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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: dan_public on Sat, 03 July 2010, 13:26:22
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Hi. I'm new to this forum and to mechanical keyboards (mostly). I just ordered a Filco Tenkeyless keyboard and separate keypad, and would like some feedback about whether I made the right choice. But first some history...
I'm a software developer and have used a bunch of keyboards over the last 30+ years. About a month ago, I noticed that my office and home workstation Microsoft Natural keyboards were becoming sticky, missing keystrokes, and needed replacement. I bought a Logitech "Wave" keyboard, used it for awhile, and then gave it away to a friend. Overall, I was unhappy with EVERY keyboard in local stores. Then...
I started seeing the light - most of my problems with these keyboards were from the shoddy membrane design. And I recalled liking an old Compaq keyboard that I used for a while several years ago. It was tiny with no number keypad, but the feel was WONDERFUL.
After a lot of research here and other places about "mechanical" keyboards, I just ordered (but haven't received) Filco: FKBN87M/EB Majestouch Tenkeyless Tactile Touch
FKB22MB Majestouch Tactile Touch Keypad
FKBPRM/B Medium Leather Palm Rest
I chose this option after reading about people who dislike wide keyboards but also dislike being without a 10 key keypad. I rarely use my keypad, but it's nice to have for number data entry. So I thought, "Why not have it all? Get an 87 key keyboard with a separate keypad."
Have other folks tried this option? How well has it worked for you? Any downsides? Tips and tricks?
Thanks and regards,
Dan.
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I don't have those items, but I'm sure they're great. Experiment with different places for the numpad - to the left of the main keyboard, behind it, or even up on a shelf with the screen like I do (works for me since I rarely need the numpad.)
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It does sound like a pretty good solution; you could also put the num pad on the left side of the keyboard (which they say is good for ergonomics if you're a right handed mouser)
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Only real downside I can conceive is the cost. I think you'll be glad you did it.
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Sounds like you'll be happy. The only issue I see there is the cost & eventually the key caps, but they're replaceable, so no big.
I wish that was my work set up (well aside from preferring the topre). Until I can consider myself either a novelist or automation engineer, I probably will just continue to be happy with my browns.
Welcome to geekhack and back? to mechanical keyboards.
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Hi. Thanks for the great feedback!
I hear you about cost. Of course I had heart palpitations when I first saw the price of any of the better keyboards. :eek: And that I must be :crazy: to even consider spending that kind of money. But then I thought about the 6-12 hours a day I spend typing and the amount of money I spent on my home and office workstations. I realized that scrimping on the IO devices was really :censored: stupid!
Regarding putting the keypad on the left, I'll have to try that. The downside is that I'm about the most right-handed person you've ever seen. Occasionally, I see this hand-shaped object on my left side and wonder what it's for! :hand: Who knows, I can touch type with my left hand, so maybe... :juggle:
Ripster, I hear you about simple. It may turn out that I take the same path. For quick and dirty numbers entry, the numbers across the top will work fine. OTOH, at one time in my life I did a lot of data entry as a junior accountant. Although I suck as an accountant, I can still touch type the keypad. With my right hand of course. :biggrin:
Washuai, I just reread your comment about the replaceable key caps. That's a nice feature that I never even considered. :doh: Spending $35 every couple of years or so will keep the keyboard in tiptop shape.
My new keyboard and palm rest should be here on the 8th of July, with the keypad following a week or so later. After spending over $200 for these guys, I'm a little nervous about whether they'll work for me. I'll be satisfied with :smile:, but I'm hopin' for :love:.
Again, thanks for the feedback.
Regards,
Dan.
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After a lot of research here and other places about "mechanical" keyboards, I just ordered (but haven't received) Filco: FKBN87M/EB Majestouch Tenkeyless Tactile Touch
FKB22MB Majestouch Tactile Touch Keypad
FKBPRM/B Medium Leather Palm Rest
I chose this option after reading about people who dislike wide keyboards but also dislike being without a 10 key keypad. I rarely use my keypad, but it's nice to have for number data entry. So I thought, "Why not have it all? Get an 87 key keyboard with a separate keypad."
Have other folks tried this option? How well has it worked for you? Any downsides? Tips and tricks?
That's my exact setup at work. The Filco Tenkeyless is great, however I very seldom use the numeric pad. I normally keep it out of reach at the top of my desk but I like having it around for the rare occasions when I have to input a lot of IP addresses or other numeric data.
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That's my exact setup at work. The Filco Tenkeyless is great, however I very seldom use the numeric pad. I normally keep it out of reach at the top of my desk but I like having it around for the rare occasions when I have to input a lot of IP addresses or other numeric data.
pfink,
I was thinking the same - keep it hooked up, but out of reach. If it works out well at work, I'll buy the same configuration for my home workstation.
Regards,
Dan.