How do you manage your multiple keyboards?

[RoastPotatoes]

I really mean how do you use your keyboards if you have multiple? Do you have a rotation? Do you just change as you please?
I'm not really sure what I do. If I feel like topre, I'll get out my hhkb. If I want buckling springs then I'll get out my SSK. But sometimes I feel like I am neglecting one or the other.

[SpAmRaY]

Mine just sit lonely in their boxes.

[1swt2gs]

Mine just sit lonely in their boxes.

Same, ever since I got my Poker II, I hardly use any other keyboards. I try to rotate from time to time, depending on what switch I am feeling though.

[azhdar]

My rotation of 3boards (the other are in the closet) are onto a table right next to my desk and I switch them out.

[ImpendingxDoom]

Rotate depending on the mood.
If I've been drinking I like my ssk
If I've been smoking I like my 1800
If I need to do work at my computer I like my ergodox
If I've been feeling lazy I like my HHKB
If my GF is gonna be on my computer she likes my novatouch
You get the idea.

[mason]

If I need to type for a while then I'll use my hhkb, but if I'm gaming then I use my 1800

[keshley]

Depends what I'm doing. If I'm going to be doing something that requires using the mouse a lot, I prefer one of my TKLs. If I'm building queries, writing posts/reports/scripts/whatever, in other words, something keyboard heavy, then I prefer one of my 60% boards.

I could probably get away with just using a TKL with Hasu's USB converter as well, since I could then program my TKL to match my 60%... but my desktop at home already has 4 input devices plugged in full time (typically HHKB, G13, Ouroboros, and L-trac), so I prefer the smaller form factor when I can get away with it.

As to different types of switches - its really all about what I feel like using. I figure if a board doesn't get used in a couple months, I should probably get rid of it. Assuming it's in one piece *eyes novatouch missing top half of case*

I'm also not a collector, I have enough crap lying around

[slushi]

Mine just sit lonely in their boxes.

This is my fear... I want so many boards but feel like I will end up with 1 that actually gets use and the others just sit there and look pretty...

I'm especially fearful if I get my hands on a FC660C since I have so much $$ in MX stuff already.

[Jixr]

i have the two that i use, and all the ohters are scattered around my house on shelves and stuff. I should probably slim them down.

[rpeterclark]

I usually flip between a couple favorites somewhat randomly, whichever one I have been last tinkering with usually. Some others go on the wall mount thing.

Out of date photo:

[Pwner]

Pok3r is my daily that sits on my desk.  K70 sits on my keyboard tray for when my daughter or my fiance use my pc.

[RenegadeParadox]

I have been keeping my Ducky Mini (clears) in the closet because I got it mostly for a Surface Pro that I never actually bought. I switch occasionally but stay mostly with my G2 Pro since I prefer the MX Blues. Though I just got a K65 that I'm going to strip and put in Zealio 65s in and I have a feeling that's going to be my main when I'm done.

[raymogi]

Some goes on the drawer and some goes into the sleeves that I bought for them.

The ones I very rarely use goes back to the box.

[1swt2gs]

I usually flip between a couple favorites somewhat randomly, whichever one I have been last tinkering with usually. Some others go on the wall mount thing.

Out of date photo:

Show Image

I need to build something like this so I can easily swap between boards.

[Altis]

I'm working on making a display stand so that I can look at them all and choose a new one quickly and easily.

[Macsmasher]

I only have three keyboards and a big desk with monitor arms, so I have lots of desk real estate. I usually keep all three plugged in and just grab the one I want to use at the time.

[appleonama]

I really mean how do you use your keyboards if you have multiple? Do you have a rotation? Do you just change as you please?
I'm not really sure what I do. If I feel like topre, I'll get out my hhkb. If I want buckling springs then I'll get out my SSK. But sometimes I feel like I am neglecting one or the other.

get multiple computers


realforce 87ub on my main rig

fc660c on my second computer

hhkb on my server pc

hhkb type-s as my travel keyboard

[Bucake]

ehhh i currently have them scattered throughout my nerdroom, tucked away in plastic bags to keep out dust

[rpeterclark]

I usually flip between a couple favorites somewhat randomly, whichever one I have been last tinkering with usually. Some others go on the wall mount thing.

Out of date photo:

Show Image

I need to build something like this so I can easily swap between boards.

Yeah, I like to keep the ones I'm not using on display so that I can at least appreciate them, more so than having them in a box or closet somewhere!

[swimmingbird]

I feel bad neglecting my more expensive boards - don't really care about my old Ducky Shines or Poker that much but if I don't use my GON for a couple of days I feel wasteful.

Otherwise most boards are kind of just sitting in my closet

[mougrim]

I use what my mood puts in my hands. Usually it's a AT F for work/heavy typing and PokerII/V60 Matias for gaming. Or AEK II for chatting.

[katushkin]

I usually flip between a couple favorites somewhat randomly, whichever one I have been last tinkering with usually. Some others go on the wall mount thing.

Out of date photo:

Show Image

Duuuuuuude. That's such a cool way to store them.

[whmeltonjr]

My wife manages mine for me. I plug one in with blank caps, she unplugs it and plugs one in with legends.   )  I rotate them out at work more than I do at home. Let one come with me for a week or two, then swap it for something else.

[FoxWolf1]

Generally, I do 48% of my keyboarding on whatever is my main keyboard for my desktop system at the time-- currently Keycool-- and another 48% on the built-in keyboard of my laptop. The remaining 4% reflects the fact that I occasionally like a bit of variety and will take out one of my other keyboards from the closet and use it with one or the other system for a little while before putting it back.

The keyboards in the closet also serve as backups. I like to have at least one keyboard that I consider usable on standby in case the main keyboard fails or suffers a destructive accident. Neither of my reserve mechs are really at 100% for me, so ideally I should acquire at least one additional keyboard, though, for now, alternative budgetary demands will have to take precedence.

During (less lean) times in the past, I've occasionally gone over the point of having both a main keyboard and a fully functional backup, due to wanting to acquire keyboards for other reasons (better feel and/or performance, layout suitability, etc.). Once that happens, I start to give in to the temptation to use my inferior or less capable keyboards for DIY projects. Due to my ineptitude, this tends to end badly for the keyboards concerned, so it's very unlikely that I'll ever have more than 3-4 keyboards at a time.

[SamirD]

I put all of them on different systems--servers, dedicated task systems, etc.  All of them find a good home that way and never really move.

[Kola93]

My brother and I try to keep them in original boxes, and our basement is completely packed with them.

Wish there was a better system to stack keyboards on top of each other, or even display them.

[RoastPotatoes]

I kind of like the impendingxdoom mentality the best.

I like rpeterclark's display wall, but I don't think I have space for something like that.

[ripwallet]

Realforce for gaming

Pok3r for laptop

Novatouch for work

[monotagary]

When I have more than one board, which at the current time I unfortunately do not, the ones not in use are normally sitting in boxes or down in my basement workspace.

[Butter]

I just switch to the one I feel like using. The rest just sit in their box

[My_Thoughts]

I only have 3 - work, home and travel.   I'm going to buy a G410 later this year for gaming and then I guess I will have a gaming board and a home typing board....  but I might sell or give to a friend my spare. 

I am a little bit of a collector and horder so I work hard at not keeping things  I don't use often.  It's hard but I feel better for it. 

I want to try topre one day... really want to try that before I buy a board just for that.

[tararais]

I have two personally, with one that I never use that sits at home. First is a GON TKL with clears, and I prefer using that when playing games or doing lots of typing (or showing off my e-peen, I guess). The second is a HHKB Type-S, which I've had for a while now, and it's just so comfortable. I like it for everyday use and portability, plus when I'm in a bad mood, the thocks are so relaxing. I wonder if and when GON will start making Topre-compatible PCBs... true keyboard euphoria/endgame for me would silenced 45g Topre on a GON metal/acrylic keyboard with Cherry-compatible keycaps. 
 
Oh yeah, back to the question. Even if I only use one for a while, I know I still love using both, so there's no guilt. So I make sure only to keep keyboards I wouldn't mind using for long periods of time, others are passed on to people who like them. Love all thy keyboards, and thou shalt be content.

[meow a cat]

I swap mine out when I feel like it, and usually one is kept on strict travel duty back and forth to school and other places. Right now it's one of my Phantoms, I chose it because it happened to be the quietest. Before that, my QFR.

It's hard to choose between a KMAC and an SSK though, so sometimes I feel a little guilty. I keep them out in the open (on top of my computer case, on my desks) when I'm not using them because I like to look at them. Eventually I'd like to do some display shelves or something, because I love them too much.  )

If I find that I never use a board anymore, I usually let go of it so that someone else can appreciate it and so I can afford to buy a board/keyset/something that I will use more. 

[SamirD]

Love all thy keyboards, and thou shalt be content.

I think I read this in the Bible last weekend--no really I did. 

[rowdy]

I only have 3 - work, home and travel.   I'm going to buy a G410 later this year for gaming and then I guess I will have a gaming board and a home typing board....  but I might sell or give to a friend my spare. 

I am a little bit of a collector and horder so I work hard at not keeping things  I don't use often.  It's hard but I feel better for it. 

I want to try topre one day... really want to try that before I buy a board just for that.

I admire your dedication.

I hoard way too much, including keyboards now.  And fountain pens, thanks' Geekhack.

I did manage to throw out a few dozen old computers when we moved house, and it felt good when they were finally gone.

But I don't think I could throw everything out.  Not just yet.

[UTEster750]

I only have 3 - work, home and travel.   I'm going to buy a G410 later this year for gaming and then I guess I will have a gaming board and a home typing board....  but I might sell or give to a friend my spare. 

I am a little bit of a collector and horder so I work hard at not keeping things  I don't use often.  It's hard but I feel better for it. 

I want to try topre one day... really want to try that before I buy a board just for that.

I admire your dedication.

I hoard way too much, including keyboards now.  And fountain pens, thanks' Geekhack.

I did manage to throw out a few dozen old computers when we moved house, and it felt good when they were finally gone.

But I don't think I could throw everything out.  Not just yet.

I'm hording a few computers in the shed, for who knows what yet.

[My_Thoughts]

I only have 3 - work, home and travel.   I'm going to buy a G410 later this year for gaming and then I guess I will have a gaming board and a home typing board....  but I might sell or give to a friend my spare. 

I am a little bit of a collector and horder so I work hard at not keeping things  I don't use often.  It's hard but I feel better for it. 

I want to try topre one day... really want to try that before I buy a board just for that.

I admire your dedication.

I hoard way too much, including keyboards now.  And fountain pens, thanks' Geekhack.

I did manage to throw out a few dozen old computers when we moved house, and it felt good when they were finally gone.

But I don't think I could throw everything out.  Not just yet.

I seem to move every 18-24 months.  THat also helps keep my stuff levels low.  But it's a constant struggle.

[gabba-gool]

I just threw a ton of stuff out in my house after getting married. We had so much collective crap. I have a POK3R w/clears that I use daily and I keep my old CM Storm QFR w/blues as a back up. Wife dudnt like dem clicks and clacks

[SamirD]

I only have 3 - work, home and travel.   I'm going to buy a G410 later this year for gaming and then I guess I will have a gaming board and a home typing board....  but I might sell or give to a friend my spare. 

I am a little bit of a collector and horder so I work hard at not keeping things  I don't use often.  It's hard but I feel better for it. 

I want to try topre one day... really want to try that before I buy a board just for that.

I admire your dedication.

I hoard way too much, including keyboards now.  And fountain pens, thanks' Geekhack.

I did manage to throw out a few dozen old computers when we moved house, and it felt good when they were finally gone.

But I don't think I could throw everything out.  Not just yet.

I seem to move every 18-24 months.  THat also helps keep my stuff levels low.  But it's a constant struggle.

This helps A LOT to pare down your stuff.  Just look at moving it and you'll be thinking, do I really need this?

I have a lot of stuff I have plans for, but just not enough time because there's always some major fire in my life that sucks up half a decade at a time.   'Someday' I promise myself!

[Grim Fandango]

I don't really. I use one at home and use one at work.

I used to have multiple keyboards, some unused (Filco, Matias, Full size Realforce). But since then I have kind of settled on the Realforce tenkeyless as my go-to keyboards. I now have one stock at work (variable weight) and one with some different keycaps at home (uniform 45g). All of the other keyboards I simply sold or traded.

[Wyckie]

Mine's based on task.

During the day when no one is around and I need to write or code, MX greens TKL.

Maybe someone is in the room, and I still want tactile. Switch to my browns.

Oh, now it's late, and I don't want to bother anyone? Switch to my lubed blacks with O-rings.

Alright, now I'm gaming and need a lot of mouse space... Better switch to my PokerII with clears.

[sitch]

I have never actually owned multiple keyboards but right now I do, currently assembling a ergodox and waiting for the keycaps to arrive for my realforce.

What I'm thinking is when I have to type I'll be using the realforce and gaming will be using the ergodox ergo clear switches. Luckily my desk can fit the realforce at the keyboard tray and ergodox on top of the desk

[thatsmrdoctortoyou]

Its definitely a random rotation between boards, but after switching to one I tend to keep with it for a few weeks. What I find interesting is that I can never make a decision on which I prefer more. Every time I begin using the other board I'm surprised by the switches and I begin telling myself that I prefer it over the other. I can't even imagine what this cycle is going to be like when I add another switch to the rotation.

[keshley]

I only have 3 - work, home and travel.   I'm going to buy a G410 later this year for gaming and then I guess I will have a gaming board and a home typing board....  but I might sell or give to a friend my spare. 

I am a little bit of a collector and horder so I work hard at not keeping things  I don't use often.  It's hard but I feel better for it. 

I want to try topre one day... really want to try that before I buy a board just for that.

I admire your dedication.

I hoard way too much, including keyboards now.  And fountain pens, thanks' Geekhack.

I did manage to throw out a few dozen old computers when we moved house, and it felt good when they were finally gone.

But I don't think I could throw everything out.  Not just yet.

Can always throw away those unused boards into my mailbox. 

[sncbraxsc2]

After lugging my first one to and from work for a couple months, I decided to have one for home and one for work. I'm working on an alps project though and will eventually want to try out topre and BS. I will probably cycle my boards at home depending on what im doing or preference

[Zorox]

I got my blue Poker II on desk at home and carry my clear Pok3r to campus. But sometimes I also switch my clear to home-used when I need to code at home

[gadzkun]

1 for home use
1 for work use
1 for mobile use
1 for photo purpose only (with cute keycaps)
the one unused i give it to my lil brother and sister 

[Wolfseye]

 Hi guys,

really interesting how much people can talk about keyboards. So far I always used one keyboard, but now I am thinking about using two in the future. Funny enough they are the same Model, just different switches. Not sure if that makes sense. But with MX-Red Switches I can play better, while I noticed with MX-Brown switches I can type better. Does that make sense or is it just me imagining it ?

Or is it even counter productive to use different switches for the wrists, can that lead to more pain in the long run or do I just get used to it ?

Cheers

Wolfseye

[Bartlebum]

No idea so far, I have 4 boards but I keep 2 at work so it's been easy. I don't know what to do when my other boards come in the mail.

[DamnDan]

I got my first Mechanical Keyboard after reading Dell AT101W review by CPTBadAss - Yupp it was the same model
Next was CM QFR Ultimate with MX Browns (CPTBadAss replied to my post about best transfer from Black Complicated ALPS to MX, he suggested browns, bought browns).

After that it was hard to handle, accumulated through cheapest means possible around 12 keyboards and tried to rotate them...all in search for my End Game keyboard. Or was it because I felt not using my boards was not good if I had them.
Wend through BS, MX of plenty of flavours, ALPS etc.

Currently have 3 mechanical keyboards in use -
My work boards CM QFR Ultimate + Tipro 128 MX black matrix,
And board at home Apple M0118

All in all - I've found out that most keyboards did not find good use...sold them off to Co-Workers for next to nothing.
I feel better now, that I can see other people enjoy boards that otherwise would be barely used.

I wanted to keep the Dell for home use...Co-worker loved it so much he just had to have it for work.

Thank you CPTBadAss for starting my journey into keyboards...made me learn alot.
Thank you all for giving so much info on this forum, so many great minds combined here, no forum beats GH