Quote from: _rubik on Wed, 17 April 2024, 10:43:56

It almost feels like those who learned to type / use computers extensively in the height of the Model M era (when the fullsize became standardized and relentlessly copied) will have the most trouble switching between layouts.

You are probably right about that. Though honestly, this idea of frequently switching between layouts is another point of disconnect for me.

99% of my typing happens at my desktop PC. Why would I need to switch layouts? And why would I want anything smaller than full size? My desk is not so small that I need an inch or two taken away from the keyboard to make room for something else. My mouse has plenty of space to the side of my full size keyboard(s) as it is, what possible benefit is there to taking useful keys away?

It must be a matter of lifestyle differences. I can't relate to the folks who need a mech keyboard with them wherever they go (and where they go provides very little space to set up for typing), and they probably can't relate to someone like me who does all of his typing on a desktop PC in one fixed location (at home or at work), where working space is plentiful.

Something to unpack maybe is the difference between forced layout changes and voluntary layout changes. I rarely switch my _external_ keyboard layout, but am involuntarily forced to swap layouts multiple times a day (phone keyboard, laptop keyboard, desktop keyboard). There's some implicit flexibility in that. Thinking about a time where few folks used laptops, phones we're just a dial pad, and almost all computing was done on a standard full-size, you'd only ever swapped voluntarily.

As for your point about traveling with your keyboard. I agree I used to never travel with a keyboard, but then I gave 40%s a try. At that point it was both important that I bring it with me (I so don't have to involuntarily switch as often) and I was _able_ to for the first time ever. That said, I have co-workers who would never consider swapping layouts principally because they want to minimize the involuntary layout swaps.

I kind of think about it like "people who distro-hop" and "people who run different operation systems at work and home". They both get some form of flexibility though only one party actively exercises it.

And why would I want anything smaller than full size? My desk is not so small that I need an inch or two taken away from the keyboard to make room for something else. My mouse has plenty of space to the side of my full size keyboard(s) as it is, what possible benefit is there to taking useful keys away?

My mouse arm gets tired 

It takes guts to share that kind of thing, and trust me, you're not alone in feeling that way. I used to feel the exact same dread every time I had to make a call, even if it was just to schedule an appointment. It's interesting that you mention working in customer support for five years and still not being able to shake off the phone anxiety. You're definitely not a big baby for feeling this way. It's a real struggle, and it's important to acknowledge that. Have you ever considered that maybe there could be underlying reasons for your anxiety, like depression? I stumbled upon this article that talks about the signs of depression, and I found it really insightful: https://restore-mentalhealth.com/depression-treatment-in-south-florida/. We're all in this together.

The DC-2014 does need a 5th connection, called "reset" that is not common to most other DIN-to-PS/2 or -USB connections which use 4:
Data, Clock, power, and ground

I think that Orihalcon has made variants of his converters with them, but that may need to be a special order. He is a member here, send him a message.

or, you can build your own - https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=17458.msg335414#msg335414

Ok so.

I live in Korea and do a lot of freelance translation work and a good bit of gaming.

The keys on the scissor switch keyboard I’ve been using for the past 2-ish years have been starting to fail.

So I’m looking for something that ideally:

Has a low profile.

Has a 100% layout.

Is easily visible in the dark.

Will last me more than 5 years.

Is relatively quiet.

Has easy macro customization.

Has N-key rollover and anti-ghosting.

Something I can use for both heavy typing and gaming, that has plenty of productivity features, that I can use even when I’m working at night.

What are my options?