geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Yeknodathon on Tue, 25 October 2011, 14:09:22
-
Hello, I'm wanting to take the plunge into mechanical keyboard goodness but have got stuck on some points to make a decision. Here are my requirements
- I am left-handed and like to use the numeric keypad (nearly always on right) so like the look of the Tenkeyless format type
- I have limited space so again Tenkeyless looks good.
- Although no experience of mechanical boards I like the idea of Cherry Brown
- I'm not a heavy gamer but like the bling of lit keys at night, USB ports, audio outlet etc but can live without them if necessary. Lit key board is perhaps the most important here.
- I want good value, budget $150 inc shipping
- I live in the United Kingdom, so a UK keyboard is preferable
- I like the look of the Noppoo Choc or Filco Tenkeyless designs
So the questions:
- If I go Tenkeyless, will I find problems operating a seperate numeric keypad at a later date to satisfy my left-handedness number inputting desires?
- I've got chubby fingers that fumble over my current, hated Microsoft Sidewinder X6 keyboard - will I fumble over a compact Tenkeyless board?
- If I do not get a UK standard keyboard how difficult will it be to change a new keyboard to get the "£" sign on the "3" key etc?
- Are there any other manufacturers I've missed to consider expecially manufacturers who produce numeric pads on the left of their keyboards?
Many thanks in advance for advice!
Yeknod
-
You have some compromise ahead as there is not a board in production that meets more than half of your wants. There is only 1 non fullsize right handed backlit keyboard which is the Deck Mini / TG3 Data911. That keyboard is only available in US ANSI as far as I know and does not have a usb hub or audio jacks built in. I don't think there are any tenkeyless or compacts with a usb hub and audio jacks
There are a few left handed mechanicals available, but I have only seen them with ALPS switches. These are all fairly plain looking, though I have seen one with a translucent blue body.
Your selection of keyboards that come with a UK layout is pretty sparse too. Excluding full size MX I think that leaves you with Filco only, though I don't follow boards that aren't ANSI so much.
Regarding using an ANSI board with UK layout, it would be an issue with remapping the missing ~# key somewhere and getting used to the physical layout differences of the enter key, |\ placement.
Using an additional keypad works well, though if you are a Mac user some extra consideration may be needed on selecting one. A few of them have some odd issues on Macs.
-
DSI has a few left handed keyboards with cherry blues or browns. They are not tenkeyless, but have the numpad already on the left side.
http://www.dsi-keyboards.com/dsiblackusblefthandedkeyboardkb-ds-8861xpu-b-v2.aspx
-
Okay thanks for the advice - I've taken the plunge and ordered a Noppoo Choc Mini Brown.
I sense a warm, glowing feeling starting to engulf my body.
-
Okay thanks for the advice - I've taken the plunge and ordered a Noppoo Choc Mini Brown.
I sense a warm, glowing feeling starting to engulf my body.
you might want to get that checked out, sounds like you might have caught something.
-
Oooh, I have my new Choc Mini and its a wee Chihuahua keyboard of goodness and choc yum-yums... clickity, clack, clack, click, clock, clack