Unpopular Keyboard Opinions

[jamster]

Damn, should I take my Realforce and Model Ms off my signature because they miss the whole point of this hobby and this forum?

Also, no Alps!

Well, I did ditch the Omnikey

[Winrar]

This might be unpopular:

Mid-90's Lexmark and IBM-Greenock made Model Ms feel and sound better than IBM-Made 80's-early 90's Model Ms. My 2019 Unicomp Ultra Classic feels and sounds as good as any of my other Model Ms.

[fanpeople]

This might be unpopular:

Mid-90's Lexmark and IBM-Greenock made Model Ms feel and sound better than IBM-Made 80's-early 90's Model Ms. My 2019 Unicomp Ultra Classic feels and sounds as good as any of my other Model Ms.

OOOOOWWWWWWWW....... out of all the comments in this thread, this right here is the real deal.

[Winrar]

This might be unpopular:

Mid-90's Lexmark and IBM-Greenock made Model Ms feel and sound better than IBM-Made 80's-early 90's Model Ms. My 2019 Unicomp Ultra Classic feels and sounds as good as any of my other Model Ms.

OOOOOWWWWWWWW....... out of all the comments in this thread, this right here is the real deal.

Not kidding. My daily driver is an early 1990 unit. I bought it with the full bolt mod and lubed space bar stabilizers and it has a smooth click none of my other Model M's comes close to. But without a bolt mod, 93-onward Model Ms feel clackier and crisper IMO. Same with Unicomps.

Maybe it comes from less worn springs or something like that, but that is how I feel them.

[lightsout714]

Browns are the best of the common switch types. (everyone seems to hate on them anymore)

[vegs]

Unpopular opinion incoming - the community has been moving towards using thicker lubes because it's easy to make even the scratchiest switches sound smooth. At the same time it sacrifices a lot of the original switch feel, whereas thin lube retains it.

[no, the other guy]

If you need to lube your switches, you chose the wrong switches.

[HPE1000]

If you need to lube your switches, you chose the wrong switches.

That's quite the claim

[jamster]

If you need to lube your switches, you chose the wrong switches.

Wrong! Everything is better with lube.

[TuCZnak]

If you need to lube your switches, you chose the wrong switches.

Wrong! Everything is better with lube.

Optoelectricals would like a word with you

[mkkeyboardvigilante]

I like Realforce boards exactly the way they are and don't feel the need to mod them that much. The build quality on these things really does a good job already in making the board feel quiet enough as it is for me. HHKB on the other hand, amazing board in its own right, but way too loud for night time use, and that's why I can't wait for my silencing rings from KBDFans to get here soon...

I still like a decent scissor switch board, which is why I still have my Logitech K740 that I like to pull out from time to time.

As long as my keyboard doesn't look like a greasy mess, I would not mind having good quality ABS caps.

Even though I'm a light typist, more and more I'm realizing I never liked light linear switches as much as I do with more tactile ones for everyday typing.

[nappis]

Key cap base set should only cover TKL nothing more nothing less. It's really annoying that people with some obscure boards feel like designers should include caps just for their layouts.

[frydaja]

Also - an ideal spacebar should sound like an earthquake, not like bubble wrap.

Speaking of which - unlubed switches sound better than lubed ones.

[tp4tissue]

Also - an ideal spacebar should sound like an earthquake, not like bubble wrap.

Speaking of which - unlubed switches sound better than lubed ones.

certainly clicky,  but the linear sound more/less the same.

[azhdar]

Clicky switches are just wrong.
If you need to hear a click to know that the keystroke registered then it's bad.
Just like if your keyboard would bip each time a keystroke register.
Tactility should provide you that info.

[ollir_]

Clicky switches are just wrong.

[jamster]

Clicky switches are just wrong.
If you need to hear a click to know that the keystroke registered then it's bad.
Just like if your keyboard would bip each time a keystroke register.
Tactility should provide you that info.

Let me rephrase it: Clicky switches, in a switch that does not need a click as part of the operational design, are an affectation.

That captures all MX-style clicky switches, where the click adds complexity (and frankly sounds like tinny crap) but no function, but the clicks from BS are an integral part of the mechanism (and sound a lot better).

[TeacherGeek]

I think you guys are too willing to pay overs for custom keyboards.

[Kevadu]

Let me rephrase it: Clicky switches, in a switch that does not need a click as part of the operational design, are an affectation.

That captures all MX-style clicky switches, where the click adds complexity (and frankly sounds like tinny crap) but no function, but the clicks from BS are an integral part of the mechanism (and sound a lot better).

Actually the whole purpose of the original MX blue design was to introduce hysteresis.  The click is a side effect.

Furthermore I have yet to find any tactile switch with tactility as clean and sharp as a good clicky switch.  Box Royals are probably the closest but they have their own issues.  The fact is sharp tactile mechanisms also tend to make noise...

[dubious]

I think you guys are too willing to pay overs for custom keyboards.

p much

[frydaja]

- From a usability perspective (not customizability), non-standard bottom rows are better than standard. Why would you need a 1.5u Windows key?
- I actually like the el cheapo doubleshots from AliExpress (also known as GMMK stock caps). You still get what you pay for (they're still 1mm thin and have molding marks around the letters), but you still get caps that are better than stock caps on many backlit keyboards and look more "professional" than the other cheap doubleshots. Also you can use them with or without backlighting.
- I post in this thread way too often.

[abrahamstechnology]

Ping in switch springs is great.
Wide-steel click leaf switches in 60% keyboards sound terrible.
Mantis-foot click leaves sound good in small chassis and wide-steel click leaves sound the best in large chassis with a metal mounting plate.

[Sintpinty]

)

[Sintpinty]

Clicky switches are just wrong.
If you need to hear a click to know that the keystroke registered then it's bad.
Just like if your keyboard would bip each time a keystroke register.
Tactility should provide you that info.

Well, i could say the same for tactility.
If i need to feel a bump that the keystroke registered then it's bad.
Just like if your keyboard would feel a slight bump each time a keystroke would register.
Audible feedback should provide you that info.

[Sintpinty]

1. Paying over $100 for a Model M is absolutely ridiculous.(Got mine for 30 at VCF East)
2. Cherry MX Reds are the single worst switch I have ever used.

D:

[packleadercho]

Clicky switches are just wrong.
If you need to hear a click to know that the keystroke registered then it's bad.
Just like if your keyboard would bip each time a keystroke register.
Tactility should provide you that info.

Well, i could say the same for tactility.
If i need to feel a bump that the keystroke registered then it's bad.
Just like if your keyboard would feel a slight bump each time a keystroke would register.
Audible feedback should provide you that info.

I don't hate clicky switches, but I think his point is that the audible feedback can feel somewhat redundant. Most clicky switches already provide a good deal of tactility, so the audible feedback may seem unnecessary to some. Also, loud, clicky keyboards' association with a bygone era may contribute to some people's impression of clickiness being antiquated/pointless.

With that said, it's worth considering that for some switches, the mechanism that generates the click is crucial to the how the switch generates tactility. Box clicky switches are a good example. The sharp tactile response of box navies, jades, etc. isn't really replicable in other non-clicky box switches because the click bar is responsible for that tactility. You can make a switch tactile without making it click, but it won't necessarily feel the same way.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[Findecanor]

I think that a switch should be as silent as possible, except for a tiny sound on actuation that would only be noticeable you yourself and by nobody else in the room.

[nappis]

- From a usability perspective (not customizability), non-standard bottom rows are better than standard. Why would you need a 1.5u Windows key?

From usability perspective: non-standard bottom rows are bad. Space bar is not centered to the position of your hands (thumbs). Standard bottom row has space bar right: center of the space bar is on line to the gap between G and H keys.

[Sintpinty]

Clicky switches are just wrong.
If you need to hear a click to know that the keystroke registered then it's bad.
Just like if your keyboard would bip each time a keystroke register.
Tactility should provide you that info.

Well, i could say the same for tactility.
If i need to feel a bump that the keystroke registered then it's bad.
Just like if your keyboard would feel a slight bump each time a keystroke would register.
Audible feedback should provide you that info.

I don't hate clicky switches, but I think his point is that the audible feedback can feel somewhat redundant. Most clicky switches already provide a good deal of tactility, so the audible feedback may seem unnecessary to some. Also, loud, clicky keyboards' association with a bygone era may contribute to some people's impression of clickiness being antiquated/pointless.

With that said, it's worth considering that for some switches, the mechanism that generates the click is crucial to the how the switch generates tactility. Box clicky switches are a good example. The sharp tactile response of box navies, jades, etc. isn't really replicable in other non-clicky box switches because the click bar is responsible for that tactility. You can make a switch tactile without making it click, but it won't necessarily feel the same way.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Sintpinty agrees with the "audible switches already have some tactility." She needs more linear clack, however both audible and tactile feedback is preferred .

[actualglacier]

I don't have many unpopular opinions but I do have one very strong opinion that is keyboard related.

Flipped spacebar is one of the worst things that anyone has ever come up with. It just looks bad. I am a strong believer that if you feel like your spacebar is digging into your thumb, then your wrists are probably too low when you are typing.

[ideus]

I think that MK's stuff is overpriced and that us as community tend to fuel the overpricing by showing willingness to pay premiums so easily. Artisan's, GMK, Topre, Zeal's stuff and other similar items are good examples. All MK economy is like a deep distortion field. In some instances, people trying to develop low cost things are heavily criticized.

[Rob27shred]

I don't have many unpopular opinions but I do have one very strong opinion that is keyboard related.

Flipped spacebar is one of the worst things that anyone has ever come up with. It just looks bad. I am a strong believer that if you feel like your spacebar is digging into your thumb, then your wrists are probably too low when you are typing.

I've never been a fan of flipped spacebars either, I think it looks horrendous on a board & like you said if the spacebar is digging into your thumbs get a wrist rest.

[hamilton]

I don't like Git Modifiers, and as a developer I would be embarrassed to have them in front of coworkers.

[frydaja]

- From a usability perspective (not customizability), non-standard bottom rows are better than standard. Why would you need a 1.5u Windows key?

From usability perspective: non-standard bottom rows are bad. Space bar is not centered to the position of your hands (thumbs). Standard bottom row has space bar right: center of the space bar is on line to the gap between G and H keys.

Yeah, but unless you have a 2u spacebar, I don't think you would care if the spacebar is centered.

[Sintpinty]

I don't have many unpopular opinions but I do have one very strong opinion that is keyboard related.

Flipped spacebar is one of the worst things that anyone has ever come up with. It just looks bad. I am a strong believer that if you feel like your spacebar is digging into your thumb, then your wrists are probably too low when you are typing.

Absolutely! I personally feel it doesn't have enough coverage for my index finger(which i cover with ) and it's really stiff.

[TuCZnak]

I don't have many unpopular opinions but I do have one very strong opinion that is keyboard related.

Flipped spacebar is one of the worst things that anyone has ever come up with. It just looks bad. I am a strong believer that if you feel like your spacebar is digging into your thumb, then your wrists are probably too low when you are typing.

That's probably because Cherry profile spacebar is the worst spacebar profile commonly available, so people had to invent this horrible workaround, that's just how bad it is. I have no problems typing on SA or DSA spacebar but can't for the life of me not hit the edge of Cherry spacebar. Long fingers also amplify the problem.

[Sintpinty]

I don't have many unpopular opinions but I do have one very strong opinion that is keyboard related.

Flipped spacebar is one of the worst things that anyone has ever come up with. It just looks bad. I am a strong believer that if you feel like your spacebar is digging into your thumb, then your wrists are probably too low when you are typing.

That's probably because Cherry profile spacebar is the worst spacebar profile commonly available, so people had to invent this horrible workaround, that's just how bad it is. I have no problems typing on SA or DSA spacebar but can't for the life of me not hit the edge of Cherry spacebar. Long fingers also amplify the problem.

G20 spacebar is lit

[jamster]

I don't have many unpopular opinions but I do have one very strong opinion that is keyboard related.

Flipped spacebar is one of the worst things that anyone has ever come up with. It just looks bad. I am a strong believer that if you feel like your spacebar is digging into your thumb, then your wrists are probably too low when you are typing.

I thought it was mostly a fashion statement.

[tobiasvl]

The ANSI layout is the ugliest. It wastes a 1.5u key on an alphanum key, but visual symmetry is usually broken anyway because of keycap colors.

[appaboy]

Super duper shiny brass or pvd coated stuff is really ugly. Sandblast that ****

[Sintpinty]

I don't have many unpopular opinions but I do have one very strong opinion that is keyboard related.

Flipped spacebar is one of the worst things that anyone has ever come up with. It just looks bad. I am a strong believer that if you feel like your spacebar is digging into your thumb, then your wrists are probably too low when you are typing.

Flipped spacebar looks weird, and it hurts to type because of how stiff it is. Ow! 

[VesperSAINT]

I don't have many unpopular opinions but I do have one very strong opinion that is keyboard related.

Flipped spacebar is one of the worst things that anyone has ever come up with. It just looks bad. I am a strong believer that if you feel like your spacebar is digging into your thumb, then your wrists are probably too low when you are typing.

I've never been a fan of flipped spacebars either, I think it looks horrendous on a board & like you said if the spacebar is digging into your thumbs get a wrist rest.

I thought it was mostly a fashion statement.

When will ya'll understand true nirvana?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40658.msg1607440#msg1607440
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40658.msg1607949#msg1607949

Preview:

[xtrafrood]

I don't have many unpopular opinions but I do have one very strong opinion that is keyboard related.

Flipped spacebar is one of the worst things that anyone has ever come up with. It just looks bad. I am a strong believer that if you feel like your spacebar is digging into your thumb, then your wrists are probably too low when you are typing.

I've never been a fan of flipped spacebars either, I think it looks horrendous on a board & like you said if the spacebar is digging into your thumbs get a wrist rest.

I thought it was mostly a fashion statement.

When will ya'll understand true nirvana?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40658.msg1607440#msg1607440
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40658.msg1607949#msg1607949

Preview:

Show Image

dang

[no, the other guy]

There is no "home row", it only exists in your mind to rectify your dumb keyboard layout.

[TuCZnak]

This may be just me being a neanderthal, but different mounts and metals have no discernable effect on typing feel. I can't tell a difference between aluminium plate tray mount vs brass plate top mount.

[Doluded]

There is no "home row", it only exists in your mind to rectify your dumb keyboard layout.

Yeah, alright guy

[frydaja]

There is no "home row", it only exists in your mind to rectify your dumb keyboard layout.

Or government-approved typing methods.

Shift-A-S-D is a much better hand position than A-S-D-F, anyways.

[tobiasvl]

Now that sounds like an idea. I'm thinking split left shift (ie. ISO key), with A on the left shift key, and SDFG moved one key to the left. Shift could go on left alt maybe. Left CTRL on Caps Lock, of course, like God intended. On the right shift we have ;: and that row is also shifted one key to the right. Spacebar in the middle? Or the layout could just be tented.

[flurryvelvet]

Scorpius dome with sliders sound more like Alps SKCM clicky switches than BTC dome with sliders.

[Venatorious]

All artisans look like trash