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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Arcanius on Sat, 04 December 2010, 09:48:39

Title: Christmas Keyboard
Post by: Arcanius on Sat, 04 December 2010, 09:48:39

I'm planning on getting a keyboard (or maybe an LTRAC) for Xmas.
Question is, what keyboard to get? I currently only have a Model M, but next keyboard, I want to be non-clicky. Since my family is bothered by the noise, I'd like to have at least one silent keyboard around the house.

Now, I've been looking at Cherry Browns and Topres. Das Silents are easiest to acquire in Canada, With Filco's coming a close second. Problem is none of these are in stock. I've also been looking at Kinesis Advantage. Although I don't yet have RSI or Carpal Tunnel, I do need my hands (musician) and need to keep them in pristine condition. Lastly, I've been looking at HHKBs. Only problem is that I've heard bad things about HHKB key feel....

Can anybody help to guide me here?

PS: I use a dvorak layout, and that's another reason Kinesis would be nice for me.

Title: Christmas Keyboard
Post by: HaaTa on Sat, 04 December 2010, 09:56:06

There's nothing wrong with the HHKB key feel. Only that the RealForces are better.

Title: Christmas Keyboard
Post by: Arcanius on Sat, 04 December 2010, 10:16:50

I'd need to make a decision by the middle of December, and I'd love to get the keyboard shipped before New Years.... this leaves me with really only one option. Kinesis or Filco from China/Taiwan.

How likely is it that, as a student, I'll develop RSI or something similar? Would a Kinesis prevent this? If not, how does the feel of a Kinesis compare to the feel of a Filco with Browns? and to a Topre from a HHKB?

Title: Christmas Keyboard
Post by: theferenc on Sat, 04 December 2010, 10:36:53

Have you ever used a kinesis? It's...weird, to say the least. It's layout is distinct, so you won't be able to just switch back and forth willy nilly.

Plus, it absolutely ENFORCES correct touch typing, or you will be making extensive use of that thumb backspace key. So hopefully you can touch type in the "correct" fashion.

I have a kinesis (was just randomly handed to me), and I vastly prefer my HHKB feel. I genuinely like the keys on it. I don't remember the realforce keys being significantly better, but I'll have to check that out again next time my korean office mate brings his in.

Edit: Oh, and while people here seem to love the brown cherries, I can't seem to understand why. BS and Topre all the way, in my mind. I really should get myself a realforce one of these days...

Title: Christmas Keyboard
Post by: lowpoly on Sat, 04 December 2010, 10:52:31

I expected this thread to take a different direction:

(http://static2.bigstockphoto.com/thumbs/4/2/6/large2/6246140.jpg)