Rookie considering ErgoDox

[Kozu]

Hello everyone,

I went here to seek some help and advice. I'm a Software Engineer (to-be) recently started using Emacs.

I love Emacs, but I must admit it really puts some strain on the fingers (yes, I have remapped ctrl -> caps lock). My left thumb is having issues hitting the cmd-key (meta key). The current keyboard I'm using is an Apple Chiclet board, and I have never used a mechanical keyboard professionally. Until now, I have actually been pretty happy with this chiclet board... and the reason why I actually turned to chiclet was more due to the flat design (and fast "feedback", as in bottoming out). Mechanical keyboards have always in my mind been these annoying curving keyboards, that made your fingers feel like they were climbing stairs. But after I have been lurking here for some time, I can see I've been so wrong.

Anyhow, this is my questions:

1. On the massdrop page, it says blue is the best for typing... but mentions noise. How bad is this noise when sitting in an open office space?
2. What switches should I go for? From what I read the clear and blues are the best suiting for typing.
3. How mobile is the ErgoDox? When it comes to backpacks.
4. Casing... Which one should I go for? is the "full hand" usable without creating some custom pad? or no-matter the case should I get a pad for the wrist?

Thanks a lot

[thebeargentile]

Can't speak to the ErgoDox since I don't have one yet, but I have been using a Kinesis Advantage at work, and mapped the control key to where the delete key is on the default Ergodox layout, and have been very pleased with the results. 

Switch type is largely personal preference, I will say that in my opinion blues are too loud for most office environments, but the other types will also be loud, relatively speaking, if you bottom your keys out, but it largely depends on your coworkers as to if it will be a problem or not.

[davkol]

1. On the massdrop page, it says blue is the best for typing... but mentions noise. How bad is this noise when sitting in an open office space?
2. What switches should I go for? From what I read the clear and blues are the best suiting for typing.

There's no best switch for something. In other words, it's entirely matter of personal preference.

I don't think blues are a good idea for open space. Not that open space has ever been a good idea by itself.

3. How mobile is the ErgoDox? When it comes to backpacks.

Not nearly as portable as 75% or 60% keyboards, but better than a full-size keyboard.

4. Casing... Which one should I go for? is the "full hand" usable without creating some custom pad? or no-matter the case should I get a pad for the wrist?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47142.0

[tp4tissue]

I would not consider the Ergodox is travel friendly because the ports are rather fragile at stock configuration


NOW.... if you Reinforce the ports with epoxy or gorilla-glue, then it should be plenty safe for travel

[Thimplum]

I would not consider the Ergodox is travel friendly because the ports are rather fragile at stock configuration


NOW.... if you Reinforce the ports with epoxy or gorilla-glue, then it should be plenty safe for travel

If you break an ERGODOX, you need to show some more respect.

[tp4tissue]

I would not consider the Ergodox is travel friendly because the ports are rather fragile at stock configuration


NOW.... if you Reinforce the ports with epoxy or gorilla-glue, then it should be plenty safe for travel

If you break an ERGODOX, you need to show some more respect.

or epoxy.. 

[pocketdrummer]

Is there something less permanent than epoxy for securing those ports?

[hoggy]

Perhaps a pelican case? I don't know if there's a model that would be a good fit.

[domoaligato]

I do not understand the issue with the ports.
won't it be fine if you unplug the cables first before travel?

[pocketdrummer]

I do not understand the issue with the ports.
won't it be fine if you unplug the cables first before travel?

I'm guessing long-term wear and tear unplugging and plugging.

[domoaligato]

I do not understand the issue with the ports.
won't it be fine if you unplug the cables first before travel?

I'm guessing long-term wear and tear unplugging and plugging.

if they wear out you can just replace them.
that is what makes this so great.

[Grim Fandango]

I would not consider the Ergodox is travel friendly because the ports are rather fragile at stock configuration


NOW.... if you Reinforce the ports with epoxy or gorilla-glue, then it should be plenty safe for travel

Did you just say something about the ergodox that is not positive?......

[daerid]

Just traveled with my ErgoDox. It held up fine. Just don't stick it in a bag that's getting checked.

[CommunistWitchDr]

I would not consider the Ergodox is travel friendly because the ports are rather fragile at stock configuration


NOW.... if you Reinforce the ports with epoxy or gorilla-glue, then it should be plenty safe for travel

Really if you just don't leave things in the ports in your bag it's fine. I consider it more protable than a tkl.

[vivalarevolución]

The blues I used at work were noticed by others, but no one complained.  You could get clears, put in new springs and try the Ergo clear switch.

The Ergodox is quite portable.  I just took the full hand on a plane trip.  I got another Ergodox with the classic case for portability.

I can use the full hand without any extra palm rest.  Not a problem at all.

[nomaded]

I can use the full hand without any extra palm rest.  Not a problem at all.

Do you use anything to tent the full hand? At first, I was thinking about using it flat on a desk, but after some reading, I think maybe a small angle would work. I was thinking a couple small ramps made of wood.

[domoaligato]

not sure but I thought I would ask...
would it be possible to use the Kinesis Freestyle Ascent Multi-Tent - keyboard accessories kit with the ergodox?

one might be able to drill the required holes to make it fit.

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KS&Product_Code=AC740-blk&Category_Code=F2KBDMAC

[Glod]

Just traveled with my ErgoDox. It held up fine. Just don't stick it in a bag that's getting checked.

so you have gone through airport security with it? because of the design of the litster case i keep fearing it will look suspicious to tsa. i skipped packing in my recent flights. TSA here at my small Richmond airport are freaking nuts, they go off on everyone.

[daerid]

Yeah unstuck it in my carry on laptop bag. TSA didn't so much as raise an eyebrow