key though on the new MacBooks.
Re: My Mechanical Keyboard
#60I find it a bit ironic that after complaining that Apple keyboards have lost all of their "sound" and "force", he goes out and buys a keyboard with Cherry MX Red switches, which have no tactility, no feedback, and very low actuation force.
He will soon understand and fill his place with keyboards.