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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: kskwerl on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:06:02

Title: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: kskwerl on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:06:02
So I have the HHKB Pro 2 and I'm loving it, I always had rather cheap MX blue keyboards so I'm wondering what the most highly regarded MX keyboard is. I want to try MX reds as I've only ever tried blues.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: demik on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:12:46
So I have the HHKB Pro 2 and I'm loving it,

So I have the HHKB Pro 2,

HHKB Pro 2,

/thread

don't need a peasant MX board when you have the almighty already.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51282.0

join us. whenever you feel like you're being misguided out of the true path of righteousness, we'll be there to hold your hand and tell you it's okay.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: KangarooZombies on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:15:21
So I have the HHKB Pro 2 and I'm loving it,

So I have the HHKB Pro 2,

HHKB Pro 2,

/thread

don't need a peasant MX board when you have the almighty already.

(http://i.imgur.com/5q5dFOh.gif)
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: neunelfer on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:18:24
H H K B H H K B H H K B H H K B
(http://img.pandawhale.com/post-26315-Hypnotize-2jSL.gif)
H H K B H H K B H H K B H H K B




But really, I would say that for stock MX boards, Filco is generally considered to be the best brand.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: demik on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:19:41
but it also depends what type of reds you want to try.

plate or pcb mount?

if so, poker would be good for pcb mount. QFR for plate (well im not sure if they even have a red version) but you shouldn't be spending a ton of money on a board simply because you want to try the switch. you could also sign up for nubs' community switch tester and save yourself some cash.

hhkb comes CASE mount. your move cherry.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: The_Beast on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:21:57
hhkb comes CASE mount. your move cherry.

Ahhh, case mount....


...making it nearly impossible for a custom case to be made for it.....



....unlike that of cherry switches.....

Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: demik on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:24:17
beast.


shut up.


hhkb > your wood
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: neunelfer on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:27:12
Quote
HHKB Elitist
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Pacifist on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:29:47
Doesn't beast make metal plates too?
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tuxsavvy on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:39:07
So I have the HHKB Pro 2 and I'm loving it, I always had rather cheap MX blue keyboards so I'm wondering what the most highly regarded MX keyboard is. I want to try MX reds as I've only ever tried blues.
Depends a lot I guess. I think in my case Cherry G80-5000 HAMDE would probably be interesting coming from MX realm.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:45:50
Best Current keyboard using Cherry MX is Egdx...

It is now rivaled by the unreleased Ergo Pro..  (assuming everything is up to snuff, stabilizers, tenting etc.)


All non-ergo boards are not in the running for best-board...

(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Pacifist on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:49:02
Best Current keyboard using Cherry MX is Egdx...

It is now rivaled by the unreleased Ergo Pro..  (assuming everything is up to snuff, stabilizers, tenting etc.)


All non-ergo boards are not in the running for best-board...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)


Is staggered better than matrix for ergonomics?
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 15 January 2014, 22:50:57
Best Current keyboard using Cherry MX is Egdx...

It is now rivaled by the unreleased Ergo Pro..  (assuming everything is up to snuff, stabilizers, tenting etc.)


All non-ergo boards are not in the running for best-board...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)


Is staggered better than matrix for ergonomics?

On a Nunchaku design, it doesn't matter..

On something that's static and not -rotatable (kinesis/maltron)  then matrix is better.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: atlas3686 on Thu, 16 January 2014, 00:48:39
I mean I would consider a nice Filco MJ2 as the best std. mx board but why would you want one? I have both and I haven't used my mx boards since the HHKB arrived. Rather get a switch tester if you want to check out the other switches.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Novus on Thu, 16 January 2014, 02:06:26
Huh all this HHKB fanboyism.
It's like you guys are all full time programmers or something.

Well jokes aside, I do get the appeal of HHKB on this forum.


Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 16 January 2014, 02:15:39
Huh all this HHKB fanboyism.
It's like you guys are all full time programmers or something.

Well jokes aside, I do get the appeal of HHKB on this forum.




hhkb is probably the worst board for programmers.

You're essentially forcing yourself to get around a terribad layout with zero programmability..

You would think a "programmer" would know that "programmability" is a pivotal element of a good keyboard ... but... N000000oooooo... apparently rubber cups make a difference.... because u know, they're japanese rubber cups.. 

Most people here claiming to be programmers are just scrub weeaboos taking an intro to VB class...

ooo.. look at this... i can make a table and haz copy people's java script... oooo.. i'm a programmer...(http://www.emotasia.com/wp-content/uploads/totally-naughty-panda-emoticon-14.gif)
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Oobly on Thu, 16 January 2014, 02:17:56
Best Current keyboard using Cherry MX is Egdx...

It is now rivaled by the unreleased Ergo Pro..  (assuming everything is up to snuff, stabilizers, tenting etc.)


All non-ergo boards are not in the running for best-board...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)


Is staggered better than matrix for ergonomics?

On a Nunchaku design, it doesn't matter..

On something that's static and not -rotatable (kinesis/maltron)  then matrix is better.

I call BS. Vertically staggered always trumps horizontal if designed (and used) properly. Your fingers rest naturally on the home row keys and move within their comfortable range to reach the upper and lower row keys, without inducing twist.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 16 January 2014, 02:25:23
Best Current keyboard using Cherry MX is Egdx...

It is now rivaled by the unreleased Ergo Pro..  (assuming everything is up to snuff, stabilizers, tenting etc.)


All non-ergo boards are not in the running for best-board...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)


Is staggered better than matrix for ergonomics?

On a Nunchaku design, it doesn't matter..

On something that's static and not -rotatable (kinesis/maltron)  then matrix is better.

I call BS. Vertically staggered always trumps horizontal if designed (and used) properly. Your fingers rest naturally on the home row keys and move within their comfortable range to reach the upper and lower row keys, without inducing twist.

vertically-----staggered-----vs  horizontal

what is vertically   staggered

and what is horizontal....
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: gameaholic on Thu, 16 January 2014, 02:49:02
Best Current keyboard using Cherry MX is Egdx...

It is now rivaled by the unreleased Ergo Pro..  (assuming everything is up to snuff, stabilizers, tenting etc.)


All non-ergo boards are not in the running for best-board...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)


Ergo Pro?
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 16 January 2014, 02:50:18
beast.


shut up.


hhkb > your wood

No?
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 16 January 2014, 02:54:07
beast.


shut up.


hhkb > your wood

No?

I like wood ok... but my fav building material is concrete..  except it's weak if the aliens attack us with microwave based weapons
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: noisyturtle on Thu, 16 January 2014, 02:57:28
So I have the HHKB Pro 2 and I'm loving it,

So I have the HHKB Pro 2,

HHKB Pro 2,

/thread

don't need a peasant MX board when you have the almighty already.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/5q5dFOh.gif)


damn man, made me chuckle silently to myself  :))
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 16 January 2014, 03:05:13
Huh all this HHKB fanboyism.
It's like you guys are all full time programmers or something.

Well jokes aside, I do get the appeal of HHKB on this forum.




hhkb is probably the worst board for programmers.

You're essentially forcing yourself to get around a terribad layout with zero programmability..

You would think a "programmer" would know that "programmability" is a pivotal element of a good keyboard ... but... N000000oooooo... apparently rubber cups make a difference.... because u know, they're japanese rubber cups.. 

Most people here claiming to be programmers are just scrub weeaboos taking an intro to VB class...

ooo.. look at this... i can make a table and haz copy people's java script... oooo.. i'm a programmer...
Show Image
(http://www.emotasia.com/wp-content/uploads/totally-naughty-panda-emoticon-14.gif)


Not quite.

It is the layout that is particularly appealing for Unix programmers (or those programming on Unixy systems).

Ctrl where Caps Lock is makes sense as Unix makes much use of control characters.

Backspace where \| is also makes sense as the Backspace is closed to Enter, and the "home row" (should you choose to use it).

I alternate between TKL and HHKB, and it always feels more natural having Ctrl and Backspace where they are on the HHKB.

I am a programmer, but mostly under Windows, and I miss having dedicated arrow keys on the HHKB when using HHKB under Windows in the various GUI IDEs we use.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 16 January 2014, 03:09:38
Huh all this HHKB fanboyism.
It's like you guys are all full time programmers or something.

Well jokes aside, I do get the appeal of HHKB on this forum.




hhkb is probably the worst board for programmers.

You're essentially forcing yourself to get around a terribad layout with zero programmability..

You would think a "programmer" would know that "programmability" is a pivotal element of a good keyboard ... but... N000000oooooo... apparently rubber cups make a difference.... because u know, they're japanese rubber cups.. 

Most people here claiming to be programmers are just scrub weeaboos taking an intro to VB class...

ooo.. look at this... i can make a table and haz copy people's java script... oooo.. i'm a programmer...
Show Image
(http://www.emotasia.com/wp-content/uploads/totally-naughty-panda-emoticon-14.gif)


Not quite.

It is the layout that is particularly appealing for Unix programmers (or those programming on Unixy systems).

Ctrl where Caps Lock is makes sense as Unix makes much use of control characters.

Backspace where \| is also makes sense as the Backspace is closed to Enter, and the "home row" (should you choose to use it).

I alternate between TKL and HHKB, and it always feels more natural having Ctrl and Backspace where they are on the HHKB.

I am a programmer, but mostly under Windows, and I miss having dedicated arrow keys on the HHKB when using HHKB under Windows in the various GUI IDEs we use.

^^^^^^^

These arguments are M0000t

non-programmability is a major hindrance to ANY KEYBOARD..

your hand is different than my hand..

you have different usage statistics for different keys...


Why should our layouts be stuck to some baseline that existed well before modern computing.


I find it a bit of madness that any true-programmer, outside of script-kids would at all CONSIDER a NON-programmable board.

Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tbc on Thu, 16 January 2014, 03:13:03
ahk

makes any keyboard programmable
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 16 January 2014, 03:14:13
ahk

makes any keyboard programmable

right.. i agree.. this is the last resort...

but hardware programmability... no additional latency relative to AHK.. 
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 16 January 2014, 03:47:29
Huh all this HHKB fanboyism.
It's like you guys are all full time programmers or something.

Well jokes aside, I do get the appeal of HHKB on this forum.




hhkb is probably the worst board for programmers.

You're essentially forcing yourself to get around a terribad layout with zero programmability..

You would think a "programmer" would know that "programmability" is a pivotal element of a good keyboard ... but... N000000oooooo... apparently rubber cups make a difference.... because u know, they're japanese rubber cups.. 

Most people here claiming to be programmers are just scrub weeaboos taking an intro to VB class...

ooo.. look at this... i can make a table and haz copy people's java script... oooo.. i'm a programmer...
Show Image
(http://www.emotasia.com/wp-content/uploads/totally-naughty-panda-emoticon-14.gif)


Not quite.

It is the layout that is particularly appealing for Unix programmers (or those programming on Unixy systems).

Ctrl where Caps Lock is makes sense as Unix makes much use of control characters.

Backspace where \| is also makes sense as the Backspace is closed to Enter, and the "home row" (should you choose to use it).

I alternate between TKL and HHKB, and it always feels more natural having Ctrl and Backspace where they are on the HHKB.

I am a programmer, but mostly under Windows, and I miss having dedicated arrow keys on the HHKB when using HHKB under Windows in the various GUI IDEs we use.

^^^^^^^

These arguments are M0000t

non-programmability is a major hindrance to ANY KEYBOARD..

your hand is different than my hand..

you have different usage statistics for different keys...


Why should our layouts be stuck to some baseline that existed well before modern computing.


I find it a bit of madness that any true-programmer, outside of script-kids would at all CONSIDER a NON-programmable board.



A customised programmable keyboard would just mean that you would be lost when using someone else's workstation, or vice versa.  Using a standard layout means the same key sequences work in the same way on any standard keyboard you use.  Unless either everyone has the same customisable keyboard and you upload your configuration to it each time you move to a different workstation, or you carry your keyboard around with you everywhere.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tuxsavvy on Thu, 16 January 2014, 05:07:44
Ahh man here we go again, off to the tangent of HHKB vs * again...

ErgoDox has what.. a teensy controller. Try telling me teensies aren't programmable... ErgoDox is a kit or can be fan-made, HHKB isn't fan-made, it is made commercially by a company who probably doesn't have much interest in letting out their specs let alone firmware. Therefore it would make practical sense for companies to ship fairly average mechanical keyboard with some flexibility. If you are going to try and compare HHKB like that, compare it first against Ducky for instance. Ask Ducky Channel to see if they would give out the firmware. Then don't forget manufacturers whom offer neither DIP switches nor customisable firmware.

As if to also prove the point, there is always hasu's TMK firmware _and_ TMK controller board for HHKB which not only gives one flexibility but more customisation (in the future), like teensy and therefore like ErgoDox (but controller-wise).

Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 16 January 2014, 07:06:57
Something plate mounted with stock mx clears and cherry or GMK doubleshot ABS caps.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 16 January 2014, 07:11:52
I keep coming back to my metal cased customs. KMAC LE and Epsilon
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: ynrozturk on Thu, 16 January 2014, 07:26:04
While the HHKB looks cool, Topre is just not for me. I think people just feel the need to glorify them because of their ridiculous price tag.

As far as commercial, fairly easy to get boards, I would say that Filco wins the MX realm. My preference would be browns. I'd much rather have a KMAC than a HHKB any day of the week.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Wildcard on Thu, 16 January 2014, 07:33:02
beast.

shut up.

hhkb > your wood

Elitist...
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Oobly on Thu, 16 January 2014, 07:46:38
So I have the HHKB Pro 2 and I'm loving it, I always had rather cheap MX blue keyboards so I'm wondering what the most highly regarded MX keyboard is. I want to try MX reds as I've only ever tried blues.

It's personal..... 

I'd have to say any plate mounted board with a good PCB and decent caps will give you a feel of top shelf Cherry MX. Filco Majestouch seem to be quite highly regarded.

The problem is, there are so many options and so many mods, that the "ultimate" Cherry MX board is a very personal thing, and will feel unique. Mine has custom plates, no PCB, heavily modded Brown switches (trampoline, latex, stickers) and a mix of PBT and POM caps. That's the attraction of the MX switches for me, they can be tweaked to give the feel, travel distance, sound, etc, that I want.

Another advantage is the switches are complete self-contained units that can be replaced individually or used for custom physical layouts easily.

Best Current keyboard using Cherry MX is Egdx...

It is now rivaled by the unreleased Ergo Pro..  (assuming everything is up to snuff, stabilizers, tenting etc.)


All non-ergo boards are not in the running for best-board...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)


Is staggered better than matrix for ergonomics?

On a Nunchaku design, it doesn't matter..

On something that's static and not -rotatable (kinesis/maltron)  then matrix is better.

I call BS. Vertically staggered always trumps horizontal if designed (and used) properly. Your fingers rest naturally on the home row keys and move within their comfortable range to reach the upper and lower row keys, without inducing twist.

vertically-----staggered-----vs  horizontal

what is vertically   staggered

and what is horizontal....

Vertical columns of keys staggered with the respect to the columns on either side of it, vs horizontal rows of keys, staggered with respect to the rows above and below. The former allows for the natural difference in resting positions of the fingers, equal movement to upper and lower rows, true vertical finger movements instead of diagonal, etc. The latter doesn't. BIG difference in ergonomics.

ErgoDox is vertical stagger (although not enough on the pinkie rows), Ergo Pro is horizontal stagger.

Ergo Pro has best of both worlds in terms of programmability, though. It's apparently going to be "hackable", allowing custom firmware to be flashed to the controller, but has a stock, unprogrammable layout by default.

With the HHKB you can install a replacement controller with programmable firmware on it, but it requires more work and cost. Some people really like how they feel and think it is worth the cost. Others don't. All I can say about them is that I didn't like how the Topre switches felt in the few seconds that I tried a RealForce in a shop, but that's not really a fair evaluation (different board and not enough time spent using them).
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: ideus on Thu, 16 January 2014, 08:27:21
I wonder why we are always comparing topre and cherry based boards as if they were the same. They are not, besides caps, they are based in different physical principles to produce a switch signal. How a rather complex pcb based capacitive switch technology can be compared with a self contain simple plastic and metal switch? Well, maybe these never ending discussions are what fueled our beloved GH site...
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: kskwerl on Thu, 16 January 2014, 09:09:12
omg what did I do  :p
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 16 January 2014, 10:08:53
Huh all this HHKB fanboyism.
It's like you guys are all full time programmers or something.

Well jokes aside, I do get the appeal of HHKB on this forum.




hhkb is probably the worst board for programmers.

You're essentially forcing yourself to get around a terribad layout with zero programmability..

You would think a "programmer" would know that "programmability" is a pivotal element of a good keyboard ... but... N000000oooooo... apparently rubber cups make a difference.... because u know, they're japanese rubber cups.. 

Most people here claiming to be programmers are just scrub weeaboos taking an intro to VB class...

ooo.. look at this... i can make a table and haz copy people's java script... oooo.. i'm a programmer...
Show Image
(http://www.emotasia.com/wp-content/uploads/totally-naughty-panda-emoticon-14.gif)


Not quite.

It is the layout that is particularly appealing for Unix programmers (or those programming on Unixy systems).

Ctrl where Caps Lock is makes sense as Unix makes much use of control characters.

Backspace where \| is also makes sense as the Backspace is closed to Enter, and the "home row" (should you choose to use it).

I alternate between TKL and HHKB, and it always feels more natural having Ctrl and Backspace where they are on the HHKB.

I am a programmer, but mostly under Windows, and I miss having dedicated arrow keys on the HHKB when using HHKB under Windows in the various GUI IDEs we use.

^^^^^^^

These arguments are M0000t

non-programmability is a major hindrance to ANY KEYBOARD..

your hand is different than my hand..

you have different usage statistics for different keys...


Why should our layouts be stuck to some baseline that existed well before modern computing.


I find it a bit of madness that any true-programmer, outside of script-kids would at all CONSIDER a NON-programmable board.



A customised programmable keyboard would just mean that you would be lost when using someone else's workstation, or vice versa.  Using a standard layout means the same key sequences work in the same way on any standard keyboard you use.  Unless either everyone has the same customisable keyboard and you upload your configuration to it each time you move to a different workstation, or you carry your keyboard around with you everywhere.

this rarely happens... very rare..  and most people who have custom setups would have an extra keyboard at their station for guests.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 16 January 2014, 10:14:20
So I have the HHKB Pro 2 and I'm loving it, I always had rather cheap MX blue keyboards so I'm wondering what the most highly regarded MX keyboard is. I want to try MX reds as I've only ever tried blues.

It's personal..... 

I'd have to say any plate mounted board with a good PCB and decent caps will give you a feel of top shelf Cherry MX. Filco Majestouch seem to be quite highly regarded.

The problem is, there are so many options and so many mods, that the "ultimate" Cherry MX board is a very personal thing, and will feel unique. Mine has custom plates, no PCB, heavily modded Brown switches (trampoline, latex, stickers) and a mix of PBT and POM caps. That's the attraction of the MX switches for me, they can be tweaked to give the feel, travel distance, sound, etc, that I want.

Another advantage is the switches are complete self-contained units that can be replaced individually or used for custom physical layouts easily.

Best Current keyboard using Cherry MX is Egdx...

It is now rivaled by the unreleased Ergo Pro..  (assuming everything is up to snuff, stabilizers, tenting etc.)


All non-ergo boards are not in the running for best-board...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)


Is staggered better than matrix for ergonomics?

On a Nunchaku design, it doesn't matter..

On something that's static and not -rotatable (kinesis/maltron)  then matrix is better.

I call BS. Vertically staggered always trumps horizontal if designed (and used) properly. Your fingers rest naturally on the home row keys and move within their comfortable range to reach the upper and lower row keys, without inducing twist.

vertically-----staggered-----vs  horizontal

what is vertically   staggered

and what is horizontal....

Vertical columns of keys staggered with the respect to the columns on either side of it, vs horizontal rows of keys, staggered with respect to the rows above and below. The former allows for the natural difference in resting positions of the fingers, equal movement to upper and lower rows, true vertical finger movements instead of diagonal, etc. The latter doesn't. BIG difference in ergonomics.

ErgoDox is vertical stagger (although not enough on the pinkie rows), Ergo Pro is horizontal stagger.

Ergo Pro has best of both worlds in terms of programmability, though. It's apparently going to be "hackable", allowing custom firmware to be flashed to the controller, but has a stock, unprogrammable layout by default.

With the HHKB you can install a replacement controller with programmable firmware on it, but it requires more work and cost. Some people really like how they feel and think it is worth the cost. Others don't. All I can say about them is that I didn't like how the Topre switches felt in the few seconds that I tried a RealForce in a shop, but that's not really a fair evaluation (different board and not enough time spent using them).

The pinky row on Egdx is fine...  Th pinky doesn't really have 3 rows of movement anyway with a wrist lift.. it has 2..

If you staggered the top key further what would it achieve ??

my setup is tilted around 35*,  this way  the "a " position key is directly under my pinky and I hit the "q" key with my ring finger..

If the A was moved down further, it would make z a bit harder to reach same with ". " on the right
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Folio on Thu, 16 January 2014, 10:52:30
This thread made me laugh with every post. You guys are going completely off tangent. I love everyone here. So glad I still come to this forum.   :-*
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: kskwerl on Thu, 16 January 2014, 11:04:26
This thread made me laugh with every post. You guys are going completely off tangent. I love everyone here. So glad I still come to this forum.   :-*

lol I know right, all I wanted to know was what are some of the best MX keyboards in terms of overall quality and high praise here on GH.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Oobly on Thu, 16 January 2014, 11:32:47
This thread made me laugh with every post. You guys are going completely off tangent. I love everyone here. So glad I still come to this forum.   :-*

lol I know right, all I wanted to know was what are some of the best MX keyboards in terms of overall quality and high praise here on GH.

hihiii... guilty.

TLDR; Filco
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: kskwerl on Thu, 16 January 2014, 11:55:19
This thread made me laugh with every post. You guys are going completely off tangent. I love everyone here. So glad I still come to this forum.   :-*

lol I know right, all I wanted to know was what are some of the best MX keyboards in terms of overall quality and high praise here on GH.

hihiii... guilty.


I wanted to know this because as I have the HHKB Pro2 I always have cheap MX keyboards and I'm just wondering how the higher end ones would compare.
TLDR; Filco
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Linkbane on Thu, 16 January 2014, 13:38:00
Filco is great, but it's not as good as those Korean customs by any means. They're far above any commercial keyboard in terms of quality and price.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: kskwerl on Thu, 16 January 2014, 15:32:06
Filco is great, but it's not as good as those Korean customs by any means. They're far above any commercial keyboard in terms of quality and price.

What are some other custom ones besides the KMAC? If I'm understanding this correctly you build them yourself?
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 16 January 2014, 15:40:58
Filco is great, but it's not as good as those Korean customs by any means. They're far above any commercial keyboard in terms of quality and price.

What are some other custom ones besides the KMAC? If I'm understanding this correctly you build them yourself?

a kmac is like a kit to build a classic horse pulled carriage..

The whole concept of the horse drawn cart itself is obsolete and slow as balls..  BUT it's pretty and reminds people of simpler times.


The Egdx on the other hand is like a modern gasoline car..  It's better in everyway.. you may or may not find it aesthetically pleasing, since to most people, it's not what they're used to seeing with respect to the rectangle in front of their computers.


Make no mistake... extended use of classic keyboards inevitably leads to Repetitive stress disorder...

There is no question that this is what's going to happen if you lead a computer-oriented lifestyle..


If you had to dig trenches with a shovel,  vs a tractor...   That is the difference...

(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion_custom/th_0pride.gif)
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Folio on Thu, 16 January 2014, 15:49:14
a kmac is like a kit to build a classic horse pulled carriage..

The whole concept of the horse drawn cart itself is obsolete and slow as balls..  BUT it's pretty and reminds people of simpler times.

The Egdx on the other hand is like a modern gasoline car..  It's better in everyway.. you may or may not find it aesthetically pleasing, since to most people, it's not what they're used to seeing with respect to the rectangle in front of their computers.

Make no mistake... extended use of classic keyboards inevitably leads to Repetitive stress disorder...

There is no question that this is what's going to happen if you lead a computer-oriented lifestyle..

If you had to dig trenches with a shovel,  vs a tractor...   That is the difference...
Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion_custom/th_0pride.gif)


tp, your title should be "Ergodox Enforcer"
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tuxsavvy on Thu, 16 January 2014, 17:37:41
a kmac is like a kit to build a classic horse pulled carriage..

The whole concept of the horse drawn cart itself is obsolete and slow as balls..  BUT it's pretty and reminds people of simpler times.

The Egdx on the other hand is like a modern gasoline car..  It's better in everyway.. you may or may not find it aesthetically pleasing, since to most people, it's not what they're used to seeing with respect to the rectangle in front of their computers.

Make no mistake... extended use of classic keyboards inevitably leads to Repetitive stress disorder...

There is no question that this is what's going to happen if you lead a computer-oriented lifestyle..

If you had to dig trenches with a shovel,  vs a tractor...   That is the difference...
Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion_custom/th_0pride.gif)


tp, your title should be "Ergodox Enforcer"
You're definitely not alone there - I have said something similar before. Also that is ignoring the fact that there's dime-a-dozen more ergonomic keyboards floating out there on the market, plenty more fancy varied shapes and sizes to choose from. When talking about ergonomics, there's plenty of ways to skin a cat - to say ErgoDox is superior to all of the ergonomical keyboard designs out there is really a bold (yet naïve) statement.

Anyway OP, I think your question is too open. For HHKB equivalent in Cherry MX realm (whilst retaining 60% factor) you have KMAC. For μTron keyboard equivalent, you have the likes of Cherry G80-5000 for instance, and so on and so forth.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: ideus on Thu, 16 January 2014, 17:49:53
Filco is great, but it's not as good as those Korean customs by any means. They're far above any commercial keyboard in terms of quality and price.

What are some other custom ones besides the KMAC? If I'm understanding this correctly you build them yourself?

a kmac is like a kit to build a classic horse pulled carriage..

The whole concept of the horse drawn cart itself is obsolete and slow as balls..  BUT it's pretty and reminds people of simpler times.


The Egdx on the other hand is like a modern gasoline car..  It's better in everyway.. you may or may not find it aesthetically pleasing, since to most people, it's not what they're used to seeing with respect to the rectangle in front of their computers.


Make no mistake... extended use of classic keyboards inevitably leads to Repetitive stress disorder...

There is no question that this is what's going to happen if you lead a computer-oriented lifestyle..


If you had to dig trenches with a shovel,  vs a tractor...   That is the difference...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion_custom/th_0pride.gif)



If the dox is a "gasoline car", you said. Then what would be the board "equivalent" to a modern hybrid or an F1 car? what an imagination to make this metaphor up.  :D
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Novus on Thu, 16 January 2014, 17:56:12
Filco is great, but it's not as good as those Korean customs by any means. They're far above any commercial keyboard in terms of quality and price.

What are some other custom ones besides the KMAC? If I'm understanding this correctly you build them yourself?

a kmac is like a kit to build a classic horse pulled carriage..

The whole concept of the horse drawn cart itself is obsolete and slow as balls..  BUT it's pretty and reminds people of simpler times.


The Egdx on the other hand is like a modern gasoline car..  It's better in everyway.. you may or may not find it aesthetically pleasing, since to most people, it's not what they're used to seeing with respect to the rectangle in front of their computers.


Make no mistake... extended use of classic keyboards inevitably leads to Repetitive stress disorder...

There is no question that this is what's going to happen if you lead a computer-oriented lifestyle..


If you had to dig trenches with a shovel,  vs a tractor...   That is the difference...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion_custom/th_0pride.gif)



If the dox is a "gasoline car", you said. Then what would be the board "equivalent" to a modern hybrid or an F1 car? what an imagination to make this metaphor up.  :D

Don't forget modern diesel cars too. Those things are beast.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: ideus on Thu, 16 January 2014, 21:13:25
Filco is great, but it's not as good as those Korean customs by any means. They're far above any commercial keyboard in terms of quality and price.

What are some other custom ones besides the KMAC? If I'm understanding this correctly you build them yourself?

a kmac is like a kit to build a classic horse pulled carriage..

The whole concept of the horse drawn cart itself is obsolete and slow as balls..  BUT it's pretty and reminds people of simpler times.


The Egdx on the other hand is like a modern gasoline car..  It's better in everyway.. you may or may not find it aesthetically pleasing, since to most people, it's not what they're used to seeing with respect to the rectangle in front of their computers.


Make no mistake... extended use of classic keyboards inevitably leads to Repetitive stress disorder...

There is no question that this is what's going to happen if you lead a computer-oriented lifestyle..


If you had to dig trenches with a shovel,  vs a tractor...   That is the difference...

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion_custom/th_0pride.gif)



If the dox is a "gasoline car", you said. Then what would be the board "equivalent" to a modern hybrid or an F1 car? what an imagination to make this metaphor up.  :D

Don't forget modern diesel cars too. Those things are beast.


Yeah, tp4 should extend his metaphor to cover all the vehicles then. Haha! Wonder how he may still position his beloved dox at the top of them.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: kskwerl on Thu, 16 January 2014, 21:15:22
a kmac is like a kit to build a classic horse pulled carriage..

The whole concept of the horse drawn cart itself is obsolete and slow as balls..  BUT it's pretty and reminds people of simpler times.

The Egdx on the other hand is like a modern gasoline car..  It's better in everyway.. you may or may not find it aesthetically pleasing, since to most people, it's not what they're used to seeing with respect to the rectangle in front of their computers.

Make no mistake... extended use of classic keyboards inevitably leads to Repetitive stress disorder...

There is no question that this is what's going to happen if you lead a computer-oriented lifestyle..

If you had to dig trenches with a shovel,  vs a tractor...   That is the difference...
Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion_custom/th_0pride.gif)


tp, your title should be "Ergodox Enforcer"
You're definitely not alone there - I have said something similar before. Also that is ignoring the fact that there's dime-a-dozen more ergonomic keyboards floating out there on the market, plenty more fancy varied shapes and sizes to choose from. When talking about ergonomics, there's plenty of ways to skin a cat - to say ErgoDox is superior to all of the ergonomical keyboard designs out there is really a bold (yet naïve) statement.

Anyway OP, I think your question is too open. For HHKB equivalent in Cherry MX realm (whilst retaining 60% factor) you have KMAC. For μTron keyboard equivalent, you have the likes of Cherry G80-5000 for instance, and so on and so forth.

The reason I ask this and started this thread is because of my concern that one day the HHKB will no longer be available. This scares me as I'm learning this layout and then I'll have to go back to a standard layout.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 16 January 2014, 21:20:16
You can get MX boards with HHKB  layout
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: kfmfe04 on Thu, 16 January 2014, 23:04:26
You can get MX boards with HHKB  layout

I'd be very interested in this, if someone has cranked out an MX board close to Filco quality, but with a HHKB layout (I still prefer topre, but I need some MX boards to hold all these extra keycaps  :)) ).  Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: demik on Thu, 16 January 2014, 23:06:31
kmac happy

GH60
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: tuxsavvy on Fri, 17 January 2014, 00:53:42
a kmac is like a kit to build a classic horse pulled carriage..

The whole concept of the horse drawn cart itself is obsolete and slow as balls..  BUT it's pretty and reminds people of simpler times.

The Egdx on the other hand is like a modern gasoline car..  It's better in everyway.. you may or may not find it aesthetically pleasing, since to most people, it's not what they're used to seeing with respect to the rectangle in front of their computers.

Make no mistake... extended use of classic keyboards inevitably leads to Repetitive stress disorder...

There is no question that this is what's going to happen if you lead a computer-oriented lifestyle..

If you had to dig trenches with a shovel,  vs a tractor...   That is the difference...
Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion_custom/th_0pride.gif)


tp, your title should be "Ergodox Enforcer"
You're definitely not alone there - I have said something similar before. Also that is ignoring the fact that there's dime-a-dozen more ergonomic keyboards floating out there on the market, plenty more fancy varied shapes and sizes to choose from. When talking about ergonomics, there's plenty of ways to skin a cat - to say ErgoDox is superior to all of the ergonomical keyboard designs out there is really a bold (yet naïve) statement.

Anyway OP, I think your question is too open. For HHKB equivalent in Cherry MX realm (whilst retaining 60% factor) you have KMAC. For μTron keyboard equivalent, you have the likes of Cherry G80-5000 for instance, and so on and so forth.

The reason I ask this and started this thread is because of my concern that one day the HHKB will no longer be available. This scares me as I'm learning this layout and then I'll have to go back to a standard layout.

There will be clones comes the day when there is a need to. Also I think it is mainly the left Control key that gets swapped. There's honestly a fair few 60% boards which look somewhat a little similar to HHKB (minus the left control key being in the same position).

Also, I guess it wouldn't hurt to swap around with other keyboards as well. That is pretty much what I am doing, swapping around with other keyboard so that I can then paint a mental image of the keyboard in my head along with the keys and what not.
Title: Re: Most highly retarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Oobly on Fri, 17 January 2014, 03:18:52
Perhaps this:
(http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/26/0,1425,sz=1&i=269299,00.jpg)

Or the iOne Scorpius M10 or an older Razer Blackwidow.... Oh wait, you said "regarded", not "retarded"... Oh well.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 17 January 2014, 04:00:15
Or thinking about it a different way, if by most highly regarded you would consider one that is most recommended, I have probably seen CM QFR recommended more than almost any other keyboard around here.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Oobly on Fri, 17 January 2014, 04:28:25
Or thinking about it a different way, if by most highly regarded you would consider one that is most recommended, I have probably seen CM QFR recommended more than almost any other keyboard around here.

Nah, that would be most often recommended. Most highly regarded is the one considered to be best overall, QFR is just considered best value.

I hadn't thought about the Korean customs, just "normal" commercial boards. A custom is very nice, but hard to pin down one design that gives the best idea of how MX feels. Some custom sellers offer completed boards, but it costs more. Personally I think a Filco comes close to the customs if you simply replace the case with a metal one. A big advantage of customs, though, is a plate that allows you open the switches without desoldering them.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: rowdy on Fri, 17 January 2014, 04:31:17
Or thinking about it a different way, if by most highly regarded you would consider one that is most recommended, I have probably seen CM QFR recommended more than almost any other keyboard around here.

Nah, that would be most often recommended. Most highly regarded is the one considered to be best overall, QFR is just considered best value.

I hadn't thought about the Korean customs, just "normal" commercial boards. A custom is very nice, but hard to pin down one design that gives the best idea of how MX feels. Some custom sellers offer completed boards, but it costs more. Personally I think a Filco comes close to the customs if you simply replace the case with a metal one. A big advantage of customs, though, is a plate that allows you open the switches without desoldering them.

I was thinking that the keyboard you regarded the highest is the one you are most likely to recommend to a friend.

A Korean custom, or HHKB-S might be your favourite, but they are not often the first keyboard recommended to a newbie due to cost.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: terran5992 on Fri, 17 January 2014, 04:34:13
Filco or a korean custom
Title: Re: Most highly retarded MX keyboard?
Post by: epzy on Fri, 17 January 2014, 04:36:20
Perhaps this:
Show Image
(http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/26/0,1425,sz=1&i=269299,00.jpg)


Or the iOne Scorpius M10 or an older Razer Blackwidow.... Oh wait, you said "regarded", not "retarded"... Oh well.

What a nice spaceship keyboard.  :cool:
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Grim Fandango on Fri, 17 January 2014, 05:33:55
Most highly regarded. So that is about having the reputation of being the best right? I have not tried enough of them to answer which is actually best, but if you comb through the forum and have to find some kind of consensus, then I think you would find that Filco is the brand often mentioned when people are talking about a quality MX board. That is not to say that other brands like Leopold and so on are thought of as bad, but it seems that at least in the minds of people Filco is the benchmark.

Of course, that does not mean that everyone would agree with it. While a non-issue for most, some people would rather get a board that does not have the infamous ping. Or a board with other stabilizers. Or a board which comes with PBT stock keycaps instead of Filcos crappy padprinted ABS ones, and so on. But, we are talking overall reputation here.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: neunelfer on Fri, 17 January 2014, 09:08:22
a kmac is like a kit to build a classic horse pulled carriage..

The whole concept of the horse drawn cart itself is obsolete and slow as balls..  BUT it's pretty and reminds people of simpler times.

The Egdx on the other hand is like a modern gasoline car..  It's better in everyway.. you may or may not find it aesthetically pleasing, since to most people, it's not what they're used to seeing with respect to the rectangle in front of their computers.

Make no mistake... extended use of classic keyboards inevitably leads to Repetitive stress disorder...

There is no question that this is what's going to happen if you lead a computer-oriented lifestyle..

If you had to dig trenches with a shovel,  vs a tractor...   That is the difference...
Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion_custom/th_0pride.gif)


tp, your title should be "Ergodox Enforcer"
You're definitely not alone there - I have said something similar before. Also that is ignoring the fact that there's dime-a-dozen more ergonomic keyboards floating out there on the market, plenty more fancy varied shapes and sizes to choose from. When talking about ergonomics, there's plenty of ways to skin a cat - to say ErgoDox is superior to all of the ergonomical keyboard designs out there is really a bold (yet naïve) statement.

Anyway OP, I think your question is too open. For HHKB equivalent in Cherry MX realm (whilst retaining 60% factor) you have KMAC. For μTron keyboard equivalent, you have the likes of Cherry G80-5000 for instance, and so on and so forth.

The reason I ask this and started this thread is because of my concern that one day the HHKB will no longer be available. This scares me as I'm learning this layout and then I'll have to go back to a standard layout.

There will be clones comes the day when there is a need to. Also I think it is mainly the left Control key that gets swapped. There's honestly a fair few 60% boards which look somewhat a little similar to HHKB (minus the left control key being in the same position).

Also, I guess it wouldn't hurt to swap around with other keyboards as well. That is pretty much what I am doing, swapping around with other keyboard so that I can then paint a mental image of the keyboard in my head along with the keys and what not.

Really, the layout of the HHKB isn't that different. A few lines in Autohotkey and you can basically replicate it.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: kskwerl on Fri, 17 January 2014, 09:47:22
Is there any way to swap the control with the shift on the HHKB?
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 17 January 2014, 09:55:18
Is there any way to swap the control with the shift on the HHKB?

If your on windows you could use keytweak, not sure why you'd want to swap them though :P
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: neunelfer on Fri, 17 January 2014, 10:07:40
Is there any way to swap the control with the shift on the HHKB?

If your on windows you could use keytweak, not sure why you'd want to swap them though :P

Either that or autohotkey.
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: kskwerl on Fri, 17 January 2014, 10:09:36
Is there any way to swap the control with the shift on the HHKB?

If your on windows you could use keytweak, not sure why you'd want to swap them though :P

Is there any way to swap the control with the shift on the HHKB?

If your on windows you could use keytweak, not sure why you'd want to swap them though :P

Either that or autohotkey.

Thanks guys, not sure if I'm gonna reprogram it like that or not or just give it more time
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Wildcard on Fri, 17 January 2014, 10:15:23
H H K B H H K B H H K B H H K B
(http://img.pandawhale.com/post-26315-Hypnotize-2jSL.gif) (http://img.pandawhale.com/post-26315-Hypnotize-2jSL.gif)
H H K B H H K B H H K B H H K B

MXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMX
(http://i.imgur.com/wyYOP.gif) (http://i.imgur.com/wyYOP.gif)
MXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMX
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 17 January 2014, 10:24:45
Show Image
H H K B H H K B H H K B H H K B
(http://img.pandawhale.com/post-26315-Hypnotize-2jSL.gif) (http://img.pandawhale.com/post-26315-Hypnotize-2jSL.gif)

H H K B H H K B H H K B H H K B

MXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMX
(http://i.imgur.com/wyYOP.gif) (http://i.imgur.com/wyYOP.gif)
MXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMX

wow...that almost makes me want to puke...
Title: Re: Most highly regarded MX keyboard?
Post by: neunelfer on Fri, 17 January 2014, 10:32:04
Show Image
H H K B H H K B H H K B H H K B
(http://img.pandawhale.com/post-26315-Hypnotize-2jSL.gif) (http://img.pandawhale.com/post-26315-Hypnotize-2jSL.gif)

H H K B H H K B H H K B H H K B

MXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMX
(http://i.imgur.com/wyYOP.gif) (http://i.imgur.com/wyYOP.gif)
MXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMXBLUESMX

wow...that almost makes me want to puke...

You might be sitting too close to your screen
Title: Re: Most highly retarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Krogenar on Fri, 17 January 2014, 12:17:20
Perhaps this:
Show Image
(http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/26/0,1425,sz=1&i=269299,00.jpg)


Or the iOne Scorpius M10 or an older Razer Blackwidow.... Oh wait, you said "regarded", not "retarded"... Oh well.

What a nice spaceship keyboard.  :cool:

****, the chevrons are locking!
Title: Re: Most highly retarded MX keyboard?
Post by: Novus on Fri, 17 January 2014, 19:11:14
Perhaps this:
Show Image
(http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/26/0,1425,sz=1&i=269299,00.jpg)


Or the iOne Scorpius M10 or an older Razer Blackwidow.... Oh wait, you said "regarded", not "retarded"... Oh well.

What a nice spaceship keyboard.  :cool:

****, the chevrons are locking!
brb grabbing hologram projection technology.
Muhahahhaahahahahaha
and now you cannot escape.