I got made fun of by a coworker...

[khaangaaroo]

...when I mentioned I take apart keyboards for fun 

I'm going back to being a closet-keyboard-lover. It's probably a good thing they don't know how much the boards I bring in are worth.

[CPTBadAss]

It's time to bring in a Model M and slowly beat him over the ears with all the pinging.

Haters gonna hate. I just laugh when I tell people about my keyboards and they judge. I can't wait to see the reactions when I bring in my Filco w/ the Valentine's set.

[missalaire]

It's time to bring in a Model M and slowly beat him over the ears with all the pinging.

Haters gonna hate. I just laugh when I tell people about my keyboards and they judge. I can't wait to see the reactions when I bring in my Filco w/ the Valentine's set.

^ I've gotten a lot of hate and "why do you need more than 1 keyboard" kinda stuff and I just don't give a f*ck

[tp4tissue]

It's time to bring in a Model M and slowly beat him over the ears with all the pinging.

Haters gonna hate. I just laugh when I tell people about my keyboards and they judge. I can't wait to see the reactions when I bring in my Filco w/ the Valentine's set.

^ I've gotten a lot of hate and "why do you need more than 1 keyboard" kinda stuff and I just don't give a f*ck

Jebus chis,  why do you guys need so many keyboards.. I do fine with just three... ..

[Tym]

What you should do is get the heaviest keyboard you can find plus a full set of zinc key caps, a shed load or GirlDC caps and a titanium Space-bar and for good measure fill it with some steal, then when he is not looking put it in his car so he can never drive again...or beat him with it... Whatever floats your goat.

[tp4tissue]

What you should do is get the heaviest keyboard you can find plus a full set of zinc key caps, a shed load or GirlDC caps and a titanium Space-bar and for good measure fill it with some steal, then when he is not looking put it in his car so he can never drive again...or beat him with it... Whatever floats your goat.

that would amount to 6lbs at most, maybe 7

[fohat.digs]

My daily driver weighs about 8-1/4 pounds.

I am hoping to get a metal keycap soon.

[GMC]

What you should do is get the heaviest keyboard you can find plus a full set of zinc key caps, a shed load or GirlDC caps and a titanium Space-bar and for good measure fill it with some steal, then when he is not looking put it in his car so he can never drive again...or beat him with it... Whatever floats your goat.

Lol. You almost described my pure that I take to work.

Oddly, I don't get grief. I just say it feels better to type on and people move onto what they came to talk about. 

[hashbaz]

I get a mix of puzzlement and compliments at how nice they look or how clicky they are.

[Wopian]

Oh noes ;'(

[sth]

welcome to the club. i've only just this month convinced someone to try out my realforce, and i've worked here for a year.

[Alessandro]

It's worse at school because they're too dumb to even listen. :/

[sth]

okay dude even if i was into keyboards back them i'd have made fun of you too. you're  just asking for it.

it's like the kids who bring their guitars to school... you look like you're trying way too hard

[hashbaz]

If I had been into keyboards during school I would have brought them into the labs for sure.  Multi-hour hack sessions on rubber domes is no fun once you know better.

[sordna]

I got made fun of by a coworker...
...when I mentioned I take apart keyboards for fun 

What exactly did he say?

[sth]

If I had been into keyboards during school I would have brought them into the labs for sure.  Multi-hour hack sessions on rubber domes is no fun once you know better.

there's a chance i'd have brought them in when i was in VG programming, staying after school for 4 hours a day during crunch 

[ComradeSniper]

It's worse at school because they're too dumb to even listen. :/

I'm about to find that one out firsthand, can't stand the rubber domes anymore

[Lighthouse1]

People where I work thought it was weird to have a Mechanical board until they tried it..now I have 2 people borrowing my original ANSI and other board and one of them just ordered one of their own. I quite like sharing the boards as otherwise they'd be sitting at home and I was surprised how much less nerdy people think it is to have one when they drive it about.

[Raven]

It depends on which rubber dome keyboard - an IBM KB8923 really is a pleasure to use.  But I'd rather use a Model M.
Just wish I could get the old lady to understand why I "need" 3 Model Ms and want to get another keyboard with Cherry blue switches.
What the hell, she doesn't bug me about it.  )

[chewyfruitloop]

I get the piss ripped out of me at work when people find out how much my das cost.
My hands have not felt less strained in 10 years
Plus I point out when they stick around that they don't drive a car that costs 5% of the one they have

People like sports ball I think they're loonies...

[ValerieV]

My family recently found out about my keyboard collection/addiction. They laughed at me and said i should get a mainframe for my room so i look important. They have no idea how much money i have spent but they know it is a lot. I don't know who should be more ashamed: me for my keyboard collection/addiction or my idiot brother who believes everything Alex Jones says on the internet.  )

[rootwyrm]

Ah, the benefits of being the boss.
Keyboard is a separate item from workstation in the budget. We have a stack of M's, Unicomps, and a fair number of MX Blues. And part of the hiring process is 'pick a keyboard. Here's the list of of ones we won't pay for.' (The list itself? Datahand ProII, Maltron, or anything over $359.)
And complaining about 'noise' is not allowed. 

[sth]

Ah, the benefits of being the boss.
Keyboard is a separate item from workstation in the budget. We have a stack of M's, Unicomps, and a fair number of MX Blues. And part of the hiring process is 'pick a keyboard. Here's the list of of ones we won't pay for.' (The list itself? Datahand ProII, Maltron, or anything over $359.)
And complaining about 'noise' is not allowed. 

hire me?

[SmallFry]

Ah, the benefits of being the boss.
Keyboard is a separate item from workstation in the budget. We have a stack of M's, Unicomps, and a fair number of MX Blues. And part of the hiring process is 'pick a keyboard. Here's the list of of ones we won't pay for.' (The list itself? Datahand ProII, Maltron, or anything over $359.)
And complaining about 'noise' is not allowed. 

* SmallFry lines up out the door. Yes, I'd like one Ergodox and all the hours you can give me please.

[rootwyrm]

* SmallFry lines up out the door. Yes, I'd like one Ergodox and all the hours you can give me please.

Ha ha ha. Amusingly enough, probably would fit in budget..

[SmallFry]

Yep! Plus I get to build my work keyboard!

[Internetlad]

My boss seems to appreciate my FK2001 with white ALPS, but I think that's mostly for nostalgia since they were, at one point in history, the store's "go-to" board.

It's probably my second least favorite board, right in front of a LASER board with some weird (monterey?) clone switch type.

[CPTBadAss]

Ah, the benefits of being the boss.
Keyboard is a separate item from workstation in the budget. We have a stack of M's, Unicomps, and a fair number of MX Blues. And part of the hiring process is 'pick a keyboard. Here's the list of of ones we won't pay for.' (The list itself? Datahand ProII, Maltron, or anything over $359.)
And complaining about 'noise' is not allowed. 

So is there a most popular board? And you should do a thread in the media subforum "What my employees type on"   

[1839cc]

I've been taking my Leopold and Marble FX to school. So far reactions have been mostly indifferent with a few understanding nods. One young guy seemed genuinely interested in it.

I expected more negativity.

[rootwyrm]

So is there a most popular board? And you should do a thread in the media subforum "What my employees type on"   

Heh, well there's just the two of us right now. We're both avowed preference for genuine M's. (All three Unicomps started flaking out badly in very short order - especially when compared to genuine M's.) I swap around keyboards fairly frequently due to problems with my hands though.  External resources are mostly MX Blue and Alps White though, with a handful of M's.

[CPTBadAss]

So is there a most popular board? And you should do a thread in the media subforum "What my employees type on"   

Heh, well there's just the two of us right now. We're both avowed preference for genuine M's. (All three Unicomps started flaking out badly in very short order - especially when compared to genuine M's.) I swap around keyboards fairly frequently due to problems with my hands though.  External resources are mostly MX Blue and Alps White though, with a handful of M's.

Ooo, you fancy sir. I'm pretty sure people have Model M's at  my work place...saw a lady typing on one one day. I just need to find the hidden stash

[okooko]

My boss likes my style when he saw my pinked-out 87U and my slightly pinked-out Pure haha.

Always a good conversation starter for anyone that walks past my working station.

If anyone actually spoke down to me about my keyboard i'd tell them to get on my level then id get them fired for bad manners haha.

now lets see how many people I can convince to buy a mechanical KB....

[PointyFox]

...when I mentioned I take apart keyboards for fun 

I'm going back to being a closet-keyboard-lover. It's probably a good thing they don't know how much the boards I bring in are worth.

First date:

Hello.
I like your watch.
I take apart keyboards and put them back together for fun :B
I think some keyboards are just Ducky. 8B
It's my birthday; can I have your watch?  :B

[rootwyrm]

So is there a most popular board? And you should do a thread in the media subforum "What my employees type on"   

Heh, well there's just the two of us right now. We're both avowed preference for genuine M's. (All three Unicomps started flaking out badly in very short order - especially when compared to genuine M's.) I swap around keyboards fairly frequently due to problems with my hands though.  External resources are mostly MX Blue and Alps White though, with a handful of M's.

Ooo, you fancy sir. I'm pretty sure people have Model M's at  my work place...saw a lady typing on one one day. I just need to find the hidden stash

Heh, well, our stash is shall we say... interesting. And thoroughly destroyed by my hands, mostly. Got some 3151's slated for conversion. Most of them are in need of rebuild though, sadly. Almost pulled the trigger on MX Greens, but after all the problems reported with the Ducky and all the problems I've had with the MX Blue QFR... waiting to see if someone produces a good one.

[Elrick]

So far reactions have been mostly indifferent with a few understanding nods. One young guy seemed genuinely interested in it.

I expected more negativity.

In the PC game, everyone has heard of a "mechanical keyboard" all the big retail chains sell's them and there is sufficient propaganda available proclaiming their worth and value to the end user.  If you happen to get a job in a "Moronic Office" then anything other than their standard keyboard or mouse is positively Alien to them and will spark a natural fear/loathing towards you.

That's life in general, imagine being the first Negro employed in Coca Cola's management office in the 1950's.  Trust me that poor guy really would of felt extremely uncomfortable.  He then sets about doing the work of three individuals and stays late to complete every task given to him.  Maybe after 10 years he starts to earn the respect that every other White worker attains in one day of work.

People in general are fearful of strange/different circumstances that are presented to them mainly due to ingrained prejudices taught to them by friends/schools/society in general.  It will take time for everyone to catch up with the modern times hence extreme patience is a requirement, but never tolerate idiocy and ignorance from anyone.

[CPTBadAss]

So is there a most popular board? And you should do a thread in the media subforum "What my employees type on"   

Heh, well there's just the two of us right now. We're both avowed preference for genuine M's. (All three Unicomps started flaking out badly in very short order - especially when compared to genuine M's.) I swap around keyboards fairly frequently due to problems with my hands though.  External resources are mostly MX Blue and Alps White though, with a handful of M's.

Ooo, you fancy sir. I'm pretty sure people have Model M's at  my work place...saw a lady typing on one one day. I just need to find the hidden stash

Heh, well, our stash is shall we say... interesting. And thoroughly destroyed by my hands, mostly. Got some 3151's slated for conversion. Most of them are in need of rebuild though, sadly. Almost pulled the trigger on MX Greens, but after all the problems reported with the Ducky and all the problems I've had with the MX Blue QFR... waiting to see if someone produces a good one.

Obviously you need to buy  more boards for the stash... you know, for science ^_^

[alaricljs]

Co-workers that haven't met me before give a funny look when they see me whip out a KB with my laptop.  Then they give that 'oh, I get it' look when I rip out 100wpm.  As yet I've not met someone at this company that can come near that speed. 

[grodo.00]

Yeah i cant wait for the sh!t talk to start. Thought everyone comes to me when they need drawings out ASAP!!

[cobraj]

Hahahahaha.
Yeah, I get some pretty bemused looks when friends come over and see all my keyboards.

But then I tell them that I don't drink coffee, and I've spent less money on my keyboards, than they have on coffee in 6 months.

Now who's the stupid one

[CPTBadAss]

Yeah i cant wait for the sh!t talk to start. Thought everyone comes to me when they need drawings out ASAP!!

They'll come to hate on your noise....then remember that you make their drawings and act all sweet to you. Happens to me like daily.

An engineer was distracted by my board today. I have a Billiards Set on my work board and people's reaction to the noise and the caps are hilarious.

[funkymeeba]

My coworkers all think my Leopold is a sweet little keyboard... but not sweet enough for them to take the plunge. Can't win it all, I guess.

[do_Og@n]

I get the same thing until I tell them how much they are worth and how much money I've made off of them.

Than they seem to shut up. I actually went as far as to bring in some of my keyboards and let a coworker use them for a couple of weeks...he ended up buying it.

[rootwyrm]

Obviously you need to buy  more boards for the stash... you know, for science ^_^

Science nothing... there simply is not a more durable keyboard than a Model M, period. Nothing is even close. Though I chew up the one-piece PBT keycaps in about.. 8 months. Two piece, usually takes me 2-3 years.

[Larken]

I remember when i bought my first mech keyboard about 3 years ago. Most people who found out how much I paid for them said something along the lines of, "Wow, dude, you got ripped. It doesn't even have LED, or a LCD screen, or macro keys."

Fast forward three years to the present, the same guys are asking me, is Blackwidow Ultimate any good? How's Rosewill? And they start to realise that Filco is pretty much where it's at for OEM produced boards.

The reason for their sudden interest? 'Top' gamers are using mechs now, so it's now cool to own one. Jeez, it's still the same keyboard. Shows how much an opinion can change due to simple perception.

I'd say use whatever you enjoy and ignore the naysayers.

[Sifo]

^ Well that's how I found Geekhack, so what can I say. I was in the market for a new tournament board

[cobraj]

^ Well that's how I found Geekhack, so what can I say. I was in the market for a new tournament board

Ooft!
Which tournaments?

[Sifo]

Local LANs for Starcraft and some MLG events before I stopped playing competitively. I won enough money to buy myself my WASD though so that was nice Maybe HotS will bring me back.

[Larken]

nothing against how gamers give mechanical keyboards more exposure. It's a great thing in fact - spawned a huge variety of choices, like the affordable and yet robust CM QFRs.

Its just irritating to have explained extensively to the same people that mech. keyboards is worth trying (when they asked), and then have them scoff at the thought of even trying one out (which is rich, because they didn't mind paying for their g15s and razer arctosas).... and then they suddenly change their minds and think mechs are the next best thing since sliced bread, because the 'cool kids' are using them.

rad factor 1, rational explanation 0.

*** I'm exaggerating a little, for effect. But you know what I mean.

[Sifo]

Well I used to own a Lycosa and I still have DT35's and stuff. Never had a G15 but I'm sure I wanted one at one point xD. Lycosa was okay... ****ty keyboard but I could use it. DT35s are god-tier keyboards, I don't care what anyone says. But yeah I know what you're saying. I used to do that too

[cobraj]

nothing against how gamers give mechanical keyboards more exposure. It's a great thing in fact - spawned a huge variety of choices, like the affordable and yet robust CM QFRs.

Its just irritating to have explained extensively to the same people that mech. keyboards is worth trying (when they asked), and then have them scoff at the thought of even trying one out (which is rich, because they didn't mind paying for their g15s and razer arctosas).... and then they suddenly change their minds and think mechs are the next best thing since sliced bread, because the 'cool kids' are using them.

rad factor 1, rational explanation 0.

*** I'm exaggerating a little, for effect. But you know what I mean.

no point trying to understand the mind of a plebeian lol

[rootwyrm]

Well I used to own a Lycosa and I still have DT35's and stuff. Never had a G15 but I'm sure I wanted one at one point xD. Lycosa was okay... ****ty keyboard but I could use it. DT35s are god-tier keyboards, I don't care what anyone says. But yeah I know what you're saying. I used to do that too

I've used a DT35. It's awful for all situations, it really is. I say that as a former semi-competitive (pro-level organized players, similar rules, but not for cash) - FPSes mostly. It was just.. so awful. The reason people use the DT35 is, point blank, the fact that it's lightweight, tournament legal, and cheap. And did I mention it's cheap? And everyone fanboi'd over it because the professionals were using them. Truth be told, had they used Focus FK-2001's instead, we'd have a legion screaming about how great the bad knockoff XMs are.
For the record, I used to compete with, drumroll please, an Alps Complicated White and a Model M. Now granted, wasn't pure twitch stuff, but still - the difference between 80cN and 35cN is still well within latency tolerances - by over a dozen milliseconds. At 13 milliseconds to the server. It just comes down to personal preference and budget.

Plus, any more, tournaments have outright banned programmable/macro keyboards of any flavor. Because people insist on using them to cheat. That's part of why the professional FPS mice are back to 2-5 buttons. Too much risk of stuff like the Roccat Ryos and WoW Legendary where I can pretty much map a huge chain to a single button, hook it up to the spec rig, and macro my heart out. Despite not having the 'drivers.' Because it's in firmware. (That's why the Steelseries 6Gv2 / 7G is such a 'simple' keyboard, too, and why the layout is common with the Tt Meka G1 in that LWin is replaced by the Fn layer. No need for windows key lockout that way.)

[Sifo]

I never played FPS with it but touching ergo clears reminded me of MY dt. Mine is heavily modified btw, tkl, shortened bottom out distance by jamming pieces of cardboard in the key slots, checkered of course, all the good stuff. Stayed crisp for ever.

I mean I fully agree that it's just a dome board and it's popularized for being cheap and accessible. but still. it's a good board. Mine have been good to me.

[margo baggins]

I get most of my keyboard stuff delivered to my office - so I get constant ridicule from my bosses (small company, there is only me and 2 bosses).

They really don't understand the keycaps thing. I have cherry doubleshots on my work board and I was trying to explain to my boss why they are so nice and why I paid what I did for some old caps. I still don't think he gets it, well I know he doesnt get it.

Though - I work in a shared office space where freelancers and small companies rent on a desk to desk basis and there are some nice boards here, I have spotted a Realforce 87 and a Das ulimate with blues (I once gave both boards a little tap about when I was in the office on my own) - but, well, the realforce I know the guy bought as it was the most expensive keyboard he could find, not because it has lovely topre switches. And the das is NEVER used, it is at the side of his desk wrapped up in its cable as the guy seems to use an apple chiclet key board thing.

And I'm fairly confident no one here types as fast as me, I'm regularly typing over 90wpm here and because of my big heavy hands, I'm hammering on reds and making a right racket haha, a bit like a machine gun.

The bit my boss, and my housemates, and my friends don't get the most is my desire to take keyboards to pieces and mod them or change switches etc. Nor to they understand my desire to have many keyboards. Oh well, keeps me happy

[kalrykh]

My coworkers used to give me **** about my keyboards, but I brought it on myself.  I was switching them out about once a week.  I finally settled on the matias quiet pro. 

[iri]

my coworkers think my keyboards are cool. and i eventually pull a keycap on my unicomp and show them the buckling spring to make things look even cooler.

[CPTBadAss]

Obviously you need to buy  more boards for the stash... you know, for science ^_^

Science nothing... there simply is not a more durable keyboard than a Model M, period. Nothing is even close. Though I chew up the one-piece PBT keycaps in about.. 8 months. Two piece, usually takes me 2-3 years.

I never typed on one 

Hire me?

[iMav]

But then I tell them that I don't drink coffee, and I've spent less money on my keyboards, than they have on coffee in 6 months.

I remember teasing a co-worker (about 10 years ago when I still had a real job) about spending $6000 on a telescope.  He just looked at me and said, "how much did you spend on that shiny new motorcycle I saw you ride up on this morning?"  Shut me right up. 

[ishumprod]

i'm waiting to get a TKL so i can bring it to school, cause rubber domes may be a pain to type on, but still, a blackwidow is not rally easy to get on your bag. =P

[daerid]

Get a Pure/Poker or HHKB for even more portability.

[CPTBadAss]

Get a Pure/Poker or HHKB for even more portability.

or the GH60!

[ishumprod]

^ yeah.. one i get the cash for those, sadly they are much more expensive than a QFR

[KangarooZombies]

^ yeah.. one i get the cash for those, sadly they are much more expensive than a QFR

Wut u talkin bout. HHKB is only 300...

Pocket change   

[Phil21]

I've found that you'll initially get ridiculed, but all in mostly good fun.  At least where I work   If someone had a hobby collecting Nike Shoes, they'd get ridiculed in the same manner (someone does, and it's hilarious - we all love it though).

However, after the initial "dude, seriously?! How much for a keyboard?!" you'll find the closet keyboard lovers will come find you in private for recommendations.  Bring a few boards you don't use for others to pass around.

I am proud to say there are at least a dozen mechanicals banging away in the office now, after I brought in a few for folks to try out.  As the loaners move on, new owners appear pretty much every month.  Heck, even a few sales droids have Filcos now.

[Peter]

Hey, in some airports you can chat up pretty nice women, by complimenting their keyboard  ...

[KangarooZombies]

Hey, in some airports you can chat up pretty nice women, by complimenting their keyboard  ...

YOU HAVE A KEYBOARD?! OH BOY! I LOVE KEYBOARDS!!

[cobraj]

But then I tell them that I don't drink coffee, and I've spent less money on my keyboards, than they have on coffee in 6 months.

I remember teasing a co-worker (about 10 years ago when I still had a real job) about spending $6000 on a telescope.  He just looked at me and said, "how much did you spend on that shiny new motorcycle I saw you ride up on this morning?"  Shut me right up. 

Haha.
Yeah.
No point having money in the bank if you can't enjoy it =D.
That's what broke people say anyway

[hazeluff]

What you do is you cover your keyboard in fancy keycaps like me and everyone will be like "OMFG Where'd you get those?!?!".

At that point no one cares that you spent >$100 on one keyboard.

Source: Personal experiance.

[Halverson]

What you do is you cover your keyboard in fancy keycaps like me and everyone will be like "OMFG Where'd you get those?!?!".

At that point no one cares that you spent >$100 on one keyboard.

Source: Personal experiance.

Show Image

True that. Most people think I'm crazy, but then you show the colors and customization, and suddenly they love it. Rainbow unicorn vomit, putting keyboards into perspective :)

[tp4tissue]

What you do is you cover your keyboard in fancy keycaps like me and everyone will be like "OMFG Where'd you get those?!?!".

At that point no one cares that you spent >$100 on one keyboard.

Source: Personal experiance.

Show Image

True that. Most people think I'm crazy, but then you show the colors and customization, and suddenly they love it. Rainbow unicorn vomit, putting keyboards into perspective :)

Might get them interested, but that untamed variety is a bit of an assault on the senses... A non-keyboardie might not be able to handle it....

If you want to be infectious and give people our blight, the entry must be more subtle...

Something like a TKL or 60 w/ aluminum and Blank caps, or Engraved blacks...

[dieseldog49]

Since I do on site tech support I am still hunting for the right small board as my QFR is a bit bulky but whenever I am asked about it, I just tell them that if you type for a living you are wasting your time with anything else. I have converted several customers so far.

[Sai]

Since I do on site tech support I am still hunting for the right small board as my QFR is a bit bulky but whenever I am asked about it, I just tell them that if you type for a living you are wasting your time with anything else. I have converted several customers so far.

You are a noble tech support. 

[Internetlad]

You are a noble tech support. 

The people I do tech support for barely understand why they have to spend $150 on a computer, never mind a keyboard.

[rowdy]

I don't get made fun of, but at work anyone else who uses my Ducky Shine is always very tentative and careful with it.  And that's generally without knowing how much it cost.

[tobydeemer]

I've successfully converted four others in my office to mech boards. Three of them got a QFR after I did, and one has a Das. One other guy was already on a Tactile Pro, which I inherited when he went a full mobile setup. Another guy tried to use it, but was too insecure about the noise.

My boss actually said one day, "your hobbies I get. Keyboards make sense. His hobbies (another dude in our office) freak me out!"

[Sifo]

And what are his hobbies?

[tobydeemer]

And what are his hobbies?

High level mathematics, professional yo-yo-ing, watching Japanese video game play on YouTube, magic tricks.

[iri]

And what are his hobbies?

High level mathematics

hey, but that's cool

[ishumprod]

And what are his hobbies?

High level mathematics, professional yo-yo-ing, watching Japanese video game play on YouTube, magic tricks.

all of those are cool !!!

[cobraj]

And what are his hobbies?

High level mathematics, professional yo-yo-ing, watching Japanese video game play on YouTube, magic tricks.

all of those are cool !!!

I agree haha!

[CPTBadAss]

Brought my Filco w/ Valentine's Set in today. Took about 10 minutes before someone came over and asked me where I bought and how crazy it looked

[Internetlad]

turn one of your keyboards into a japanese video-game yo-yo, put it on youtube and mix in some magic tricks and math.

BFFs