Author Topic: How did you decide which keyboard is your favourite? (Read 12218 times)

crimsonTofu · « **on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 22:30:55 »

So in my experience of using mechanical keyboards for the past couple of years, I've realized that I can't say I have a favourite (forgive my Canadian spelling). I've tried every kind of cherry mx switch as well as a few topre boards, and although I've had a pleasant experience with each one, I can't seem to find one that I want to keep around and use as my daily driver. I'm curious as to how you guys made the decision (whether it was through doing a typing test a million times with each keyboard, comparing them side to side, etc.) because I'm currently having some serious keyboard-commitment issues

inanis · « **Reply #1 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 22:35:09 »

My favorite is picked easily - it is the one with the most sentimental value.

raymogi · « **Reply #2 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 22:37:33 »

For me, it's the looks and the enjoyment that it gives from typing on it.

HoffmanMyster · « **Reply #3 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 23:10:24 »

I haven't consciously picked a favorite. As I rotate through my boards, I find myself using certain boards more than others, and those become my "favorites".

At this point, I have about four "favorites".

)

Melvang · « **Reply #4 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 23:12:43 »

One does not choose Model F, Model F chooses you.

mrboovn · « **Reply #5 on:** Sun, 15 November 2015, 23:44:59 »

For me,it's the looks(especially WITH SOME LEDs) and typing feeling

mikes41720 · « **Reply #6 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 00:27:05 »

At first, I thought it was all about looks, but then now it's really just about which one feels the best. I haven't had the most extensive experience with a lot of keyboards, only Cherry MX Blues, Browns, Reds, Blacks and 55g Topre. Suffice to say, 55g Topre is my favorite switch to type on, followed by the blues. It's really more about the switch type than the keyboard itself. Which is why I still have to give MX Clears, Zealio Clears, BS and Alps a try someday.

Ludovician · « **Reply #7 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 01:10:30 »

I try out keyboards, and rarely use the ones I don't particularly like. By process of elimination, my favourites are my v80 with SKCM blues and my 55g Novatouch.

chyros · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 02:11:51 »

I go for a combination of typing feel, sound, looks and backstory, in that order, all of which rate high on my Acer, so that's my favourite

.

Jokrik · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 02:37:01 »

I can't

I just can't
they're all beautiful in their own way

RIP WALLET

rowdy · « **Reply #10 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 03:57:55 »

No reason why you need to have a favourite (also spelled correctly).

I use my CODE with clears at work first because it is relatively quiet, and second because it is a pain to carry a keyboard to the station and then on the train.

At home I swap keyboards around on a weekly basis. Usually something with buckling springs on the weekends, and something much quieter, like HHKB, on the weekdays.

chyros · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 05:37:46 »

Quote from: crimsonTofu on Sun, 15 November 2015, 22:30:55

(forgive my Canadian spelling).

So is Canadian somewhere between American and English then?

Jokrik · « **Reply #12 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 05:42:25 »

Quote from: rowdy on Mon, 16 November 2015, 03:57:55

No reason why you need to have a favourite (also spelled correctly).

I use my CODE with clears at work first because it is relatively quiet, and second because it is a pain to carry a keyboard to the station and then on the train.

At home I swap keyboards around on a weekly basis. Usually something with buckling springs on the weekends, and something much quieter, like HHKB, on the weekdays.

You know I might cross to the dark side very soon (HHKB)
It somehow grew on me.... maybe due to the length of time I've been in this hobby

baldgye · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 05:47:33 »

I have two boards, one is a white tkl filco and the other is a black full size Filco. I like the tkl white board more as it's small and the white helps my Miami set 'pop'.

fohat.digs · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 07:20:09 »

Quote from: Melvang on Sun, 15 November 2015, 23:12:43

One does not choose Model F, Model F chooses you.

When you own multiple keyboards in rotation, there are those that you are reluctant to rotate away from, and glad to rotate back to.

Just doing a series of A-B comparisons will eventually provide your answer.

MagicSauce · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 07:40:37 »

Topre decided for me

mobbo · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:04:11 »

Ever since getting my MX boards I'll pull them out every once in a while and do a typing test. The one with the best WPM stays on my desk until the next round

Unfortunately...I have a Topre board coming in, and if it's as good as everyone says then I worry for my other boards...

raymogi · « **Reply #17 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:08:42 »

Quote from: mobbo on Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:04:11

Ever since getting my MX boards I'll pull them out every once in a while and do a typing test. The one with the best WPM stays on my desk until the next round

Unfortunately...I have a Topre board coming in, and if it's as good as everyone says then I worry for my other boards...

Funny. Back in the day that's how I decide which board stays for the week and which one goes back into the drawer.

I used to get better WPM with my FC660M with clears but the allure of the Topre thock is too much to resist.

Lurch · « **Reply #18 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:24:47 »

Quote from: Melvang on Sun, 15 November 2015, 23:12:43

One does not choose Model F, Model F chooses you.

Brother!

absyrd · « **Reply #19 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:44:55 »

Trial.

Much error.

HHKB is love.

Neo.X · « **Reply #20 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:50:54 »

The ones I seldom type on are my favorite ones.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #21 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:53:19 »

Quote from: absyrd on Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:44:55

Trial.

Much error.

I've gone to a ton of meetups to be able to try many boards and switches. When I found something I really liked, I'd grab it to test out at home. A bunch of trial and error later, I'm stuck on SKCM Blue Alps and IBM Model F. I'd have Beamspring on that list too but I can't find one for the price I'd like to pay yet

. And of course I haven't figured out how to get Hall Effect working over USB or how to find a board with Marquardt Butterfly switches.

davkol · « **Reply #22 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:53:27 »

EHMAGERD ERGODOX

treefinger · « **Reply #23 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:57:23 »

Sometimes I like to imagine a world where I never bought a Topre, in that world I had many favorites...but we all know the truth of the matter...

fohat.digs · « **Reply #24 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:59:33 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:53:19

A bunch of trial and error later, I'm stuck on SKCM Blue Alps and IBM Model F.

I have come to approximately the same conclusion.

Joey Quinn · « **Reply #25 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 09:21:42 »

I change boards depending on where I am/ what I feel like using. But my GON w lubed 78g gateron clears has been the favorite recently.

I just tried every switch I could until I realized what the winners were. Blue & Brown Alps, Model F BS, topre, and a smooth linear switch.

mobbo · « **Reply #26 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 09:24:07 »

Quote from: raymogi on Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:08:42

Quote from: mobbo on Mon, 16 November 2015, 08:04:11
Ever since getting my MX boards I'll pull them out every once in a while and do a typing test. The one with the best WPM stays on my desk until the next round

Unfortunately...I have a Topre board coming in, and if it's as good as everyone says then I worry for my other boards...

Funny. Back in the day that's how I decide which board stays for the week and which one goes back into the drawer.

I used to get better WPM with my FC660M with clears but the allure of the Topre thock is too much to resist.

I find I'm really accurate with clears but my speed is a bit lower than with blues or browns (brown is the worst for accuracy...)

Looking forward to that thock :3

ideus · « **Reply #27 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 10:10:17 »

Features of a favorite keyboard, in order:

1. Usability, a board that helps me make less typos.
2. Feeling, its caps and switches has the right force, spring back and texture.
3. Look, high contrast legends, clean design, contrasting modifiers.
4. Layout, the easiest for the task I do frequently.
5. Programmable, that allows me to try layout changes and options.
6. Feedback, its sound is nice, not too loud, deep not high pitch, solid.

MeltingTeeth · « **Reply #28 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 11:05:24 »

Just do a Demik and buy a HHKB.

aggiejy · « **Reply #29 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 11:05:37 »

I'd just like to say that finding your favorite can really suck.

I love mechanical keyboards. I have maybe 20-30 of every shape/size/finish. I've spent many thousands of dollars on keyboards, keycaps, and accessories over the years. I was a moderator here, I've run group buys. This was a my favorite hobby. I didn't think you *could* find a perfect/favorite keyboard. I loved rotating between them.

But then, unceremoniously, I found a Leopold FC660C. The layout is exactly what I want, but sadly it's unique enough that I don't like switching back to a TKL layout. (The arrow keys shifting messes me up.) So all in a poof, my keyboard collection is just sitting there. I have dozens of unopened keycap sets and several unassembled keyboard kits. But I don't have any motivation to do anything with them... it's sad. I did buy the FC660M in every switch type, and the aluminum case from Massdrop, but that leaves nothing else to look forward to.

So for those trying to find your favorite/perfect keyboard, I'd advise you to embrace the variety and uncertainty. The journey is MUCH more fun than the destination.

Infrared · « **Reply #30 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 11:10:18 »

I just chose my favorite by the feel. ATM my favorite is the 660c. Although that will probably change when I get my new KUL ES-87 and then swap the original switches out for zealios.

HoffmanMyster · « **Reply #31 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 12:10:45 »

Quote from: aggiejy on Mon, 16 November 2015, 11:05:37

I'd just like to say that finding your favorite can really suck.

I love mechanical keyboards. I have maybe 20-30 of every shape/size/finish. I've spent many thousands of dollars on keyboards, keycaps, and accessories over the years. I was a moderator here, I've run group buys. This was a my favorite hobby. I didn't think you *could* find a perfect/favorite keyboard. I loved rotating between them.

But then, unceremoniously, I found a Leopold FC660C. The layout is exactly what I want, but sadly it's unique enough that I don't like switching back to a TKL layout. (The arrow keys shifting messes me up.) So all in a poof, my keyboard collection is just sitting there. I have dozens of unopened keycap sets and several unassembled keyboard kits. But I don't have any motivation to do anything with them... it's sad. I did buy the FC660M in every switch type, and the aluminum case from Massdrop, but that leaves nothing else to look forward to.

So for those trying to find your favorite/perfect keyboard, I'd advise you to embrace the variety and uncertainty. The journey is MUCH more fun than the destination.

Hey aggie!

I never knew why you stopped hanging around here so much, but that makes sense. Interesting to see the FC660C being "end game" for quite a few people. Totally agree though, it's all about the journey.

bcredbottle · « **Reply #32 on:** Mon, 16 November 2015, 12:34:13 »

I tried the Ergodox. Then I realized that split, staggered column is the only sensible way to make a keyboard.¹. Diverge II is only full-hand so by process of elimination, the Ergodox is my favorite and objectively the best keyboard available and/or ever made.

¹ As long as it's not a travelling keyboard. If so, then staggered column non-split (like the Atreus) is best.

TopreFan333 · « **Reply #33 on:** Tue, 17 November 2015, 14:40:13 »

Trial and error and copious amounts of $ dropped along the way. I'm going to have a pretty sweet garage sale, though, when I get a little more time on my hands.

cryptokey · « **Reply #34 on:** Tue, 17 November 2015, 14:43:54 »

The one that makes me believe I'm not going to buy another keyboard for the longest.

atlas3686 · « **Reply #35 on:** Tue, 17 November 2015, 14:45:51 »

All about the feels. I used to slightly begrudge the effort of having to type, now I look forward to getting to type.

Snowdog993 · « **Reply #36 on:** Tue, 17 November 2015, 14:49:25 »

That is truly hard for me to answer. I really like most every keyboard I have.

And that's just part of what I have too. This picture is older. There are more there now.

rowdy · « **Reply #37 on:** Wed, 18 November 2015, 03:49:44 »

Quote from: Snowdog993 on Tue, 17 November 2015, 14:49:25

That is truly hard for me to answer. I really like most every keyboard I have.

Show Image

And that's just part of what I have too. This picture is older. There are more there now.

But yours are mostly the same, albeit with a different number of keys, or a different colour :p

SamirD · « **Reply #38 on:** Fri, 20 November 2015, 00:55:50 »

I didn't actively look for one. This was well before I even knew my choice had a following--IBM Model M. It was the first keyboard I used on a PC. And next to the Keytronic we bought for our 486, it's been the only one I've used and still use.

I'm trying different switches when I can, but my hands still prefer the M.

jonathanyu · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 20 November 2015, 01:10:03 »

I would say I have two favorite keyboards.
One is the keyboard I use which is 456gt, the other one is the board that I only put on shelf which is my greek olivetti

switchnollie · « **Reply #40 on:** Fri, 20 November 2015, 01:12:14 »

That's a hard one! Don't think I could pick since I use most of my boards evenly or for a diff purpose.

As long as I can map backspace & enter to tab & caps lock + 60% I am happy

henz · « **Reply #41 on:** Fri, 20 November 2015, 03:05:14 »

i have so many keyboards which i want to fix up. but i have a hard time finding time atm. My current favourite is my LZ-FE, just because its the only board i have finnished modding.

Oobly · « **Reply #42 on:** Fri, 20 November 2015, 03:08:38 »

It's the one that puts the biggest smile on my face when I use it right now.

May be a different board tomorrow.

Or it may be the same board with different keycaps on.

Or a new switch mod.

Or different switches.

The adventure never ends

SamirD · « **Reply #43 on:** Fri, 27 November 2015, 13:42:56 »

Now that I have two sitting at my desk that are different--logitech g710 and IBM model M, I'll have to re-answer this question once I figure out a strategy.

vegs · « **Reply #44 on:** Sat, 28 November 2015, 07:10:29 »

HHKB chose me

Signature · « **Reply #45 on:** Sat, 28 November 2015, 07:43:10 »

The most expensive one (need a reason to blow money on kbs)

tp4tissue · « **Reply #46 on:** Sat, 28 November 2015, 18:41:46 »

Ergodox

Because, Tp4

Tp4

Because, Ergodox

Infallible logic +++++

raymogi · « **Reply #47 on:** Sat, 28 November 2015, 18:52:56 »

Quote from: Signature on Sat, 28 November 2015, 07:43:10

The most expensive one (need a reason to blow money on kbs)

One of the main reason for sure

Jeftha · « **Reply #48 on:** Sat, 28 November 2015, 20:39:29 »

I've only tried two different boards. DAS Pro 4 with Cherry blues and HHKB. HHKB is now my daily driver and it's become my favorite. It's currently dental band modded and I think the sound and feel beat Cherry MX Blues. So between the two, HHKB is much more enjoyable to type on. I'm expecting a RF 87U 55G in January and I have a feeling that it might just become my new favorite board. I heard that 55G Topre is the "King Switch".

raymogi · « **Reply #49 on:** Sat, 28 November 2015, 20:48:06 »

Quote from: Jeftha on Sat, 28 November 2015, 20:39:29

I've only tried two different boards. DAS Pro 4 with Cherry blues and HHKB. HHKB is now my daily driver and it's become my favorite. It's currently dental band modded and I think the sound and feel beat Cherry MX Blues. So between the two, HHKB is much more enjoyable to type on. I'm expecting a RF 87U 55G in January and I have a feeling that it might just become my new favorite board. I heard that 55G Topre is the "King Switch".

When you're itching to try something different, move those 55g domes to the HHKB. God mode HHKB right there.

I stopped using (kinda hated) my 55g RFs because of that.

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Author Topic: How did you decide which keyboard is your favourite? (Read 12218 times)