geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: alsohere on Fri, 23 December 2011, 21:15:43
-
I used a Olivetti Linea 98 manual typewriter for a very long time, but not exactly the type of mechanical keyboard this site is about.
I am a writer and would like a keyboard that will allow me to avoid RSI.
I have been thinking about the Kinesis Contoured Advantage w/ dvorak. The only thing thing I am not sure about is the Cherry MX Browns, because going from a manual which is very tactile and clacky to a non-clack less tactile board might be difficult.
I was also considering the Das Keyboard.
What do you folks think? Will the Browns be good enough or will the sensations be too mild for this long time manual type-writer user?
Also, I am typing this on an old laptop --t61 thinkkpad-- which is supposed to have a very good keyboard as far as laptops go, and I despise it...
-
Yeah, if that's what you're used to and it doesn't bother you that much, then I'd agree with the unicomp. I think you can even get them to sell you it as dvorak if you wanted, though I could be wrong.
-
From the moment you register a nick here you are already wrong, so don't be afraid to make some more wrong decisions. You tumbled a lot before you can walk properly.
Das keyboard with brown switches would be good for a starter like you.
-
Al laptop keyboards are bad. I just typed on one of those chilkat ones they put in the newer models, awfull.
As ripster said, a buckling spring board is probably a nice idea since you liked that typewriter. (Implying you did like it)
Else you might like alps (black or white, or blue montreys)?
I tried all cherry switches and they are to light for me, but the buckling spring gives me a cold, metal feel.
I ordered ~4 alps boards and they where cheap.
-
get a nice cherry red keyboard, or black if you want linear action. Can't go wrong with that. If you want a click go with blues. Nothing wrong with browns either.
-
It all depends what you are after for build and feel of the switches. For a lighter switch the reds, browns and topres are favorites on this forum. My preference is the lighter switches - reds and topres for me all the way.
-
If you want a keyboard similar to your typewriter, I'd pick up a used IBM Model M or a Unicomp keyboard. They're both buckling spring keyboards which will be the most similar to your typewriter. I'm new to mechanical keyboards as well, I just got my first one. I went with a Filco Cherry Brown keyboard and definitely can recommend Filco as a great brand if you decide to go with a Cherry switch keyboard. Cherry Blues would be the closest match to your typewriter I believe, as they offer both tactile and audible feedback. I'd recommend the Filco Majestouch-2 Cherry Blue full size keyboard. They can be difficult to find, Amazon sells some Filco keyboards but I don't think they carry the full size MJ2 with Blues. I got my Filco from eBay.
-
If RSI is what you're trying to prevent then go with kinesis. It'll take time but eventually you'll get used to it.
-
I bought my first mechanical keyboard the Ducky 1087xm from pchome and I couldnt be happier, was nervous as a hog on ice buying from a site I couldnt understand but the board got here in 4 days all the way from china, and I love the name ducky and it feels so nice compared to my previous rubber dome keyboard and only $52 shipped.