Blank or Printed?

[Pacifist]

I would like to hear people's opinions on this topic. If it has already been done please link me to the original threads.

My question is whether or not to buy blank or printed caps. I've done some AHK keymaps, most notably caps as ctrl, where you cannot merely swap the keys and they work. I am working on touch typing, so this may be a bit minor.
However, I plan to learn dvorak or colemak later. When I do so, is it better to go with blanks or qwerty printed caps? I won't be looking at the keyboard much when that happens.

[neunelfer]

I would like to hear people's opinions on this topic. If it has already been done please link me to the original threads.

My question is whether or not to buy blank or printed caps. I've done some AHK keymaps, most notably caps as ctrl, where you cannot merely swap the keys and they work. I am working on touch typing, so this may be a bit minor.
However, I plan to learn dvorak or colemak later. When I do so, is it better to go with blanks or qwerty printed caps? I won't be looking at the keyboard much when that happens.

If you can type without looking, I prefer blanks. That way any remaps you do aren't mislabeled and you can use different layouts.

[kolonelkadat]

I would say blanks, but im sure im in the minority. Once you can touch type, the only reason for legends is aesthetics. Personally, I havent yet used blanks, but I have a few sets of blanks coming in the mail that im super excited to try out.

Ultimately though, my goal is to get some white blanks have some custom artwork sprayed on them. I know several artists that work in similar styles as to what im after, the trouble is choosing the best one without the others finding out I didnt pick them.

I only mention this because I dont necessarily think the options should be just blank or legends, rather they should be legends or no legends. That way you have a bit more option in the aesthetics of your board. Think of blanks as a canvas. Some people think legends are beautiful artwork, others thing they are garish.

[Photekq]

Printed because Cherry font looks better than no font

[MOZ]

I'm too much of a newb to use blanks.

[rowdy]

On Dvorak or Colemak?

Blank, definitely!

When someone else tries to use your keyboard without realising that it is Dvorak or Colemak - much laughter.

[Pacifist]

Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...

[rowdy]

Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...

Yellow!

[eddie]

I like blanks more then printed (i'm using blanks). It just feels better knowing you don't have qwerty printed keycaps when using other layouts. But it is kind of fun to trick people when they use my keyboard and think my keyboard is in qwerty layout! Though I can see why printed is usefully if you don't touch type.

[eddie]

Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...

Gray/Grey!

[avtar]

Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...

Gray/Grey!

+1 for blank grey. Dark or light though?

[agodinhost]

I would love to find Braille keycaps ...
Seriously!
 

[Oobly]

I use blanks on my custom ergo board (touch typing), but still need printed caps on a qwerty, simply because I float my hands all over and often need to look to find my reference again.

If I could touch type on qwerty I'd go blanks, because then I can use thick blank POM caps 

[terran5992]

Gonna try using blanks soon

[Belfong]

Honestly? I am struggling with the same debate on whether to get a blank white/grey caps for the HHKB or the printed one. The legends that HHKB used are really nice and attractive, so it's not a problem for me to get a printed but all my keyboards are printed, so it will be good to have a blanks. Until today I have not really convinced myself which to go for.. anyway... I will see how it goes and perhaps this thread would help me see better.

[terran5992]

Honestly? I am struggling with the same debate on whether to get a blank white/grey caps for the HHKB or the printed one. The legends that HHKB used are really nice and attractive, so it's not a problem for me to get a printed but all my keyboards are printed, so it will be good to have a blanks. Until today I have not really convinced myself which to go for.. anyway... I will see how it goes and perhaps this thread would help me see better.

Dont keyboards look better with blanks?

[SpAmRaY]

Honestly? I am struggling with the same debate on whether to get a blank white/grey caps for the HHKB or the printed one. The legends that HHKB used are really nice and attractive, so it's not a problem for me to get a printed but all my keyboards are printed, so it will be good to have a blanks. Until today I have not really convinced myself which to go for.. anyway... I will see how it goes and perhaps this thread would help me see better.

Dont keyboards look better with blanks?

No why do you think people are all crazy about cherry legends....because they like to look at them

[regack]

I touch type, but I like to see the legends.  Also, when going with non-standard layouts I find it necessary to find those keys that are... moved from where I expect them to be.

That said, some designs look great in blanks... but generally I find that the smaller boards look better in blanks than larger ones.

[yasuo]

I would love to find Braille keycaps ...
Seriously!
 

Engraved?

[Fullcream]

Yellow blanks for you Pacifist.

Cherry legends look great and all but I prefer to have my blanks and let others see and think "this man can touch type"

[osi]

If you can touch type, I would go with blanks. Honestly, you might be surprised at how well you start off simply because of your muscle memory. Admittedly, I still look at my keys If I am typing with one hand.

Why not start off with a cheap set of alphas to see if you like em? That way you don't go all in on a blank set you can't use.

[Belfong]

Is HHKB using Cherry legend? Those looked really good.

[yasuo]

Is HHKB using Cherry legend? Those looked really good.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_legends

[Belfong]

Thanks mate. It looks more like model M font than anything. HHKB does suspiciously look like it.

[HipsterPunks]

If you can touch type, I would go with blanks. Honestly, you might be surprised at how well you start off simply because of your muscle memory. Admittedly, I still look at my keys If I am typing with one hand.

Why not start off with a cheap set of alphas to see if you like em? That way you don't go all in on a blank set you can't use.

i cant touch type at all, and have to look at my board for proper key locations. Soooo naturally i ordered a blank HHKB pro 2 to throw my self into typing hell. touch typing is skill i really want to learn and i feel this is the way to properly motivate myself to finally give it a go. Geekhack has encouraged me make some pretty reckless expenditures, but its nice knowing you arent stuck with something you hate if you dont mind taking a small price hit on the resale to just try something out. Heres to you classifieds 

[osi]

If you can touch type, I would go with blanks. Honestly, you might be surprised at how well you start off simply because of your muscle memory. Admittedly, I still look at my keys If I am typing with one hand.

Why not start off with a cheap set of alphas to see if you like em? That way you don't go all in on a blank set you can't use.

i cant touch type at all, and have to look at my board for proper key locations. Soooo naturally i ordered a blank HHKB pro 2 to throw my self into typing hell. touch typing is skill i really want to learn and i feel this is the way to properly motivate myself to finally give it a go. Geekhack has encouraged me make some pretty reckless expenditures, but its nice knowing you arent stuck with something you hate if you dont mind taking a small price hit on the resale to just try something out. Heres to you classifieds 

You've got the geekhack bug too. Browsing geekhack has an inverse effect on the funds -- The more you browse, the more you watch your money leave your wallet!! Haha

Seems like you already have the passion to learn. Good luck bro!

[Moosecraft]

Even though blank can be very sleek I much prefer the awesomeness of cherry legends

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

TBH, I like the looks of blanks, but could never use them due to my typing style (sometimes I HAVE to look at the keyboard). So, legends it is for me...

[yasuo]

Typist with keycap:Font,Ninja,Printed HHKB,Engraved,Blank )

[ctbear]

Definitely blank if you are going for other layouts.

[agodinhost]

I would love to find Braille keycaps ...
Seriously!
 

Engraved?

Nope, Braille is another kind of animal

There is a guy on ebay selling "stickers" (below) but I would love to see some blank keycaps with then already.

[Hyde]

For the longest time I thought blanks were the coolest looking style out there.  But then I realize it depends on the keyboard.

For HHKB, yes blank looks better.

For larger keyboards I find blank feel a bit "plain".  Also if you can manage to get keyboard with color legends then in my opinion it looks better.  Like white base with blue legends.

Front printed (Ninja Style) I find is a good balance in between the two.  I think they need to come up with front printed keycaps with color legends.  That might be an interesting idea also they don't have to worry about printing method because that area won't get touched.

Also even though I can touch type, I realize it's still an annoyance once in a while trying to figure out not-frequently used keys on keyboard.

[tuananh_bkk]

For the longest time I thought blanks were the coolest looking style out there.  But then I realize it depends on the keyboard.

For HHKB, yes blank looks better.

For larger keyboards I find blank feel a bit "plain".  Also if you can manage to get keyboard with color legends then in my opinion it looks better.  Like white base with blue legends.

Front printed (Ninja Style) I find is a good balance in between the two.  I think they need to come up with front printed keycaps with color legends.  That might be an interesting idea also they don't have to worry about printing method because that area won't get touched.

Also even though I can touch type, I realize it's still an annoyance once in a while trying to figure out not-frequently used keys on keyboard.

bought Hhkb printed as i'm afraid i can't get used to the new layout that quick. regret it now !

[ideus]

I found that the best way to actually settle a debate between keyboard options is to give a try to one and if it fits you that's the end, if not you can always re-sell your item and go for the next option. Even when you think you have made your mind based on others' opinions it may happen that you do not like the mainstream and have to go in a different direction than the others.


Bottom line: GH is not about mainstream, its all about individualism.

[yasuo]

Bottom line: GH is not about mainstream, its all about individualism.

aggre,human is complex always different each individual

[divito]

Blank. Printed has its place for certain concepts and ideas, but I'll always prefer blanks for aesthetics and minimalism.

[moonexe]

I find blank keys more aesthetically pleasing, but I guess that's a personal thing.

[quickcrx702]

Blank.  It discourages most other people from using your computer.  Also, when learning a new layout, it makes things less annoying.  It can get confusing looking at a QWERTY keyboard if you are trying to learn DVORAK or whatever other layout, but having a blank keyboard teaches you not to bother even looking.  The Topre black on super dark grey is also nice.  If you got engraved keys it would be pretty similar.

[yasuo]

printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank

[terran5992]

printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank

Where do i find printed DSA?

[yasuo]

printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank

Where do i find printed DSA?

SP

[terran5992]

printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank

Where do i find printed DSA?

SP

Are they pbt or abs?

[Sifo]

blanks 4 life

[osi]

printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank

Where do i find printed DSA?

SP

Are they pbt or abs?

PBT!

[terran5992]

printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank

Where do i find printed DSA?

SP

Are they pbt or abs?

PBT!

Awesome. I might pick up a set next year just to compare between cherry profile Thick PBT

[adion227]

If I want the letters, I opt for engraved other than that blank is the way to go

[FrostyToast]

When I ordered my Pure Pro I got the printed caps to just get used to the new layout. I knew that I could later strip off the legends since the legends are pad printed. 

[C5Allroad]

Blank. For me I haven't typed on my shine in a while since I have been away and stuck using a membrane. I find my self looking down to type . But if you can go blanks.
For your F row on the other that's hard memorize past 6. Gamers will know 1-6 instantly.

[mapple]

white blanks with backlight

[Novus]

blanks!