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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: CorreCorre on Fri, 05 November 2010, 11:53:41

Title: HHKB-sized kb suggestions needed
Post by: CorreCorre on Fri, 05 November 2010, 11:53:41
Hi all, I'm new here.

I am looking for a nice mech. keyboard, preferably with nice clicks. So, I'm thinking Cherry Blues.

At the same time I want the kb to be small. This saves space on my desk and keeps the mouse closer to my right hand. [I am mousing a lot with my left hand now to have the mouse closer but I * am * a righthander, so I'd like it on the right side -- but those stupid numerical keys are in the way].

A tenkeyless keyboard is a step in the right direction. But ideally, I'd like to have the arrow keys and the ins/home/PgUp/PgDn, end, del  block out of the way as wel.

There are so much junk keys on the keyboard. I'd like to lose those. I don't need them, they take up space and they keep the mouse too far away.

To mention some useless keys:
PrtScr/ SysRq (what the hell is sysrq anyway?)
ScrollLock (in 20 years time I have never ever used it)
PauseBreak
Ins
Del
the numercial blok
(I could do with less F-keys. Or even without them. ctrl-plus number could replace them). I might keep 4 F keys (8 not needed)
One ctrl key is enough
2 win keys are not needed
right click key
capslock

These are a whopping 18 (num pad) + 18 = 36 junk keys.


Please advice me, what small footprint kbs do we have apart from the HHKB?


(PS: I was a lurker and yes I used the search function). :cool:
Title: HHKB-sized kb suggestions needed
Post by: iMav on Fri, 05 November 2010, 12:05:16
Sounds like you want a HHKB.  :)

Have you tried the Topre keyswtch?  They are actually quite nice to type on.  You won't get Cherry blue clickiness...but you'll get a pronounced tactile "bump".
Title: HHKB-sized kb suggestions needed
Post by: elbowglue on Fri, 05 November 2010, 12:14:57
Consider the Compaq 84u in my signature.  The main problem is that it is somewhat long (from bottom to top) but it is very very narrow.  It uses cherry brown switches, if you were able to find a PCB mounted cherry blue keyboard to donate switches it would be the ideal size.  

I would suggest the cherry blue SMK-88 but alas this is an extinct keyboard, (thanks again imav!!)

There is an upcoming plum 84 keyboard which is *very* hhkb-ish.  When it comes out I will probably buy one or a few for import purposes.

Or you can get an model M keyboard or endurapro and hacksaw the whole right side off (including arrow keys and ins/del cluster) this is an easy mod too.
Title: HHKB-sized kb suggestions needed
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 05 November 2010, 12:16:09
HHKB fit the form factor you're describing. If you want something with clicky switches you will have to wait and see what comes out of China in the next few months.

KBC/Ducky
PLUM
Title: HHKB-sized kb suggestions needed
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 05 November 2010, 12:26:07
Or there is the chicony, unless you are an fps gamer.
Title: HHKB-sized kb suggestions needed
Post by: CorreCorre on Fri, 05 November 2010, 20:29:31
Thanks for the suggestions. :clap2:

And please keep 'em coming! :smile:
Title: HHKB-sized kb suggestions needed
Post by: aegrotatio on Fri, 05 November 2010, 22:12:20
If you can forego the clicking, SIIG has a nice, new miniature keyboard in stores now.  It's their third version of mini keyboards.  Myself, I like the second version Minitouch Plus, which appears on eBay from time to time (one seller was selling a lot of 10 for $25 each, this is a $40 keyboard).  The other folks here love the hugely expensive and rather unattainable original SIIG Minitouch.

Also, Adesso has revived their line of miniature keyboards.  Their older keyboards were good since they weren't just laptop keyboards without the laptop.  Their new keyboards you'll have to try them out to see which one you like.
Title: HHKB-sized kb suggestions needed
Post by: theferenc on Sat, 06 November 2010, 19:43:36
That adesso miniature is rather horrendous looking. Do people still actually like those stupid big return keys?

I admit, I'm new here, but that's something I've always avoided in any keyboard.