Unpopular Keyboard Opinions

[swimmingbird]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

I would agree about artisans, but I think a lot of the recent GMK sets are professional enough, even Hyperfuse. And many SA sets (Hackd, Retro) are fine, too.

Yeah I think that Hyperfuse has a classy look to it. I think the accent keys might be pushing it in some workplaces but does anyone here even work at a place where they have been told off for how their keyboard looks?

[ideus]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

Show Image

I would agree about artisans, but I think a lot of the recent GMK sets are professional enough, even Hyperfuse. And many SA sets (Hackd, Retro) are fine, too.

Yeah I think that Hyperfuse has a classy look to it. I think the accent keys might be pushing it in some workplaces but does anyone here even work at a place where they have been told off for how their keyboard looks?

I think is more like you do not want to have that kind of attention. In my case the small 60% I am using, even when it has an standard beige set on it, calls unwanted attention.

[HoffmanMyster]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

I tend to agree with this.  For me, WoB + a splash of color is ideal at work.

[njbair]

For me, my biggest professional hangup is packaging. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at some of the envelope artwork you guys make around here, but I have everything delivered to the office because the commercial address usually gets things here a day earlier, plus then I don't have to worry about expensive goods sitting unattended on my front stoop all day. The only downside is potential funny looks from coworkers when stuff arrives with drawings on it. I'm still trying to figure out the balance there. Maybe I should get a PO box for keyboard stuff?

[HoffmanMyster]

For me, my biggest professional hangup is packaging. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at some of the envelope artwork you guys make around here, but I have everything delivered to the office because the commercial address usually gets things here a day earlier, plus then I don't have to worry about expensive goods sitting unattended on my front stoop all day. The only downside is potential funny looks from coworkers when stuff arrives with drawings on it. I'm still trying to figure out the balance there. Maybe I should get a PO box for keyboard stuff?

Maybe it wouldn't hurt to have just the artisan caps sent to your home?  Those tend to be the only ones with drawings on the package.

[whentheclouds]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

poor grooming or violating the dress code are one thing, but i honestly don't think there are any unspoken office rules regarding computer peripherals. personally speaking, i won't judge anyone for using a wacky looking keyboard or mouse, heck even beats get a pass from me

[swimmingbird]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

poor grooming or violating the dress code are one thing, but i honestly don't think there are any unspoken office rules regarding computer peripherals. personally speaking, i won't judge anyone for using a wacky looking keyboard or mouse, heck even beats get a pass from me

Yeah the only problem is now I'm the "keyboard guy" at work and everyone always assumes that any package coming is automatically another keyboard. I don't think they mean badly about it all though and most people will ask me about them

[azhdar]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

I tend to agree with this.  For me, WoB + a splash of color is ideal at work.

Brought Bow 60% with CMYW + pink spacebar at school.
I was the guy with a pink keyboard from that point.
Before that the board was wearing blanks (how do you even type?).
My dyseubs where looked upon too.
Only keyset I put on that keyboard that didn't raise attention was Granite (until I put RGB mods on...).

[ideus]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

Show Image

poor grooming or violating the dress code are one thing, but i honestly don't think there are any unspoken office rules regarding computer peripherals. personally speaking, i won't judge anyone for using a wacky looking keyboard or mouse, heck even beats get a pass from me

Yeah the only problem is now I'm the "keyboard guy" at work and everyone always assumes that any package coming is automatically another keyboard. I don't think they mean badly about it all though and most people will ask me about them

Well said. Any similarity to reality is just coincidence.

[swimmingbird]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

I tend to agree with this.  For me, WoB + a splash of color is ideal at work.

Brought Bow 60% with CMYW + pink spacebar at school.
I was the guy with a pink keyboard from that point.
Before that the board was wearing blanks (how do you even type?).
My dyseubs where looked upon too.
Only keyset I put on that keyboard that didn't raise attention was Granite (until I put RGB mods on...).

Haters be jelly of your cmyw goodness

[sth]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

poor grooming or violating the dress code are one thing, but i honestly don't think there are any unspoken office rules regarding computer peripherals. personally speaking, i won't judge anyone for using a wacky looking keyboard or mouse, heck even beats get a pass from me

if we had a dress code i would be violating all three of these rules
but at least i dont smell bad when i 'forget' to shower

[MajorMajor]

I don't think most artisan keycaps would look out of place at work. I wouldn't go crazy with them though, you'd probably look a little childish.

[Sifo]

u guys think it'll be OK to take my gon to work?

KappaPride

[ttzhou]

u guys think it'll be OK to take my gon to work?

KappaPride

depends on what you do.

[Sifo]

u guys think it'll be OK to take my gon to work?

KappaPride

depends on what you do.

i didn't get the job yet

[ttzhou]

u guys think it'll be OK to take my gon to work?

KappaPride

depends on what you do.

i didn't get the job yet

doesn't change my question

[jamster]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

I would agree about artisans, but I think a lot of the recent GMK sets are professional enough, even Hyperfuse. And many SA sets (Hackd, Retro) are fine, too.

Yeah I think that Hyperfuse has a classy look to it. I think the accent keys might be pushing it in some workplaces but does anyone here even work at a place where they have been told off for how their keyboard looks?

I personally like Hyperfuse, but in any 'serious', 'corporate' environment I wouldn't use it. It's not about being told off (which would take a pretty infantile management culture), it's about whether you want to be remembered as the guy with the rainbow keyboard, which is a couple of steps up to being the guy with the collection of troll dolls lined up on his desk.

Oddly enough, I had assumed that programmers and keyboard enthusiasts would have a big intersect. Somewhat disappointingly, this hasn't been what I have observed in real life. I'm surrounded by programmers, as are a couple of friends who are coders in other companies. Nobody seems to have an interest in mech boards at all. Sad.

[jamster]

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

I would agree about artisans, but I think a lot of the recent GMK sets are professional enough, even Hyperfuse. And many SA sets (Hackd, Retro) are fine, too.

Yeah, some of the GMK sets are discrete enough to get away with, I think.

[CPTBadAss]

I personally like Hyperfuse, but in any 'serious', 'corporate' environment I wouldn't use it. It's not about being told off (which would take a pretty infantile management culture), it's about whether you want to be remembered as the guy with the rainbow keyboard, which is a couple of steps up to being the guy with the collection of troll dolls lined up on his desk.

If you work in an office where people would rather remember you for your keyboard than your work, maybe it's time to quit. Or stop caring what people think. Sounds like a ****ty culture. I personally don't give a **** and have used Valentine's at work.

[jbondeson]

If you work in an office where people would rather remember you for your keyboard than your work, maybe it's time to quit. Or stop caring what people think. Sounds like a ****ty culture. I personally don't give a **** and have used Valentine's at work.

Yeah, that would suck... I mean, I'm known as "The Keyboard Guy" just because none of the other programmers had seen the kind of stuff I bring in. But everyone is more interested than anything. Hell the owner and another programmer have already taken the dive into mechanical keyboards.

They're even thinking about getting everyone wasd boards with keyswitches of their choice as standard equipment 

And as for keysets, I've used hyperfuse and symbiosis on a regular basis. And when I get some custom boards done, you're damn right they're coming in with me to the office!

[nubbinator]

More

The vast majority of aftermarket key sets are not suitable for most office environments. All artisan caps are unsuitable to work keyboards.


Flame away

I would agree about artisans, but I think a lot of the recent GMK sets are professional enough, even Hyperfuse. And many SA sets (Hackd, Retro) are fine, too.

Yeah I think that Hyperfuse has a classy look to it. I think the accent keys might be pushing it in some workplaces but does anyone here even work at a place where they have been told off for how their keyboard looks?

I personally like Hyperfuse, but in any 'serious', 'corporate' environment I wouldn't use it. It's not about being told off (which would take a pretty infantile management culture), it's about whether you want to be remembered as the guy with the rainbow keyboard, which is a couple of steps up to being the guy with the collection of troll dolls lined up on his desk.

I'm the guy with Toki Doki Unicornos, Cactus Cats, and Smoking Bunnies at my desk.  My boss, supervisor, and co-workers all love them.  I'd rather be remembered as the guy who kicks ass at his job and knows how to relax and have fun than the guy who does his job well but is overly serious and uptight.  If you are effective and professional with clients and co-workers, who the hell cares what your workspace looks like...unless it's all Lisa Frank and Hannah Montanna when you're a dude.

[sth]

what like smorkin labbits?

[whentheclouds]

I'm the guy with Toki Doki Unicornos, Cactus Cats, and Smoking Bunnies at my desk.  My boss, supervisor, and co-workers all love them.  I'd rather be remembered as the guy who kicks ass at his job and knows how to relax and have fun than the guy who does his job well but is overly serious and uptight.  If you are effective and professional with clients and co-workers, who the hell cares what your workspace looks like...unless it's all Lisa Frank and Hannah Montanna when you're a dude.

agreed. if jamster finds out his cool yet serious boss uses a handerbeit set, would he think 'hehe rainbow and ponies what a ***'? no, he would think 'wow i didnt know this guy was into keyboards, definitely gonna ask him about it next time im in his office. what a kool guy!!'

just a matter of perception

[jamster]

Yessss, I knew this was going to be unpopular

If my boss, who is probably the geekiest one I've ever had, ever saw unicorn vomit on my desk, he would heap **** on me, but he's a Brit and that's how Brits and Aussies operate

[whentheclouds]

do brits and aussies have more in common with each other than with scots and welsh people?

just curious how that works

[jamster]

Weeell, technical Scots and the Welsh *are* Brits. Albeit with funnier accents than usual.

Though I wouldn't push that point in a pub in either Scotland or Wales.

[Fire Brand]

Yessss, I knew this was going to be unpopular

If my boss, who is probably the geekiest one I've ever had, ever saw unicorn vomit on my desk, he would heap **** on me, but he's a Brit and that's how Brits and Aussies operate

Woah woah woah don't go stereotyping me as a none rainbow vomit looking person just because I'm a Brit :I

FYI my boss is pretty chill about my keyboards he find them interesting thinking I'm wasting money but finds them interesting

[whentheclouds]

Though I wouldn't push that point in a pub in either Scotland or Wales.

this reminds me of a sports article i read once: "Andy Murray is only British when he's playing in Wimbledon"

[zzyjayfree]

Sorry I'm still in love with Win+E Win+D Win+R Win+P  : P

[nubbinator]

Sorry I'm still in love with Win+E Win+D Win+R Win+P  : P

I feel like you're on a roll for posting to get somewhere, but I have to agree.  Win hotkeys are the ****.  It's why winkeyless sucks.

[nathanrosspowell]

Modern Selectric...


... looks ...


... not great.

[dutC4]

 

[njbair]

• I don't care about scoops/bars/nipples. Like at all.
• I am simultaneously annoyed and entertained by the recent threadcrapping drama, but neither annoyed nor entertained to the point of action.
• Massdrop seems to actually be trying to not suck as much lately.

[katushkin]

• I don't care about scoops/bars/nipples. Like at all.
• I am simultaneously annoyed and entertained by the recent threadcrapping drama, but neither annoyed nor entertained to the point of action.
• Massdrop seems to actually be trying to not suck as much lately.

Yeah, I have never had any issue with Massdrop. But then I am, and will never be, a vendor so will probably never experience their relationship between GB organiser and host.

[njbair]

• I don't care about scoops/bars/nipples. Like at all.
• I am simultaneously annoyed and entertained by the recent threadcrapping drama, but neither annoyed nor entertained to the point of action.
• Massdrop seems to actually be trying to not suck as much lately.

Yeah, I have never had any issue with Massdrop. But then I am, and will never be, a vendor so will probably never experience their relationship between GB organiser and host.

I still don't think I would ever run a buy through them. But the last couple of "drops" I've joined since GMK TA have all gone swimmingly, so far. I've got one of the items in-hand, and for the other two I've received notice that things are progressing slightly ahead of schedule. So really can't complain about that.

[TopreFan333]

• Massdrop seems to actually be trying to not suck as much lately.

Yeah, I have never had any issue with Massdrop. But then I am, and will never be, a vendor so will probably never experience their relationship between GB organiser and host.

Waiting patiently on my PBT Topre spacebars, and I have to say, so far the communication about the status has been really good.

[njbair]

The Surface 2 Keyboard Cover isn't the worst keyboard I've ever used.

[ideus]

I had a problem with MD once; it took some time to be sorted out, some unresponsive reps to deal with, some repeating and unattended emails; but, at the end, it was solved well. In the other hand, it seems, it is improving.

[blueangel2323]

1) The most common Cherry non-clicky switches suck, and feel inferior to rubber domes, because
2) Blacks and Reds are pointless - linear switches defeat the main purpose of using a mechanical keyboard, and
3) Browns are not tactile at all; more like linears with sand caught inside.

Only Blues/Greens are worth the money, and possibly Clears, which I haven't had a chance to try yet.

Also:
4) With a few exceptions, keyboards with multi coloured keycaps and LEDs look stupid.

[nubbinator]

To counter that, MX Blues are vastly overrated.  I'd even go so far as to say they suck.

[njbair]

To counter that, MX Blues are vastly overrated.  I'd even go so far as to say they suck.

Vintage blues, like in my Dolch PAC, are nice.

[Rayoui]

1) The most common Cherry non-clicky switches suck, and feel inferior to rubber domes, because
2) Blacks and Reds are pointless - linear switches defeat the main purpose of using a mechanical keyboard, and
3) Browns are not tactile at all; more like linears with sand caught inside.

Only Blues/Greens are worth the money, and possibly Clears, which I haven't had a chance to try yet.

Also:
4) With a few exceptions, keyboards with multi coloured keycaps and LEDs look stupid.

I noticed one day while typing on MX Blues whilst listening to my IEMs that they actually felt a little different if I could not hear them clicking. To my own surprise, I found that the MX Browns actually feel more tactile than the Blues if you completely block out the sounds of typing. The click plays tricks with your brain. Not that it's relevant anyways since the click is certainly a large part of typing on Blues and will rarely be blocked out completely.

[hwood34]

1) The most common Cherry non-clicky switches suck, and feel inferior to rubber domes, because
2) Blacks and Reds are pointless - linear switches defeat the main purpose of using a mechanical keyboard, and

Not really sure what you mean by "main purpose." Feedback? A mechanical keyboard is the only way you're going to be able to use a linear switch at all.

Only Blues/Greens are worth the money, and possibly Clears, which I haven't had a chance to try yet.

all new cherry switches are scratchy as hell, I'd rather have gateron or even greetech from my short experience with gree. Vintage/worn MX is nice though.

Also:
4) With a few exceptions, keyboards with multi coloured keycaps and LEDs look stupid.

ITT half of GH doesn't like backlighting and colorful sets to varying degrees.

[katushkin]

I like backlighting. I just think it's too hard to get decent keysets for them.

[blueangel2323]

To counter that, MX Blues are vastly overrated.  I'd even go so far as to say they suck.

I'd agree that they're overrated. But I found them at least somewhat acceptable to type on, unlike the others.

I noticed one day while typing on MX Blues whilst listening to my IEMs that they actually felt a little different if I could not hear them clicking. To my own surprise, I found that the MX Browns actually feel more tactile than the Blues if you completely block out the sounds of typing. The click plays tricks with your brain. Not that it's relevant anyways since the click is certainly a large part of typing on Blues and will rarely be blocked out completely.

I haven't tried that... if it's true, then the Blues suck too, and all that's good about them is just a perceptive illusion lol

Not really sure what you mean by "main purpose." Feedback? A mechanical keyboard is the only way you're going to be able to use a linear switch at all.

Yes, I would consider feedback the main reason to use a mechanical keyboard. Other reasons being reliability and build quality.

all new cherry switches are scratchy as hell, I'd rather have gateron or even greetech from my short experience with gree. Vintage/worn MX is nice though.

Yeah they're definitely not that smooth. But my point was, Browns feel like a scratchier version of Black to me, instead of having the distinct tactile point they claim to have.

ITT half of GH doesn't like backlighting and colorful sets to varying degrees.

I like backlighting. I just think it's too hard to get decent keysets for them.

I like backlighting too... plain white (or a single, similarly neutral colour) backlighting, not a rainbow of neon colours.

[hwood34]

Not really sure what you mean by "main purpose." Feedback? A mechanical keyboard is the only way you're going to be able to use a linear switch at all.

Yes, I would consider feedback the main reason to use a mechanical keyboard. Other reasons being reliability and build quality.

Unless I'm mistake rubberdomes have feedback too?

all new cherry switches are scratchy as hell, I'd rather have gateron or even greetech from my short experience with gree. Vintage/worn MX is nice though.

Yeah they're definitely not that smooth. But my point was, Browns feel like a scratchier version of Black to me, instead of having the distinct tactile point they claim to have.

I was more referring to the point that blues and greens are the only acceptable cherry switches. I agree that the bump on browns is negligible.

[blueangel2323]

Unless I'm mistake rubberdomes have feedback too?

Rubber domes are a hit and miss. Some have excellent feedback while others are a mushy mess. Even the same model of rubber dome keyboard can vary in quality. At least with mechanical switches they are pretty consistent, whether that is consistently good or bad.

[blahlicus]

1) The most common Cherry non-clicky switches suck, and feel inferior to rubber domes, because
2) Blacks and Reds are pointless - linear switches defeat the main purpose of using a mechanical keyboard, and

linears have their place because they actuate before they get bottomed out, unlike certain membrane boards, also membrane boards have this sandy bumpy feedback and not everyone likes it

3) Browns are not tactile at all; more like linears with sand caught inside.

agreed, browns feel mushy and similar to rubber domes, dont know why people like them, i would prefer topre if i actually like tactile switches

Only Blues/Greens are worth the money, and possibly Clears, which I haven't had a chance to try yet.

Also:
4) With a few exceptions, keyboards with multi coloured keycaps and LEDs look stupid.

you should try out alps and buckling springs, thats an entirely new world of amazing clickyness, to be honest, i dont think cherry tactile and clicky switches are that great

[Rayoui]

agreed, browns feel mushy and similar to rubber domes, dont know why people like them, i would prefer topre if i actually like tactile switches

I don't think Browns feel anything like rubber domes but I agree there isn't much tactile feedback. I like Browns but only because they bottom out like a linear switch but have the bump there when you need it (specifically, for gaming). I'd say Clears feel more like rubber domes than Browns, but it's still a long shot. I prefer Topre over all the Cherry switches I have tried.

[swimmingbird]

agreed, browns feel mushy and similar to rubber domes, dont know why people like them, i would prefer topre if i actually like tactile switches

I don't think Browns feel anything like rubber domes but I agree there isn't much tactile feedback. I like Browns but only because they bottom out like a linear switch but have the bump there when you need it (specifically, for gaming). I'd say Clears feel more like rubber domes than Browns, but it's still a long shot. I prefer Topre over all the Cherry switches I have tried.

browns do not feel anything like rubber domes - they are closer to reds and black imo