Unpopular Keyboard Opinions

[xondat]

Just got my first clack - they're massively overhyped and not worth it at all.

When you're willing to pay hundreds of bucks for a single key button (assuming it's not encrusted with diamonds or something), how can you be surprised that you were "hyped" into it? Getting people to that point requires a huge amount of hype—not just from the person who develops the item, but from buyers and potential buyers, a certain number of whom must agree the item's worth that much. If you hadn't read, over and over, that there was something remarkably special about it—and before that, been conditioned to accept the general idea of "artisan caps"—would you have paid much more than $20 for it? (The fact that it's hand-carved would always give it some special value.)

Got it in a bundle so at a massive discount, probably only paid $80 for it thinking about it. I've had over 30-40 artisans and it was ranking mid in my opinion. I'd never pay more than $150 for the color that I want.

[Morituri]

104 key keyboards aren't big enough. 

[ThoughtArtist]

The only good Alps are linear without all the superfluous clicky gimmickry. A worn out Model M would be much better than any clicky Alps. Blue Alps have to be the most overrated switch in the universe. White alps are pretty much cheap, throw away garbage and Blues aren't far behind.

[emdude]

The only good Alps are linear without all the superfluous clicky gimmickry. A worn out Model M would be much better than any clicky Alps.

As someone who loves both buckling springs and Alps, ouch! )

[ThoughtArtist]

The only good Alps are linear without all the superfluous clicky gimmickry. A worn out Model M would be much better than any clicky Alps.

As someone who loves both buckling springs and Alps, ouch! )

I gotta Troll hard. But really I don't care about clicky Alps that much. I'm not going to go nuts over them for sure, unlike a Model F. Actually, Model M feels somewhat cheap in a way, due to the design compromises made for cost reduction.

[Bromono]

I really don't like aluminum keyboards anymore.

I prefer plastic cases. To me they feel more durable (if dropped) and I like the extra flex.

[Screwdriver]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

[mason]

1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 6.25, 1.5, 1.5 bottom rows are ugly

[Moistgun]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

How long have you been using it?

[Screwdriver]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

How long have you been using it?

Three+ weeks at the office....

[Giorgio]

I really don't like aluminum keyboards anymore.

I prefer plastic cases. To me they feel more durable (if dropped) and I like the extra flex.

Super cheap plastic case for my pok3r? Super silent, colourful and nicer than that badly finished aluminium case.

[Giorgio]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

How long have you been using it?

Three+ weeks at the office....

If it's not silenced, I admit that it's just a noisy membrane keyboard.

[Moistgun]

I really don't like aluminum keyboards anymore.

I prefer plastic cases. To me they feel more durable (if dropped) and I like the extra flex.

Super cheap plastic case for my pok3r? Super silent, colourful and nicer than that badly finished aluminium case.

That's the thing holding me back from selling my board and getting a custom, you never know the quality of the aluminum parts until it's too late

[davkol]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

How long have you been using it?

Three+ weeks at the office....

If it's not silenced, I admit that it's just a noisy membrane keyboard.

Although there's no membrane?

[Moistgun]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

How long have you been using it?

Three+ weeks at the office....

If it's not silenced, I admit that it's just a noisy membrane keyboard.

Although there's no membrane?

Noisy membrane, so like a model m

[emdude]

I really don't like aluminum keyboards anymore.

I prefer plastic cases. To me they feel more durable (if dropped) and I like the extra flex.

Super cheap plastic case for my pok3r? Super silent, colourful and nicer than that badly finished aluminium case.

Also easily replaceable if the case does end up getting damaged at some point.

[Giorgio]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

How long have you been using it?

Three+ weeks at the office....

If it's not silenced, I admit that it's just a noisy membrane keyboard.

Although there's no membrane?

Membrane, rubber dome, it's all the same to me. It's just a rubber layer that provides resistance and tactility.

[xondat]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

Try a HHKB. Much nicer. I went from 87u 55g to HHKBT, and I don't use the 55g anymore.

[Giorgio]

I really don't like aluminum keyboards anymore.

I prefer plastic cases. To me they feel more durable (if dropped) and I like the extra flex.

Super cheap plastic case for my pok3r? Super silent, colourful and nicer than that badly finished aluminium case.

Also easily replaceable if the case does end up getting damaged at some point.

Why oh why nobody has made plastic cases/top case for the novatouch? There's plenty for CM and Filco tkls.

[Screwdriver]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

Try a HHKB. Much nicer. I went from 87u 55g to HHKBT, and I don't use the 55g anymore.

I also do not care for the HHKB layout......but they do look nifty.

[alexjd99]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

Try a HHKB. Much nicer. I went from 87u 55g to HHKBT, and I don't use the 55g anymore.

I also do not care for the HHKB layout......but they do look nifty.

The layout takes about a week to get used to, but once you get used to it you can never go back to other layouts. I have all of my boards with Control and Caps switched, and if I can I get them all with the diamond arrows too. Such a nice layout once you give it a try

[Giorgio]

I would like orings to be harder. I hate that squishy, imprecise stop that happens at the end of the movement. They should make the key quieter but not muddy.

[Screwdriver]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

Try a HHKB. Much nicer. I went from 87u 55g to HHKBT, and I don't use the 55g anymore.

I also do not care for the HHKB layout......but they do look nifty.

The layout takes about a week to get used to, but once you get used to it you can never go back to other layouts. I have all of my boards with Control and Caps switched, and if I can I get them all with the diamond arrows too. Such a nice layout once you give it a try

Tried it....did not like it. It just was not for me......

[potatobot]

Still confused whether to get a 65% or a 75% layout. which one do you guys suggest?

I just noticed that most laptop keyboards are 75%  )

Im real positive about needing dedicated arrow keys, for the f-keys tho, im not so sure.

[zombimuncha]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

Try a HHKB. Much nicer. I went from 87u 55g to HHKBT, and I don't use the 55g anymore.

I also do not care for the HHKB layout......but they do look nifty.

The layout takes about a week to get used to, but once you get used to it you can never go back to other layouts. I have all of my boards with Control and Caps switched, and if I can I get them all with the diamond arrows too. Such a nice layout once you give it a try

I tried the layout for a day, until I found that to do a sequence like Ctrl-C, Ctrl-Shift-F, Crtl-V I would have to change which finger I pushed Ctrl with in the middle of the sequence. That's when I noped out of the swapped Ctrl-Caps scene.

[Moistgun]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

Try a HHKB. Much nicer. I went from 87u 55g to HHKBT, and I don't use the 55g anymore.

I also do not care for the HHKB layout......but they do look nifty.

The layout takes about a week to get used to, but once you get used to it you can never go back to other layouts. I have all of my boards with Control and Caps switched, and if I can I get them all with the diamond arrows too. Such a nice layout once you give it a try

I tried the layout for a day, until I found that to do a sequence like Ctrl-C, Ctrl-Shift-F, Crtl-V I would have to change which finger I pushed Ctrl with in the middle of the sequence. That's when I noped out of the swapped Ctrl-Caps scene.

I don't understand?

C, F, and V are all right next to eachother.
You should just be able to hold control with your pinky and press all three

[xtrafrood]

Topre is way over-hyped.

After reading all the praise, I bought an 87U 55g and all I can say is meh...

Try a HHKB. Much nicer. I went from 87u 55g to HHKBT, and I don't use the 55g anymore.

I also do not care for the HHKB layout......but they do look nifty.

The layout takes about a week to get used to, but once you get used to it you can never go back to other layouts. I have all of my boards with Control and Caps switched, and if I can I get them all with the diamond arrows too. Such a nice layout once you give it a try

I tried the layout for a day, until I found that to do a sequence like Ctrl-C, Ctrl-Shift-F, Crtl-V I would have to change which finger I pushed Ctrl with in the middle of the sequence. That's when I noped out of the swapped Ctrl-Caps scene.

I don't understand?

C, F, and V are all right next to eachother.
You should just be able to hold control with your pinky and press all three

I swapped caps lock for ctrl months ago but I keep forgetting to try it since I still have my bottom left ctrl. But yea, it's easy to reach in either spot IMO.

ctrl + shift + esc (remapped for gnome system monitor), ctrl + alt + up/down, ctrl + 1/4, ctrl + w, ctrl + tab.. ohh ctrl + tab is really nice in the hhkb config

[jcoffin1981]

Still confused whether to get a 65% or a 75% layout. which one do you guys suggest?

I just noticed that most laptop keyboards are 75%  )

Im real positive about needing dedicated arrow keys, for the f-keys tho, im not so sure.

My preference is for a 60 or 65% keyboard.  I do like dedicated arrow keys, but it's nice when they are included on the home row and you don't have to move your hand or look at your board to access them.  You could also get a 60% board and have a separate numberpad including arrow keys and have the best of both worlds.

[ideus]

Still confused whether to get a 65% or a 75% layout. which one do you guys suggest?

I just noticed that most laptop keyboards are 75%  )

Im real positive about needing dedicated arrow keys, for the f-keys tho, im not so sure.

Have you ever tried the Space-Fn concept? If you have not, it is advisable to try it and to see if you can use it, if so maybe a sixty layout is for you; otherwise you should go with Fox or FC-660 similar layouts.

[jakejake]

I don't like the look of RGB keyboards, I'm not a purist or anything. I just think it looks tacky to see a rainbow of glowing colors under the keys. It might be functional for programmed hotkeys, but all of the photos look blown out and I would rather have more options for keycaps without needing doubleshot illuminated graphics.

[xondat]

I don't like the look of RGB keyboards, I'm not a purist or anything. I just think it looks tacky to see a rainbow of glowing colors under the keys. It might be functional for programmed hotkeys, but all of the photos look blown out and I would rather have more options for keycaps without needing doubleshot illuminated graphics.

Yeah **** LEDs, or do you mean specifically RGB )

[UnFocused]

I really don't like aluminum keyboards anymore.

I prefer plastic cases. To me they feel more durable (if dropped) and I like the extra flex.

I've never heard of anyone actually liking flex in a keyboard.

[jakejake]

I don't like the look of RGB keyboards, I'm not a purist or anything. I just think it looks tacky to see a rainbow of glowing colors under the keys. It might be functional for programmed hotkeys, but all of the photos look blown out and I would rather have more options for keycaps without needing doubleshot illuminated graphics.

Yeah **** LEDs, or do you mean specifically RGB )

I could do without leds in general, but RGB is especially ugly to me

[jerue]

Hypersphere rings are awful (sorry mr. hypersphere, just think the Topre OEM variant is 1000x better)

75% layout is overrated

thin keycaps are really nice on clicky switches

I really don't like aluminum keyboards anymore.

I prefer plastic cases. To me they feel more durable (if dropped) and I like the extra flex.

I've never heard of anyone actually liking flex in a keyboard.

This would depend on the type of key switch being used. I would not want flex in a linear switch keyboard, or a plate mount clicky switch keyboard. I would want some in a PCB mount (or half-plate) keyboard with tactile switches, to increase tactility. My Filco Majestouch with browns has a bit of flex and feels great to type on (even though it has full plate).

[klennkellon]

*sobs with shame*

I'm starting to prefer MX Blues over my Model M. I know just saying that made me feel sick but it's true.

Model M just feels good to use for very long periods of typing, but MX Blues feel more well rounded for my needs and are way lighter.

Maybe I just need to get my hands on a SMK Monterey board.

[Giorgio]

Hypersphere rings are awful (sorry mr. hypersphere, just think the Topre OEM variant is 1000x better)

75% layout is overrated

thin keycaps are really nice on clicky switches

I really don't like aluminum keyboards anymore.

I prefer plastic cases. To me they feel more durable (if dropped) and I like the extra flex.

I've never heard of anyone actually liking flex in a keyboard.

This would depend on the type of key switch being used. I would not want flex in a linear switch keyboard, or a plate mount clicky switch keyboard. I would want some in a PCB mount (or half-plate) keyboard with tactile switches, to increase tactility. My Filco Majestouch with browns has a bit of flex and feels great to type on (even though it has full plate).

Why do you consider hypersheres washers awful?

[Giorgio]

I think that buckling springs are too heavy and noisy.

If all the click comes from the spring the touches the inside of the stem, I don't understand why it can't be silenced.

Also... No cherry mx adapters.... What is it? A keyboard for people with bad taste?

[emdude]

I think that buckling springs are too heavy and noisy.

If all the click comes from the spring the touches the inside of the stem, I don't understand why it can't be silenced.

Also... No cherry mx adapters.... What is it? A keyboard for people with bad taste?

I agree that the weighting of buckling springs can kinda suck (at least for the membrane version), depending on condition.

Grease can be used to silence the switch, IBM did this with their 'Soft Touch' Model Ms, but I don't think I've heard of anyone attempting to reproduce this.

Also, Cherry MX adapters are being developed in a project that is ongoing on DT..  Due to the scope of the project, that part of it won't be happening for some time though.

[balotz]

I think that buckling springs are too heavy and noisy.

If all the click comes from the spring the touches the inside of the stem, I don't understand why it can't be silenced.

Also... No cherry mx adapters.... What is it? A keyboard for people with bad taste?

I agree that the weighting of buckling springs can kinda suck (at least for the membrane version), depending on condition.

Grease can be used to silence the switch, IBM did this with their 'Soft Touch' Model Ms, but I don't think I've heard of anyone attempting to reproduce this.

Also, Cherry MX adapters are being developed in a project that is ongoing on DT..  Due to the scope of the project, that part of it won't be happening for some time though.

I used "ultra floss" to quieten the springs on my M2, and it worked very well. The tactility is still there but the click sound is muffled and the ping is practically gone.

[xtrafrood]

I think that buckling springs are too heavy and noisy.

If all the click comes from the spring the touches the inside of the stem, I don't understand why it can't be silenced.

Also... No cherry mx adapters.... What is it? A keyboard for people with bad taste?

I agree that the weighting of buckling springs can kinda suck (at least for the membrane version), depending on condition.

Grease can be used to silence the switch, IBM did this with their 'Soft Touch' Model Ms, but I don't think I've heard of anyone attempting to reproduce this.

Also, Cherry MX adapters are being developed in a project that is ongoing on DT..  Due to the scope of the project, that part of it won't be happening for some time though.

I used "ultra floss" to quieten the springs on my M2, and it worked very well. The tactility is still there but the click sound is muffled and the ping is practically gone.

The dental floss mod is called ultra floss? Or did you use a specific brand of floss that works better?

[Giorgio]

I think that buckling springs are too heavy and noisy.

If all the click comes from the spring the touches the inside of the stem, I don't understand why it can't be silenced.

Also... No cherry mx adapters.... What is it? A keyboard for people with bad taste?

I agree that the weighting of buckling springs can kinda suck (at least for the membrane version), depending on condition.

Grease can be used to silence the switch, IBM did this with their 'Soft Touch' Model Ms, but I don't think I've heard of anyone attempting to reproduce this.

Also, Cherry MX adapters are being developed in a project that is ongoing on DT..  Due to the scope of the project, that part of it won't be happening for some time though.

I used "ultra floss" to quieten the springs on my M2, and it worked very well. The tactility is still there but the click sound is muffled and the ping is practically gone.

The dental floss mod is called ultra floss? Or did you use a specific brand of floss that works better?

maybe this one? https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=9761.0

[balotz]

I think that buckling springs are too heavy and noisy.

If all the click comes from the spring the touches the inside of the stem, I don't understand why it can't be silenced.

Also... No cherry mx adapters.... What is it? A keyboard for people with bad taste?

I agree that the weighting of buckling springs can kinda suck (at least for the membrane version), depending on condition.

Grease can be used to silence the switch, IBM did this with their 'Soft Touch' Model Ms, but I don't think I've heard of anyone attempting to reproduce this.

Also, Cherry MX adapters are being developed in a project that is ongoing on DT..  Due to the scope of the project, that part of it won't be happening for some time though.

I used "ultra floss" to quieten the springs on my M2, and it worked very well. The tactility is still there but the click sound is muffled and the ping is practically gone.

The dental floss mod is called ultra floss? Or did you use a specific brand of floss that works better?

You can use any 'spongy' type floss - the thinner ones probably wouldn't work. The one I used is called 'Ultra Floss', made by Oral B, which is readily available in the UK (and perhaps elsewhere). I think some others have used 'Super Floss' which is similar.

It's an easy mod which is reversible and very 'clean', compared to greasing the springs. I found the ideal length of each piece of floss is around 13mm, which when inserted into a spring leaves a tiny bit hanging out. Once I had the first reference piece, I cut one of those metal tie wires (that are often wrapped around network cables etc to keep them tidy) to the same length and used that as a guide for cutting the other 100 pieces of floss.

[balotz]

I think that buckling springs are too heavy and noisy.

If all the click comes from the spring the touches the inside of the stem, I don't understand why it can't be silenced.

Also... No cherry mx adapters.... What is it? A keyboard for people with bad taste?

I agree that the weighting of buckling springs can kinda suck (at least for the membrane version), depending on condition.

Grease can be used to silence the switch, IBM did this with their 'Soft Touch' Model Ms, but I don't think I've heard of anyone attempting to reproduce this.

Also, Cherry MX adapters are being developed in a project that is ongoing on DT..  Due to the scope of the project, that part of it won't be happening for some time though.

I used "ultra floss" to quieten the springs on my M2, and it worked very well. The tactility is still there but the click sound is muffled and the ping is practically gone.

The dental floss mod is called ultra floss? Or did you use a specific brand of floss that works better?

maybe this one? https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=9761.0

I used this:



It's better in that the whole roll of floss is 'spongy'.

[xtrafrood]

I think that buckling springs are too heavy and noisy.

If all the click comes from the spring the touches the inside of the stem, I don't understand why it can't be silenced.

Also... No cherry mx adapters.... What is it? A keyboard for people with bad taste?

I agree that the weighting of buckling springs can kinda suck (at least for the membrane version), depending on condition.

Grease can be used to silence the switch, IBM did this with their 'Soft Touch' Model Ms, but I don't think I've heard of anyone attempting to reproduce this.

Also, Cherry MX adapters are being developed in a project that is ongoing on DT..  Due to the scope of the project, that part of it won't be happening for some time though.

I used "ultra floss" to quieten the springs on my M2, and it worked very well. The tactility is still there but the click sound is muffled and the ping is practically gone.

The dental floss mod is called ultra floss? Or did you use a specific brand of floss that works better?

maybe this one? https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=9761.0

I used this:

Show Image

It's better in that the whole roll of floss is 'spongy'.

Ohhhhh, I see now. Lightweight and more like actual soundproofing material. I need to make a note of this for future use. Cheers :)

[mike52787]

I don't like the look of RGB keyboards, I'm not a purist or anything. I just think it looks tacky to see a rainbow of glowing colors under the keys. It might be functional for programmed hotkeys, but all of the photos look blown out and I would rather have more options for keycaps without needing doubleshot illuminated graphics.

couldnt agree more, rgb backlighting is pretty disgusting. Single color backlighting done in a tasteful way and not too bright is a nice look though.

[Screwdriver]

I don't like the look of RGB keyboards, I'm not a purist or anything. I just think it looks tacky to see a rainbow of glowing colors under the keys. It might be functional for programmed hotkeys, but all of the photos look blown out and I would rather have more options for keycaps without needing doubleshot illuminated graphics.

couldnt agree more, rgb backlighting is pretty disgusting. Single color backlighting done in a tasteful way and not too bright is a nice look though.

But that is what RGB allows. You can choose one of a million colors that fits your mood, style, rig...one that is easy on your eyes and then adjust the brightness. To a color that is both tasteful (subjective) and not too bright (also subjective).

[mike52787]

I don't like the look of RGB keyboards, I'm not a purist or anything. I just think it looks tacky to see a rainbow of glowing colors under the keys. It might be functional for programmed hotkeys, but all of the photos look blown out and I would rather have more options for keycaps without needing doubleshot illuminated graphics.

couldnt agree more, rgb backlighting is pretty disgusting. Single color backlighting done in a tasteful way and not too bright is a nice look though.

But that is what RGB allows. You can choose one of a million colors that fits your mood, style, rig...one that is easy on your eyes and then adjust the brightness. To a color that is both tasteful (subjective) and not too bright (also subjective).

It also allows abominations like this.
http://imgur.com/gallery/H9IFI

[spwath]

Not many people like the layout I made

[mike52787]

Not many people like the layout I made

Show Image

I think its really cool, even though im not a fan of ergos or ortholinears

[spwath]

Not many people like the layout I made

Show Image

I think its really cool, even though im not a fan of ergos or ortholinears

Yeah, im going to have to get used to the ortholinearness of it. Still make mistakes now.
But, its not even half done. Need to connect teensy to right half, and do all the wiring on left half.
I think its really pretty though. When its done, Ill get to retire my failing apple adjustable keyboard. In order to get the number 4, i have to hit the key like 5 times. and my 99 key is messed up and double presses.