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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: FinancialWar on Thu, 12 January 2012, 17:32:17
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Does anyone here have experience with Qido, the Qwerty to dvorak converter.
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Aren't those like really expensive? I'd rather build my own keyboard for that kind of money.
In response to your query, I don't, but I think some members on here do.
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it's $89+29 postage. How is that more expensive than building your own keyboard?
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No one would buy it. Dvorak users would use settings in Control Panel or DV assistant software, which costs nothing.
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The way I think of it, if it's over $100, I may as well do it myself. I plan on doing something similar with my Phantom. Also, I believe Unicomp does custom programming.
If you etch the PCB yourself, and reuse the plate, switches, etc, you can get it down pretty low on the DIY keyboards. The only cheaper option is to solder wires from the microcontroller to the switch row/columns individually. I don't know what the key64 cost, but I'm sure it's possible on loss than this (and it doesn't rely on existing hardware) The switches are the most expensive part.
I mean, it's pretty easy to DIY your own convertor box, There's just a microcotroller in there, so they're marking it up a LOT. I looked into this when I first learned Dvorak, and I rejected it as an option.
Edit: Tony: people have bought it. I remember hearing good reviews about it.
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Time value of time... I make $50 an hour, it would take me definitely more than 3 hours to make a QIDO myself, maybe 3 years or something because I know nothing about electrical Engineering.
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dam that thing is expensive, bet you could do that with a teensy.
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call me stupid of whatever I just bought one. I will let you guys know what the Qido go.
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call me stupid of whatever I just bought one. I will let you guys know what the Qido go.
No way! It's a smart choice for you. I don't get paid anywhere near $50/hr, but I'd DIY just 'cause I like that sort of thing. Just 'cause it's a bad choice for me, doesn't mean it's a bad choice for you.
You'll have to post what you think of it, though. I'm interested to know.
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I had sent a few emails a while back to see about a group buy but didn't hear anything back.
I got a confirmation email letter, do you want their contact number to see if you can organise a group buy?
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No way! It's a smart choice for you. I don't get paid anywhere near $50/hr, but I'd DIY just 'cause I like that sort of thing. Just 'cause it's a bad choice for me, doesn't mean it's a bad choice for you.
You'll have to post what you think of it, though. I'm interested to know.
I earn many times more than that, but I'd still possibly DIY it so I could make it better and for the lulz. If you find that sort of thing potentially enjoyable, it can be priceless.
Live for enjoyment.
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I earn many times more than that, but I'd still possibly DIY it so I could make it better and for the lulz. If you find that sort of thing potentially enjoyable, it can be priceless.
Live for enjoyment.
Okay, WTF do you guys do because I think I need a change of careers. :p
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Okay, WTF do you guys do because I think I need a change of careers. :p
Stop thinking of what you can DO and think about what you can ACCOMPLISH. Get it?
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Ok, I received the QIDO, the ****s at ghostkey sent me the wrong colour, they sent me white.
the build quality is subpar, feels like a $5 USB I buy from local computer computer store feels way more durable than this. I bet the manufactering cost is less than 50 cents yet they charge $89.
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Ok, I received the QIDO, the ****s at ghostkey sent me the wrong colour, they sent me white.
the build quality is subpar, feels like a $5 USB I buy from local computer computer store feels way more durable than this. I bet the manufactering cost is less than 50 cents yet they charge $89.
Pics ? Most importantly, is the functionality good / reliable, ie during fast typing bursts, complex key combos, etc ?
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Pics ? Most importantly, is the functionality good / reliable, ie during fast typing bursts, complex key combos, etc ?
Yes, I'm pretty pragmatic, and when my Ps/2 adapter cuts out, it's really annoying. I don't care about the outside build quality as long as the internals are up to snuff.
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I have created a thread in the main keyboard forum.