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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: xsphat on Fri, 25 April 2008, 01:12:35

Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Fri, 25 April 2008, 01:12:35: I think it might be interesting if members talk about how often they switch keyboards and maybe even why.

I just boxed up the Macalley and took out the Filco. It always takes me a minute to get used to my Japanese light touch keyboards after using the Alps or the Model M even though I still take the HHKB to work and back everyday.

My reason for such frequent switching is my profession. As a writer who handwrites nothing, my keyboards are like different paintbrushes to an artist. With the loud clicky keyboards, I write more gritty for whatever reason, and with the Cherry browns and the Topre capacitives I write really fast and more honest.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: jemkeys on Fri, 25 April 2008, 07:26:59: I'm using the HHK. I only have that, and the model M. This looks much nicer on my desk ;).

Plus it still holds that new keyboard novel sway over me.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ashort on Fri, 25 April 2008, 07:38:45: I am using the Cherry G84-4100PTMUS with MLs in it right now on the thinkpad T60. I like it but I can't wait to jones on a buckling spring Mighty Mouse, sans red pointy what the heck is that stick in the middle of it what sense does that make you all are crazy I will never cave bwahahaha.

I, just a few days ago decommissioned the Matias Tactile Pro 2 in favor of a blue-cherried smk-88. Matias is very tactile but isn't a good keyboard, IMHO. SMK-88 is a great keyboard, but needs a different layout for me. Still searching Mrs. Right Keyboard and I don't think Mrs. Pants from yesterday is going to cut it. =-D

AND...on the old PC that I make the kids use, mostly for the desktop space, swapped out a VERY reliable (but still membrane based) IBM non-M for a PS/2 Cherry G84 keyboard. They thought it was SO cool. Now I have room for a mousepad on that desk. =-D Because while my kids think the Cherry keyboard is very cool, they do NOT have enough common sense to realize just HOW wicked a Trackman marble is.

I think all data center keyboards that have to slide into a 19" rack space should be something like this cherry or a mighty mouse.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: sashomasho on Fri, 25 April 2008, 08:19:33: i'm using my brown cherries filco at my office and my hhkb pro at home. as a programmer i have to use more standard keyboard layouts at work, because rarely someone has to type something on my keyboard and this just can't happen with hhkb pro (they looked at it and they weren't impressed at all), but i still hate it when one of my colleagues pushes his fingers with all their strength on my poor filco, it's so delicate, it hurts me really bad... i can't think of any other keyboards which will love more, of course if filco makes a smaller layout (without the numeric pad, or something ala HHKB, then without a doubt I'll have to have it right away).
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: pezza_mac on Sun, 27 April 2008, 03:48:23: ...***...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sun, 27 April 2008, 03:57:29: Another buckling spring buckaroo, eh?

Unicomp supposedly has new Mighty Mouse coming soon ... but for whatever reason (this statement is only based in my thoughts, not info) I doubt we'll see it anytime soon.

The buckling spring does have a really solid feel and decent click, so I respect it but it is far from the top of my list.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sun, 27 April 2008, 03:58:46: Still on the Filco at home and the HHKB Pro 2 at work, BTW.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 April 2008, 08:07:17: I am using the unicomp linux board. Its a full sized keyboard, nice and clicky....I really like it alot.

At work I use a dell laptop, (D510)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Sun, 27 April 2008, 09:12:04: Quote from: sashomasho
i'm using my brown cherries filco at my office and my hhkb pro at home. as a programmer i have to use more standard keyboard layouts at work, because rarely someone has to type something on my keyboard

You let someone else touch your keyboard??? Yuck. :)

Do what I did when I worked in an office. I had two keyboards plugged into my work machine. I'd use my HHKB and when someone needed to type something on my machine, I'd direct them to an old Cherry 4100 I had hooked up. (I had eight of them, so sacrificing one for co-worker use wasn't an issue for me)

Quote from: pezza_mac
I will never need another keyboard ever again, after using this SpaceSaver for a week! I am converted!

I recently purchased two Unicomp SpaceSaver's for a couple of friends of mine. They are absolutely giddy about their new keyboards. Personally, I don't like numpads, but both of them are addicted to the numpad, so it is a good fit for them.

Quote from: bigpook
I am using the unicomp linux board. Its a full sized keyboard, nice and clicky....

Which linux layout? (alt or caps lock in the bottom left corner)

I assume you have the buckling spring version? I don't recall anyone else on this board having a Unicomp Customizer 101. Most of the Unicomp owners here have either one of the SpaceSaver models (including the Endurapro) or the Customizer 104/105.

BTW, I'm currently using my HHKB Pro 2.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 April 2008, 09:32:17: I have caps lock in the lower left hand corner, ctrl key next to the A key, where it belongs and the escape key next to the 1 key on the top row. Yes is is buckling-spring.
I ordered the board form unicomp 8-31-2007, they shipped me a customizer 104/105 with the fricking windows keys. I emailed them about it but didn't get much customer service out of it. If you look at the unicomp site and look at the linux keyboard that they are selling you can clearly see that it has no windows keys...

I know I could have returned it, but after using it I fell in love with it. I took a sharpy and blacked out the windows logo and let it go at that.

I just got an ibm model m from ebay and just finished cleaning it up. I should be getting my ibm space saver board soon too, once that is cleaned up I will post some pictures.

There is a HHKB Pro 2 on ebay right now that I am thinking about bidding on, I e-mailed the seller and asked if it had the usb ports, he said no, so I assume its the older model. It looks like nice in the picture though.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Sun, 27 April 2008, 17:15:33: Quote from: bigpook
I ordered the board form unicomp 8-31-2007, they shipped me a customizer 104/105 with the fricking windows keys.
Ah. So they sent you a remapped Customizer 104/105, eh? I assumed (as you likely did when you ordered it) that it would be a Customizer 101 based on the key layout pics. Nasty (http://www.microsoft.com/windows) logo aside, it's nice having the additional meta keys. Of course, maybe I'm just spoiled from my early exposure to Sun workstations. :)

Quote from: bigpook
There is a HHKB Pro 2 on ebay right now that I am thinking about bidding on, I e-mailed the seller and asked if it had the usb ports, he said no, so I assume its the older model. It looks like nice in the picture though.
I see two original HHKB "Lite"s and one original HHKB on Ebay right now. Can't seem to find a Pro (v.1 or v.2) anywhere.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 April 2008, 19:19:42: Sorry, my mistake.
This is what I saw on e-bay. I assume it has the same key switches as the Pro series....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130216634456&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Sun, 27 April 2008, 19:57:02: Quote from: bigpook;4230
Sorry, my mistake.
This is what I saw on e-bay. I assume it has the same key switches as the Pro series....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130216634456&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003

The original HHKB (as well as both versions of the "Lite" model) have membrane keyswitches (3.8 mm stroke, soft snap). Only the Pro versions have the cone spring keys with electrical capacitive switches.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: zillidot on Sun, 27 April 2008, 20:03:25: Quote from: iMav;4219
I don't recall anyone else on this board having a Unicomp Customizer 101. Most of the Unicomp owners here have either one of the SpaceSaver models (including the Endurapro) or the Customizer 104/105.

I have a Customizer 101! It's black. :)

Quote from: bigpook;4230
I assume it has the same key switches as the Pro series....

From memory, the key switches on the original Happy Hacking Keyboard are different from the HHKB Pro/Pro2. But I can't find a reference for it right now. I think the electricial capacitance switches were only introduced with the pro series.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: jemkeys on Sun, 27 April 2008, 20:07:24: Yea, the original Happy Hacking was a standard rubber membrane.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Astra Diesel on Sun, 27 April 2008, 20:42:31: Been on the Focus 2001...the white alps are addicting.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Sun, 27 April 2008, 21:33:49: Quote from: Astra Diesel;4235
Been on the Focus 2001...the white alps are addicting.

Have you ever posted a picture of your Focus?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: puntium on Mon, 28 April 2008, 01:31:00: Back to using a MS Natural Elite both at home and at work. At work I also have a HHKB2 and a Realforce 101, but the MS is just more comfortable, and on a typing test, I can type just as fast. Also tried the Kinesis Freestyle, but it was never as comfortable as the MS, though I liked their membrane switches a little more.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Warm Woolly Sheep on Mon, 28 April 2008, 03:19:59: This piece of logitech crap I picked up for $15,

(http://www.logitech.com/repository/475/jpg/3800.1.0.jpg)

The rollover on this keyboard is awful. It won't let me press a # and a letter on the same hand at the same time.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Mon, 28 April 2008, 03:38:03: You get what you pay for.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Mon, 28 April 2008, 14:02:07: Just got a cherry G80-3000LCM with black switches, probably for $15 too lol. It doesnt click at all but i find funny that this keyboard is pretty identical to the das keyboard II, i can change the keys at no time, i have both keyboards running at the same time. Will post some images later.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Astra Diesel on Mon, 28 April 2008, 15:18:22: The Focus 2001...seriously the white alps are a must have. I've used the ibm model f for a while, but the Focus is the daily keyboard. My wpm went up a lot.

(http://img146.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=17162_IMG_2424_122_646lo.jpg)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Mon, 28 April 2008, 15:31:51: Quote from: Astra Diesel;4244
Show Image
(http://img7.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-17070/loc747/13555_IMG_2424_122_747lo.jpg)

The Focus 2001...seriously the white alps are a must have. I've used the ibm model f for a while, but the Focus is the daily keyboard. My wpm went up a lot.

Is there a Focus 2001 with european layout?(The extra key).

I just found a Focus 2001 on Ebay:http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-FOCUS-FK-2001-KEYBOARD-W-Alps-Sliders-2001_W0QQitemZ360046213962QQcategoryZ4706QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWINQ3aPOST0Q3aRECOQ3aBINQQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Is this the one you're talking about?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Astra Diesel on Mon, 28 April 2008, 16:28:43: Quote from: Bluemercury;4245
Is there a Focus 2001 with european layout?(The extra key).

I just found a Focus 2001 on Ebay:http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-FOCUS-FK-2001-KEYBOARD-W-Alps-Sliders-2001_W0QQitemZ360046213962QQcategoryZ4706QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWINQ3aPOST0Q3aRECOQ3aBINQQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Is this the one you're talking about?

Hey bluemercury. That focus 2001 on ebay is similar to the one I have (pic below):
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2329/2449569593_4565671252.jpg?v=0)

However, if you look at the ebay listing's photo:
(http://[URL=http://img132.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=17395_57ke5k_122_730lo.JPG][IMG]http://img132.imagevenue.com/loc730/th_17395_57ke5k_122_730lo.JPG)[/URL][/IMG]

, you can see, circled in red, that there are squarish tiles near the arrow keys. This aesthetic difference does not impact the Focus 2001's performance or feel. Moreover, the ebay model comes with Windows keys. My focus and the one on ebay has the same FCC ID, but one has the cube tiles and windows keys, while the other does not.

Here's the catch. For $8.88, the price this ebay seller is listing the keyboard in, you may think that you're getting a pretty sweet deal on what seems to be a genuine white ALPS key-switch keyboard. But check out this page...
(http://sandy55.fc2web.com/keyboard/focus2001.html)

Scroll to the bottom of the page to see what I'm talking about. The keyboard you linked for me on ebay uses blue ALPS look alike switches. Not genuine at all. The Focus 2001 you want has all white alps switches, and if you buy a Focus 2001 with windows keys, you end up with fake blue alps.

Hope that helps.

EDIT: BTW, I am not aware of any Focus 2001 keyboards that have European layouts, sorry. The one I have is made in 1989, and I've only gathered information about it from websites made by other Focus 2001 users.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Mon, 28 April 2008, 16:36:43: I have a feeling Europe sucks for keyboards a lot worse than the USA.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Mon, 28 April 2008, 17:24:55: Quote from: xsphat;4250
I have a feeling Europe sucks for keyboards a lot worse than the USA.

Well besides the cherry models, and the ocasional model like the DAS KEYBOARD II for example, you're more than right.....
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Mon, 28 April 2008, 17:30:42: Quote from: Astra Diesel;4248
Hey bluemercury. That focus 2001 on ebay is similar to the one I have (pic below):
Show Image
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2329/2449569593_4565671252.jpg?v=0)

However, if you look at the ebay listing's photo:
Show Image
(http://[URL=http://img132.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=17395_57ke5k_122_730lo.JPG][IMG]http://img132.imagevenue.com/loc730/th_17395_57ke5k_122_730lo.JPG)
[/URL][/IMG]

, you can see, circled in red, that there are squarish tiles near the arrow keys. This aesthetic difference does not impact the Focus 2001's performance or feel. Moreover, the ebay model comes with Windows keys. My focus and the one on ebay has the same FCC ID, but one has the cube tiles and windows keys, while the other does not.

Here's the catch. For $8.88, the price this ebay seller is listing the keyboard in, you may think that you're getting a pretty sweet deal on what seems to be a genuine white ALPS key-switch keyboard. But check out this page...
(http://sandy55.fc2web.com/keyboard/focus2001.html)

Scroll to the bottom of the page to see what I'm talking about. The keyboard you linked for me on ebay uses blue ALPS look alike switches. Not genuine at all. The Focus 2001 you want has all white alps switches, and if you buy a Focus 2001 with windows keys, you end up with fake blue alps.

Hope that helps.

EDIT: BTW, I am not aware of any Focus 2001 keyboards that have European layouts, sorry. The one I have is made in 1989, and I've only gathered information about it from websites made by other Focus 2001 users.

Youre right but they show photos with alps switches....:S
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: nrp on Mon, 28 April 2008, 17:33:16: Quote from: Astra Diesel;4248
Here's the catch. For $8.88, the price this ebay seller is listing the keyboard in, you may think that you're getting a pretty sweet deal on what seems to be a genuine white ALPS key-switch keyboard. But check out this page...
(http://sandy55.fc2web.com/keyboard/focus2001.html)

Scroll to the bottom of the page to see what I'm talking about. The keyboard you linked for me on ebay uses blue ALPS look alike switches. Not genuine at all. The Focus 2001 you want has all white alps switches, and if you buy a Focus 2001 with windows keys, you end up with fake blue alps.

But they show a picture of the white Alps on the ebay add. Look at the second picture.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: alpslover on Mon, 28 April 2008, 17:35:01: Quote from: Astra Diesel;4248
The Focus 2001 you want has all white alps switches, and if you buy a Focus 2001 with windows keys, you end up with fake blue alps.

there's another catch, though. not all focus 2001 keyboards without windows keys use genuine alps switches. i've got two pre-windows keys 2001's that use fake white alps switches that feel distinctly different than genuine white alps switches (the fakes are stiffer and less refined). these fake alps'd 2001's look absolutely identical to the real alps'd 2001's on the outside. the only way to know what switches you're getting are to see what they actually are underneath the keycaps (or to type on them, but that assumes physical access). if the switches don't say 'alps', they're probably fakes.

i will concur, though, that all of the focus 2001's with windows keys i've owned over the years have all had fake alps click tactile switches. all whites, incidentally.

also, something else to keep in mind is that the information on those keyboard enthusiast web sites isn't complete. they might take apart one, maybe two, keyboards of a particular make and model, but keyboard manufacturers sometimes make changes to the internals of a particular model without making it obvious from the outside.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: alpslover on Mon, 28 April 2008, 17:36:40: Quote from: nrp;4254
But they show a picture of the white Alps on the ebay add. Look at the second picture.

no, it only looks like a white alps. you can't actually read the 'alps' stamped on the switch.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Mon, 28 April 2008, 17:52:00: Quote from: alpslover;4257
no, it only looks like a white alps. you can't actually read the 'alps' stamped on the switch.

humm, i still need to get one with alps whites......
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Mon, 28 April 2008, 18:11:57: Quote from: alpslover;4257
no, it only looks like a white alps. you can't actually read the 'alps' stamped on the switch.

Well i cant really see anything.....your eyes are in HD mode....:P
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Astra Diesel on Mon, 28 April 2008, 21:20:36: thanks for clarifying, alpslover.

I was referring more to the fake blue alps switches on the japanese website, though it was my mistake not to scroll down the ebay listing to see the so-called genuine white alps switch.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Astra Diesel on Mon, 28 April 2008, 21:22:22: Quote from: alpslover;4255

also, something else to keep in mind is that the information on those keyboard enthusiast web sites isn't complete. they might take apart one, maybe two, keyboards of a particular make and model, but keyboard manufacturers sometimes make changes to the internals of a particular model without making it obvious from the outside.

True, I'm surprised at how many different models of Focus 2001 keyboards Focus Electronics manufactured without noting what changes each different batch of keyboards underwent.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Tue, 29 April 2008, 08:10:57: So should i risk getting this focus one :P?

Edit: Here's the images of my cherry keyswitch keyboards:

(http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/3118/l1000504qp6.th.jpg) (http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=l1000504qp6.jpg)

(http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/9611/l1000506wp4.th.jpg) (http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=l1000506wp4.jpg)

(http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8692/l1000507wu1.th.jpg) (http://img410.imageshack.us/my.php?image=l1000507wu1.jpg)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Astra Diesel on Tue, 29 April 2008, 12:52:55: Take a risk, but if your cherry blues are satisfactory, you probably wouldn't need alps switches.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Tue, 29 April 2008, 16:58:21: Quote from: Astra Diesel;4282
Take a risk, but if your cherry blues are satisfactory, you probably wouldn't need alps switches.

I was actually searching a new white alps switche keyboard.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 30 April 2008, 01:44:05: I'm back on the HHKB Pro 2 full time now. No matter what I buy, I keep coming back to this one.

The Filco rocks and I love it, but my keyboard tray is too small to have the keyboard where I like it and still leave enough room for the mouse (I screen span, so I need a bit of space for side to side motion).
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 30 April 2008, 20:34:23: Quote from: zillidot;4232
I have a Customizer 101! It's black. :)

From memory, the key switches on the original Happy Hacking Keyboard are different from the HHKB Pro/Pro2. But I can't find a reference for it right now. I think the electricial capacitance switches were only introduced with the pro series.

Are the capacitance switches clicky?
I really like the tactile feel and sound of the buckling spring keyboards.

I have a HHKB lite and really liked it. After going through my mouse phase( the kensington expert mouse is the one true mouse for me, as of right now : )) I focused my attention on clicky keyboards. I have a unicomp board, a model m and model m spacesaver.

Having said that, what other boards fall into the clicky/noisy category?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 30 April 2008, 20:47:42: HHKB Pro2 are not clicky at all.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Wed, 30 April 2008, 21:14:50: I have the HHKB lite and even though it is rubber dome it is still a nice keyboard. The form factor is nearly ideal. I am liking the buckling spring boards now, and am now using the full size model m. What I want is something in the small form factor of the HHKB with the buckling spring technology of the model m.
I read that unicomp may release the mighty mouse with buckling springs, if so, then that may be the board for me...heres to hoping.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 30 April 2008, 21:40:55: I like to keep many keyboards with different switches around. For clicky, I have a Model M and the Macalley with white Alps switches, and for other times, I have the HHKB Pro 2 which has a feeling that is similar to but different than the Cherry brown switches. These last two are light touch but the HHKB Pro 2 has more resistance than the browns.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: karlito on Sat, 03 May 2008, 01:40:00: (http://www.nimblygames.com/keyboards/filco.jpg)

using my filco... the numpad is really starting to get on my nerves. it's invading my mousing real estate :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 03 May 2008, 03:48:42: Quote from: karlito;4349
using my filco... the numpad is really starting to get on my nerves. it's invading my mousing real estate :)

I know the feeling, my friend. I guess iMav was right all along. Think how I feel -- my keyboard tray is smaller than yours.

The browns rock though, don't they?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: sashomasho on Sat, 03 May 2008, 04:50:40: i wish the hhkb pro had different keyswitch options... brown or blue cherries, but i want to keep and the current one, i really like the topre switches, just i wish i had different options for a second one eventually :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Sat, 03 May 2008, 06:36:11: Quote from: karlito
using my filco... the numpad is really starting to get on my nerves. it's invading my mousing real estate :)

I think you should buy a mouse bridge and then let us know how you like it... :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Sat, 03 May 2008, 08:57:49: Are all filcos with the same cherry switches?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Ulysses31 on Sat, 03 May 2008, 13:31:54: I've seen brown, black and blue switches on the Filcos and what look like white alps, though you might have to ask xsphat. I'm very new to these things.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 03 May 2008, 14:17:51: You are correct sir!

The only other switches I've seen on Filcos are their scissors / membrane hybrid, plain membrane and white Cherry switches on some old old ones.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 06 May 2008, 22:22:41: It's crunch time on this f#$%^g assignment for a class I don't really like at all so I had to bust out the MacAlly with true white Alps clickiness.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Wed, 07 May 2008, 00:42:10: Is filco the only keyboards that have the brown stemmed cherry switches?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 07 May 2008, 01:57:18: Quote from: Korbin;4454
Is filco the only keyboards that have the brown stemmed cherry switches?

I hear the answer to that is no, but I defy you to find one brand new with a US layout. without getting it from Asia.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: rnak92a on Wed, 07 May 2008, 09:17:22: All this Filco chatter piques my curiosity. What's so great about a Filco?

As to what I'm using right now, the keyboard someone will have to pry from my cold, dead hands:

an IBM Model M keyboard. Part #: 1391401; ID #: 2055523; date of manufacture: February 4, 1988. Repaired by Unicomp, Inc. December 2007: replaced backspace buckling spring assembly
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Wed, 07 May 2008, 09:58:05: The Filco really has me curious as well. I recently started to love mechanical switches when I bought my Das II keybaord (brings back memories from college) which i use for programming, and I have a Deck and a SteelSeries 7G that I love to use when i play games (the click feels like it slows me down on fast repetitive keystrokes).

Unfortunately, using a clicky mechanical keyboard at work would probably have my co-workers wanting to punch me in the nose so i'm wondering if the brown stemmed switch would be quiet "enough" to use on the job.

I wish i had known about these boards 3 years ago, I would have picked one up when i was in Akiabura (sp?) when i visited japan. Might have to get my brother to try to get one for me. Unless you guys know someplace online i can order one?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 07 May 2008, 13:04:50: I work in an open office, and I regularly use the Filco with browns and the HHKB Pro2 with no complaints about noise.

And the Filco is built like a tank - it feels more solid than any in my collection - and the browns are so light they couldn't be called tactile by anyone other than Webster ... and yes, I have a Model M to compare it to.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Wed, 07 May 2008, 13:18:45: Im using my das keyboard AND my IBM model M5-2 at the same time one is in the usb port and the other in the ps/2 one, still, i just noticed that the ibm is slower at holding pressed the key than the das keyboard for some reason. For example if i press and hold space, it is much slower than the das keyboard....
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 07 May 2008, 13:24:08: Another thing about the Filco I really am into is the key caps they make. They have a little texture on them that make typing even mor comfortable.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Ulysses31 on Wed, 07 May 2008, 13:49:03: Does this texture wear off much? I've seen some Filcos where the edges of the key-caps look shiny, as if they've had heavy use. I've also seen some that appear to lack that frosted effect completely. The separate Filco numpad doesn't have that matt look.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 07 May 2008, 13:58:52: I've only had mine for couple months (I think), and I haven't used it straight, so really I can't answer that. But to me is feels like would only after years and years of steady hammering to wear down.

All this written about the filco, on the Macally's white Alps ...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Wed, 07 May 2008, 15:44:55: Aparentely it was the fact i had the two keyboards connected that caused the slowness of holding the keys pressed, strange.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Mon, 12 May 2008, 19:44:35: Back on the Filco with brown switches. I love this 'board for fast and accurate typing and high powered stuff.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: meltie on Mon, 26 May 2008, 15:12:12: At home I currently use a Cherry G80-3000 LSMEU (clicky, I reckon these are the ones with blue switches?). For wireless use when sitting on the couch or so I use a Logitech diNovo.

At home I switch keyboards rather frequently, every couple of weeks or so. Otherwise I wouldn't be doing my collection justice I suppose :-)

At work I used a Cherry G80-3000 (linear, are these the brown switches?) until someone from another office on the same floor complained about the noise. That's understandable, especially since I type rather fastly, but the guys in my office who where a whole lot closer didn't mind. Long story short, I switched to a Cherry Evolution Stream at work. That one is really quiet, but not comparable to the G80 series.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Mon, 26 May 2008, 16:29:54: I'm on the SMK88 with Cherry linear switches (black stem) now. I really want to like this keyboard, I always try to, but the switches are so different than everything else I have. The brown stem alternate action switches in my Filco are pretty light, in fact after my stint on the Model M I'm having a real hard time using it. What's even weirder is I don't have any sort of difficulty with the HHKB Pro 2, which has the second lightest switches I own.

I have a feeling this is just a different style of switch that I might like after I get used to it. Longtime members might remember that I've tried to like these black switches before ... so who knows how this will end up.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 27 May 2008, 09:03:04: So last night I'm typing away on the SMK88 and all is going well and suddenly letters stop appearing on the screen. I ****ed around a bit and figured out that for whatever reason, the keyboard stopped working in mid-sentence. I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it still didn't work. I said F it and plugged in the HHKB Pro 2 which worked like it should.

Later, for ghits and siggles, I hooked the SSMK88 up again and the lights lit and it's worked ever since. All I have to say is WTF?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ashort on Tue, 27 May 2008, 10:25:43: I have found that with my Tactile Pro 2, sometimes I have to unplug it and plug it in again because sometimes it just quits.

I can't say I've noticed that with my blue-cherry SMK-88.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: karlito on Tue, 27 May 2008, 16:11:37: Quote from: xsphat;4890
So last night I'm typing away on the SMK88 and all is going well and suddenly letters stop appearing on the screen. I ****ed around a bit and figured out that for whatever reason, the keyboard stopped working in mid-sentence. I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it still didn't work. I said F it and plugged in the HHKB Pro 2 which worked like it should.

Later, for ghits and siggles, I hooked the SSMK88 up again and the lights lit and it's worked ever since. All I have to say is WTF?

This happens to me pretty often, the function key gets stuck or something... took me forever to figure that out as i always unplugged and plugged it back in but just try pressing the Fn key and it should work again.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Tue, 27 May 2008, 20:17:53: Well, i just picked up 2 of the keyboards that are talked about a lot on this board. The filco and the HHKB pro 2. I have to say they were totally worth the money and the wait (to get them shipped from japan).

This message board has me totally in love with the mechanical switches. :)

I did notice something about the brown switches though. For some reason I was expecting a harsher click, obviously not blue stemmed harsh... but something that was a bit more noticeable. I think my filco (FKMB104M) feels extremely close to my steelseries 7G. Both boards have a solid (somewhat) heavy build with a lovely "plastic sliding" sound on the keystrokes. IMO they feel very similar.

Maybe I'm not as "in tuned" as xsphat is with the keystrokes but I think the filco's light keypress pressure (which seems to make the board faster) is the biggest difference when it comes to feeling between the 2 boards. Otherwise, they feel pretty much the same to me.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Tue, 27 May 2008, 20:28:28: Thanks for sharing your first experiences with us Korbin. I have never had hands on the brown cherry keyswitches before...it is hard for me to imagine a cherry keyswitch with a lighter feel than the blues (while still providing a "click").
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 27 May 2008, 21:23:27: But the bottom end of the keystroke on the Cherry blacks tightens up like a membrane, is that present on the SteelSeries 7G? Which Filco do you have? You said FKMB104M but that isn't on their site.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Tue, 27 May 2008, 22:50:47: Quote from: xsphat;4902
But the bottom end of the keystroke on the Cherry blacks tightens up like a membrane, is that present on the SteelSeries 7G? Which Filco do you have? You said FKMB104M but that isn't on their site.

I don't bottom out the key on the cherry blacks. But yes you are right, there is a tighter feel at the end of the keystroke. I guess I got use to pushing half way down and coming back up from the cherry blues. Maybe that's why they feel so similar to me (the browns vs the blacks). It may take a little longer time typing on the filco to notice the difference more. Don't get me wrong though, the board is kick ass :P

You're right xsphat it's the FKB104M (little extra keystroke there).
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 28 May 2008, 01:05:44: I always bottom out, in fact, it's part of the fun for me. But I get what you're saying, and I can see what you mean. Thanks for clarifying, Korbin.

On me now: I wasn't really jiving with the Chery blacks and the SMK88 shut off again, Karlito's Fn key trick didn't work for me, so I'm back home, where it all makes sense again, on the Macally MK96 with it's clicky Alps white stem switches. I still have some of the black keys from my old SMK85 on it. I call them my legacy keys because of how much I learned about writing during the time I owned that 'board and how much I wrote on them.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/2529782457_0e26f28d57_o.jpg)

Watch, I'll end up buying an Avant Prime.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: vyshane on Thu, 29 May 2008, 09:05:16: I've recently discovered this forum while researching my next keyboard purchase. I have to say that this has been a great resource. I've discovered a few new options by reading what you guys have posted.

I'm currently using an SMK-88 (Cherry Blues) at home. I've got the same keyboard at work, which I alternate with a HHK Lite 2.

Currently saving up for a HHK Pro 2 :) I spend most of my time in Vim, and I love the HHK layout.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Thu, 29 May 2008, 09:47:37: Quote from: vyshane;4941
I'm currently using an SMK-88 (Cherry Blues) at home.

If only I knew how rare these would become when I first bought mind. ;)

I assume you've had your two for a while? (or have you found a new source for blue-cherry-equipped-SMK-88's?)

BTW...welcome to geekhack!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: vyshane on Tue, 03 June 2008, 19:49:42: Quote from: iMav;4942
If only I knew how rare these would become when I first bought mind. ;)

I assume you've had your two for a while? (or have you found a new source for blue-cherry-equipped-SMK-88's?)

BTW...welcome to geekhack!

I've had them for a little more than a year now. Ordered both at the same time :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Eclairz on Wed, 04 June 2008, 12:50:54: Currently mainly using my G80-3000 clicky cherry blue GB format keyboard, But modified with steelseries 6g key caps, now I have a 3 toned keyboard which makes it slightly easier to find non alpha-numeric keys, due to the extra height of steel series keys and because of colour difference. I do feel though the taller keys are slightly more wobbly though, but during normal typing I can't tell that much difference.

My list of keyboards are slowly growing, i've just got the G84-4100, but don't like the US style layout of the longer left shift, but otherwise handles ok, I missed the noise of my blue cherries too much though and didn't enjoy the short travel as much as with my macally icekeys

Here's some pics of my cherry
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 04 June 2008, 13:05:22: Eclairz, I like the look of the 'board, nice. Did you have the Steelseries 6G or did you buy them separately?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Eclairz on Wed, 04 June 2008, 13:59:55: I bought them separately, but I got the steelkeys 6g at a bargain price off Ebay for £30 compared to new prices of £60+. It is used but keys still work fine. I much prefer blue cherry switches though so i've stuck the keys onto my g80-3000.

The black cherry steelkeys is now relegated to quiet keyboard + gaming keyboard for when I actually need silence or when i need n-key rollover (not often at all).

My layout is mainly for my own uses, I also considered laying out the keyboard so i can set left hand to only touch one colour of keys and the other hand to touch the other colour, as I am not a touch typist by trade so I don't follow rules to improve my typing.
As i said though the main colour keying is used to distinguish alphanumeric key from punchuation and function keys, as this is the main time when i do have to look away from the screen.

edit:
I bought the steelkeys 6g after i bought the g80-3000, but sometimes i wonder why i did so as I am very happy with the blue cherrys, the noise is a tiny bit excessive though so I am limited where i can use this keyboard.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 04 June 2008, 15:03:21: I am thinking about getting the Das III and swapping some of the Filco (if it doesn't sell) keys with the Das keys. I think it would look pretty cool on both 'boards. A blank Filco would be pretty pimp ...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Eclairz on Wed, 04 June 2008, 17:16:16: I was also considering Das Keyboards, so i can slowly blank out my keyboard until i become a consumate touch typist. But if I could get some of those special x-keys relegendable key caps that would be ideal.

http://xkeys.com/accessories/keycaps.php

I think i'll wait until the new Das 3 Keyboard with usb hub will come out before spending any more money on blue cherrys.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 09 July 2008, 03:08:54: I'm back on the Northgate as my daily board. I just can't be off these clicky Alps for very long. And this Northgate feels so nice ...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 2097 on Fri, 18 July 2008, 14:41:53: I use the HHKB Professional 2, White, Blank, American Dvorak layout (with the numbers numbered 1-9).

I have delete set to delete (btw if you want to set delete to backspace, you can still use fn+` to mean delete), the left small modifier key to super (manages my window manager), the left bigger modifier key to alt (used as meta in emacs and other programs), the right bigger modifier key to altgr for some extra characters and the right smaller modifier key I hardly ever use. I've mapped some weird stuff to scrolllock, pause and printscreen, as well.

I like this keyboard very, very much. I only wish it didn't have the logo down in the right corner.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Fri, 18 July 2008, 14:48:13: Quote from: 2097;6677
I use the HHKB Professional 2, White, Blank, American Dvorak layout (with the numbers numbered 1-9).

I have delete set to delete (btw if you want to set delete to backspace, you can still use fn+` to mean delete), the left small modifier key to super (manages my window manager), the left bigger modifier key to alt (used as meta in emacs and other programs), the right bigger modifier key to altgr for some extra characters and the right smaller modifier key I hardly ever use. I've mapped some weird stuff to scrolllock, pause and printscreen, as well.

I like this keyboard very, very much. I only wish it didn't have the logo down in the right corner.

Nice! Another Dvorak user. Dvorak + HHKB = ultimate programming key layout :P
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 19 July 2008, 00:41:15: I'm back on the HHKB Pro2 full time at home. I just can't quit this keyboard, it positively rocks. Still have the HHKB Lite 1 at work, still like that one a lot too. The keys are nice and light even though it's a rubber dome deal, and the layout is fantastic. I guess I got lucky because others here say that the Lite 1 feels like poo, and the Lite 2 I had, well, you can read how I felt about that one in the wiki.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bluemercury on Sat, 19 July 2008, 13:36:36: Quote from: Korbin;6679
Nice! Another Dvorak user. Dvorak + HHKB = ultimate programming key layout :P

Whats a dvorak? :P
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Ulysses31 on Sat, 19 July 2008, 13:39:48: I think he's one of the characters on Star Trek >_>.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 19 July 2008, 14:50:52: Hahahahahahahahahaha!!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 19 July 2008, 14:52:18: Bluemercury, you need to use Google and Wikipedia more often. The answers to all your questions await you ...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bhtooefr on Sat, 19 July 2008, 15:06:08: A Dvorak is an irrelevant technology commentator.

:D

Oh, you meant the OTHER Dvorak. :p
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ashort on Sat, 19 July 2008, 18:29:44: Quote from: Bluemercury;6705
Whats a dvorak? :P

Composer of the Symphony "From the New World".

Or..."I don't know, what's a Dvorak to you?"

=-D
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Sun, 20 July 2008, 16:36:35: Quote from: Bluemercury;6705
Whats a dvorak? :P

LOL Maybe I should have said American Simplified Layout :P. Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard)

Anyway pretty much all major OS's supports it ;)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 20 July 2008, 16:38:49: Quote from: Korbin;6731
LOL Maybe I should have said American Simplified Layout :P. Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard)

Anyway pretty much all major OS's supports it ;)

That would take some getting used to. And the Caps Lock key is still in the wrong place.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Sun, 20 July 2008, 16:51:15: Quote from: bigpook;6732
That would take some getting used to. And the Caps Lock key is still in the wrong place.

It took about a week to match the same speed that I was on the QWERTY layout. After that I was typing faster on Dvorak.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 20 July 2008, 17:09:57: Quote from: Korbin;6736
It took about a week to match the same speed that I was on the QWERTY layout. After that I was typing faster on Dvorak.

I imagine you switch back and forth from qwerty to dvorak?
I have never seen a keyboard with a dvorak layout. I run in small circles, so its not like I see a whole lot anyways.
Overall, I have my home setup, work laptop, and a multitude of customer machines that I touch.
For better or worse, its a qwerty world for me.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Sun, 20 July 2008, 17:25:28: Quote from: bigpook;6740
I imagine you switch back and forth from qwerty to dvorak?
I have never seen a keyboard with a dvorak layout. I run in small circles, so its not like I see a whole lot anyways.
Overall, I have my home setup, work laptop, and a multitude of customer machines that I touch.
For better or worse, its a qwerty world for me.

Not really. My machine at work is set up on Dvorak as well.

You don't need a dvorak keyboard, just go in your regional settings and change the layout. Windows, Linux, Mac, NetBSD, etc all support it. If you are not a touch typist, and you are using a mechanical keyboard... just use a keycap puller an rearrange the keys.

However, if aren't a touch typist, then Dvorak kind of looses it's value of even using it. The advantage of using it is the fact that all the vowels are on the left hand side and only on the home row keys, so you swap hands when typing words to gain additional speed.

Oh, and one of the first mac laptops use to be available in Dvorak.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 20 July 2008, 17:49:30: I would have a hard time with it. My day to day work has me in front of different machines. To go from dvorak to qwerty and back again, would cause me grief.

Its funny how things work out, once something like qwerty is in place, whole generations have used it. There is a certain amount of inertia that will not be overcome. Even if dvorak is better it simply does not matter. Must--not--mention--windows-- : ) arrgh!
But anyways, go penguins!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Sun, 20 July 2008, 18:13:44: Quote from: bigpook;6745

Its funny how things work out, once something like qwerty is in place, whole generations have used it. There is a certain amount of inertia that will not be overcome. Even if dvorak is better it simply does not matter.

Yep. So true! And Dvorak has been around for 70 years! hah
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 20 July 2008, 18:17:55: Quote from: Korbin;6747
Yep. So true! And Dvorak has been around for 70 years! hah

I had no idea it was around that long. I wonder why it did not become the dominant layout.
Perhaps the qwerty manufacturers paid some money to some politicians, who then orchestrated a negative add campaign and some underhanded tactics to derail the better method...nah, I should google it and find out. Be back soon.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 20 July 2008, 18:21:49: The full text is here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard

But in a word, its inertia.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Sun, 20 July 2008, 18:55:50: Quote from: bigpook;6749
The full text is here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard

But in a word, its inertia.

Yup. Exactly. Also both windows and mac OS will let you change your key layout on the fly. Once you set it up in the control panel you just hit control + shift to toggle between the two.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bhtooefr on Sun, 20 July 2008, 20:08:55: But, sometimes security settings don't let you change your keyboard layout...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Sun, 20 July 2008, 20:18:09: Quote from: bhtooefr;6754
But, sometimes security settings don't let you change your keyboard layout...

Ah true.... I guess that has never been an issue for me since I'm a software developer.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: vils on Fri, 25 July 2008, 23:31:13: For the moment I'm using a worthless HP (KU-0316) keyboard at work. But to be honest all keyboards feels like crap compared to my HHKB2 Pro I use at home.

/Vils
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: FunkTrooper on Sat, 26 July 2008, 11:16:40: Quote from: vils;6927
For the moment I'm using a worthless HP (KU-0316) keyboard at work. But to be honest all keyboards feels like crap compared to my HHKB2 Pro I use at home.
/Vils

dammit, you're all making me envious with your nice shiny HHKB2 Pros. oh how i want one. anyway, i'm using a Saitek GK200. As rubber dome keyboards go, it's actually rather good. it's certainly better than any other such keyboard i've ever used. but it's still not mechanical.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 26 July 2008, 11:43:00: To be accurate, and I'm shocked iMav hasn't pointed this out, capacitive switching mechanisms are not mechanical. Neither is the Model M's buckling springs.

That being said, read this forum and you'll find those are probably the two most popular keyboards here and they both rock.

I'm back on the Northgate, which is a mechanical keyboard. I think I've boiled my favs down to these two keyboards.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sat, 26 July 2008, 12:16:59: Help me out here. As some of you know I mainly use buckling spring keyboards, either from IBM or Unicomp. I just got a DasIII which I am using right now. Aside from the average rubber dome / scissor switch keyboards that I use from day to day for work.
How does the HHKB Pro 2 fit in comparison to the above mentioned?

I am hesitant to lay out the money to buy one and not have it meet my expectations.

The Model M's have lots of tactile feed back, that is from the key press to the return, along with that clicky noise. You really feel like your typing on a Model M.
The DasIII is a different animal altogether, it has a lighter click and less resistance on the down stroke. I mentioned before that it was dainty, which was a poor choice of words. Light action would be a better way to describe it. It takes way less force to get the key to go and feels more linear than the Model M.

So how does the HHKB Pro 2 compare in this situation?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 26 July 2008, 13:12:44: The Topre switch is totally different than the above mentioned. It doesn't click but it is wholeheartedly satisfying to type on. It is tactile and light to the touch, but unlike any other switch I've tried so I really don't have a base to compare it to for you.

The whole thing about the HHKB series is the layout. Once you use it and get used to it, it really is the only layout that makes sense anymore.

I tell everyone to just buy it. I've not heard complaints from those who've bought it and the only time you see a used one on eBay is when the seller bought another one. Just buy one, you'll like it.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sat, 26 July 2008, 13:41:10: I have a HHKB lite which I used for quite a bit before I went to the BS keyboards. I liked the small form factor alot. It made using the mouse on the right side bearable. But its rubber dome, its ok for what it is , but not ideal. You mention the layout as being key, and in a way it is. But it doesn't click, yet you say it is satisfying.
damn.

You know if I could just walk into a store and touch one, I would know in a minute if it was for me or not.
I am not much of gambler, I typically lose, but everyone here at geekhack speaks so highly of it. That alone makes me want to get one.

I know there is warehouses full of them, but they are halfway around the globe.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 26 July 2008, 13:47:39: Quote from: bigpook;6937
You know if I could just walk into a store and touch one ...

Well, if you're ever in Kyoto ...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sat, 26 July 2008, 13:51:33: Yeah, I go there often for the sushi. Maybe next time I am there..... sigh. Not likely soon, if ever. : )
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 26 July 2008, 14:00:28: If you like the layout, buy one. If you hate it, you could sell it here, but you won't hate it.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: sashomasho on Sat, 26 July 2008, 16:11:01: Quote from: bigpook;6939
Yeah, I go there often for the sushi.

And tonight's humor prize goes to .... bigpook, sorry xsphat :)

Anyway bigpook, buy this keyboard, you will not regret it... I listened to the guys in the forum, and all I can say - this keyboard became my precious (although I type on my ibm atm, but this is because I'm too lazy and tired to take my HHKB from my bag, in which I carry it almost everywhere I go)... The feel is not so light as the blue cherries, there is something in it which resembles the model m's switch, without the click of course, it may still be lighter, but without sacrificing even a bit from the tactile feel. The register point comes earlier I think, at least my model m registers the click at about 3/4 of the way down, while in the HHKB it comes at 2/5 :) these numbers may be inaccurate...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sat, 26 July 2008, 16:55:59: Hey , thanks for the feedback. Its back on my list to save for. I am thinking between my model m's, dasIII and then the HHKB I will be fully rounded out.
I am looking forward to it.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 26 July 2008, 23:17:30: Good man Pook, which model are you gonna get?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 07:28:08: Black with lettering is the one I will get. Which one do you have?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sun, 27 July 2008, 09:33:14: Black with lettering, copycat.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 003 on Sun, 27 July 2008, 12:03:04: I'm using a Deck Legend. It sorely needs to be modded though, after which it will be the best keyboard on the face of this earth. What needs to be done:
-Add weight
-Create cable strain relief
-Affix better rubber feet
-Replace black Cherry switches with blue Cherry switches
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 12:48:05: Quote from: 003;6950
I'm using a Deck Legend. It sorely needs to be modded though, after which it will be the best keyboard on the face of this earth. What needs to be done:
-Add weight
-Create cable strain relief
-Affix better rubber feet
-Replace black Cherry switches with blue Cherry switches

adding weight: if there is room inside the case you could fasten some kind of metal bar.

cable strain relief shouldn't be too hard, maybe radio shack has some part that could be used.

rubber feet are easy to find.

replace the switches? Now that may be a project : )
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 12:50:33: Quote from: xsphat;6948
Black with lettering, copycat.

lol, yeah, but white is not an option. and while I have a unicomp keyboard with no letters I think it is more of a novelty. The letters come in handy after 3 or 4 beers though.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 12:54:53: I went to the deck keyboard site since I was curious. It says the board has a metal back plate. I would think that would add a fair amount of weight. They say they use quality keyswitches but don't mention which ones.

So which glowing LED's do you have?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 003 on Sun, 27 July 2008, 13:24:51: Mine has a plastic backplate... I may need to contact them about this. I got the red version to match my mouse. The switches being used now are black cherries.

I have the PS/2 version and it's crazy, it literally has unlimited key rollover, with any combination of keys on the matrix, and the lettering on the keys will NEVER wear off.

EDIT:
For whatever reason, they only have the metal bottom plate on their 82 and 21-key keyboards. Not sure why.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 14:53:03: Quote from: 003;6954
Mine has a plastic backplate... I may need to contact them about this. I got the red version to match my mouse. The switches being used now are black cherries.

I have the PS/2 version and it's crazy, it literally has unlimited key rollover, with any combination of keys on the matrix, and the lettering on the keys will NEVER wear off.

EDIT:
For whatever reason, they only have the metal bottom plate on their 82 and 21-key keyboards. Not sure why.

The metal back plate would be cool, if only for the added weight. The web site says the lettering uses a sublimated negative printing process which drives the ink into the plastic keycaps at 525°f

I suppose thats one way of making it permanent. cool stuff.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sun, 27 July 2008, 16:35:32: Look into them, the one the 003 bought is one I thought about and why I spent so much time on the Cherry blacks in the SMK88. I just can't stand them so the Deck and Gigabyte and all the others out there are out because the black switches are the most common and they suck the worst. Life is cruel sometimes.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 17:14:52: Don't know, I am not so happy with the cherry blue switches and they click, the browns and blacks don't click but are similar, right?.
I am back on my model m spacesaver for now. The blue cherries are too light and not clicky enough for me. Damn, that board didn't even make it a week. lol, anyone want a dasIII?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sun, 27 July 2008, 17:26:31: Thanks, but no.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 003 on Sun, 27 July 2008, 17:29:46: I'm sending my Das III back -- can't stand the smudging.

The black cherries are terrible. They are linear, and in theory should be better for gaming, but I was doing better on the DK III in games than with the Legend. However, the positive aspects of the Legend warrant going to the trouble of swapping the switches for me.

Anyway, the black cherries are worse than some rubber dome switches. For example, the old Dell QuietKey keyboards.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 17:31:44: Sorry xsphat, didn't mean to sound like I was pointing that your way.

I will probably let my wife have a try on it, if she likes it she can keep it. Otherwise, I will put it on the shelf until I feel the need to try it out again.

I am thinking that nothing compares to a BS keyboard, purely my opinion.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sun, 27 July 2008, 17:37:18: Pook, check your inbox.

003, sorry you are yet another person who hates those Cherry blacks. My wife got the SMK88 I reviewed in the wiki and she likes it "because it's white." I don't think people like us are the intended users of that damned Cherry black switch.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Sun, 27 July 2008, 18:04:43: Quote from: xsphat;6933
. . .and I'm shocked iMav hasn't pointed this out. . .

I just returned home from a weekend trip to Mankato, MN (Vikings training camp). :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 19:06:07: 003

my dasIII has smudges around the arrow keys, the little felt cloth does a good job of cleaning them, but over time I think the shiny will scratch and lose its luster. I wish Das would have went with a matte finish. Its still a good board though, I am just not adapting well to the blue cherry switches.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 003 on Sun, 27 July 2008, 20:31:02: I rather like the blue cherries. And I can not get over the fact that the Das III smudges like an iPod and has to be constantly wiped with a special cloth. Also, the chassis feels ...brittle... which is most noticeable by the feel of typing on the keys. It feels "dainty" almost, where as my G80-3000 with the same blue cherries feels more robust when typing.

It is extremely unfortunate that it does not have n-key rollover support, otherwise it would be my saving grace. However, I expect my Deck Legend to be even better than my G80-3000 when I complete my mods. But first I need to return my Das III and get my money back so I will have enough money to buy new blue cherries :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 20:43:10: Shiny finishes tend to get that way. Thats why I don't particularly prefer them. But the DasIII was a chance to try out the blue cherry switches.
The action is very light and the click is not as satisfying. I know that sounds wacked. I am talking about a keyboard like its some kind of fine wine. But I am back on my model m for now, and liking it too.

I think I will let the das rest for a bit, I will get back to it in the future.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 003 on Sun, 27 July 2008, 21:10:36: Don't let your experience with the Das III ruin your image of the blue cherries. My G80-3000 which has the same blue cherries feels so much better to type on than the Das III does.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bhtooefr on Sun, 27 July 2008, 21:11:31: I don't remember the model (although I'm asking the owner,) but I got to type away at some no-name AT-layout keyboard with (I think, anyway - couldn't pull a keycap) blue Cherry MXes. Keys didn't wiggle, so it probably wasn't Alps, and it sounded just like the audio clips of keyboards with Cherry blues on here.

The tactile response was somewhat underwhelming, although I kinda liked it, and it was VERY light. Which I like. Not sure I like it enough to drop $130 on a Das, especially right now, and especially because it lacks a pointing stick, but I'd like to spend more time with a Cherry blue keyboard.

Unfortunately, the owner of that board wouldn't sell it to me, despite not liking Cherries. :(
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 27 July 2008, 21:26:15: Thats how I feel about the dasIII. The blue cherries have a slight click to them, but take away the click, and all you have left is a keystroke with very little feel. Yes, they are very light, at least to me, but they are not satisfying.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 003 on Sun, 27 July 2008, 21:57:47: Jeez why do so many of you guys want/use a pointing stick on the keyboard? Why not just use a mouse? If anything a small laptop one?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ashort on Sun, 27 July 2008, 22:07:56: Quote from: 003;6972
Jeez why do so many of you guys want/use a pointing stick on the keyboard? Why not just use a mouse? If anything a small laptop one?

I don't go for the trackpoint thingy but the issue is less about desk space and more about having the pointer where your fingers already are: right in the middle of the keyboard.

I do not like a "small laptop mouse" for the same reason I don't like trackpads or trackpoints: finger cramps. I use a trackball at home, and a full size BT mouse on the go.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sun, 27 July 2008, 22:55:36: Ever since I bought this mouse (http://www.popgadget.net/2007/09/cute_kitty_opti.php), nothing else will do.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: alpslover on Sun, 27 July 2008, 23:12:06: Quote from: 003;6967
I rather like the blue cherries. And I can not get over the fact that the Das III smudges like an iPod and has to be constantly wiped with a special cloth. Also, the chassis feels ...brittle... which is most noticeable by the feel of typing on the keys. It feels "dainty" almost, where as my G80-3000 with the same blue cherries feels more robust when typing.

It is extremely unfortunate that it does not have n-key rollover support, otherwise it would be my saving grace.

it has 12 key rollover, is that not enough?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 003 on Sun, 27 July 2008, 23:28:25: Quote from: alpslover;6975
it has 12 key rollover, is that not enough?

The G80-3000? No, not really. If you hold down 12 keys on the same row, then yes, but holding down even 3 or 4 keys in random areas on the matrix does not work, and unfortunately I need to be able to do that for playing games. If you mean the Das III -- I know. My issues with it are the dainty feel to the keys and smudges.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Korbin on Mon, 28 July 2008, 00:37:56: Quote from: bigpook;6957
Don't know, I am not so happy with the cherry blue switches and they click, the browns and blacks don't click but are similar, right?.
I am back on my model m spacesaver for now. The blue cherries are too light and not clicky enough for me. Damn, that board didn't even make it a week. lol, anyone want a dasIII?

Yeah the browns the blacks don't click. Since you don't like the blues and your prefered switch is Buckle Springs are you sure you want to get the HHKB?

To me, the HHKB feels closer (definately not the same) to the black switch than any other switch. There is no click (not even a "tactile" click like the browns) and it has a very light key press pressure (45 grams). This is even lighter than cherry blues. As you can see on cherry's website http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm) the blue switch has a key press pressure of 1.8 oz which is 51 grams. By comparison most BS boards have a key press pressure of about 80 grams.

I would hate to see you get a 250 dollar board and not like it. That being said I still think the HHKB is a great board worth every penny. IMO the light pressure is why I like the HHKB over BS and membrane (the 2 just seem completely opposite.... that's why I asked).
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Mon, 28 July 2008, 01:15:03: Does anyone know that the keypress is on Alps whites? For whatever reason, I think it is around 65 grams, but that could be nonsense.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Mon, 28 July 2008, 01:20:53: OOp, scratch that - it's on CVT's Avant keyboard comparison page - Alps whites take 70 grams.

I like the Alps the best but the HHKB Pro 2 is great. It doesn't click or anything and it takes a lot less force to actuate, but there is something really satisfying about typing on it. Topre switch is easily my second place.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Mon, 28 July 2008, 05:21:35: Quote from: Korbin;6977
Yeah the browns the blacks don't click. Since you don't like the blues and your prefered switch is Buckle Springs are you sure you want to get the HHKB?

To me, the HHKB feels closer (definately not the same) to the black switch than any other switch. There is no click (not even a "tactile" click like the browns) and it has a very light key press pressure (45 grams). This is even lighter than cherry blues. As you can see on cherry's website http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm (http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm) the blue switch has a key press pressure of 1.8 oz which is 51 grams. By comparison most BS boards have a key press pressure of about 80 grams.

I would hate to see you get a 250 dollar board and not like it. That being said I still think the HHKB is a great board worth every penny. IMO the light pressure is why I like the HHKB over BS and membrane (the 2 just seem completely opposite.... that's why I asked).

That makes two of us : )

It would be unpleasant to spend that much and then be disappointed. Everyone has their personal preferences, but what I am learning
is that one persons's ideal keyboard may not necessarily be yours.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ashort on Mon, 28 July 2008, 06:12:05: Quote from: xsphat;6974
Ever since I bought this mouse (http://www.popgadget.net/2007/09/cute_kitty_opti.php), nothing else will do.

OW! MY EYES! MY EYES!!!!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Mon, 28 July 2008, 07:27:29: Quote from: xsphat;6974
Ever since I bought this mouse (http://www.popgadget.net/2007/09/cute_kitty_opti.php), nothing else will do.

yeah man! That would make a great gaming mouse.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 28 July 2008, 07:31:32: Quote from: xsphat;6974
Ever since I bought this mouse (http://www.popgadget.net/2007/09/cute_kitty_opti.php), nothing else will do.

Thanks for sharing... I guess the cat's out of the bag. ;)

I shouldn't have clicked on the link. You know what they say... Curiosity killed the Cat!

I've got a million of 'em, folks! I'll be here all week!

fail.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bhtooefr on Mon, 28 July 2008, 08:32:09: Quote from: 003;6972
Jeez why do so many of you guys want/use a pointing stick on the keyboard? Why not just use a mouse? If anything a small laptop one?

Because I want to keep my hands on the keyboard at all times.

Also, with a laptop, I often don't have the desk space to have the laptop, a keyboard, and a mouse. Really, I want an IBM Model M2 with Windows keys, SpaceSaver layout, and a TrackPoint - that'd be an ideal keyboard to have for a laptop bag keyboard. (Model M2 = the cheapened version of the M that IBM made for the PS/1, but it's not curved and has a much smaller chassis (as small as most cheap rubber dome keyboards, so it takes less space.)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Mon, 28 July 2008, 16:20:06: Quote from: 003;6972
Jeez why do so many of you guys want/use a pointing stick on the keyboard? Why not just use a mouse? If anything a small laptop one?

I'm guessing that most people who love the trackpoints are current or former passionate Thinkpad owners.

Once you get used to the trackpoint, nothing else will do. ;)

Personally, I've been using a HHKB Pro and a Logitech Trackman Marble more than anything else...but every time I move my hand off the keyboard to the Trackman, I miss not having a trackpoint.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Ulysses31 on Mon, 28 July 2008, 19:52:38: iMav, are you by any chance a Mitsubishi fan? The avatar makes me curious.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Mon, 28 July 2008, 20:56:28: Quote from: Ulysses31;6988
iMav, are you by any chance a Mitsubishi fan? The avatar makes me curious.

I figured I'd swap the avatar out to see if anyone noticed. ;)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Mon, 28 July 2008, 20:58:13: Back on the HHKB Pro 2.

I noticed your avatar, but I assumed it was a sports thing I wouldn't understand so I didn't mention it.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bhtooefr on Tue, 29 July 2008, 09:47:07: I noticed it too, but decided not to make the obligatory crankwalk jokes.

*ducks*

*runs*

:D
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Ulysses31 on Tue, 29 July 2008, 12:36:19: This will sound stupid, but it happens to be one of my favourite logos so I noticed it. Also I noticed it was a 3D spinning version, and since 3D graphics are my forté it caught my interest. I'm in issue 107 of 3D World magazine (don't know if it's out yet in the States).
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Tue, 29 July 2008, 13:00:49: Quote from: bhtooefr;6991
I noticed it too, but decided not to make the obligatory crankwalk jokes.

I don't own a 2nd generation DSM, so go ahead and crack yourself up. ;)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 29 July 2008, 13:32:07: I thought this was an English forum ...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ashort on Tue, 29 July 2008, 14:09:48: And I....am totally lost.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ashort on Tue, 29 July 2008, 14:20:36: Okay, wow...DSM = "Diamond Star Motors" and crankwalk is really really baaaaaad.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Ulysses31 on Tue, 29 July 2008, 14:29:19: Yep, cars are only as good as their local work-force. Case in point, Honda cars in Europe are consistently among the most reliable brands year on year, except for the Civic. Why? Because it's built proudly (and badly) in England :P.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bhtooefr on Tue, 29 July 2008, 16:42:15: Quote from: ashort;7000
Okay, wow...DSM = "Diamond Star Motors" and crankwalk is really really baaaaaad.

And DSM is often used to refer to three of the products of Diamond Star Motors (joint venture between Mitsubishi (note the diamonds) and Chrysler (who had a pentastar as their logo)) - the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and Plymouth Laser. (However, several other models were produced by DSM.)

Anyway, if I had to have a mid-90's basketcase of a sports compact, I think I'd pick the Corrado over a DSM. Although I think I'd go for a VR6, the G60 is just too unreliable. :p
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 29 July 2008, 16:42:44: Quote from: Ulysses31;7001
Yep, cars are only as good as their local work-force. Case in point, Honda cars in Europe are consistently among the most reliable brands year on year, except for the Civic. Why? Because it's built proudly (and badly) in England :P.

My parents had a 1987 Toyota van built in Germany. That thing never had a problem, and it probably would be running today if my dad wasn't broad-sided in it (the old Toyota vans had a center-mounted engine, so the broad-side was fatal). My parents bought it when we lived in England (Air Force) right before we moved back to the US. At that time, vehicles made in Germany didn't have air conditioning. I remember some pretty brutal Summers when I was a kid in the midwest and Texas.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bhtooefr on Tue, 29 July 2008, 16:53:27: Obviously that wasn't a rule, my 1985 Jetta diesel was made in Germany, and had factory AC. ;)

It didn't WORK, of course, but it was there. (And, if it did work, it wouldn't have been worth it, because it would've made the car so dreadfully slow that it walking would have been faster. I've heard of many cases of this engine being unable to keep a car at 55 MPH on the flat with AC on.)

And, of course, until recently (with SUVs,) I think every Mercedes-Benz has been made in Germany, and many of those had AC, even back then... ;)

(But, maybe many vehicles for the German market didn't have AC. ;))
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: lowpoly on Wed, 30 July 2008, 05:37:17: AC has become standard equipment here in recent years.

I have two american cars right now, both with non-working AC. :)

But back on topic: I'm using my HHKB almost exclusively. Still getting used to the cursor/selection combinations. And I start to get annoyed when I use a different keyboard and have to use cursor keys away from the home row.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Astra Diesel on Sat, 02 August 2008, 17:33:02: Focus 2001 sporting crunchy and oh-so-light, and genuine, white Alps switches. I've gave up on the IBM Model F - key resistance is too high, although the buckling spring is music to my ears.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 02 August 2008, 18:25:15: I'm on my newly modified, new MK96 that I just posted a review of. Here's a pic:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2725800640_3cdf354722_b.jpg)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Astra Diesel on Sat, 02 August 2008, 18:33:58: Pretty sweet kb btw. :cool:
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 02 August 2008, 19:24:46: Thanks, I dig it too.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Eclairz on Sat, 02 August 2008, 20:19:59: those yellow keys look rotten :-S, the grey and white keys add to the flavour though. I recommend cleaning your yellow keys so they all have the same tone as some are more yellower than others. then at least it looks done on purpose rather than scrapping pieces of keyboard together.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 02 August 2008, 21:12:32: No way, I like it this way.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Sat, 16 August 2008, 16:16:59: So I got my new Model M space saver from iMav today. He said it would be in pristine condition and it definitely is.

Now, the last M I had was a 1988 1391401, and it was built like a tank and the action was pretty light. The action on this one is a lot stiffer and the kickstands aren't quite as high. The frame of it isn't as deep either, so it's not just a Model M with the 10 key hacked off. But it is built like a tank and I can already fly on it which by itself is impressive.

But it came as I was getting ready to go to work, so unfortunately I can't type on it all day (until tomorrow) like I want to.

So people, the challenge begins now - I intend to only use this keyboard as my "daily driver" until Christmas at least. I will use the HHKB Pro2 and Lite 1 at work, and that's it.For now, I'll let the MK96 take a break.

More later kids, but I don't think there is too much value in posting pictures since we all know what this keyboard is and there are pics of it in the marketplace thread (it's the top one, the blue label 1397681). First impressions - it's very nice.

Thanks iMav for selling this to me. I've been wanting one of these since before I knew what the HHKB Pro was, and I've owned a Pro 2 for a year now.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Vinz on Tue, 19 August 2008, 14:24:42: New member signing in here. I've used hardclick keyboards in the distant past (as in >10 years ago), but once I started getting RSI the force needed to depress the keys forced me to stop using them.

I bought a programmable Kinesis Ergo Elan (http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/contoured.htm) several years ago (with cherry browns, types lovely but the inadjustability of the "bowls" did me in in the end), switched to a couple of Comfort Keyboard systems (http://www.comfortkeyboard.com/keyboards_comfort.html) (which have awesome adjustability but have a rubbery keyfeel), switched back to cheap logitechs (urgh) when one CK stopped working and the other was caught in a fire (office burned down) and started using my Kinesis again recently after verifying it had cherry browns inspired by lurking on this forum for a couple of days.

I'm now trying to decide if I want to continue using keyboards with ergonomic layouts or if I want to order a small Filco (probably with brown caps, although I'm curious about the blues too) once they become available again. Or maybe a realforce? Not too many opinions on those on this board it seems.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 19 August 2008, 14:40:10: There are too many options and I like all of them. That is my problem.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bhtooefr on Tue, 19 August 2008, 14:58:48: You know, are there any ergonomics like the Model M15/GoldTouch, using Cherry browns?

I'm not interested, but it sounds like that's what Vinz wants...

Of course, Vinz, have you tried Alps switches? There is always the Northgate Evolution if you like them...

I'd suggest the Model M15, which is adjustable, and has tactile switching, but first, they cost $11tybillion on the used market, and second, they are full buckling spring, which can be hard to depress. And, the GoldTouch is rubber dome (not BAD rubber dome, although the one I typed on... could've been better...)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 19 August 2008, 15:02:54: And if Alps are the thing, since they are lighter than the M and readily available, an Apple Adjustable, which uses pink "light tactile nonclick" Alps switches.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bhtooefr on Tue, 19 August 2008, 15:06:33: Of course, that needs an iMate to work on a modern Mac or a PC...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 19 August 2008, 15:08:48: Quote from: bhtooefr;7588
You know, are there any ergonomics like the Model M15/GoldTouch, using Cherry browns?

I'm not interested, but it sounds like that's what Vinz wants...

Of course, Vinz, have you tried Alps switches? There is always the Northgate Evolution if you like them...

I'd suggest the Model M15, which is adjustable, and has tactile switching, but first, they cost $11tybillion on the used market, and second, they are full buckling spring, which can be hard to depress. And, the GoldTouch is rubber dome (not BAD rubber dome, although the one I typed on... could've been better...)

Kinesis and Matron (?) make ergonomics w/Cherry browns. They are very expensive and not the traditional split-layout like MS's. I have the Evolution (see my review in the review section), and I love it.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: lowpoly on Tue, 19 August 2008, 15:23:40: Quote
You know, are there any ergonomics like the Model M15/GoldTouch, using Cherry browns?

The Cherry MX-5000.

Quote
And if Alps are the thing, since they are lighter than the M and readily available, an Apple Adjustable, which uses pink "light tactile nonclick" Alps switches.

Mine have white Alps like the Extended II. With the same dampening at the bottom. Pink was the generation before that, 0116 and Extended I, IIRC.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 19 August 2008, 16:00:34: Quote
The Cherry MX-5000.

Where can you find one of these? I am very interested.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 19 August 2008, 16:16:27: Quote from: itlnstln;7592
Matron (?)

Maltron
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 19 August 2008, 16:17:07: I ordered a Unicomp Endurapro last friday, it hasnt shipped yet, but it probably should be here within a week or so. Currently I'm using a Cherry G83-6105, it's probably the best non-mechanical keyboard Ive ever used, definitely not without its faults though; the keys dont offer much resistance which means I end up depressing keys by accident and ending up with a load of typos.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 19 August 2008, 16:22:04: Quote from: xsphat;7597
Maltron

Damn, close... but no cigar. BTW, I just sent an e-mail to DSI to see if they will have an ergonomic, mechanical 'board sometime in the near future. If not, I will probably buy another Evolution and wrap up (at least temporarily) any new purchases. Especially with vintage, OOP keyboards, I like to have at least one backup.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 2097 on Sun, 07 June 2009, 08:19:36: Quote from: 2097;63416
I like this keyboard very, very much. I only wish it didn't have the logo down in the right corner.

The logo came off. One year later and I'm still using this keyboard.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Sun, 07 June 2009, 08:57:26: I'm using my at101w right now. But I switch to the others listed on my sig whenever I just need a change.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Sun, 07 June 2009, 09:25:04: Lke watduzhkstand4 I rotate through what I have. But I have been using the filco mini with black alps for about 3 weeks now.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Sun, 07 June 2009, 10:19:04: How much difference is there comparing a HHKB to a rubber dome keybard? I was thinking the HHKB might just need heavier strokes considering there is that cone spring with the rubber inside.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: cchan on Sun, 07 June 2009, 11:37:14: Right now I am using my IBM Thinkpad X60's internal keyboard. For the past week or so I have been switching up between it, an NMB RT6856TW dome keyboard, and the ML4100 on the desktop downstairs.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: jelly on Sun, 07 June 2009, 11:56:26: filco n key rollover user (:
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: pfink on Sun, 07 June 2009, 15:10:24: I'm using a Model M Industrial (1394946) that I bought on eBay last week for $45. Nice 'board.

I also picked up an IBM UK 42H1292, an IBM POS keyboard (for parts) and three white Dell AT101W's last week at a government surplus warehouse for $3.00 apiece. Life is good.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: zwmalone on Sun, 07 June 2009, 15:35:24: PSP onscreen keyboard &OMNIKEY EVOLUTION
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: huha on Sun, 07 June 2009, 16:20:01: Currently, I'm using my Unicomp Endurapro yet again. The last few days, I used a G80-11900 with MX blacks. Quite a nice board. I'll try to use the Compaq G80-11801 with browns next, but I suspect the slightly unnerving trackball will hinder me from really appreciating it. I might swap the internals with the 11900, though. My G80-3000 with greens doesn't really like to sit around idly, too ... decisions, decisions, it's all so complicated!

-huha
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: wheel83 on Sun, 07 June 2009, 16:26:09: ibm
model m
space saving keyboard !
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ricercar on Sun, 07 June 2009, 19:08:28: Normally I have a Kinesis Contour AT -> PS/2 on the PS/2 port (and on the USB a Saitek Eclipse with the backlit keys for after hours).

However, this instant my Northgate OmniKey/102 graces my desk alone. Because of all the experiments I've been attempting this day, all lmy keyboards are stacked in USB and PS/2 piles, and I needed a fast, known-quantity to boot for a few minutes.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ricercar on Sun, 07 June 2009, 20:32:07: I'm in progress with a wooden keyboard inspired by this: http://steampunkworkshop.com/keyboard.shtml
I'm a wood guy, not metal, so I've used rosewood instead of brass.

Pictures aren't available yet. The key caps are still IBM's until I find a typewriter. I confess it's been a while with no suitable typewriter located (¿a year maybe?), so I may grow impatient and design a wooden keycap to match the side panels, or possibly re-encase the thing in a custom rosewood shell.

The rosewood keyboard is part of a system. A few years back I found a slew of $15 miniITX terminals that run 800MHz VIA CPUs on 12VDC, and use no fans. Reminded me of the Commodore 64 convection cooling. I was planning to make a rosewood "laptop" (inspired by http://www.macmod.com/external-mods/ibook/166 ) but that was too hard (batteries are heavy). The CPU has been iMac-ed into a 14" LCD, where I also failed at the idea of a wooden pen-based machine (inspired by http://www.fabiennemaurer.com/blogflo/?page_id=3) because I wasn't able to bring myself to destroy^h^h^h disassemble my Wacom tablet. This may change.

EDIT: suddenly i'm inspired to make three separate H-like pieces, essentially keyboard, motherboard, and display, with guts all hanging out and nicely sanded and veneered wooden side panels to hold each at the proper angle....
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyb_gr on Mon, 08 June 2009, 14:26:19: While I'm not generally a big fan of zombie threads, here's my €0.02:
@home (as right now): Model M
@work: Cherry G80-3000HEMDE (the one with two-shot molded keycaps and clears)
As my other computers currently aren't used much, the other G80s are somewhat bored.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: vyshane on Mon, 08 June 2009, 23:26:46: At home: Model M mini
At work: Realforce 86 and SMK-88 (blues)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Tue, 09 June 2009, 01:45:16: Quote from: vyshane;94884
At home: Model M mini
At work: Realforce 86 and SMK-88 (blues)

does the smk-88 comes in anything other than the blue cherries?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: zwmalone on Tue, 09 June 2009, 03:26:36: black cherrys.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: cchan on Tue, 09 June 2009, 05:54:04: Have pity on me, for my allegiance is broken!!!

iow, i'm using a Cherry RS6700 rubber dome board today.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ssb on Tue, 09 June 2009, 07:30:49: Still using RealForce 87U and DAS III at home, Filcos and Cherries at work.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: o2dazone on Tue, 09 June 2009, 08:29:27: Home: HHKB
Work: HHKB
(I got my wife to make a keyboard cozy for it because I've been hauling it around)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Tue, 09 June 2009, 08:38:29: Home: G80-3000.
Work: AT101W/ABS M1/MS Natural Elite (rarely)

At home, I have stopped going swapping between the Cherry and the Customizer, although when I need to free write, I will plug the Customizer.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Eclairz on Tue, 09 June 2009, 10:32:07: Work : Logitech G11 (the horror, not really but i need something quiet in my office and these are bearable plus the quick macro functionality saves alot of time programming, got it real cheap from staples, some people think your an extra from star trek with this keyboard which is a plus in my book)

Home : Cherry G80-1856 (Modified to use blue cherrys instead of blacks together with remapped keys to chord page up, page down, home and end keys) Preferred layout over my G80-3000 standard layout now.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyb_gr on Tue, 09 June 2009, 10:46:15: Quote from: cchan;94893
Have pity on me, for my allegiance is broken!!!

iow, i'm using a Cherry RS6700 rubber dome board today.

So... how do you dislike it? ;)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: cchan on Tue, 09 June 2009, 12:51:46: Quote from: keyb_gr;94919
So... how do you dislike it? ;)
RS domes don't feel mushy, much to my surprise! I think they're a nice low force dome board. Not bad for six bucks shipped.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ricercar on Tue, 09 June 2009, 13:18:34: Using MY Cherry today. Aesthetically it's pleasing, clean, white, crisp: has seen maybe 30 hours of use. but the typos are coming almost as fast as I type. Either I'm hitting multiple keys more often, or I've become Tommy Ten-Thumbs overnight. Time to go back to a Type M.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 09 June 2009, 13:58:59: Quote from: ricercar;94988
Using MY Cherry today. Aesthetically it's pleasing, clean, white, crisp: has seen maybe 30 hours of use. but the typos are coming almost as fast as I type. Either I'm hitting multiple keys more often, or I've become Tommy Ten-Thumbs overnight. Time to go back to a Type M.

This is something I notice when I move to lighter keycaps. I seem to make more errors since I can't get away with accidently hitting wrong keys. With heavier switches, I can be a little more "sloppy." After awhile, I get used to it and become a better typist.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: wellington1869 on Tue, 09 June 2009, 14:02:12: Quote from: itlnstln;94999
This is something I notice when I move to lighter keycaps. I seem to make more errors since I can't get away with accidently hitting wrong keys. With heavier switches, I can be a little more "sloppy." After awhile, I get used to it and become a better typist.

ya i'm much more accurate on medium/heavy keys, prolly for the reasons you describe. And less typo correction translates directly into higher WPM. I also like how they make me exert just enough so I feel energetic hammering away on them. BS and the "real-simplified alps" in the TP2 were the two switches that worked really well in this regard (the latter being very hard to find, btw)for me. Black cherries for instance were heavy but too heavy I thought.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ricercar on Tue, 09 June 2009, 14:12:14: Quote from: itlnstln;94999
I seem to make more errors since I can't get away with accidently hitting wrong keys .... After awhile, I get used to it and become a better typist.

Good point. I discovered sloppy technique in piano keyboard when I moved from an early Arp synthesizer to a MIDI keyboard with velocity and aftertouch; also discovered sloppy technique in driving my car when I moved from a consumer sports car to a more expensive vehicle.

Time to improve alphanumeric keyboard technique. I'll keep the Cherry on my desk for a while and see if I get fewer typos before I get too frustrated.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 09 June 2009, 14:23:21: Quote from: ricercar;95005
Good point. I discovered sloppy technique in piano keyboard when I moved from an early Arp synthesizer to a MIDI keyboard with velocity and aftertouch; also discovered sloppy technique in driving my car when I moved from a consumer sports car to a more expensive vehicle.

Time to improve alphanumeric keyboard technique. I'll keep the Cherry on my desk for a while and see if I get fewer typos before I get too frustrated.

I find that once I clean up my typing using a lighter switch, I am much faster and more accurate. I pretty much suck at typing anyway, so any improvement is welcomed.
Title: IBM Model M, 1391401 :)
Post by: justin on Wed, 05 August 2009, 01:34:41: It's actually my first mechanical board. I'm using it with my iMac, after years of using the Apple Mushboard Plastic & Aluminum Mushboard. ;) I LOVE this thing! It absolutely blew me away the first time I typed on it. A vast & welcome change from the world of cheap china-made trash!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: wellington1869 on Wed, 05 August 2009, 02:41:49: Quote from: justin;107066
It's actually my first mechanical board. I'm using it with my iMac, after years of using the Apple Mushboard Plastic & Aluminum Mushboard. ;) I LOVE this thing! It absolutely blew me away the first time I typed on it. A vast & welcome change from the world of cheap china-made trash!

i hope you voted in the poll!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: maxlugar on Wed, 05 August 2009, 03:35:15: Original IBM PC AT 84-key Buckling Springs over Capacitive Contact Key Switches

Is there any other keyboard? Just kidding. I actually have a Northgate Omnikey 102, several Chicony KB-5181s, several vintage Model Ms (including some NIB) and an early Jan 1986 1390120 which weighs a lot, but has rather light springs.

Out of the several PC AT keyboards I own, one in particular stands out from the others because of the particularly smooth key action. The force required to register the key presses is perfect for my fingers. No matter what keyboard I try, I ALWAYS look forward to coming back to my favorite PC AT keyboard.

I am looking forward to acquiring a HHKB Pro 2 and Topre Realforce keyboard in the near future to see what all the fuss is about. I understand that they do not provide the buckling spring tactility of the IBM PC AT keyboards (what keyboard does?) but many of the Japanese seem to prefer the HHKB and Topre boards next to the 84-key IBM PC AT keyboard.

I would also like to try a Filco Cherry Brown keyboard for grins someday. Actually, I wanna try em all.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bollwerk on Wed, 05 August 2009, 04:17:03: As long as I have to wait for my new Board, I use my old Olympia-Board (G80-1000).
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyb_gr on Wed, 05 August 2009, 04:49:02: Quote from: Bollwerk;107077
As long as I have to wait for my new Board, I use my old Olympia-Board (G80-1000).

BTW, can you tell which revision (and production time --> serial number) it is or what kind of rollover capability it has?

There's one that's been floating on the 'bay for ages but doesn't look too well-kept (which I guess is why nobody bothered to pick it up)... I'd be afraid of inequal yellowing showing after removing the stickers.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: vils on Wed, 05 August 2009, 05:26:51: For the moment I'm using my crappy Toshiba laptop's built in KB. It's a horror.
For some reason the computer gets very unstable if I connect more than one usb device at a time. A external mouse is my choice before a keyboard since the touchpad is hopeless to use, especially when a external KB gets in the way.
To make things ergonomically worse I have to raise the back of the laptop 6" to improve airflow. If I don't the computer overheats and restarts...
Must finish project Facit.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: timw4mail on Wed, 05 August 2009, 06:40:52: I'm currently using my Model F. It makes the Model M seem like a rubber dome board.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 05 August 2009, 06:52:36: Quote from: timw4mail;107090
I'm currently using my Model F. It makes the Model M seem like a rubber dome board.

Now that's what I call a hyperbowl!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: timw4mail on Wed, 05 August 2009, 07:03:08: Quote from: ch_123;107094
Now that's what I call a hyperbowl!

Well, to me it makes the Model M seem like a rubber dome board in comparison.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 05 August 2009, 07:06:35: I'd like to see what rubber dome boards you've been using... Sure the M-style Buckling Springs are nowhere near as sharp, but I'd still take them over just about anything else except blue Cherrys.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 05 August 2009, 08:10:23: Quote from: justin;107066
It's actually my first mechanical board. I'm using it with my iMac, after years of using the Apple Mushboard Plastic & Aluminum Mushboard. ;) I LOVE this thing! It absolutely blew me away the first time I typed on it. A vast & welcome change from the world of cheap china-made trash!

I'm not trying to make fun of you or anything, but to my old-school computing a*s, the thought of using an IBM keyboard on a Mac is hilarious.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ch_123 on Wed, 05 August 2009, 08:17:35: He's definitely not the first person to do it.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyb_gr on Wed, 05 August 2009, 09:51:22: The wonderful world of the Universal Serial Bus... :smile:

In return, an Extended II should also work on a regular Wintel PC (provided one could dig up one of these elusive Griffin IMates), shouldn't it?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 05 August 2009, 10:04:08: Quote from: keyb_gr;107141
The wonderful world of the Universal Serial Bus... :smile:

In return, an Extended II should also work on a regular Wintel PC (provided one could dig up one of these elusive Griffin IMates), shouldn't it?

Yes. This has been done here, too, and is equally funny to me.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: timw4mail on Wed, 05 August 2009, 10:04:30: Quote from: keyb_gr;107141
The wonderful world of the Universal Serial Bus... :smile:

In return, an Extended II should also work on a regular Wintel PC (provided one could dig up one of these elusive Griffin IMates), shouldn't it?

I've heard of ADB adapters, so yes, you should.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bollwerk on Wed, 05 August 2009, 12:40:27: Quote from: keyb_gr;107078
BTW, can you tell which revision (and production time --> serial number) it is or what kind of rollover capability it has?

There's one that's been floating on the 'bay for ages but doesn't look too well-kept (which I guess is why nobody bothered to pick it up)... I'd be afraid of inequal yellowing showing after removing the stickers.

Well it has NKRO.

Olympia Aktiengesellschaft

Ser-Nr.: 4108

BM-Nr.: 37.400-0012.9

Don't know, what this number is.
37 260-3712.1 (00)

Tomorrow or later I can give you the number of the PCB.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: maxlugar on Wed, 05 August 2009, 14:07:28: Quote from: ch_123;107097
I'd like to see what rubber dome boards you've been using... Sure the M-style Buckling Springs are nowhere near as sharp, but I'd still take them over just about anything else except blue Cherrys.

It's all relative isn't it?

The IBM 84-key PC AT provides excellent keyboard precise and crisp auditory and tactile feedback, while requiring relatively light key force (well. light to me, but heavy to other people who prefer Blue Cherry key switches).

The IBM 83-key PC/XT keyboard is even more "clicky" and tactile than the 84-key PC AT keyboard. It is the loudest keyboard I have ever typed on, but I never used any of the IBM terminal keyboards. I actually prefer the 84-key PC AT keyboard feel over the PC/XT keyboard (completely independent of the key layout and compatibility issues).

My next choice would be the Chicony KB-5181 with its blue tactile SMK Monterey key switches, fake Alps, or whatever they are. Although the plastics are cheap, I prefer the Chicony boards over Blue Cherry boards and also over the Model Ms. The tactile bump is sharp vs. the Model M and the keys require slighty more force than Blue Cherry key switches.

My third choice is a silver or white label Model M. I have gone to extraordinary lengths to acquire and compare Model Ms made from 1986 to 1999. I've seen all the "scientific" analysis on this forum about weight, plastic quality, spring length, etc. If you line the boards up side by side, it is clear that the pre 1991 IBM Model Ms are superior to Model Ms manufactured after the keyboard manufacturing was outsourced to Lexmark and later Unicomp.

The early Model Ms just feel more satisfying to type on vs. the later Model Ms, including later model NIB keyboards. Compared to an orginal IBM PC AT keyboard, the Model M does feel dull. But compared with any "modern" rubber dome keyboard, the Model M feels razor sharp.

For those who prefer light key presses, the orginal white ALPS found on the Northgate Omnikey keyboards are hard to beat. I prefer them over Blue Cherry key switches.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I use an iONE Qtronix Scorpius 32 key numeric keypad with my PC AT keyboard because Scorpius has a set of dedicated arrow keys and an enter key on the number pad. The difference in quality and typing feel between the IBM buckling springs over capacitive contacts vs. the Blue Cherry MX key switches could not be more dramatic. The sound and feel of the keys on the Scorpius make it seem like a cheap toy compared to the machine like feel of the IBM PC AT key switches.

I returned my Das keyboard, but I intend to give Blue Cherries another shot when Filco releases the new 104 key Blue Cherry keyboard later this summer. (distributed by Elite Keyboards).
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyb_gr on Wed, 05 August 2009, 14:30:46: Quote from: Bollwerk;107215
Well it has NKRO.

That would be impressive. So it does accept, say, ASDFGHJKL?

These numbers don't tell me much, must be internal.

Seems like AEG-Olympia computers came in XT to 486 versions back in the day and were quite service-friendly.
Quote
Tomorrow or later I can give you the number of the PCB.

Watch out for stickers on the top side in particular. Usually there should be some encoding the model number (minus "G80-") and production date.

In my G80-1000 I confusingly found both "1196HAD / 00" (B05 date code) and "1000HAF / 17" (B04 date code). It would make sense if this was originally intended for a regular French layout rev. 17 board but then used for an OEM order, but the date codes are the other way round. It definitely is a German layout OEM board though. I may never know for sure - the back label is missing.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: timw4mail on Wed, 05 August 2009, 14:54:42: Quote from: maxlugar;107254
As I've mentioned in a previous post, I use an iONE Qtronix Scorpius 32 key numeric keypad with my PC AT keyboard because Scorpius has a set of dedicated arrow keys and an enter key on the number pad. The difference in quality and typing feel between the IBM buckling springs over capacitive contacts vs. the Blue Cherry MX key switches could not be more dramatic. The sound and feel of the keys on the Scorpius make it seem like a cheap toy compared to the machine like feel of the IBM PC AT key switches.

I returned my Das keyboard, but I intend to give Blue Cherries another shot when Filco releases the new 104 key Blue Cherry keyboard later this summer. (distributed by Elite Keyboards).

I just got my Scorpius 32, and it has fake Cherry switches, with translucent plungers. They do feel quite similar to the blue Cherry switches, though.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: wellington1869 on Wed, 05 August 2009, 15:02:20: Quote from: timw4mail;107268
I just got my Scorpius 32, and it has fake Cherry switches, with translucent plungers. They do feel quite similar to the blue Cherry switches, though.

i had one of those fake translucent-plunger cherry boards. its clicky like blue cherries, a bit more tactile.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bollwerk on Wed, 05 August 2009, 16:31:17: Quote from: keyb_gr;107261
That would be impressive. So it does accept, say, ASDFGHJKL?

These numbers don't tell me much, must be internal.

Seems like AEG-Olympia computers came in XT to 486 versions back in the day and were quite service-friendly.

Watch out for stickers on the top side in particular. Usually there should be some encoding the model number (minus "G80-") and production date.

In my G80-1000 I confusingly found both "1196HAD / 00" (B05 date code) and "1000HAF / 17" (B04 date code). It would make sense if this was originally intended for a regular French layout rev. 17 board but then used for an OEM order, but the date codes are the other way round. It definitely is a German layout OEM board though. I may never know for sure - the back label is missing.

Hm. I messed up. It doesn't have NKRO. It can register really lots of keys, but not as many as I want. Combinations with the arrwocluster and the numpad are no problem as well as many other combinations. It isn't critical but surprisingly the whole row isn't possible. Well, sry for the misinformation.
Tomorrow I'll open it.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyb_gr on Wed, 05 August 2009, 16:53:01: Quote from: Bollwerk;107290
Hm. I messed up. It doesn't have NKRO. It can register really lots of keys, but not as many as I want.
So, what does it accept then? How many of ASDFGH do you get, for example? For these old-style Cherry matrices, things like QWASYX are not a problem, but on boards without diodes, you get no more than QW out of QWER or AS out of ASDF. For reference, my G80-1000 (with diodes) manages 3KRO, it can do QWE or ASD (or both). It fails SDFJKL, and ASDFG gives .

EDIT: Mind if we take this over to the NKRO thread and continue there (so we don't clutter this thread too much)?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bollwerk on Wed, 05 August 2009, 17:07:39: I find it really odd.
asdfklöä#

you might miss ghj.

ghjlköä#

xD

I'm not kidding.

wqeriopü+
tzuiopü+

bnm,.-

It seems like

tzu
ghj
vbn

is special. Beats me. You are the professionals. Tell me, what's going on. ;)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: DrunkenDonut on Wed, 05 August 2009, 17:58:29: Just got an AT101W :D Fun stuff.

At first I didn't like the Brown Cherrys much since it was low force. I use it at work a lot though, so I'm used to it. Slight bump, quiet, and low force. The AT101W and the ABS M1 are both heavier and the bump is definitely more defined. The AT101 seems to have force all the way to the bottom, whereas the M1 gives after the bump. I'm missing some key presses due to this. They feel nice though. My only major complaint right now is that the space bar is looser than the other keys and makes rattling sounds.

Only white alps and clear cherrys to try out and I'm going to call it good. I don't think I need more variations unless I feel like springing for a Topre. I have enough keyboards to provide me with years of rotation fun as is. Oh yeah, this thing isn't small. I really should have a desk for this, rather than using my lap.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyb_gr on Thu, 06 August 2009, 03:14:44: Quote from: Bollwerk;107309
wqeriopü+
tzuiopü+

Seems like it's a generous 4-key rollover then (it won't do QWERT?). Must be a revision 16 or older but newer than rev. 03. Expect to find some date stamp on the case parts, must be older than my G80-1000 (Jan 1989) in any case.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bollwerk on Thu, 06 August 2009, 04:07:41: I'll open it, when I'm home. ;)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bollwerk on Thu, 06 August 2009, 18:06:56: OK.

601-1458 Rev.: 03 is printed on the PCB

There are two Stickers:

CHERRY 4160 A35
1089HBD/03

and:

1089HBD/03
1082
1392095002

There is a Phillips-Chip on the PCB but I can't make good photos.

Sigh. Don't expect me ever opening this case again. It sucks so hard. Don't expect a good case-Quality. The caple isn't fixed or something. Just thrown in an rolled on a ring to hinder it pulling at the PCB. Just cheap. Made in Germany... what a mess.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyb_gr on Fri, 07 August 2009, 02:55:41: So that makes your board a G80-1089HBD / 03 from week 35, 1988.
Ah, stupid me, this was already visible on your cellphone camera shots here (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=6383).

Cherry boards have never been overbuilt, that's true. But then they never really costed an arm and a leg either (maybe around 110 DM in the early '90s). Plus, the construction does get the job done plenty well enough and makes them quite service-friendly to boot. And that's what ultimately counts. They were mainly targeting the office market anyway.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: tds1 on Thu, 04 November 2010, 22:01:24: I am using the HP Wireless Elite Keyboard. Very thin and ultra light touch. It is the best keyboard I have used to date. Very fast for typing. I have been using computers since 1984 and have tried many different keyboards. For me, the lighter touch the better. I also have the Microsoft Mobile 6000 Bluetooth keyboard. It is also nice, but only if you like the curve. I think the HP keyboard is a little lighter touch. At work I have a Gyration Elite keyboard which is 4 times the price and types very similar to the HP. I highly recommend the scissor style because they have such a light touch.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: NamelessPFG on Thu, 04 November 2010, 22:11:35: I primarily use an IBM Model M 1391401 (two-piece keycaps), with an IBM/Lexmark Model M 1370477 (one-piece keycaps) as a backup. I expect to keep using them for as long as they work; these buckling-spring switches are just so delightful with their tactile feel. I know exactly when one has pressed and released, and there's a lot of travel to them.

That said, I still want to try out some of the other switch types and more exotic keyboard designs (specifically the contoured Maltron and Kinesis), though I don't particularly have to. White XMs in a Focus FK-2001 weren't particularly desirable (inconsistent feel), but Cherry MX Blues and Browns should fare better, hopefully.

Also, I've tried a few Apple Extended Keyboard IIs. The keys feel way too linear. No obvious sign that they've actuated or released. (This is why I don't expect to like Cherry MX Blacks, even for gaming.)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: elbowglue on Thu, 04 November 2010, 22:12:47: I'm using mostly this: SMK-88 with cherry blues. Multimedia keycaps and function keycaps are removed to make it essentially a Plum-84 keyboard.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: adamlau on Thu, 04 November 2010, 22:31:19: Customizer 104 (Pearl White). Running xev to see which keys are registering improper keycodes...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Pylon on Thu, 04 November 2010, 22:32:28: Currently, I'm using a well worn, somewhat yellowed Dell Quietkey RT7D5JTW, an unusually nice rubber dome.

Some of the F-keys have functions assigned to them to make up for the lack of extra keys. Ctrl-F7 is volume up, Ctrl-F8 is volume down, Ctrl-F6 is mute, Ctrl-F9 through F12 launches various apps, etc. Making shortcuts is really easy with Ubuntu.

Other than that, I partly sanded the keys with 320 grit since they were originally pretty shiny.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: MyNameIsDan on Fri, 05 November 2010, 00:05:00: Currently using a filco browns! wanting to buy a unicomp spacesaver though, or some other clicky keyboard for the funness.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: gore on Fri, 05 November 2010, 05:33:07: Right now I'm using a g84 4100LCAGB-0
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Half-Saint on Fri, 05 November 2010, 05:57:23: At home: IBM Model F AT
At work: Logitech UltraX Premium - feels like typing on a wooden plank
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Azuremen on Fri, 05 November 2010, 06:51:33: Rosewill RK-9000.

I've gotten to the point of taking it work with me rather than typing on the super cheap HP OEM keyboards there. Or leaving my 6Gv2 there, since its not quite as loud:redface:
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: patrickgeekhack on Fri, 05 November 2010, 08:16:28: Topre at home.
Das Model S at work.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: bigpook on Fri, 05 November 2010, 08:29:43: I have been switching between the HHKB and the Model M Mini for the past 6 months or so. Have been using the mini for the past 2 months...
I may take the HHKB to work. Need to get a travel case for it first.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyboardlover on Fri, 05 November 2010, 08:30:06: See my sig =)

Soon to be a Topre at work though (now that I have 3) - I think I'll bring it next Monday. Can't decide whether I want a 55g or variable-force at work! Hmmm...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyb_gr on Fri, 05 November 2010, 11:45:39: Good thread necro job there.

Dug out the G80-3000HEMDE (MX clears) here yesterday since I needed something quieter for Morse code exercises. Pretty nice, these clears - not quite up to blues or BS, but definitely among the good ones.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Moogle Stiltzkin on Fri, 05 November 2010, 11:51:12: Logitech G15 V1 (rubberdome). Good working condition except the LCD screen, and one of the + keys on the numpad doesn't work which i never use anyway.

My Ducky 9008 with laser etched pbt keycaps which i've already paid for will only arrive in December :{

The double shots keycaps will arrive sooner :X Sometime this November.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: MyNameIsDan on Fri, 05 November 2010, 12:55:43: @ my university computer lab.
Stuck using a OEM dell keyboard (L100). It kind of hurts typing on these, my fingers got weak from using browns too much :<. Or maybe its just these keyboard that are bad.... For a computer science department, they sure are cheap with input peripherals !
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: vicariouscheese on Fri, 05 November 2010, 13:08:50: Quote from: Moogle Stiltzkin;243004
Logitech G15 V1 (rubberdome).

the v1 is like the best rubberdome keyboard ever made :D i have a friend whos had the same g15 for like 7 years now, solid as a rock with regular cleaning.

currently on my brand new daskeyboard with browns, and loving it :D
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Moogle Stiltzkin on Fri, 05 November 2010, 14:01:11: I'm selling mine. Wanna buy it :] ?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: RoboKrikit on Fri, 05 November 2010, 14:45:03: An IBM KB-9910.

(http://imgur.com/XjwGy.jpg)

Just built a new box after using Apple/Dell laptops (work/home) for the last several years. My new Filco Cherry MX Blue Tenkeyless isn't here yet.

My old keyboard is an O.G. Happy Hacking model with PS2/Sun/ADB connectors. I'm not sure where the PS/2 connector ran off to, so I hooked up this one temporarily. After typing on laptops for so long, I think I prefer their scissor switch keys to these rubber membranes.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Earth Worm Jim on Fri, 05 November 2010, 14:46:50: Saitek Eclipse II. It's doing well but I'm itching to got the BosCom on my main box.
Title: Current Keyboard
Post by: t13 on Fri, 05 November 2010, 14:57:17: February 1991 Model M.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: vils on Fri, 05 November 2010, 14:58:24: Smk-85
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Ekaros on Fri, 05 November 2010, 15:02:52: 1994 Lexmark IBM Model M, my first M, after I got computer with working PS/2 port...

Realy weird feeling on this one and it is quite heavy and noisy. But at same time quite cool, can't realy say how to feel about it...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: mr_a500 on Fri, 05 November 2010, 15:13:40: Right now, I'm posting with this keyboard:

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13346&stc=1&d=1288987955)

...but these days, I usually use an IBM AT Model F on PC running BeOS.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Ehe_Shaoge on Fri, 05 November 2010, 15:33:04: I'm still on my Realforce 103U-UW for now, but that may change in the near future (depending on what EK has in stock later on).

Quote from: mr_a500;243109
Right now, I'm posting with this keyboard:

Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13346&stc=1&d=1288987955)

...but these days, I usually use an IBM AT Model F on PC running BeOS.

Is that an Audemars Piguet watch? I can't remember the specific model, but it looks like one of their minute repeaters.

I used to be really into mechanical Swiss watches years ago :biggrin1:
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: mr_a500 on Fri, 05 November 2010, 15:35:40: Quote from: Ehe_Shaoge;243118
Is that an Audemars Piguet watch? I can't remember the specific model, but it looks like one of their minute repeaters.

I used to be really into mechanical Swiss watches years ago :biggrin1:

No, it's the Paul Picot Technicum.
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=12433&d=1284066228)

It's totally awesome in rose gold. (...but of course, the price is horrific)
(http://www.sorelleronco.it/Prodotti/Orologi/Paulpicot/dettagli/zoom/Technicum_oro_zoom.jpg)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Ehe_Shaoge on Fri, 05 November 2010, 15:46:24: I remember Paul Picot. Great watch company.

"Rattrapante" = split-second chronograph, right? That explains the extra button, as well.

Pricey, indeed.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Daniel Beaver on Fri, 05 November 2010, 16:11:22: This is an old thread. Oh well:

I primarily use a Tenkeyless Filco Majestouch Otaku with Blues.
I also have a blue label model m (52G9658) tucked under my monitor stand which I use when I need a number pad.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: laden3 on Fri, 05 November 2010, 16:16:29: Quote from: ripster;243135
If Ducky Migration pattern is delayed I recommend a shot of this in the tea.

no alcohol for kids under 18 in Malaysia
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Moogle Stiltzkin on Fri, 05 November 2010, 16:50:11: Whos keyboard is that Rippy ??? Oh my god .....

You know how it feels when someone uses their nails and scrapes against the board. I'm feeling like that right now after watching that poor Filco kb @_@;

(http://stuckinchurch.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/image_21.png)

PS: i've been to Cameroon highlands. The air is nice, lots of greens and it's cold. Best place to get flowers, and Strawberries :D
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Tea_fields_%28Will_Ellis%29.jpg)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Fri, 05 November 2010, 18:25:22: Right now, I'm using an IBM model M from Lexmark (surviving). I basically keep returning to it if even just for a while, it feels so good. The other keyboard plugged into my computer is a Hama scissors board ($24 from shop), the main advantage of which is that it somehow manages to avoid giving me pain in the fingers compared to all other keyboards. Recently unplugged, and currently on my bed, is a rubber dome Fujitsu-Siemens KeybPC-E (or something like that), the "butterfly" model (link (http://www.ergonomics.co.uk/fujitsu_siemens_butterfly_keyboard.html)) ($7).

But things may change a bit because I've just unpacked a black Cherry Cherry, a brown Cherry Compaq and 10 Alps Dells.

My desk can't really hold more than two keyboards right now, but let me show you when I get a replacement and buy/order more PS/2 => USB converters...

And I've also got a set of springs to put in my rubber dome IBM SK-8820 to see how cool it will be to type on.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Findecanor on Fri, 05 November 2010, 18:52:16: I put it in my sig, like so many others.

The one I am using now at home is a Dell AT101W, with a few mods:
The alphanumeric keys have click leaves and springs from White ALPS, but with housings and dampened sliders from Cream ALPS, so that they click but don't clack when I bottom out.
The cursor keys, Page Up/Page/Down/Home/End have Black ALPS tactile leaves and springs, but also with Cream ALPS sliders and housings.
These alphanumeric keys, cursor/navigation keys and the F-keys have key caps from a AEK-clone. These are pad-printed and have a Swedish layout, which I prefer over the lasered UK layout keys othat the Dell had originally.

The remaining keys are unchanged: Black ALPS with the original Dell keycaps.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: muchadoaboutnothing on Fri, 05 November 2010, 20:35:42: Rosewill RK-9000, although I alternate between my Filco Tactile Touch NKRO and it.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: phate408 on Fri, 05 November 2010, 22:31:17: Das Model S Professional Silent
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 06 November 2010, 12:04:04: XArmor U9BL (backlit Cherry blues), but when this thread was first ressurrected I was on a Deck Toxic (backlit Cherry blacks).

Still looking for backlit CHerry browns, so I don't have to make it myself. IF I do, I'll probably have to go with yellow LEDs to ensure everyone can tell at first glance that it's a custom piece, as well as to match my yellow arcade buttons.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: nathanscribe on Sun, 07 November 2010, 06:37:43: At this moment, a 1989 British Telecom switchable keyboard using Cherry black switches with nice cream and grey double-shot caps (with purple printing on the `,2 and 3 and a green Sys Rq).

I like the switch on the base... using it via a PS/2 adapter.

(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k72/nathanscribe/DSCN1553.jpg)

(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k72/nathanscribe/DSCN1549.jpg)

(http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k72/nathanscribe/DSCN1556.jpg)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: godly_music on Sun, 07 November 2010, 07:59:02: A bogstandard Cherry G83-6105, all rubber.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ExE on Mon, 08 November 2010, 11:26:00: Hello Community,

i using the Filco Majestouch 104 Browns (FKBN104M/EB) (UK Layout) :cool:

I'm very proud of it, thanks to geekhack for help me making a decision :bounce:
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 08 November 2010, 11:33:33: Quote from: ExE;244279
Hello Community,

i using the Filco Majestouch 104 Browns (FKBN104M/EB) (UK Layout) :cool:

I'm very proud of it, thanks to geekhack for help me making a decision :bounce:

Welcome to GeekHack ExE! You should be proud, that's a kickass keyboard!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: javifast on Mon, 08 November 2010, 12:08:15: I'm using right now an IBM Model M made by Lexmark.
But the last one was a Filco tenkeyless with black cherries.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Mon, 08 November 2010, 12:30:53: Killed the brown Cherry Compaq's space bar while trying to fix it, put the black Cherry Cherry on the shelf because I didn't like it for prolonged typing etc. etc., leaving me typing on the oldest of my pack o' Dells. It has the same UK layout as does my old M and a less nice feel for the fingers but it allows for faster typing than the M (ca. 5% faster). One of the newer Dells has already annoyed me enough to put it back in the box. Darn it, I will probably never find a keyboard that I really like and works for me.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: quadibloc on Mon, 08 November 2010, 12:39:18: A good old Model M. Can't beat it at a reasonable price, and have a few spares around. Not one of the real early models, one made by Lexmark.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 08 November 2010, 12:57:47: A good Model M is nice to have around. You can get them fairly cheaply, and they can take quite a bit of abuse. I keep 2 around just for the cause.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Swede on Mon, 08 November 2010, 14:36:50: Using my "new" Acer 6312 with black alps (i think)
Has the worst keymatrix ever. Period.

how does 2-key rollover sound? Over the entire board? Yes, it is horrifying!
Also the right arrow key dont work.

But it is better than the Model M switchwise imo, was breaking my fingers on the M.

Edit: The matrixfail can be due to a liquidspill or something, was really gunky when i got it.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Mon, 08 November 2010, 17:00:14: Eh, right now I'm typing on a quality scissors board (Hama SL570), non-mechanical obviously. And to tell you something, while there's a bit of a rubbery-springy feel (you know it's rubber you're pressing down there), it's good and it doesn't feel worse than mechanical. I've just taken a typing test and scored a bit faster than on mechanical keyboards and with 0 mistakes, while on tall key mechs I tend to make a couple when typing this fast. And I didn't get tired in the process (I already was typing with tired fingers after work). So perhaps scissors aren't bad after all.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: waffleboi9 on Mon, 08 November 2010, 23:43:09: Right now, I am typing on an IBM Model M 1390131 from 1986. I love it to death, but I am afraid the springs are starting to wear. Does anyone know where I can buy a new set of compatible springs?

EDIT: Never mind found this with google, vbulletin's built in search failed me :(

http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/11298/subcatid/0/id/112467
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: t13 on Mon, 08 November 2010, 23:52:06: Right now: my trusty AEKII. Just picked up a Tactile Pro 3 for my wife, and while I like that board a lot, it isn't *quite* on a level with the older board (though close), due to it being not quite as heavy. This is my second AEKII; the first had a key that just died one day.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Earth Worm Jim on Tue, 09 November 2010, 03:46:41: I've got the BasCom terminal working on my main box (not tried all the F keys yet). It's interesting because it is a German layout but it sound good.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: steeef on Tue, 09 November 2010, 15:44:21: A '91 Model M 1391401. Smelled a little musty when I got it, but pretty clean and I haven't noticed any defects after using it for a week.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: didjamatic on Tue, 09 November 2010, 15:57:00: SIIG Minitouch (GHSS) w/Dampened ALPS swap
White Filco tenkeyless otaku with Browns

Both connected to my lappy at work.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: msiegel on Tue, 09 November 2010, 19:48:06: filco tenkeyless /brown. taking a break from the zero today, to see if lighter switches are better in cool weather... so far, yes :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: dxong on Tue, 09 November 2010, 21:10:15: I thought I was a great typist, fast as well that any computer could not follow my gosu skills as the letters on screen just couldnt follow my swift ninja style.

Turns out that my logitech ex110 was deceiving me the whole time. Served me well though and my ignorance kept me in bliss.

So I am opted for a Majestouch Brown switches...it better enligthen me! Just waiting to be in stock again...
Title: HID of the Hour
Post by: maxlugar on Tue, 09 November 2010, 21:41:10: This Filco FKBN104MC/EB full-size Blue Cherry board:
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13453&stc=1&d=1289360134)

GEEKHACK key cap courtesy of ripster ;-)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13454&stc=1&d=1289360179)

(I really do use several different keyboards each day)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ManjyomeThunder on Tue, 09 November 2010, 21:42:50: Right now? My Dell AT101W. ****ty rollover for gaming (I can't strafe backwards to the left and jump at the same time. I do that a lot in TF2) but I like it better than my Unicomp for typing.

Waiting til December-ish, then I'm going to buy a Filco Tenkeyless with Blues. Or Browns. Or maybe a Das for the whole "blank" thing. Or I might try to find a SIIG MiniTouch.

Yeah, I really have no idea what I'll be using. But I'm buying something.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 8_INCH_FLOPPY on Tue, 09 November 2010, 22:47:04: Quote from: kishy;243207
1986 122-key Model M on my laptop via USB.

Do all of the keys work?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: 8_INCH_FLOPPY on Wed, 10 November 2010, 11:56:52: What converter are you talking about? Are you saying someone finally made a good 122 key to USB converter? Instructions please! :drool:
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Rhaullan on Wed, 10 November 2010, 14:51:42: I am typing on my very first mechanical keyboard. G80-1851LPMDE Thanks Sixty!

I took it out of the box and my wife was like, "WTF is that piece of ****?" I had to explain to her that it's like the Millenium Falcon. She might not look like much but she has it where it counts. (Then she asked, "WTF is a mulleeium falcon?")
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: MissileMike on Wed, 10 November 2010, 14:59:37: Filco 104 with browns. I love this keyboard.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: slam on Wed, 10 November 2010, 15:34:28: At work I use an M13. At home I use, depending on which computer, an M13, a Keytronic Lifetime Designer series (membrane I believe, but a decent one), or a Unicomp Endurapro. The M13s are my favorite of the lot with the Endurapro a close second (don't like the slop of the trackpoint).
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: godly_music on Thu, 11 November 2010, 04:14:22: I received my G80-1800 in the mail today, that's the one with black MX switches. I'm loving the feel of it, even though the layout is unusual for one who's used to normal width keyboards. MX blacks aren't heavy at all! That's just a tiny bit more than my old rubber dome Cherry, and I'd say just about right. I certainly don't wanna find out what MX browns/reds feel like now. You wimps. ;)

The right shift key is a bit rigid when pressed off center, but I easened that by rounding the bottom of the keycap (where the cross goes in) with a file. Extended use has somehow given it a broader rim. Thanks to sixty for supplying me, great deal.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: NewbieOneKenobi on Thu, 11 November 2010, 15:51:32: Quote from: godly_music;245306
I received my G80-1800 in the mail today, that's the one with black MX switches. I'm loving the feel of it, even though the layout is unusual for one who's used to normal width keyboards. MX blacks aren't heavy at all! That's just a tiny bit more than my old rubber dome Cherry, and I'd say just about right. I certainly don't wanna find out what MX browns/reds feel like now. You wimps. ;)

The right shift key is a bit rigid when pressed off center, but I easened that by rounding the bottom of the keycap (where the cross goes in) with a file. Extended use has somehow given it a broader rim. Thanks to sixty for supplying me, great deal.

They're very nice switches and I like my black G80 a lot. But it's somewhat less practical for pure typing than, say, Model M or Cherry browns or black Alps.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: elservo on Thu, 11 November 2010, 16:23:17: I'm using my HHKB 2, as per usual. I'm pretty spoiled at this point.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: msiegel on Thu, 11 November 2010, 17:06:17: Quote from: godly_music;245306
loving black MX. You wimps. ;)

:lol:
maybe blacks are what i need
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: zefrer on Fri, 12 November 2010, 07:57:29: Quote from: msiegel;245624
:lol:
maybe blacks are what i need

Coming out of the closet are we? :lol:
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Buckling_Summer on Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:09:26: Having beein using MiniTouch Siig Spacesaver for a while.
I do not seem to return to my IBM model M. I have found peace and comfort.
The touch typing feeling I have been searching for. Cheers mates!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: VentiLator on Fri, 12 November 2010, 17:03:40: Chicony 5193R, metal mounted Cherry Blue, doubleshot keys, fully sized return-key :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: wirefish on Fri, 12 November 2010, 17:45:28: Currently I am using a Filco with Cherry browns at work, and a Matias Tactile Pro 3 at home. The Filco is much quieter, which suits the office well, but I have to admit I prefer typing on the Matias.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: woody on Sat, 13 November 2010, 06:40:13: Quote from: VentiLator;246102
... fully sized return-key :)

Oh, my, is mine partial?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Rajagra on Sat, 13 November 2010, 13:12:14: Quote from: Rhaullan;245119
I am typing on my very first mechanical keyboard. G80-1851LPMDE Thanks Sixty!

I took it out of the box and my wife was like, "WTF is that piece of ****?" I had to explain to her that it's like the Millenium Falcon. She might not look like much but she has it where it counts.

That's no way to speak about the missus!

Anyhow, my desk is tidier than usual, so here's my setup:

HHKB Pro on one PC, Realforce 87U on the other. I stopped using my USB switch for the keyboard and mouse. The black Cherry number pads can be programmed with macros in hardware. The white mini keyboards are mostly redundant, but they plug into the numpads for macro programming. They also have the keycaps in Colemak layout in case I ever need to type one-handed or input critical passwords.

I'm also putting a trackball on the left side for the first time. It will take some getting used to, but I'm getting there.

The thing on top of the amp is a video mixer, used purely for audio. For the first time ever I can hear sounds from both PCs at once. Hurrah! :party:
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: RoboKrikit on Tue, 07 December 2010, 03:41:55: Typing on an original mush-membrane HHKB. Just wanted to reacclimate myself to the layout; the keyfeel is light and smushy and somewhat unpleasant coming from Cherry MX Blues.

I couldn't find my PS2 connector, so I have it going ADB -> iMate -> USB.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: CeeSA on Tue, 07 December 2010, 04:37:34: @work this is my setup
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13858&stc=1&d=1291718186)

the keypad is for some text i often use
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: TGM on Tue, 07 December 2010, 05:09:54: Filco 104key with blues.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: vicariouscheese on Tue, 07 December 2010, 05:12:02: Quote from: CeeSA;258549
@work this is my setup
Show Image
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13858&stc=1&d=1291718186)

the keypad is for some text i often use

this made me lol

ms3.0 with qck at work? baller.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: db_Iodine on Tue, 07 December 2010, 05:13:16: CeeSA: Sweet setup.

I'm using my Ducky 1087 with browns at work and Das Ultimate at home.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: kidchunks on Tue, 07 December 2010, 06:28:29: Rosewill at work and GHSS at home.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 07 December 2010, 07:22:37: I'm on the Realforce 103UB today.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyboardlover on Tue, 07 December 2010, 07:28:00: Quote from: itlnstln;258588
I'm on the Realforce 103UB today.

Same here. I sold my 55g so I'm using the variable one at work now.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Tue, 07 December 2010, 07:45:39: Still only got 2.

Right now I am typing on my G80-3000 with clears at work.

At home it's still my Das Model S Ultimate EU with blues.

Geekhack keys have been added to both.

Payment going out today iMav, I swears :D
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: PRISONER 24601 on Tue, 07 December 2010, 11:28:35: Unboxed my Ricercar SPOS for some special time last night, but now I'm back on one of my workhorse 1391401s
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Pylon on Tue, 07 December 2010, 13:46:26: Currently, I'm using a 103-key Dell SK-8125 I got for free at a local recycler. Feels great for a rubber dome, and I get media controls too.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: panda-R on Tue, 07 December 2010, 13:47:56: The Ducky 9008 Mixed Cherries of DOOM!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 07 December 2010, 14:22:06: Variety is the spice of life. My GF disagrees.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: runeazn on Tue, 07 December 2010, 14:24:00: G19 rofl
it's not a blasphemy
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: theferenc on Tue, 07 December 2010, 14:52:05: I alternate between my HHKB and Unicomp at home, and my HHKB and my '1401 in the office. The HHKB does a lot of traveling, but there are times I prefer it to either of the BS keyboards.

Right now though, the Unicomp is lulling me to sleep with it's beautiful clicks.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ktkr on Sat, 18 December 2010, 10:29:43: Clicking away on the Das. I had forgotten how fun and loud the blues are. Too bad I can't stand Finnish layout or non-tenkeyless form factor anymore...

I wish there would be a board with blues and Topre quality construction and keycap texture.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: db_Iodine on Sat, 18 December 2010, 12:34:21: Quote from: ktkr;265226
Clicking away on the Das. I had forgotten how fun and loud the blues are. Too bad I can't stand Finnish layout or non-tenkeyless form factor anymore...

I wish there would be a board with blues and Topre quality construction and keycap texture.

We're in the same boat, brother. I've learned to use the US layout recently, and am having some difficulties when using my EU Das. I love the blues, but I think I'm going to have to buy a Filco with blues and US layout and sell the Das.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: tjweir on Sat, 18 December 2010, 12:49:57: Filco Brown Tenkeyless with the Dolch set from muchadoaboutnothing. (http://geekhack.org/member.php?u=3832)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: chuckading on Sat, 18 December 2010, 12:53:14: Day (when it's ok to be all clicky loud in my apartment) Filco Tenkeyless White Otaku w/ Blues

Night (when not ok to click), HHKB Pro 2 White/Blank

Both on Keyboard trays with monitor stands and both have keyboard covers and blank red esc keys.

I need to update my desk photo.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Hofy on Sat, 18 December 2010, 13:18:12: Filco Zero Fukka w/ Red Esc and Delete keys. Also White WASD donated from a Dell Black ALPS KB.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: db_Iodine on Sat, 18 December 2010, 13:23:15: Oh, that sexy white Otaku Filco.. droolz
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: nocturn4l3030 on Sat, 18 December 2010, 13:23:54: Quote from: ktkr;265226
I wish there would be a board with blues and Topre quality construction and keycap texture.

omg that would be perfect ...

GHers..whats the closest way i can achieve this? buying a blue board and replacing with double shot keys? whats the best quality (in terms of how the keys feel) blue board that i can get?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: db_Iodine on Sat, 18 December 2010, 13:38:11: Das with double shots works for me. I'm in need of exactly those keys ripster posted (front row and Rshift)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: msiegel on Sat, 18 December 2010, 13:52:22: Quote from: ripster;265330
Filco, coffee

both black with double shots :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 18 December 2010, 15:04:16: No keyboard. Wacom stylus and Vista handwriting recognition.

Key broads area form luddites. hand writing us for then futude.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: reaper on Sat, 18 December 2010, 16:04:51: Right now I'm using Filco tenkeyless w/ black switches... can't wait to add Ducky & Leopold to my little collection. =P
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: frylock on Sun, 19 December 2010, 10:00:49: Right now my 6gv2, I like typing on it a lot surprisingly.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: NamelessPFG on Sun, 19 December 2010, 19:06:00: Win7 has further improved handwriting recognition from Vista, which is in turn a big step up from XP Tablet PC Edition (partially because it now adapts to the user's handwriting).

But I certainly wouldn't use it to compose forum posts like this. I prefer to leave it in the background and leave my ink alone, as in OneNote.

At the moment, I'm on my Gateway E-295C/C-140XL and its integrated keyboard. Nothing special, but it gets the job done for the most part.

However, I think I'm about to bite on that DSI Modular Mac deal before it expires. There's no particular reason I have to spend $80 on a keyboard when I already have some perfectly serviceable ones, but I guess that's what this forum does to people. (And if I really do like Cherry MX Blues that much, the two Model Ms I have should go a long way toward recouping that cost.)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: lanjiow on Sun, 19 December 2010, 19:24:43: Das Professional S, Brown Switches -- am lugging it back and forth between work and home like a dork until i get my second one.

Got my eye on the Leopold Blue -- hurry up EK!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: jaynoon on Sun, 19 December 2010, 20:14:20: Been using this HHKB Pro 2 I got off eBay pretty religiously since it showed up a few weeks ago. My Filco Brown Tenkeyless was getting jealous so I brought it into work. Don't tell it that I ordered one of those Realforce 86UBs... :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: iMav on Sun, 19 December 2010, 20:32:04: I've been giving one of my GHSSs some love lately. My HHKB Pro 2 still gets top billing though.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: HaaTa on Sun, 19 December 2010, 20:39:12: Been using my uTron the last couple of days.

Gotta get my use out of it, as I won't be able to for the next 4 months; I'm off again to another country, this time without keyboards :(.

Fortunately, I plan on picking up some more while I'm there.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: WhiteRice on Sun, 19 December 2010, 20:47:05: Quote from: iMav;265934
I've been giving one of my GHSSs some love lately. My HHKB Pro 2 still gets top billing though.
I think I'm going to switch over to mine as well.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: porkbone on Mon, 20 December 2010, 00:30:03: Since I'm so new to this whole "keyboards shouldn't suck" concept... I just built a new PC and the new keyboard hasn't arrived yet.

SO, right now I'm using a generic PS2 keyboard from about 10 years ago. Found it in the basement. It has no name brand, and it totally sucks. Upstairs I have a Microsoft Natural Keyboard of some sort which has, over time, turned into a pile of crap also. Most annoyingly, the spacebar sometimes sticks.

I have found that this helps when "selling" my wife on the fact that I just bought some pretty high quality keyboards. Instead of saying "how much were they?" she just said, "THANK GOD"

;)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ricercar on Mon, 20 December 2010, 00:37:52: Ricercar SPOS MX. The touch is exquisite. Thank God I found them.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: keyboardlover on Mon, 20 December 2010, 00:45:35: Realforce 87UB...it's aight...

;)

Actually, it owns!

(http://www.noobstore.com/prodimages/p-dg1-art-280.gif)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: sixty on Mon, 20 December 2010, 00:55:06: Quote from: ripster;266013
Dude, that keyboard will ALWAYS be the Ricercar SPOS.

(http://i.imgur.com/M21UA.png)

vs

(http://i.imgur.com/j98u3.png)

No doubt.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: sixty on Mon, 20 December 2010, 00:58:24: (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L8uZchrDpbU/RyLfHvA0DZI/AAAAAAAAAPk/78KobFNH_dQ/s320/Steve%2BVai%2B-%2BFlexable001.jpg)

cool too
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Mr. Fish on Mon, 20 December 2010, 07:10:11: I spilled coffee all over my old Dell keyboard (which I liked because it was dirt cheap to replace and had a nice size) and it seems they don't make them in a Danish version any more (couldn't find a Danish supplier so I stopped looking)

So now I am considering getting a mechanical keyboard (more specifically a HHKP2)
The biggest problem with getting it from Elitekeyboards would be that I might have to pay import taxes and it might be a very expensive venture (it's already about $360), anyone know if there are any European resellers?

I am using a MS Media Keyboard I paid way too much for back in 2000 (it's terrible).

[/terribly long third post about nothing]
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Co-Op on Mon, 20 December 2010, 08:13:58: I am currently using a Filco Blue keyboard at work, non NKRO. At home, I switch between a Rosewill RK-9000 (which I still maintain is nowhere near as crisp as a Filco Blue), Filco Brown NKRO and Unicomp Spacesaver. :D
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: eMps on Mon, 20 December 2010, 09:56:39: Quote from: Mr. Fish;266096
So now I am considering getting a mechanical keyboard (more specifically a HHKP2)
The biggest problem with getting it from Elitekeyboards would be that I might have to pay import taxes and it might be a very expensive venture (it's already about $360), anyone know if there are any European resellers?

You're out of luck; there are no European resellers, unless you're willing to concede and get a Realforce from thekeyboardco.com instead. If the import rules are the same in Denmark as they are in Sweden, I feel your pain. The import tax on keyboards is 0%, but since it comes from outside of Europe, you have to pay VAT on the cost including shipping, which to the best of my knowledge is the same as in Sweden - 25%.

You either have to bite the bullet or try to get lucky on an auction site.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Mr. Fish on Tue, 21 December 2010, 11:23:40: Quote from: eMps;266176
You're out of luck; there are no European resellers, unless you're willing to concede and get a Realforce from thekeyboardco.com instead. If the import rules are the same in Denmark as they are in Sweden, I feel your pain. The import tax on keyboards is 0%, but since it comes from outside of Europe, you have to pay VAT on the cost including shipping, which to the best of my knowledge is the same as in Sweden - 25%.

You either have to bite the bullet or try to get lucky on an auction site.

Thanks for the advice!

I may have to bite the bullet because I am really in love with the look and layout of the HHKP2, Realforce looks nice too but I am not sure I can settle for it (The removable mini-USB is kinda key for me).

I couldn't think of the word, but of course it's VATs not import taxes, hehe.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: csm725 on Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:29:30: Filco Ninja Maj2 TKL Browns...
FUNFUNFUN!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: daerid on Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:38:29: Currently on my MJ2 w/ browns and ninja caps. It's been between that and my Linear R 104 at home recently. Been thinking of taking the PLU to work, give the blues a rest (and my coworkers, since the guy next to @ work is also rockin a Black Widow).
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: mmmty on Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:41:02: My brand new Deck Frost that I will return in about a week or 2.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: alaricljs on Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:41:50: Filco MJ1 w/ browns w/ PBT keycaps and no top case-half.... time to convince the wife to go mech.

My son says my Filco is very technical and advanced... must be the controller board sticking out that impresses him.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: squarebox on Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:46:34: G80-3494

(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/undarken/random/CLOUDOFBOOBS.jpg)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Bry on Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:56:53: I'm using my U9BL-S <33

It's my first and only mech, but I've got my sights on a regular sized Filco Ninja with blues. Those are so sexy. I love the look of the TKL, but I'm 5 years into my masters program and I'm majoring in accounting/business, so not having a tenkey would be pretty pointless for me lol.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: redpill on Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:56:55: Quote from: squarebox;375079
G80-3494

Show Image
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/undarken/random/CLOUDOFBOOBS.jpg)

Relevant to my interests.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: daerid on Wed, 06 July 2011, 22:58:34: Quote from: redpill;375083
Relevant to my interests.

Ditto. Who is that? She reminds me of a much hotter Bryce Dallas Howard

(http://wallpapers.skins.be/bryce-dallas-howard/bryce-dallas-howard-1024x768-18767.jpg)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: calavera on Wed, 06 July 2011, 23:05:35: my daily driver.

(http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu23/calaveratf/DSCF1822.jpg)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Chobopants on Wed, 06 July 2011, 23:49:50: This post actually inspired me to plug in my Realforce just so I could type it since it hasn't been plugged in for a few weeks (been playing SC2 on my Filco Brown for a bit).

I use only my Linear R at work. Used to swap with my Blues for a while but decided the stress over typing with them (I'm very self-conscious of the sound of Blues, though 140WPM bottoming out on Reds doesn't bother me for some reason) wasn't worth it. I may bring them back to the office if I'm feeling saucy some day. Really don't have a use for them at home, though.

At home I regularly switch between my Browns for SC2 and Blacks for typing forums posts and general chatting on the internet (weird, I know). The very quiet sound and springyness of the Blacks is nice for late night sessions and not waking up the Mrs. I use my Realforce for WoW/FPS games primarily (though they're a pleasure to type on as well) and since I've been playing SC2 exclusively to train up for some tournies at home I haven't had it plugged in for a while.

Typing on the Realforce right now just makes me happy. Topres are something that need to be felt to really be believed. They really are special.

Anyway, I love all my boards for different reasons and am happy that I own all of them for different reasons. I wouldn't sell any of them now. Heck, I probably typed this post just to have an excuse to write a fair amount of text with my Realforce. :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: DillonHightower on Thu, 07 July 2011, 00:50:26: Filco majestouch ninja blue/brown
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: aggiejy on Thu, 07 July 2011, 00:53:43: My iPhone keyboard. In bed.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ph0enX on Thu, 07 July 2011, 01:26:51: Until August my Razer Black Widow. After that approximately a Deck Legend ToXic

Quote from: squarebox;375079
G80-3494

Show Image
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/undarken/random/CLOUDOFBOOBS.jpg)

Mmmh... Hot and sweet. :D
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 07 July 2011, 01:29:32: Quote from: DillonHighsmith;375186
Filco majestouch ninja blue/brown

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20130[/ATTACH]

NICE AVATAR!!!

Nice sig too :)
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ClosedBSD on Thu, 07 July 2011, 01:30:52: Microsoft Comfort Curve - because I mistakenly left my backpack with my PLU ML-87 at work (need a second mechanical
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Input Nirvana on Thu, 07 July 2011, 01:30:59: Quote from: squarebox;375079
G80-3494

Show Image
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/undarken/random/CLOUDOFBOOBS.jpg)

Hi! Myyy nameeizzz droolio slobberrrrr
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: ichitz on Thu, 07 July 2011, 15:45:57: at work now. Which means i'm using the awesome logitech internet 350.

...sigh.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Chobopants on Thu, 07 July 2011, 15:55:50: Quote from: ichitz;375599
at work now. Which means i'm using the awesome logitech internet 350.

...sigh.

Guy I work with just EXPENSED a Filco Ninja Brown. So jealous that I didn't think of that first but I LOVE the precedent it sets. :) Someone tell Bruce to put more on Amazon!!
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: BiNiaRiS on Thu, 07 July 2011, 16:00:22: G80-1819HAU w/ErgoClears
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: pederlol on Thu, 07 July 2011, 16:25:28: oops... dusal post...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: pederlol on Thu, 07 July 2011, 16:25:59: Quote from: squarebox;375079
G80-3494

Show Image
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k221/undarken/random/CLOUDOFBOOBS.jpg)

Her head is attached at the shoulder...
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: redpill on Thu, 07 July 2011, 16:45:31: She has a head?
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: siouxscout on Thu, 07 July 2011, 16:52:52: MX11800.

I will never use some generic crap Dell the company provides again.
Title: What keyboard are you using right now?
Post by: Dali on Thu, 07 July 2011, 23:53:14: KBC Poker with Cherry MX Browns.