Is it weird to bring my own keyboard to a new job?

[TheQsanity]

Not sure if OP has followed up... Let us know if you brought your keyboard to work and how it went!

[zoolzoo]

I don't think much of it. I have my Cherry Slimline at work...when people ask why I use such a tiny little keyboard, I tell them that I like the contrast it gives in comparison to the dell 30" IPS monitor I also use. Then we both chuckle and go on with it. Sometimes I just say "I like typing on this one". Beyond that, sometimes I bring in boards to show a couple friends at work who are actually interested in such things. In general I think people care a lot less than you might think.

[baller1308]

If you're keyboard is standard looking I doubt anyone will really notice.  If it stands out with custom keycaps and all that, you might get people who come up and ask you a question about your keyboard.  I bring in some of the keyboards I have and let coworkers test them out.

[SpAmRaY]

Not sure if OP has followed up... Let us know if you brought your keyboard to work and how it went!

We need some pics to just for fun!

[whiskerBox]

So I brought in one of my boards to the new job I just started.



Needless to say I was given some **** about having a pink keyboard, but other than the color everyone wanted to type on it and really liked it. Maybe I will make some more converts to mechanical.

[daerid]

I don't think much of it. I have my Cherry Slimline at work...when people ask why I use such a tiny little keyboard, I tell them that I like the contrast it gives in comparison to the dell 30" IPS monitor I also use.

I have 3 of those monitors, and every time I see my little Leo 660c in front of them I chuckle at the irony. Reminds me of this pic:

[Masterchief79]

I would bring my own keyboard anytime to my new job. Of course it seems a little weird, and maybe you shouldn't do it on your very first day there (you might be the weirdo with the keyboard fetish for the next five years). I also thought about bringing a mechanical to university, but it reminded me too much of this guy...

http://www.orschlurch.net/2012/10/16/mit-schreibmaschine-in-der-vorlesung/

[daerid]

It depends on your job. If your job involves spending lots of time in front of a computer typing, then damn right bring your own board on the first day. It's your livelihood, use the best tools you can.

[davkol]

I would bring my own keyboard anytime to my new job. Of course it seems a little weird, and maybe you shouldn't do it on your very first day there (you might be the weirdo with the keyboard fetish for the next five years). I also thought about bringing a mechanical to university, but it reminded me too much of this guy...

http://www.orschlurch.net/2012/10/16/mit-schreibmaschine-in-der-vorlesung/

Wow, it's getting famous.

[SpAmRaY]

So has the OP posted back as to what he decided to do?

[davkol]

He probably brought his keyboard, and then was sent to madhouse...

[mauri]

How is bringing your keyboard to work a bad thing? Best case scenario no1 notices and you'll enjoy typing a whole lot more, worst case scenario someone asks about it and you can strike a conversation and laugh it off.

[davkol]

How is bringing your keyboard to work a bad thing?

Security. Probably doesn't matter in 99 % jobs though.

[mauri]

How is bringing your keyboard to work a bad thing?

Security. Probably doesn't matter in 99 % jobs though.

Bringing your keyboard to work doesn't imply you'll have to leave it there

[davkol]

WTF? Unauthorised device may contain e.g. a keylogger.

[Masterchief79]

A keylogger in your own keyboard?^^

[davkol]

Keylogger in any keyboard (or hardware in general) that isn't authorized by the company.

[Masterchief79]

Will depend on the company of course. In this security thing case I would understand it if they don't let you bring your keyboard, or PC or anything.

[ksm123]

Not only keylogger, but also an USB device.
A can imagine a keyboard with a USB hub that doubles as Man in the Middle for USB traffic.

But I work in company where users process sensitive data in daily basis, and the guy on a desk next to mine writes security procedures...

[PandaSPUR]

Not only keylogger, but also an USB device.
A can imagine a keyboard with a USB hub that doubles as Man in the Middle for USB traffic.

But I work in company where users process sensitive data in daily basis, and the guy on a desk next to mine writes security procedures...

In that case, I'd imagine forcing everyone to use identical OEM keyboards to be more of a risk. So easy for someone to go out, get the same model, modify it internally, and then swap someone's keyboard.

At least with your own personal keyboard, you can recognize that its actually yours.

Anyways, wooh, first post on these forums.
I'm typing this up using the exact same crappy, mushy Dell keyboard that the OP posted.

Thinking of buying a KBT Pure to replace it.

[ksm123]

Security, to be effective must be 'in depth'. "bring your own device" is clearly against physical security rules.

[Tarzan]

Security, to be effective must be 'in depth'. "bring your own device" is clearly against physical security rules.

My IT department actually suggested ordering the keyboard I wanted.  They would have ordered it for me, that was the other option.

[PandaSPUR]

Security, to be effective must be 'in depth'. "bring your own device" is clearly against physical security rules.

(Now I'm dragging this way OT, sorry lol, but) physical security of peripherals and such are pretty hard to control. You can have all the policies you want, but the only real mechanism to stop someone from bringing their own keyboard is to constantly check their desks. I think the risk is far too low compared to the "cost" of enforcing no personal keyboards.

Anyway, the only risk is if someone else uses your maliciously modified keyboard right? That's not so bad, or am I not understanding the previous posts correctly.

Flash drives and what not are easy to disallow, just remove the drivers from the windows installation (that's what my company does).

And my company actually encourages "bring your own device" combined with virtualization. I've always attended meetings discussing that strategy, with huge curiosity towards how they intend to really secure it. The basic premise seems to be, "contain everything within the VM". lol

Anyway, I'm getting really tired of typing on this stupid Dell keyboard at work, and will probably go for a KBT Pure soon... Been trying to cut back on the spending but holy crap this keyboard is making me angry.
I have to force myself to type with more force so that all of my key presses are properly recognized. Stupid rubber dome. Its disgustingly dirty too!
So I'm hoping more people (esp. the OP) come back with their experiences.

[Ninjerk]

As long as company policy allows it, do it. It'll make you stand out.

[tricheboars]

i bring my custom Poker with mx blues and o-rings to the office everyday and take it home with me.

hr said I couldn't do it. i do it anyway. no one says anything. I am one of the tier 2 techs.

it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

[Jack]

I did data entry for an insurance company for a while (okay, a week and a half before I cried tears of boredom, went to lunch, and never returned), and they didn't let me bring my own keyboard for the "hidden USB hub" reason. It's sort of understandable and you just have to go with it, but it's not really a good reason as the things they fear could be done anyway, and should be stopped by different and more reliable security policies anyway.

[Paspie]

Okay, well I did try it almost two weeks ago, but unfortunately I'm not allowed to stick anything into my school's PCs unless its a memory stick. Bit of a stupid rule really. But the class found it hilarious.

[Pacifist]

I brought my 75% to school for AP Comp Sci, asked the teacher, and he said okay.

When I took it out of the cover with all the novelty caps on it, he was all like "ooohh thats neat"

[tbc]

Once I found a person with a blue alps kb tossed around, I threw out my begging face and had to explain why did I wanted an old keyboard as such. After my full hearted and detailed presentation, that person asked me "what's the problem with you?" and how did my parents and girlfriend at the moment handled me. She suggested that I go to therapy

That's disgusting. If somebody ever gave me that attitude, I'd seriously ask what had happened to them to make them so judgmental about things they don't understand and suggest they go see a therapist to work on their obvious insecurity issues that make them feel the need to belittle the interests of others.

LMFAO.  it's actually much more fun using them as entertainment people like that are highly suggestible (that's why they ***** about other people - they're suggesting to themselves that they're better than they actually are).

[goobus]

Have my RF 104UB, Filco wrist rest and Razer Deathadder at work in a big investment bank. Ppl think I'm weird, but they are starting to get jealous of me topre thock

[Tony]

I put my best keyboard, a Filco brown at work. It helps to make my daily job easier.

[minimal]

I've been carrying or keeping keyboards at work for the better part of two years.

At this point I carry my keyboard between work and home daily and have cables set up at each so I can sit down and plug in when I show up. Maybe 5-7% of the overall staff does the same.

I get a few additional weird looks because people come by to stare at the reactive lighting on the Shine III regularly but I don't think getting geek envy from your peers is a bad thing.

[ch_123]

Started a new job quite recently. I brought in my own Logitech Performance MX mouse after 2-3 days because the standard Dell mouse was too small for my hands, and also because I prefer wireless mice for office usage. I'll bring in my WASD V2 soon as I find the standard Dell keyboard to be uncomfortable to use (both due to its full size and the large amount of force needed to actuate the switch) and because I dislike the UK/Irish keyboard layout. There are two other guys in the office who brought in their own MS Ergo keyboards, so bringing your own keyboard is not without precedent.

[genkidama]

In my office some colleagues bring their own keyboard, mostly some ergonomic Microsoft keyboard. So as I recently got into mechs, I want to bring my own 75% keyboard with me. So I can use it at work, at university and at home at times. I think this is pretty common that this is allowed, but if you don't see someone with a different keyboard I would ask the IT if this will cause any problems and if not, so why not? ^^
Right now I'm writing on some hp standard issue keyboard I guess, the keys are pretty loosen and have no real feel to it.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

My first day on the job I brought in my Ducky DK1087 w/Blues and my Kensington Expert Mouse. The IT guy recognized my mechanical board immediately. Turned out he has a BW w/Browns (eww) so he sympathized with me using my own keyboard.

[Hellmark]

I am using my model M at my job. Guys don't seem to have any problems, and a few have talked about how they remember typing with one. A few other guys use their own keyboards too, so it isn't like I'm the odd guy out either.

[ynrozturk]

I bought my KBT Race w/White's specifically for the office. I don't even want to think about having to use a rubber dome Logitech all day.

[hoggy]

I keep about 10 keyboards at work, seems normal to me.

[do_Og@n]

I keep about 10 keyboards at work, seems normal to me.

I have about the same....but my coworkers are using them because some are to cheap to buy their own.

I've even customized some keyboards for some coworkers.

[ZeodoHokill]

Weird or honor, just depends on how you feel.

[Hellmark]

I have 5 at work currently. My primary is my 1390131 model M, secondary is a G81-1800, and a third is a Dell L100. I have two more dell keyboards in a drawer (another L100 and a KB-1421), because I have a habit of having rubber domes die on me.

I have a XT Model F on the way that I'm going to get going with Soarer's, and will likely have it replace the L100 that I have on my desk.

That said, I've been teased before about the number of keyboards I have on my desk. A few guys don't see the need for more than one.

[esoomenona]

I always bring my newest keyboards to work because this is where I do most of my typing. So I'm always bringing them in, swapping them around, and such. I've had up to four sitting on my desk at a time.

[Hellmark]

Yeah, that is why I have my silver label at work. I figure if I was able to kill a rubber dome in 6 months at work, where as normally one would only last a year at home, I definitely see more typing there. I definitely don't want to neglect stuff at home, but I do need to have my best where I will use it the most.

[tricheboars]

i bring in a different keyboard to work every few weeks to test out new changes, new caps, new layouts, etc. People think i am weird but i dont give a ****. also those same people compliment my boards when/if they ever get to use them.

i am in charge of all hardware and inventory at my office though. so i play by a different set of rules.

[Jixr]

I have my own keyboard, mouse, 27" 1440 monitor, monitor stand, chair, and several other small office items that are all mine.


Sitting in a cheap chair, using a cheap computer, mouse, keyboard, looking at an old monitor with the backlighting going out for 8+ hours a day? no thank you.

I would build my own computer and bring it in if i could, but thats where the boss draws the line.

[goobus]

I have my own keyboard, mouse, 27" 1440 monitor, monitor stand, chair, and several other small office items that are all mine.


Sitting in a cheap chair, using a cheap computer, mouse, keyboard, looking at an old monitor with the backlighting going out for 8+ hours a day? no thank you.

I would build my own computer and bring it in if i could, but thats where the boss draws the line.

That's what I figure as well.  The office is where I spend most of my waking hours - if you're not going to make the effort to make that time as enjoyable and comfortable as possible then I really have nothing to say!

[Emospence]

I'm lucky to have a decent chair and monitor at work..

I just brought my Filco into the office, though. 

[Cycane]

Not at all!

[daerid]

Since my home office is also my work office, I use my full hand ErgoDox daily (going to be switching to the classic as soon as I finish and seal the ErgoDock from kurplop). New hires get their choice of keyboard/mouse. There's several people that have Das Keyboards, Ducky Shines, or (yuck) Black Widows. I've been slowly educating them

[morpheus]

Have my RF 104UB, Filco wrist rest and Razer Deathadder at work in a big investment bank. Ppl think I'm weird, but they are starting to get jealous of me topre thock

As they totally should