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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: Pacifist on Tue, 17 December 2013, 22:22:40

Title: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Pacifist on Tue, 17 December 2013, 22:22:40
I would like to hear people's opinions on this topic. If it has already been done please link me to the original threads.

My question is whether or not to buy blank or printed caps. I've done some AHK keymaps, most notably caps as ctrl, where you cannot merely swap the keys and they work. I am working on touch typing, so this may be a bit minor.
However, I plan to learn dvorak or colemak later. When I do so, is it better to go with blanks or qwerty printed caps? I won't be looking at the keyboard much when that happens.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: neunelfer on Tue, 17 December 2013, 22:31:17
I would like to hear people's opinions on this topic. If it has already been done please link me to the original threads.

My question is whether or not to buy blank or printed caps. I've done some AHK keymaps, most notably caps as ctrl, where you cannot merely swap the keys and they work. I am working on touch typing, so this may be a bit minor.
However, I plan to learn dvorak or colemak later. When I do so, is it better to go with blanks or qwerty printed caps? I won't be looking at the keyboard much when that happens.

If you can type without looking, I prefer blanks. That way any remaps you do aren't mislabeled and you can use different layouts.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: kolonelkadat on Tue, 17 December 2013, 22:55:49
I would say blanks, but im sure im in the minority. Once you can touch type, the only reason for legends is aesthetics. Personally, I havent yet used blanks, but I have a few sets of blanks coming in the mail that im super excited to try out.

Ultimately though, my goal is to get some white blanks have some custom artwork sprayed on them. I know several artists that work in similar styles as to what im after, the trouble is choosing the best one without the others finding out I didnt pick them.

I only mention this because I dont necessarily think the options should be just blank or legends, rather they should be legends or no legends. That way you have a bit more option in the aesthetics of your board. Think of blanks as a canvas. Some people think legends are beautiful artwork, others thing they are garish.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 17 December 2013, 22:56:33
Printed because Cherry font looks better than no font :-X
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 17 December 2013, 22:58:33
I'm too much of a newb to use blanks.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 17 December 2013, 23:02:25
On Dvorak or Colemak?

Blank, definitely!

When someone else tries to use your keyboard without realising that it is Dvorak or Colemak - much laughter.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Pacifist on Tue, 17 December 2013, 23:15:31
Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 17 December 2013, 23:37:27
Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...

Yellow!
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: eddie on Wed, 18 December 2013, 00:55:23
I like blanks more then printed (i'm using blanks). It just feels better knowing you don't have qwerty printed keycaps when using other layouts. But it is kind of fun to trick people when they use my keyboard and think my keyboard is in qwerty layout! Though I can see why printed is usefully if you don't touch type. :p
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: eddie on Wed, 18 December 2013, 00:57:28
Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...
Gray/Grey! :p
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: avtar on Wed, 18 December 2013, 01:05:16
Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...
Gray/Grey! :p

+1 for blank grey. Dark or light though?
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: agodinhost on Wed, 18 December 2013, 12:39:28
I would love to find Braille keycaps ...
Seriously!
 :)
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Oobly on Thu, 19 December 2013, 03:55:18
I use blanks on my custom ergo board (touch typing), but still need printed caps on a qwerty, simply because I float my hands all over and often need to look to find my reference again.

If I could touch type on qwerty I'd go blanks, because then I can use thick blank POM caps  :thumb:
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: terran5992 on Thu, 19 December 2013, 03:59:32
Gonna try using blanks soon
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Belfong on Thu, 19 December 2013, 04:19:19
Honestly? I am struggling with the same debate on whether to get a blank white/grey caps for the HHKB or the printed one. The legends that HHKB used are really nice and attractive, so it's not a problem for me to get a printed but all my keyboards are printed, so it will be good to have a blanks. Until today I have not really convinced myself which to go for.. anyway... I will see how it goes and perhaps this thread would help me see better.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: terran5992 on Thu, 19 December 2013, 08:26:21
Honestly? I am struggling with the same debate on whether to get a blank white/grey caps for the HHKB or the printed one. The legends that HHKB used are really nice and attractive, so it's not a problem for me to get a printed but all my keyboards are printed, so it will be good to have a blanks. Until today I have not really convinced myself which to go for.. anyway... I will see how it goes and perhaps this thread would help me see better.

Dont keyboards look better with blanks?
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:04:44
Honestly? I am struggling with the same debate on whether to get a blank white/grey caps for the HHKB or the printed one. The legends that HHKB used are really nice and attractive, so it's not a problem for me to get a printed but all my keyboards are printed, so it will be good to have a blanks. Until today I have not really convinced myself which to go for.. anyway... I will see how it goes and perhaps this thread would help me see better.

Dont keyboards look better with blanks?

No why do you think people are all crazy about cherry legends....because they like to look at them :P
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: regack on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:07:59
I touch type, but I like to see the legends.  Also, when going with non-standard layouts I find it necessary to find those keys that are... moved from where I expect them to be.

That said, some designs look great in blanks... but generally I find that the smaller boards look better in blanks than larger ones.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: yasuo on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:13:41
I would love to find Braille keycaps ...
Seriously!
 :)
Engraved?
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Fullcream on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:17:10
Yellow blanks for you Pacifist.

Cherry legends look great and all but I prefer to have my blanks and let others see and think "this man can touch type"
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: osi on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:17:30
If you can touch type, I would go with blanks. Honestly, you might be surprised at how well you start off simply because of your muscle memory. Admittedly, I still look at my keys If I am typing with one hand.

Why not start off with a cheap set of alphas to see if you like em? That way you don't go all in on a blank set you can't use.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Belfong on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:21:21
Is HHKB using Cherry legend? Those looked really good.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: yasuo on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:22:50
Is HHKB using Cherry legend? Those looked really good.
http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_legends (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_legends)
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Belfong on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:25:03
Thanks mate. It looks more like model M font than anything. HHKB does suspiciously look like it.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: HipsterPunks on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:25:53
If you can touch type, I would go with blanks. Honestly, you might be surprised at how well you start off simply because of your muscle memory. Admittedly, I still look at my keys If I am typing with one hand.

Why not start off with a cheap set of alphas to see if you like em? That way you don't go all in on a blank set you can't use.

i cant touch type at all, and have to look at my board for proper key locations. Soooo naturally i ordered a blank HHKB pro 2 to throw my self into typing hell. touch typing is skill i really want to learn and i feel this is the way to properly motivate myself to finally give it a go. Geekhack has encouraged me make some pretty reckless expenditures, but its nice knowing you arent stuck with something you hate if you dont mind taking a small price hit on the resale to just try something out. Heres to you classifieds  :thumb:
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: osi on Thu, 19 December 2013, 09:52:29
If you can touch type, I would go with blanks. Honestly, you might be surprised at how well you start off simply because of your muscle memory. Admittedly, I still look at my keys If I am typing with one hand.

Why not start off with a cheap set of alphas to see if you like em? That way you don't go all in on a blank set you can't use.

i cant touch type at all, and have to look at my board for proper key locations. Soooo naturally i ordered a blank HHKB pro 2 to throw my self into typing hell. touch typing is skill i really want to learn and i feel this is the way to properly motivate myself to finally give it a go. Geekhack has encouraged me make some pretty reckless expenditures, but its nice knowing you arent stuck with something you hate if you dont mind taking a small price hit on the resale to just try something out. Heres to you classifieds  :thumb:

You've got the geekhack bug too. Browsing geekhack has an inverse effect on the funds -- The more you browse, the more you watch your money leave your wallet!! Haha

Seems like you already have the passion to learn. Good luck bro!
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Moosecraft on Thu, 19 December 2013, 10:08:51
Even though blank can be very sleek I much prefer the awesomeness of cherry legends
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Thu, 19 December 2013, 10:12:28
TBH, I like the looks of blanks, but could never use them due to my typing style (sometimes I HAVE to look at the keyboard). So, legends it is for me...
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: yasuo on Thu, 19 December 2013, 10:19:01
Typist with keycap:Font,Ninja,Printed HHKB,Engraved,Blank :))
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: ctbear on Thu, 19 December 2013, 11:22:25
Definitely blank if you are going for other layouts.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: agodinhost on Thu, 19 December 2013, 11:35:04
I would love to find Braille keycaps ...
Seriously!
 :)
Engraved?
Nope, Braille is another kind of animal

There is a guy on ebay selling "stickers" (below) but I would love to see some blank keycaps with then already.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Braille-Keyboard-Stickers-w-Reverse-Print-White-Letters-/00/s/MTA0NFgxNjAw/$(KGrHqR,!loE-3vNNoIRBQDWYWG(p!~~60_57.JPG)
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Hyde on Sat, 21 December 2013, 16:17:04
For the longest time I thought blanks were the coolest looking style out there.  But then I realize it depends on the keyboard.

For HHKB, yes blank looks better.

For larger keyboards I find blank feel a bit "plain".  Also if you can manage to get keyboard with color legends then in my opinion it looks better.  Like white base with blue legends.

Front printed (Ninja Style) I find is a good balance in between the two.  I think they need to come up with front printed keycaps with color legends.  That might be an interesting idea also they don't have to worry about printing method because that area won't get touched.

Also even though I can touch type, I realize it's still an annoyance once in a while trying to figure out not-frequently used keys on keyboard.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: tuananh_bkk on Sat, 21 December 2013, 20:24:28
For the longest time I thought blanks were the coolest looking style out there.  But then I realize it depends on the keyboard.

For HHKB, yes blank looks better.

For larger keyboards I find blank feel a bit "plain".  Also if you can manage to get keyboard with color legends then in my opinion it looks better.  Like white base with blue legends.

Front printed (Ninja Style) I find is a good balance in between the two.  I think they need to come up with front printed keycaps with color legends.  That might be an interesting idea also they don't have to worry about printing method because that area won't get touched.

Also even though I can touch type, I realize it's still an annoyance once in a while trying to figure out not-frequently used keys on keyboard.

bought Hhkb printed as i'm afraid i can't get used to the new layout that quick. regret it now !
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: ideus on Sat, 21 December 2013, 21:13:04
I found that the best way to actually settle a debate between keyboard options is to give a try to one and if it fits you that's the end, if not you can always re-sell your item and go for the next option. Even when you think you have made your mind based on others' opinions it may happen that you do not like the mainstream and have to go in a different direction than the others.


Bottom line: GH is not about mainstream, its all about individualism.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: yasuo on Sat, 21 December 2013, 22:03:41
Bottom line: GH is not about mainstream, its all about individualism.
aggre,human is complex always different each individual :)
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: divito on Mon, 23 December 2013, 18:30:10
Blank. Printed has its place for certain concepts and ideas, but I'll always prefer blanks for aesthetics and minimalism.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: moonexe on Tue, 24 December 2013, 14:25:27
I find blank keys more aesthetically pleasing, but I guess that's a personal thing.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: quickcrx702 on Fri, 27 December 2013, 02:14:07
Blank.  It discourages most other people from using your computer.  Also, when learning a new layout, it makes things less annoying.  It can get confusing looking at a QWERTY keyboard if you are trying to learn DVORAK or whatever other layout, but having a blank keyboard teaches you not to bother even looking.  The Topre black on super dark grey is also nice.  If you got engraved keys it would be pretty similar.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: yasuo on Fri, 27 December 2013, 02:45:29
printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank :)
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: terran5992 on Fri, 27 December 2013, 03:35:09
printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank :)


Where do i find printed DSA?

Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: yasuo on Fri, 27 December 2013, 03:36:24
printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank :)


Where do i find printed DSA?
SP :)
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: terran5992 on Fri, 27 December 2013, 08:05:28
printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank :)


Where do i find printed DSA?
SP :)

Are they pbt or abs?
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Sifo on Fri, 27 December 2013, 08:05:50
blanks 4 life
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: osi on Fri, 27 December 2013, 08:06:57
printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank :)


Where do i find printed DSA?
SP :)

Are they pbt or abs?

PBT!
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: terran5992 on Fri, 27 December 2013, 08:07:52
printed DSA you can change the layout up to you
or blank :)


Where do i find printed DSA?
SP :)

Are they pbt or abs?

PBT!

Awesome. I might pick up a set next year just to compare between cherry profile Thick PBT
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: adion227 on Sun, 29 December 2013, 23:28:40
If I want the letters, I opt for engraved other than that blank is the way to go :D
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: FrostyToast on Thu, 30 January 2014, 11:48:07
When I ordered my Pure Pro I got the printed caps to just get used to the new layout. I knew that I could later strip off the legends since the legends are pad printed.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: C5Allroad on Wed, 05 February 2014, 14:38:19
Blank. For me I haven't typed on my shine in a while since I have been away and stuck using a membrane. I find my self looking down to type :(. But if you can go blanks.
For your F row on the other that's hard memorize past 6. Gamers will know 1-6 instantly.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: mapple on Fri, 07 February 2014, 13:10:06
white blanks with backlight
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Novus on Fri, 07 February 2014, 13:52:54
blanks!
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: tricheboars on Fri, 07 February 2014, 15:14:33
i always buy caps with legends. i even got a Round 5 set for my ergodox that has legends.

i can touch type and do so everyday. however i buy caps with legends because i like the look. as someone who really likes vintage machines legends are a must have.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: MiR4i on Sun, 09 February 2014, 01:20:13
blanks 4 life
PBT blanks 4 life :)

I'm not sure exactly why I prefer blanks because they can be more difficult to type on if I'm not on the home row and just need to press a single key (I tend to struggle with %^&* on blanks).  Aesthetically, I think they look great which is probably why I prefer them now.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: phoenix1234 on Sun, 09 February 2014, 01:52:20
Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...

Does colour matter when you use blank?
Just black, full black  :))
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: mapple on Sun, 09 February 2014, 02:05:24
Blank it is!

Now what color should it be...

Does colour matter when you use blank?
Just black, full black  :))

yah it does count as long you wanna use backlight pure 100% blacks pbt won't provide any light.......... but white well they do;)
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: reziak on Sun, 09 February 2014, 02:06:43
I love typography, so I actually really love (well done) legends despite being able to touch type and never looking at them. That being said, there's something extremely beautiful and very special about a blank white HHKB. I have a printed black one now (I prefer the printed black/dark gray to blank), but I hope to add a blank white Type-S to my collection someday.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: aref on Fri, 14 February 2014, 17:17:13
Either is good. I don't look at my keyboard; but I do like the look of some printed key caps.
My black Realforce resembles blank key caps; the legends are difficult to see, which is fine.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Norz on Fri, 14 February 2014, 17:19:15
Blanks look so much cleaner

Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: Rewind on Fri, 14 February 2014, 17:38:22
I use printed caps on my full keyboards. For 60% or HHKB I prefer blanks. Unfortunately I did get a printed set with my HHKB as I was intimidated by the lay out, this was a mistake as the printed version is barely visible.
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: divito on Mon, 17 February 2014, 22:53:16
Blank. Printed has its place for certain concepts and ideas, but I'll always prefer blanks for aesthetics and minimalism.

Case in point:

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/p526x296/1743585_10152129039738463_1169463497_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Blank or Printed?
Post by: goonx on Fri, 21 March 2014, 13:53:11
i prefer side-printed. Mix of both worlds