What Keyboard Are You Using Now?

[HPE1000]

My filco, I took the classic beige keycaps off of it because they are going on my custom board I have decided. Looks aggressive now

It's a bit dirty though, needs cleaned soon I guess.

Show Image

What color paint is that s

It's the blue aluminum vortex case actually, the color is outstanding. I didn't think I would like it as much as I do.

Where did you get that? Its sexy af

Mechanicalkeyboards.com

The cases themselves are very hit or miss, quality isn't the best for most people. Scratches aren't all that rare, sometimes they don't line up, etc. Mine doesn't have many flaws. Tiny little spot by the spacebar that is a shade lighter and small milling marks by the esc key that are visible only from under 2-3 inches away. Other than that I don't think mine has any flaws. Only other thing worth mentioning is a decent size "gap" between the bottom and top. Which seems to be by design, for whatever reason.

More

I also had to desolder the leds and take the plastic riser off of them then resolder because the case wouldn't close with them on it lol.

It isn't the best aluminum case out there, the price shows that, but for a stock case upgrade, it is simply amazing. The keyboard weighs 4.4 pounds now.

[Pacifist]

My filco, I took the classic beige keycaps off of it because they are going on my custom board I have decided. Looks aggressive now

It's a bit dirty though, needs cleaned soon I guess.

Show Image

What color paint is that s

It's the blue aluminum vortex case actually, the color is outstanding. I didn't think I would like it as much as I do.

Where did you get that? Its sexy af

Mechanicalkeyboards.com

The cases themselves are very hit or miss, quality isn't the best for most people. Scratches aren't all that rare, sometimes they don't line up, etc. Mine doesn't have many flaws. Tiny little spot by the spacebar that is a shade lighter and small milling marks by the esc key that are visible only from under 2-3 inches away. Other than that I don't think mine has any flaws. Only other thing worth mentioning is a decent size "gap" between the bottom and top. Which seems to be by design, for whatever reason.

More

Show Image

I also had to desolder the leds and take the plastic riser off of them then resolder because the case wouldn't close with them on it lol.

It isn't the best aluminum case out there, the price shows that, but for a stock case upgrade, it is simply amazing. The keyboard weighs 4.4 pounds now.

Thanks for the help!

[YoungMichael88]

The color looks beautiful and I am currently looking for options for my phantom. Unfortunately I don't want gaps, scratches or any flaws so I'm going steer clear of vortex. It sounds like you got lucky with the flaws you have and you're not the first person I have heard of with issues. It's too bad because the color is so beautiful.

[dustinhxc]

Poker X . Clears Lubed. Aluminum Case.

[rowdy]

I just got a new keyboard at work (Lenovo RD) which replaced my HP RD.

I like it a lot - probably the best mass produced rubber dome I've tried.  It's very quiet and comfortable.  That being said, we do have several different Lenovo models and the one in my sig is definitely the most silent and easy to press out of all of them.

At home I'm still typing on a Lenovo chiclet built into a laptop.

I'm officially done with Cherry MX and Alps.  I'll buy a Unicomp buckling spring SSK if it ever surfaces but other than that I'm done with that also.

I've discovered that for me personally Sound (or lack thereof) > Profile > Switch mechanism.  I prefer a stealthy silent keyboard with low profile keycaps.  As long as those two criteria are met I can withstand a lot.

So currently saving my pennies for a Realforce 87U Silent - but will hold off purchasing it until I get a chance to try out the CM Storm NovaTouch.

The other office I use from time to time has a Lenovo also. As far as rubber domes go it's ok. If I was forced to use rubber domes I would prefer it over other I have tried.

Show Image

I have a couple of keyboards just like these, but with IBM badges.  One is NIB.

[kilogeek]

just received a Compaq 11800 (MX Brown), never used, in its original package, for 10 euro + national shipping, good deal no ?

I read that someone got one from 1986 Sounds strange as this looks like recent design, no windows keys but Euro symbol.

I hated MX black but I love brown feeling. This compaq is made in germany (by Cherry I guess, the caps lock symbol is cherry signature), and plastic and keycap quality is not as goos as what you can find on old keyboards, but typing is awesome, quite light so if there is a plate I don't think it's metal, this makes it a bit more noisy than if switches were fixed on a metal plate. I have no problem with noise^^  The thing I like with this one is that space or enter keys feel different to other keys, there must be some king of rubber pad under the keycaps to absorb shocks.

The layout is not classic but close enough to classic so you are not lost, left alt, ctrl and shift are not far from each other and I love that. Also the pause key is alone, nice idea as I use it to hibernate my PC

I also like the size factor, not too small, not too big, the trackball don't take too much space if you don't use it.

Well, for 10 euro it's a good deal IMO.

[Pacifist]

just received a Compaq 11800 (MX Brown), never used, in its original package, for 10 euro + national shipping, good deal no ?

I read that someone got one from 1986 Sounds strange as this looks like recent design, no windows keys but Euro symbol.

I hated MX black but I love brown feeling. This compaq is made in germany (by Cherry I guess, the caps lock symbol is cherry signature), and plastic and keycap quality is not as goos as what you can find on old keyboards, but typing is awesome, quite light so if there is a plate I don't think it's metal, this makes it a bit more noisy than if switches were fixed on a metal plate. I have no problem with noise^^  The thing I like with this one is that space or enter keys feel different to other keys, there must be some king of rubber pad under the keycaps to absorb shocks.

The layout is not classic but close enough to classic so you are not lost, left alt, ctrl and shift are not far from each other and I love that. Also the pause key is alone, nice idea as I use it to hibernate my PC

I also like the size factor, not too small, not too big, the trackball don't take too much space if you don't use it.

Well, for 10 euro it's a good deal IMO.

whoa sweet NIB? Where'd you get it? I want a trackball cherry board

[kilogeek]

just received a Compaq 11800 (MX Brown), never used, in its original package, for 10 euro + national shipping, good deal no ?

I read that someone got one from 1986 Sounds strange as this looks like recent design, no windows keys but Euro symbol.

I hated MX black but I love brown feeling. This compaq is made in germany (by Cherry I guess, the caps lock symbol is cherry signature), and plastic and keycap quality is not as goos as what you can find on old keyboards, but typing is awesome, quite light so if there is a plate I don't think it's metal, this makes it a bit more noisy than if switches were fixed on a metal plate. I have no problem with noise^^  The thing I like with this one is that space or enter keys feel different to other keys, there must be some king of rubber pad under the keycaps to absorb shocks.

The layout is not classic but close enough to classic so you are not lost, left alt, ctrl and shift are not far from each other and I love that. Also the pause key is alone, nice idea as I use it to hibernate my PC

I also like the size factor, not too small, not too big, the trackball don't take too much space if you don't use it.

Well, for 10 euro it's a good deal IMO.

whoa sweet NIB? Where'd you get it? I want a trackball cherry board

A guy from Paris area was selling that on the web, but these are AZERTY layouts FYI (I use azerty), and it's not so easy to replace AZERTY by QWERTY as not only lettering differs, physical layout is not the same too :



As you see, it's brand new, I think this guy works in an IT company and got KBs sold with rack mounted servers.

new : just looked the packaging, all seems dated 1997, but this keyboard has never been used, not a single trace of dust on the plate under the keys and plastic is bright white. Even the package looks new, probably stocked in a locker for years

When it comes to coding, QWERTY is much better, azerty sucks, but writing in french with a qwerty is almost impossible (even the common fr azerty lacks crucial keys)

[stonejoint]

Poker 2 browns at work.

[terrpn]

I just got a new keyboard at work (Lenovo RD) which replaced my HP RD.

I like it a lot - probably the best mass produced rubber dome I've tried.  It's very quiet and comfortable.  That being said, we do have several different Lenovo models and the one in my sig is definitely the most silent and easy to press out of all of them.

At home I'm still typing on a Lenovo chiclet built into a laptop.

I'm officially done with Cherry MX and Alps.  I'll buy a Unicomp buckling spring SSK if it ever surfaces but other than that I'm done with that also.

I've discovered that for me personally Sound (or lack thereof) > Profile > Switch mechanism.  I prefer a stealthy silent keyboard with low profile keycaps.  As long as those two criteria are met I can withstand a lot.

So currently saving my pennies for a Realforce 87U Silent - but will hold off purchasing it until I get a chance to try out the CM Storm NovaTouch.

The other office I use from time to time has a Lenovo also. As far as rubber domes go it's ok. If I was forced to use rubber domes I would prefer it over other I have tried.

Show Image

good luck with the legends............they will not be there long hombre

have the same lenovo kb

[Pacifist]

just received a Compaq 11800 (MX Brown), never used, in its original package, for 10 euro + national shipping, good deal no ?

I read that someone got one from 1986 Sounds strange as this looks like recent design, no windows keys but Euro symbol.

I hated MX black but I love brown feeling. This compaq is made in germany (by Cherry I guess, the caps lock symbol is cherry signature), and plastic and keycap quality is not as goos as what you can find on old keyboards, but typing is awesome, quite light so if there is a plate I don't think it's metal, this makes it a bit more noisy than if switches were fixed on a metal plate. I have no problem with noise^^  The thing I like with this one is that space or enter keys feel different to other keys, there must be some king of rubber pad under the keycaps to absorb shocks.

The layout is not classic but close enough to classic so you are not lost, left alt, ctrl and shift are not far from each other and I love that. Also the pause key is alone, nice idea as I use it to hibernate my PC

I also like the size factor, not too small, not too big, the trackball don't take too much space if you don't use it.

Well, for 10 euro it's a good deal IMO.

whoa sweet NIB? Where'd you get it? I want a trackball cherry board

A guy from Paris area was selling that on the web, but these are AZERTY layouts FYI (I use azerty), and it's not so easy to replace AZERTY by QWERTY as not only lettering differs, physical layout is not the same too :

(Attachment Link)

As you see, it's brand new, I think this guy works in an IT company and got KBs sold with rack mounted servers.

new : just looked the packaging, all seems dated 1997, but this keyboard has never been used, not a single trace of dust on the plate under the keys and plastic is bright white. Even the package looks new, probably stocked in a locker for years

When it comes to coding, QWERTY is much better, azerty sucks, but writing in french with a qwerty is almost impossible (even the common fr azerty lacks crucial keys)

That's sweet. I have a 11900, which is the same board but has a trackpad instead of a ball. Really want to try out the ball one day tho

[kilogeek]

syntax error

[YoungMichael88]

I just got a new keyboard at work (Lenovo RD) which replaced my HP RD.

I like it a lot - probably the best mass produced rubber dome I've tried.  It's very quiet and comfortable.  That being said, we do have several different Lenovo models and the one in my sig is definitely the most silent and easy to press out of all of them.

At home I'm still typing on a Lenovo chiclet built into a laptop.

I'm officially done with Cherry MX and Alps.  I'll buy a Unicomp buckling spring SSK if it ever surfaces but other than that I'm done with that also.

I've discovered that for me personally Sound (or lack thereof) > Profile > Switch mechanism.  I prefer a stealthy silent keyboard with low profile keycaps.  As long as those two criteria are met I can withstand a lot.

So currently saving my pennies for a Realforce 87U Silent - but will hold off purchasing it until I get a chance to try out the CM Storm NovaTouch.

The other office I use from time to time has a Lenovo also. As far as rubber domes go it's ok. If I was forced to use rubber domes I would prefer it over other I have tried.

Show Image

good luck with the legends............they will not be there long hombre

have the same lenovo kb

Yea, this is the second one so far. The first one could blind you with the key shine. The legends, tho still there, were very very faded.

[iri]

So currently saving my pennies for a Realforce 87U Silent

you'd better save you some pennies by buying a realforce 87u and doing a dental mod.

[ynrozturk]

Currently using my Blackwidow Tournament Edition after a few months of it being on the shelf. I missed the blues so here we are.. click click clackity click.

[dustinhxc]

So currently saving my pennies for a Realforce 87U Silent

you'd better save you some pennies by buying a realforce 87u and doing a dental mod.

ditto, then you can get all 45 or 55 too!

[Mr. C]

I'm currently using my IBM model M SSK. I've owned for years but seldom used it.   

[Fragil1ty]

Alternating between my Noppoo Choc mini and my Filco TKL (both red switches).

[VesperSAINT]

The past few days, I've been going back and forth between my HHKB, RF 55g, and Filco with 62g Ergo Clears... My brain is hurting but my fingers are purring.

[Pacifist]

G80-11900, 1/2 of alphas and mods are ergo clears, other half is stock black. Likin it so far, but when stickers come, alphas will be 100% clears

[1pq]

The past few days, I've been going back and forth between my HHKB, RF 55g, and Filco with 62g Ergo Clears... My brain is hurting but my fingers are purring.

lolol nice. I can't wait until my clears are worn in enough for me to lube 'em and swap out the springs. Using them now is kind of icky (especially compared to vintage blacks--but unfortunately that board has switch chattering...lol).

[SpAmRaY]

The past few days, I've been going back and forth between my HHKB, RF 55g, and Filco with 62g Ergo Clears... My brain is hurting but my fingers are purring.

lolol nice. I can't wait until my clears are worn in enough for me to lube 'em and swap out the springs. Using them now is kind of icky (especially compared to vintage blacks--but unfortunately that board has switch chattering...lol).

When did it become a thing to wear out switches before you lube and swap springs?

[HPE1000]

The past few days, I've been going back and forth between my HHKB, RF 55g, and Filco with 62g Ergo Clears... My brain is hurting but my fingers are purring.

lolol nice. I can't wait until my clears are worn in enough for me to lube 'em and swap out the springs. Using them now is kind of icky (especially compared to vintage blacks--but unfortunately that board has switch chattering...lol).

When did it become a thing to wear out switches before you lube and swap springs?

Idk, everyone says it. I have seen it from 1 week of use all the way to 1 year before lubing. I just lubed my clears the day they showed up, I probably ruined them.

[Pacifist]

The past few days, I've been going back and forth between my HHKB, RF 55g, and Filco with 62g Ergo Clears... My brain is hurting but my fingers are purring.

lolol nice. I can't wait until my clears are worn in enough for me to lube 'em and swap out the springs. Using them now is kind of icky (especially compared to vintage blacks--but unfortunately that board has switch chattering...lol).

When did it become a thing to wear out switches before you lube and swap springs?

Idk, everyone says it. I have seen it from 1 week of use all the way to 1 year before lubing. I just lubed my clears the day they showed up, I probably ruined them.

I did the same thing. But i don't really feel any difference

[terrpn]

kind of funny.......

this thread-- what keyboard r using now?

seems like if i see somebody asking a question on here or DT about a certain switch, board, etc. and if i have it then i typically go to my cabinet, grab the board and attempt to answer their question

problem is i never put it back and it winds up in my rotation to where i am all over the place

i think i have way too many keyboards and need medical attention

[Pacifist]

kind of funny.......

this thread-- what keyboard r using now?

seems like if i see somebody asking a question on here or DT about a certain switch, board, etc. and if i have it then i typically go to my cabinet, grab the board and attempt to answer their question

problem is i never put it back and it winds up in my rotation to where i am all over the place

i think i have way too many keyboards and need medical attention

hey how does rd work?

[patachu]

i'm currently on my t61p, and on the desktop, that C1405B which is surprisingly comfy and silent but i got some projects for my Model M...

[KangarooZombies]

i'm currently on my t61p, and on the desktop, that C1405B which is surprisingly comfy and silent

Show Image

but i got some projects for my Model M...

i dig it.

[terrpn]

kind of funny.......

this thread-- what keyboard r using now?

seems like if i see somebody asking a question on here or DT about a certain switch, board, etc. and if i have it then i typically go to my cabinet, grab the board and attempt to answer their question

problem is i never put it back and it winds up in my rotation to where i am all over the place

i think i have way too many keyboards and need medical attention

hey how does rd work?

help me out here..........

rd-- rubber dome?

[yasuo]

Show Image

How you uses the trcakpoint? looks trackpads

[arieswu]

Show Image

How you uses the trcakpoint? looks trackpads

use right index finger to push it....

[tuxsavvy]

Cherry G80-5000 HAMDE (big kudos to kint of deskthority forums):

[Candyflip]

Cherry G80-5000 HAMDE (big kudos to kint of deskthority forums):

Show Image

If only it wasn't for the ISO layout that keyboard would've been the perfect one for me. For how much did you get it if it's not too much to ask?

[tuxsavvy]

Cherry G80-5000 HAMDE (big kudos to kint of deskthority forums):

Show Image

If only it wasn't for the ISO layout that keyboard would've been the perfect one for me. For how much did you get it if it's not too much to ask?

ANSI layout for this keyboard the last I recall fetches a high price, besides my HHKB Pro JP has JIS layout, nothing wrong with having Cherry G80-5000 with DE/ISO layout. My APC Clicker F-21 has big-ass enter layout and the somewhat broken Northgate Omnikey 101 has ANSI layout. viva la difference!


I paid €200 for this.

[Mr. C]

I'm currently using my IBM model M SSK. I've owned for years but seldom used it.   

I am supprised at similar in feel (not sound) the SSK is to my Realforce 87U 55g. Anyone else think that?

[Linkbane]

I'm currently using my IBM model M SSK. I've owned for years but seldom used it.   

I am supprised at similar in feel (not sound) the SSK is to my Realforce 87U 55g. Anyone else think that?

I would be shocked if they were anything near the same. I tried a Model F and the feel was probably the furthest from a Topre (on a HHKB, though) I'd ever tried.

[rowdy]

I'm currently using my IBM model M SSK. I've owned for years but seldom used it.   

I am supprised at similar in feel (not sound) the SSK is to my Realforce 87U 55g. Anyone else think that?

Please send me SSK and RealForce so I can make my own comparison.

Naturally this will be a detailed comparison over the corse of many months.

[kilogeek]

Using my AT-101 type keyboard (the one on my avatar) with old black complicated ALPS (keyboard was made in Japan in 1988 and the PCB has the ALPS logo on it). Just lubed all switches, it took me several hours but result is awesome, feels even more tanky and if you close your eyes you feel you're using wooden keycaps^^ So I just put back my Compaq g80-11800 in its box
I guess these switches, once lubed, shall last even longer than what they're expected to.
Waiting for an UV light to retrObright it.

[dodzylla]

Roccat ryos MK , Cherry my black

[tgujay]

Using my AT-101 type keyboard (the one on my avatar) with old black complicated ALPS (keyboard was made in Japan in 1988 and the PCB has the ALPS logo on it). Just lubed all switches, it took me several hours but result is awesome, feels even more tanky and if you close your eyes you feel you're using wooden keycaps^^ So I just put back my Compaq g80-11800 in its box
I guess these switches, once lubed, shall last even longer than what they're expected to.
Waiting for an UV light to retrObright it.

Do you not get sun in France?

[kilogeek]

yes we have (I'm in the south) but my flat is in a tiny street and windows are north oriented, so in winter it's night all day, and when it's cloudy it's worst, well, it's sunny outside, but won't stand 2 or 3 hours in a park with my keyboard and my furious dog, too risky, lots of psychiatric clinics lack customers here^^

But I'll soon receive a nice "made in Germany" full spectrum light, these have very good customer feedbacks, some people say it's just like having sun directly in your room, good for mood in winter, and good for skin or keyboards too

[tribade]

Using my KMAC mini right now.  Love it, although now that I've been using it for a while I wonder whether or not the 55g blacks may or may not be a bit too light for me without the real tactile feedback of a blue switch.  Still, love the layout, and the construction of it!  Although recently I've been longing a bit for my HHKB, which is unfortunately across the country collecting dust 

[HelloAaron]

Using the Feenix Autore right now.  I own a Logictech G710+ though.  Just testing out the Autore for a couple of days.

[Dongulator]

Leopold FC500RR/AB .. looking to get a Filco w/ browns soon though

[VesperSAINT]

Just having a lil' fun switching things up. For now:

[tototo]

Poker II at home and Ducky Mini at work. It's not the best setup as it means switching between ISO/ANSI at a regular basis but works ok. Waiting to see if the ergodox will be even better but am right now extremely happy with the 60% format.

[luminor]

Ducky YOTS, will getting topre if i can cannibalize novatouch switch onto RF/HKKB, if not i'll stick with my brown YOTS

[Tarzan]

CM Storm Trigger w/MX Greens.  I've been using the Ducky with MX Grays for quite a while, I'd forgotten that Greens are actually kind of clicky.   

[aref]

I've been using a Realforce 87U/55g and and an IBM SSK.
But thinking of selling the SSK and picking up another 87U.
The IBM SSK is a really nice keyboard; but the Realforce has
become my keyboard of choice. Anyone interested in a new
SSK? I've got two and will likely keep the one I've been using.

[1pq]

Just having a lil' fun switching things up. For now:

Show Image

Don't you miss 55g when you switch do your HHKB?