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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: WhiteRice on Thu, 21 October 2010, 19:46:34

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: WhiteRice on Thu, 21 October 2010, 19:46:34

Beige, white, gray make up the color palette of most of the older keyboards I see around here.

Most of the modern keyboards are black, with maybe some kind of grey/silver accent. White is a far second, followed by sparse instances of others(red, blue, pink.)

I guess that's why we turn to keycaps to really give our keyboards some character.

As I ponder my next keyboard purchase; I find myself considering not just the color of the switch, but the case as well.

I don't have anything against black, but if all my keyboards are black that's boring.

Personally I find the color white growing on me. I find both the filco and realforce in white to be pretty.

I wish there was more red, that italian red filco is sexy. Too bad I'm not a ten key kinda guy.

What do you guys think?

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Fwiffo on Thu, 21 October 2010, 19:52:07

But white wouldn't go with any of my stuff... The blue would look nice though.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: hoggy on Thu, 21 October 2010, 20:39:39

I've just got a Devlin that's blue - and it's quite striking because of it.

I get the distinct impression that most people think computer keyboards are pretty much a basic commodity item and anyone who spends more than a few pounds/dollars is a fool as they all do the same job.  So a keyboard that stands out means the owner is a fool with too much money.

Doesn't seem to be the case with mobile phones, but that's life.

I really like the look of the Industrial Model Ms.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: kill will on Thu, 21 October 2010, 21:03:57

I painted my IBM Space Saving keyboard red and put on black IBM M13 keycaps.  I really enjoy typing on it everyday. Although I am sad I lost the M13 logo.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_joMnDdwZaLw/TJ1PLZkraXI/AAAAAAAAABc/LCO9GI-dv-Y/s800/Picture%203.jpg)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Pylon on Thu, 21 October 2010, 21:10:53

I like either off white, or light gray.

I think HP made some wonderful looking gray keyboards (wasn't so wonderful for typing though, at least for most of you guys). Futura. I also like some of their black keys on silver frame business keyboards, like the KB-0316 and the KB-0133. They looked great, and I'd consider them slightly better than average for rubber domes.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: phate408 on Thu, 21 October 2010, 22:17:14

I like black, though I could easily be convinced to prefer the right metallic blue or something along those lines. I don't care for beige/white as to me, they show dirt too much (but that would be good incentive to keep them clean, as I should).

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Thu, 21 October 2010, 22:19:46

I'm fine with black as it tends to complement any other computer hardware pretty well.

At the same time I won't deny being briefly tempted by the Italian Red Filco. And I like the look of that blue Majestouch as well.

I'm just sad because I cracked a keycap on my Otaku Filco and now I can't get replacements. Still, it makes me feel better about ordering the doubleshots.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Kairxa on Fri, 22 October 2010, 01:09:12

silver body and crimson red keycaps, hmm.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Laggy-gaga on Fri, 22 October 2010, 02:04:31

Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;237094

I'm fine with black as it tends to complement any other computer hardware pretty well.

At the same time I won't deny being briefly tempted by the Italian Red Filco. And I like the look of that blue Majestouch as well.

I'm just sad because I cracked a keycap on my Otaku Filco and now I can't get replacements. Still, it makes me feel better about ordering the doubleshots.

Plum is selling the filco replacement caps
red, and white, it costs u $15 to transform regular black Filco to Italian Red

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ja6XW7vy_VA/TME03ao53VI/AAAAAAAC1RY/v4nFm19x-fI/s800/100204143734497e7b79383907.jpg)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ja6XW7vy_VA/TME2N3qjbjI/AAAAAAAC1Ro/FezuRY4I70Y/s800/20100204_154617_2.jpg)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ja6XW7vy_VA/TME2SIlOl-I/AAAAAAAC1Rw/SSgl4SgsnXI/s800/20100204_154622_2.jpg)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ja6XW7vy_VA/TME2UJgtOTI/AAAAAAAC1R4/YGZStQ4qOck/s800/20100204_154632_2.jpg)

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ja6XW7vy_VA/TME2WcUSTDI/AAAAAAAC1SI/g32Z99EA2oA/s800/20100204_154646_2.jpg)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Laggy-gaga on Fri, 22 October 2010, 02:08:52

The blue one is cool
but not easy to buy

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: chet0 on Fri, 22 October 2010, 05:45:08

Black is sexy!
Black never goes out of style!

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/1-13-2005-64166.asp

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 22 October 2010, 08:05:39

Quote from: Laggy-gaga;237135

Plum is selling the filco replacement caps
red, and white, it costs u $15 to transform regular black Filco to Italian Red

Looks nice! If I weren't afraid of destroying my keyboard I'd probably do it.

(Anyone who thinks I might be able to do it grossly overestimates my skill level.)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Fri, 22 October 2010, 10:22:14

Ha, finally a place where I can openly express my hatred for french people!

Those cock suckeurs....

I didn't really hate them actually but over the years sooooooooo many things to really dislike about them accumulated that I can now safely say I hate them :)


Back to topic: I think it's a shame that people don't go a bit more bonkers with the colors or the looks of boards in general. Like the datamancer stuff (http://www.datamancer.net/keyboards/keyboards.htm) for example.

Should be more things like that out there. The black is fine, the white I don't like (get's dirty quickly anyway), the beige with grey oldschool look I can accept. But why only those 3 options (aside from the not so common "I spraypainted my board red/blue and sell it to you for more"-case).

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Fri, 22 October 2010, 10:36:47

I would guess the Tron-font doesn't quite cut it in terms of steampunk-prove either ;)

But yeah, his **** is just too expensive. Would have to do it myself and I just dont want it to enough to spent so much time (including the few times I would fail before I get it right ;) ).

Still, if it wouldn't go that far into one direction (steampunk) I bet these types of customization would be something for the broader market, too.

Look what the LEDs did for the keyboard market and they are basically nothing but a customization feature either.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: quadibloc on Fri, 22 October 2010, 10:50:18

Of course, I've noted that I really go for the retro (pre-PC) look. Cupped keycaps, centered legends... and very traditional colors. But I still like a colorful keyboard...

(http://www.quadibloc.com/comp/images/ckeyb7.gif)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Findecanor on Fri, 22 October 2010, 11:33:33

Beige outer case. Black frame around the keys. Royal blue keys with centered white legends.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: woody on Fri, 22 October 2010, 12:04:40

Let me be the boring old fart - beige/white/gray is what I'd get. Even if I grew up with some black keyboards.
________
Chevrolet pickup truck (http://www.chevy-wiki.com/wiki/Chevrolet_pickup_truck)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: sealcouch on Fri, 22 October 2010, 13:14:44

I'm a beige man myself. Hell, if they released a filco with the typical late 80's beige I'd be all over it.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: keyb_gr on Fri, 22 October 2010, 14:10:04

Quote from: Senor_Cartmenez;237286

Back to topic: I think it's a shame that people don't go a bit more bonkers with the colors or the looks of boards in general. Like the datamancer stuff (http://www.datamancer.net/keyboards/keyboards.htm) for example.

Should be more things like that out there. The black is fine, the white I don't like (get's dirty quickly anyway), the beige with grey oldschool look I can accept. But why only those 3 options (aside from the not so common "I spraypainted my board red/blue and sell it to you for more"-case).

Simple: More colors = more parts to keep in stock, plus buying more of one single version generally is cheaper. Manufacturing keyboards hasn't exactly the kind of business with huge profit margins (at least until they found out about fancy gaming keyboards...). Most people get along with a "one size fits all" design just fine, too.

That being said, I don't see why a 'board couldn't be any color that sells. I mean, we have seen pink Filcos after all.

I think keyboards aren't too far from headphones, in a way. They can be really personal accessories. Makes me wonder when the first 'board manufacturer comes up with an equivalent of the Beyerdynamic "Manufaktur". Too bad lowpoly's mini never made it, that would have been close.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: 7bit on Fri, 22 October 2010, 14:15:25

I'd like mine in industrial grey. Two of them, please.  
 ps: will they ship along with the key caps?

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: 7bit on Fri, 22 October 2010, 14:24:14

I'd like mine in industrial grey. Two of them, please.

ps: Will they ship along with the key caps?

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 22 October 2010, 15:32:13

Quote from: 7bit;237445

I'd like mine in industrial grey. Two of them, please.

ps: Will they ship along with the key caps?

lol did I accidentally start another group purchase?

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Fri, 22 October 2010, 16:53:08

I like white but all my computer stuff is black, except for the old JVC speakers that came with the audio set. An IBM keyboard is allowed to look defiantly white (to the point I probably wouldn't like to order a black one from Unicomp) but the matter is different for other keyboards.

Anyway, if I could choose anything I wanted, I would like to have it in khaki.

Khaki with gun metal blank keys to show the competition I mean business. ;)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: mr_a500 on Sat, 23 October 2010, 06:51:28

Quote from: quadibloc;237300

Of course, I've noted that I really go for the retro (pre-PC) look. Cupped keycaps, centered legends... and very traditional colors. But I still like a colorful keyboard...

You mean "traditional colours" like this? (1979 computers)

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13120&stc=1&d=1287834579)

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13122&stc=1&d=1287838995)

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13123&stc=1&d=1287838995)

That kind of colour scheme is a little too traditional for me. I prefer the traditional black and silver.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Kblavkalash on Sat, 23 October 2010, 07:09:07

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ja6XW7vy_VA/TME2N3qjbjI/AAAAAAAC1Ro/FezuRY4I70Y/s800/20100204_154617_2.jpg

These red/white looks really nice, I saw someone had blue ones. Where is it possible to get them?

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: mr_a500 on Sat, 23 October 2010, 07:27:05

Yeah, the blue ones are always hard to get.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13121&stc=1&d=1287836813)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: mr_a500 on Sat, 23 October 2010, 08:09:15

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13124&stc=1&d=1287839310)

"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me?!?"

I like a good wood keyboard.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: mr_a500 on Sat, 23 October 2010, 08:45:24

Quote from: ripster;237609

I'm glad to see Canada is getting the latest in technology.

Can you make me a sammich?

More Canada bashing, eh? Well, if you come to Canada, I'll smack you across the face with a large piece of back-bacon, drop an angry beaver down your pants and trample you with a moose. Then, I'll plant a maple tree on your grave. (...and fertilize it with Canada goose ****)

Now that's Canadian revenge. :canada:

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Neutral_Eyes on Sat, 23 October 2010, 08:49:36

I didn't mind the beige keyboards when everything else was beige. Now I have black monitors, case, mouse, desk, and naturally, the keyboard as well.

For personal preference, I'd like a grey case with black key caps. Reminds me of a certain two tone I'm fond of:
(http://imgur.com/5hF6u.jpg)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: mr_a500 on Sat, 23 October 2010, 08:54:49

I didn't even have to look at your Location. Nothing says "American" like a picture of a gun.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 23 October 2010, 08:58:23

Heh...and nothing says 'Canadian' like recently catching on to a trend that died out 10 years ago.

(http://www.ninjapirate.com/images/toronto-pogfest.jpg)

Is it true your movie theaters still show 'Back to the Future'?

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Neutral_Eyes on Sat, 23 October 2010, 09:09:35

Quote from: mr_a500;237614

I didn't even have to look at your Location. Nothing says "American" like a picture of a gun.

It's more like North Mexico. :usa2:

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: mr_a500 on Sat, 23 October 2010, 09:17:54

Quote from: keyboardlover;237617

Heh...and nothing says 'Canadian' like recently catching on to a trend that died out 10 years ago.

Show Image

(http://www.ninjapirate.com/images/toronto-pogfest.jpg)

You mean there was a Pogfest and I missed it?? ("Remember Alf? He's back... in pog form.")

I did a search and I don't think there was a Toronto Pogfest - only a lame Facebook page. She probably wasn't even a real Canadian. I bet she was a refugee from the US (escaping all that gun crime down there) who missed the pogs she had back home.

Quote from: keyboardlover;237617

Is it true your movie theaters still show 'Back to the Future'?

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13125&stc=1&d=1287843205)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: mr_a500 on Sat, 23 October 2010, 11:30:12

I have no idea what the hell that has to do with Canada, but if we're posting videos... here are a few classic examples of how we make fun of Americans:

Not a valid youtube URL

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Azuremen on Sat, 23 October 2010, 19:55:02

Quote from: Laggy-gaga;237135

Plum is selling the filco replacement caps
red, and white, it costs u $15 to transform regular black Filco to Italian Red

I'm new around here, so I'm not familiar with Plum... anymore info on these? I just ordered the Rosewill and thinking I could just get rid of the ugly logo by replacing the cap.

As for colors, I have to say the Red doesn't look bad, but Black and White never look bad. I'd go with a White body with blank Black keys, and of course, the red ESC key. But that's just me.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Azuremen on Sat, 23 October 2010, 20:06:12

Quote from: ripster;237782

Welcome to Geekhack.

The Plum is one of those mysterious Far East keyboards.  Rarely do they make it to US shores - Plum, KBC, 356CL, KBTalking.  Duckys might become more available but unless someone on Ebay starts selling it the Plum will have the same fate.

Am I going to find that keyboards are like import cars, and you have to speak a foreign language and ship over seas to get the cool toys? :tongue:

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 23 October 2010, 20:51:54

I prefer black, because it hides the dirt.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: KillerBee on Sat, 23 October 2010, 22:01:25

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/OriginalPoutineLaBanquise.jpg/800px-OriginalPoutineLaBanquise.jpg)

I'll tell you what I am hungry for some

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: KillerBee on Sat, 23 October 2010, 22:07:47

OH I forgot

Thats why you keep several boards on standby maybe you are feeling like its a black keyboard day

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13109&d=1287713853)

and then switch if you feel like a beige day

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=12829&d=1286725211)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Sat, 23 October 2010, 22:13:56

Greesy fries with mayo? Delicious stuff if you can get away with it.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Azuremen on Sun, 24 October 2010, 02:08:43

Quote from: ripster;237795

Ask lmnop at OCN to get you one.

I'll look into it. First though I need to compare some photos to see if they are the same screw points, etc, so the Filco ones actually fit the RK-9000.

Are there any good sources for blank key caps in the US, or will I have to go with an overseas option as well?

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Sun, 24 October 2010, 09:13:04

Quote from: Azuremen;237869

I'll look into it. First though I need to compare some photos to see if they are the same screw points, etc, so the Filco ones actually fit the RK-9000.

Are there any good sources for blank key caps in the US, or will I have to go with an overseas option as well?

[strike]I think TexasFlood confirmed keycap compatibility in the GH doubleshot order thread.[/strike] Nope, it was Kaishi (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=234370#post234370), my memory is awful.. Not sure why I thought it was TexasFlood. Probably because I know he bought the RK-9000 too.

Or maybe my memory is awful. I'll have to check.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: 7bit on Sun, 24 October 2010, 14:45:36

Quote from: ricercar;237802

I prefer black, because it hides the dirt.

Unless you live in a dust-free environment, it will look dusty instead of dirty. This is why I prefer it to be in grey.

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: exhuma.twn on Sun, 24 October 2010, 16:20:12

So far my keyboard colors mostly lined up with everything else on my desk, so I currently have it all in black. Pure coincidence even. There was only one exception, a light beige board.

I quite enjoy black at the moment as it seems ;)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Azuremen on Sun, 24 October 2010, 20:21:06

Quote from: muchadoaboutnothing;237918

[strike]I think TexasFlood confirmed keycap compatibility in the GH doubleshot order thread.[/strike] Nope, it was Kaishi (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=234370#post234370), my memory is awful.. Not sure why I thought it was TexasFlood. Probably because I know he bought the RK-9000 too.

Or maybe my memory is awful. I'll have to check.

Thanks. Definitely looking forward to the Rosewill over this Adesso now.

Quote from: ripster;237919

I was kidding about lmnop getting you a Plum.  She'd more likely give you Das Boot.

:frown:

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Mon, 25 October 2010, 05:04:27

Quote from: KillerBee;237813

Show Image

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/OriginalPoutineLaBanquise.jpg/800px-OriginalPoutineLaBanquise.jpg)

I'll tell you what I am hungry for some

wtf?

Are those fatty fries with mayo and maple syroup? That looks disgusting ^^

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: WhiteRice on Mon, 25 October 2010, 05:35:19

Quote from: Senor_Cartmenez;238286

wtf?

Are those fatty fries with mayo and maple syroup? That looks disgusting ^^

I think that's cheese and gravy...

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: sethstorm on Mon, 25 October 2010, 05:52:38

...and those of us that do terminal boards:

Wanting to paint the case a smoother shade of black though.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8885&stc=1&d=1270367623)

Title: Keyboard colors, a discussion on preference
Post by: 7bit on Mon, 25 October 2010, 07:44:35

Quote from: Senor_Cartmenez;238286

wtf?

Are those fatty fries with mayo and maple syroup? That looks disgusting ^^

I wonder if it's before or after eating.