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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ablooga on Thu, 27 November 2014, 19:54:57

Title: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ablooga on Thu, 27 November 2014, 19:54:57
Just curious because. I've got 2 friends and..
Friend 1: spends tons of money on keyboards, a gh member BUT,
Friend 2: uses microsoft peripherals that come free with his computer, yet types significantly faster than friend 1.
Friend 2 always mocks friend 1 for typing significantly slower than him, in spite of the difference in keyboards.

My 1st friend types like around 40wpm and my 2nd one types on avg just over 100wpm.
I mean i spend quite a bit on keyboards too, but I don't go past the intial keyboard purchase and get extras. I personally just buy the keyboard and leave it like that. I type around 90wpm on avg and spent bout 130$ on type heaven and around 220$ on the realforce hi pro
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Puddsy on Thu, 27 November 2014, 19:56:21
No, not shameful at all.

If you like something, keep doing it.

Unless that thing is murder.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ablooga on Thu, 27 November 2014, 20:01:34
But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.
Or like buying sunglasses for the blind, iuno something like that
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 27 November 2014, 20:03:09
I didn't know linkbane had friends.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ablooga on Thu, 27 November 2014, 20:04:38
who?
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: hwood34 on Thu, 27 November 2014, 20:05:43
65 WPM club
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Telephasic on Thu, 27 November 2014, 20:14:34
If I spent as much time typing out words as I do gaming on my keyboard....:p
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Altis on Thu, 27 November 2014, 20:56:53
But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.
Or like buying sunglasses for the blind, iuno something like that

Speed isn't the main factor in keyboards, if you ask me. You might get a Ferrari if speed is your goal, but I bet you'd enjoy a scenic drive in a luxury car, and I'd bet you'd rather put 4 adults into a large vehicle. Maybe you like classic cars (expensive and way outdated, but an entirely different experience). Or maybe you like highly customized cars for their uniqueness. There is so much more to it than just typing speed.

For me, it's more about the comfort and overall experience. For example, I type fastest on an Apple aluminum keyboard... but I enjoy my Realforce 87U 55g more. I think comfort is a really big factor as well because repetitive stress injuries (RSI) can be a serious health problem that you'd want to avoid.

Take speed out of the equation, unless your desire is to become a faster typist. In that case, practice is what you really need, and it will come with time.

Otherwise, don't worry about it. Consider yourself a sunday typist.  :cool:

Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: noisyturtle on Thu, 27 November 2014, 21:02:51
Nope  :llama:


Under 60 you really should up your game though  :blank:
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Evo_Spec on Thu, 27 November 2014, 21:51:03
Absolutely not shameful but i only really do typing tests because i love how it feels.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Lain1911 on Thu, 27 November 2014, 21:54:00
It's your money, use it when you need it!
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Coreda on Thu, 27 November 2014, 21:56:37
Not at all shameful, really. It's much like many interests people have, such as collecting sports related items even if they don't play the sport or play well. In the case of keyboards I'd imagine a lot is spent on finding the right individual feel, as well as purely aesthetic expenses, or just even liking to tinker as most geeks do.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 27 November 2014, 21:58:38
85 WPM. I am the Geekhack champion
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Richard Eul on Thu, 27 November 2014, 22:08:14
Absolutely not shameful - do what you want with your own money!

On the same note, I use a gaming mouse for my everyday normal use & office use but I don't game, but the main reason I bought it is for the comfort and light clicks. As well for the lighting. (I'm using Roccat Kone Pure Optical) :p
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Veridis on Thu, 27 November 2014, 22:15:09
Nothing wrong with typing slow, but we really owe it to ourselves to have decent touch typing!
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: DrHubblePhD on Thu, 27 November 2014, 22:38:54
When I bought my first MK I was typing around 39-45 wpm. After spending time with some good keyboards and some proper diligence I am now typing 95-100 wpm. Spending money on keyboards does not require incredible talent, if you love it, and you find it fun, it is worth investing in!
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: jackalope on Thu, 27 November 2014, 22:44:28
IMO most people get into mechanical keyboards because of how it feels and and the range of options from cases to keys, the boosts in typing speed is just a major bonus. Friend 2 is just a ****, lol.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 27 November 2014, 22:52:02
It's not shameful to BUY the expensive keyboard and START slow..

It however IS shameful if you bought the keyboard,  and 1 year later, your STILLLLLL slow..


Not everyone starts the key-power hobby with 1337 skillz...   but if you don't END with 1337 skillz, You've wasted your money..

THAT is shameful..  (http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/onion-head/oh-onion-head-emoticon.gif?1292862514)
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: FrostyToast on Thu, 27 November 2014, 23:19:35
I get 90 WPM on 10 fast fingers
around 50 anywhere else
Although to be fair I have started doing the advanced tests on 10 fast fingers and I have maintained straight 70s and very high 60s on all of them.

It is absolutely not shameful at all. Although I do think that people should at least learn touch typing or try to.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: _PixelNinja on Thu, 27 November 2014, 23:25:27
I agree with the others here; it is by no means shameful, but you do owe it to yourself to learn touch typing.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: skuko on Fri, 28 November 2014, 00:57:48
i don't even touch type and i spent over 1000 euros on boards in the past 2 years. and i don't give a f**k...
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Oobly on Fri, 28 November 2014, 01:05:16
By no means is it shameful. A nice mechanical keyboard can improve your comfort when typing and as a result you may find yourself typing faster. Mechanical keyboards are not designed primarily for speed, but rather for quality and feel and just for typing, however you do it. If you like a thing and can afford to buy it, you can use as you wish. Unless it's specifically designed to be used differently...
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: mz/x on Fri, 28 November 2014, 03:10:03
I love this thread. :thumb:

I think it is not shameful. In my case I call myself the "one fingered magician" as I type so slowly that probably the word counter would commit a suicide if I ever wanted to measure my speed.  ;D

I got my mechanical keyboard because it makes it a bit better ... also, since we spend so much time front of displays and computers then use something that makes you feel better. Ok these are justifications and I am sure that a cheap item would work as well. However, if you work on something that you like then you have better mood.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: appleonama on Fri, 28 November 2014, 04:26:49
No, not shameful at all.

If you like something, keep doing it.

Unless that thing is murder.

drugs it is then
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 28 November 2014, 06:03:40
No, not shameful at all.

If you like something, keep doing it.

Unless that thing is murder.

drugs it is then


There's mucho murder in droogas.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ynrozturk on Fri, 28 November 2014, 07:41:31
40 WPM is pretty bad though, damn. He must be typing with his nose.

I'm at a consistent 110. I set challenges for myself before buying a new board sometimes, just to push myself. 100 was the Poker II challenge, 110 was the Filco challenge, and 120 is the current GON challenge.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ConscienceDrop on Fri, 28 November 2014, 07:57:08
don't you dare buy nice running shoes if you cant run 100m in 10 seconds.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: dustinhxc on Fri, 28 November 2014, 09:56:40
No it is fine!

People who tell you to type faster just because you have a mech board are jerks.

Enjoy the amazing feels of switches and relax. ;)
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ablooga on Fri, 28 November 2014, 13:53:10
don't you dare buy nice running shoes if you cant run 100m in 10 seconds.
bad joke. not funny.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: mogo on Fri, 28 November 2014, 14:53:25
Hilarious joke. Very funny! ConscienceDrop was being satirical, lighten up! :D

I agree with the expensive car analogy. Spending money on a nice keyboard isn't like buying a fast Ferrari you can't push to its limits, it can be like buying a plush Bentley that you love the feel of. Or like buying a cherry Miata, so you can feel more connected and precise with the experience of driving (typing) without having to go blisteringly fast. Typing speed is not the one and only reason to become a keyboard enthusiast, there's finger feel, sound, and for some people, pure aesthetics and nothing more. And everyone is equally valid in their reasons to be an enthusiast here.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: katushkin on Fri, 28 November 2014, 15:32:28
My typing speed is terrible. But to be honest, I don't type a massive amount, so I can't see my WPM rising any time soon. But then I always do terrible to typing tests but I seem to type pretty fast when I know what I'm typing.

Bleh. Don't really care. I think it's more like buying a Jaguar or a Rolls Royce. It just makes your experience more enjoyable.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: domoaligato on Fri, 28 November 2014, 22:06:34
ergonomics is a good reason other then apm ti buy a nice keyboard fyi
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Lain1911 on Fri, 28 November 2014, 22:10:09
Typing slow is like eating slow? Savor the feels?
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: C5Allroad on Fri, 28 November 2014, 23:09:45
It's not really wrong at all.
You'll slowly become faster.
Stick to one board, and practice on that switch for sometime. You'll get faster on that and it would be faster to adapt to other.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ablooga on Fri, 28 November 2014, 23:51:43
Typing slow is like eating slow? Savor the feels?
Uhm. you're trying to hard to find positives out of typing slow.. lol..
Eating and typing isn't a good comparison at all...
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Fragil1ty on Sat, 29 November 2014, 00:34:06
It's your money, do what you want with it. Doesn't matter if you type at 60 or 160, we all like to own nice products and with that in mind, I'm pretty sure that's why a lot of us here on GH own a lot of the expensive products that we do.


I type at a fairly high WPM and me buying a HHKB for example and you buying a HHKB, there is literally no difference, I'm no better than you because I can type higher/faster on my HHKB than you.


At the end of the day, practice makes perfect, none of us started out typing at these fast speeds, it takes time, I've been typing since I was about 12 and I'm 24 now. I remember back when I got my first computer, I was typing with one hand (lmfao) and looking at the keys constantly, oh how far I have come.


Just buy what you want, practice and then that's that.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ablooga on Sat, 29 November 2014, 01:26:12
But but what's the point in paying big bucks on a product a person cannot use efficiently?
saying "Buy what you want, it's your money" sounds like the fattest excuse ever,
Nobody here has yet to give a more logically reason other than "it's your money".
The point I'm trying to make is. A person should at least know or at at least learn how to properly use the tool or product well. Before investing tons of money in it. I mean its practically saying I bought a $5000 dollar grand piano, but guess what. I can't play the piano. BUT ITS OKAY. Because it's MY MONEY. It seems like people on geekhack are willing to defend their heavy purchases on keyboards at all cost. Even if they can't use well enough. Even if it's impractical. Even if they type slow. I know I know. It's a hobby. There's nothing wrong with having a big budget hobby on something only people here on geekhack care about. Frankly I too spend hundreds on keyboards. And I have no shame in spending tons. And i know there's no rule against typing slow and spending tons. BUT still. Shouldn't people at least be proficient with the EXPENSIVE products they buy.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: tjcaustin on Sat, 29 November 2014, 01:33:13
Then both you and friend 1 should sell your mechanicals and go back to free keyboards (neither of you are as proficient as your friend that uses those anyways) since this is clearly the answer you want spoon fed to you.

Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: epzy on Sat, 29 November 2014, 02:17:58
I get 120+ wpm on typeracer all the time, and I don't think it's in any way "shameful" to spend "a lot of money" on keyboards even though you're a slow typist.

First of all, expensive mechanical keyboards are most likely going to last longer than some cheap non-mechanical keyboard. Second, most people find mechanicals more comfortable to type on, therefore I don't see why someone can't spend money on these types of keyboards without being crucified for doing so. Third, these are pretty much luxury items, so if he has the money, just let him enjoy himself/herself... nothing wrong with that.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: jacobolus on Sat, 29 November 2014, 04:28:34
But but what's the point in paying big bucks on a product a person cannot use efficiently?
saying "Buy what you want, it's your money" sounds like the fattest excuse ever,
Nobody here has yet to give a more logically reason other than "it's your money".
The point I'm trying to make is. A person should at least know or at at least learn how to properly use the tool or product well. Before investing tons of money in it. I mean its practically saying I bought a $5000 dollar grand piano, but guess what. I can't play the piano. BUT ITS OKAY. Because it's MY MONEY. It seems like people on geekhack are willing to defend their heavy purchases on keyboards at all cost. Even if they can't use well enough. Even if it's impractical. Even if they type slow. I know I know. It's a hobby. There's nothing wrong with having a big budget hobby on something only people here on geekhack care about. Frankly I too spend hundreds on keyboards. And I have no shame in spending tons. And i know there's no rule against typing slow and spending tons. BUT still. Shouldn't people at least be proficient with the EXPENSIVE products they buy.
How much money have you spent on writing implements (pens, paper, computers, printers, etc.) and education, without learning to write proper grammatical sentences? Shouldn’t you at least be proficient with basic English grammar before spending money on anything but a pencil and the cheapest possible printer paper, and some remedial writing lessons?

(See what a condescending and obnoxious kind of argument that is?)
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: tbc on Sat, 29 November 2014, 06:18:39
has linkbane ever actually left?
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sat, 29 November 2014, 09:38:31
"But but what's the point in paying big bucks on a product a person cannot use efficiently?"

That's funny... I guess we should start by annihilating all the collectors.

I'm a proud owner of lots of expensive keyboards and I shamelessly cruise at about 70wpm.

How much you pay for something is a dosage of mean,  reason, passion and function.
I say respect others and yourself for how they/you balance these 4 towers or be ashamed of yourself.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Geroximo on Sat, 29 November 2014, 15:27:41
But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.

What would you prefer? Driving a Ferrari or driving a piece of junk?
... Exactly.
Driving a ferrari is just more enjoyable ... no matter how fast you're driving.

That's how i see it.
Typing speed doesn't matter .... the feeling you have while typing is what counts  :thumb:
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Touch_It on Sat, 29 November 2014, 16:00:34
My spending is justified! lol.  Although if you enjoy the keyboard but still type slow, oh well.  I'd rather someone type slow but have a sweet mech keyboard than a crappy un-enjoyable RD keyboard. (I know its all preference and there are perfectly good RD and bad mech keyboards)
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: katushkin on Sat, 29 November 2014, 16:38:17
You spent a lot of money on a computer? Why don't you do video rendering or crypto currency mining 24/7?

You spent money on a house? Why did you spend a lot of money on it if you spend 8 hours a day at work?

You bought a cooker? Why don't you cook Michelin Starred meals every night?

You bought a new HD TV? Why do you settle for watching media less than 1080p?

I could go on and on. This is stupid.

The answer to your question in the OP is no.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Hypersphere on Sat, 29 November 2014, 16:48:04
Like so many things in life, or like life itself, it's not about how fast you go. It's about savoring the experiences and enjoying the journey.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: cephelix on Sat, 29 November 2014, 19:01:30
Just dropped almost SGD200 on my keyboard, took the typing test and lo and behold, i type at a granny's pace of 45 words per minute. Ashamed of myself but hey, at least the typing experience feels more comfortable and natural now compared to my previous mechanical or my rubber dome at work.

To my colleagues, they'll never understand why I chose to spend that amount of money on a keyboard, when normal ones cost so much less, but to me, my typing experience has become more enjoyable, and I suppose, that's all that matters
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Geoph on Sat, 29 November 2014, 21:37:12
I watched a video of a ducky keyboard a while ago and thought it was really nice and I had never used a mech board before. Then I used one at a Dota2 LAN I was competing in and I just had to buy one. So a few months later I bought a Ducky Shine 3 and didn't even think about my WPM or how much it would cost me, just how it felt to type with and use on a daily basis. Even a few months with my Ducky I already want to purchase all sorts of new fancy keycaps and even new boards with different switches in.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: EvilOliv3 on Sun, 30 November 2014, 00:49:52
I bought a Ducky for all the shiny lights and barely use it... pretty sure that is more shameful....
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 30 November 2014, 02:33:46
But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.

What would you prefer? Driving a Ferrari or driving a piece of junk?
... Exactly.
Driving a ferrari is just more enjoyable ... no matter how fast you're driving.

That's how i see it.
Typing speed doesn't matter .... the feeling you have while typing is what counts  :thumb:


NO... that is NOT how you should see it...

A mechanical keyboard is in NO WAYS like a ferrari.   

It serves a very different function..

A ferrari is a devote VANITY item that is a badge for the Rich, and it helps men get laid, and women fill that emptiness inside themselves..


A mechanical keyboard is a TOOOL, no matter how expensive it is.  it can NEVER function as a vanity item, because it's NOT something anyone else will see and judge you upon..  ONTOP of which it will NEVER EVER get you Sex-Points with the females..


Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Luweewu on Sun, 30 November 2014, 04:53:07
ONTOP of which it will NEVER EVER get you Sex-Points with the females..
I wouldn't be surprised if there's been at least one guy sometime, somewhere that got laid because of the clickity-clack.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Geroximo on Sun, 30 November 2014, 04:53:41
A ferrari is a devote VANITY item that is a badge for the Rich, and it helps men get laid, and women fill that emptiness inside themselves..

It's also a superb piece of engineering, which every car enthusiast would enjoy driving, not for the women, but for driving pleasure !

But yeah, I see why you wouldn't compare a car to a keyboard. OP did bring this comparison, not me really.

A mechanical keyboard is a TOOOL, no matter how expensive it is.  it can NEVER function as a vanity item, because it's NOT something anyone else will see and judge you upon..

NOT something anyone else will see and judge you upon?

I beg to differ ... see:

To my colleagues, they'll never understand why I chose to spend that amount of money on a keyboard, when normal ones cost so much less, but to me, my typing experience has become more enjoyable, and I suppose, that's all that matters
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: cephelix on Sun, 30 November 2014, 06:11:56
well, at this stage it brings more to the table than the average person realises. I mean, beyond the few of us that really need it, for the rest of us it's more of a want
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Dihedral on Sun, 30 November 2014, 08:24:37
Quote
A ferrari is a devote VANITY item that is a badge for the Rich, and it helps men get laid, and women fill that emptiness inside themselves..


A mechanical keyboard is a TOOOL, no matter how expensive it is.  it can NEVER function as a vanity item, because it's NOT something anyone else will see and judge you upon..  ONTOP of which it will NEVER EVER get you Sex-Points with the females..



Obviously a ferrari is not a tool; it is a little known fact that ferraris do not actually function as cars.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ConscienceDrop on Sun, 30 November 2014, 08:33:55
I believe Ferrari's are engineered for their ability to magnetically attract female genitalia.

This has, so far, not been the case with my mechanical keyboards.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Dihedral on Sun, 30 November 2014, 11:48:50
I believe Ferrari's are engineered for their ability to magnetically attract female genitalia.

This has, so far, not been the case with my mechanical keyboards.

Maybe you have the wrong kind of switch
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Fragil1ty on Sun, 30 November 2014, 15:49:58
But but what's the point in paying big bucks on a product a person cannot use efficiently?
saying "Buy what you want, it's your money" sounds like the fattest excuse ever,
Nobody here has yet to give a more logically reason other than "it's your money".

The point I'm trying to make is. A person should at least know or at at least learn how to properly use the tool or product well. Before investing tons of money in it. I mean its practically saying I bought a $5000 dollar grand piano, but guess what. I can't play the piano. BUT ITS OKAY. Because it's MY MONEY. It seems like people on geekhack are willing to defend their heavy purchases on keyboards at all cost. Even if they can't use well enough. Even if it's impractical. Even if they type slow. I know I know. It's a hobby. There's nothing wrong with having a big budget hobby on something only people here on geekhack care about. Frankly I too spend hundreds on keyboards. And I have no shame in spending tons. And i know there's no rule against typing slow and spending tons. BUT still. Shouldn't people at least be proficient with the EXPENSIVE products they buy.


I don't know if it's just me, but you sound a bit idiotic. Are you looking for people to agree with your opinion, are you looking for the right opinion, are you looking for spoon fed opinions as someone above kindly stated, you're starting to become somewhat annoying from my point of view.


Quote
saying "Buy what you want, it's your money" sounds like the fattest excuse ever,


I don't entirely know what you mean by this? Feel free to elaborate if you want, but I don't fully understand what you're getting at.


Quote
The point I'm trying to make is. A person should at least know or at at least learn how to properly use the tool or product well. Before investing tons of money in it. I mean its practically saying I bought a $5000 dollar grand piano, but guess what. I can't play the piano. BUT ITS OKAY. Because it's MY MONEY. It seems like people on geekhack are willing to defend their heavy purchases on keyboards at all cost. Even if they can't use well enough. Even if it's impractical. Even if they type slow. I know I know. It's a hobby. There's nothing wrong with having a big budget hobby on something only people here on geekhack care about. Frankly I too spend hundreds on keyboards. And I have no shame in spending tons. And i know there's no rule against typing slow and spending tons. BUT still. Shouldn't people at least be proficient with the EXPENSIVE products they buy.


Putting it bluntly? No. People can do WHATEVER they want with their own funds, if they want to have an enjoyable typing experience and if they want to spend a lot money to find out what their ideal typing experience is, then so be it, as previously stated, 'it's their money, they can do whatever they want with it.'


It sounds like to me, that you have some personal vendetta against people spending a lot of money on a certain product because they may not be able to use it to it's full potential, when at the end of the day, it's a ****ing keyboard, it's going to get typed on, it's going to get gamed on, it's going to be used regardless, I honestly don't understand why you're putting across some of the points that you are, to be frank with you.


Looks like I can't go ahead and get the new iPhone 6 because I'm not going to use it to it's full potential, after all, I only use it for texting and social media and I type slower on an iPhone than I do anything else, **** you got me. :(

Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: cephelix on Sun, 30 November 2014, 16:01:29
Of course ideally the product gets used to it's full potential.but how many ferrari owners do you see driving their cars at too speed? How many people with computer users know the ins and outs of the system software and hardware wise? Not many compared to the rest but the main thing is it still gets used, to varying degrees.so long as their purchases don't mean sacrificing quality of life in other aspects, and if they can comfortably afford it, why not? Once they are interested and enthusiastic about that item, they'll learn more about it.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ablooga on Mon, 01 December 2014, 02:55:51
But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.

What would you prefer? Driving a Ferrari or driving a piece of junk?
... Exactly.
Driving a ferrari is just more enjoyable ... no matter how fast you're driving.

That's how i see it.
Typing speed doesn't matter .... the feeling you have while typing is what counts  :thumb:
pieces of junk cost way less and provide the same functionality as a ferarri.
microsoft keyboards end result is exactly the same as a thousand dollar keyboard.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: whentheclouds on Mon, 01 December 2014, 03:22:49
i'm sorry but reading this thread makes me want to punch OP in the face
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: fanpeople on Mon, 01 December 2014, 03:56:11
I like nice keyboards, yet most of my computer time is spent on a rubber dome dooby HP/mehmassive IT contract3$keyboard. Rules are no changing of the contracted hardware.

But I like to come home and spend a few hours listening to the clickety clackety of the model M. Not really the expensive keyboard HHKB etc. that I think you guys are talking about but it cost more than $30-$50. Thus I think it qualifies as expensive in the eyes of 86% of the population. I find it therapeutic and relaxing, using the car comparison I like to relax on my keyboard whereas some people like to relax in their nice car  on the weekend. You don't have to go fast and be an knob on the road to enjoy something.

PS what about all the keyboards branded to attract gamers for the purpose of gaming? Gaming dons't require an advanced typing number codified through the application of a set period designed to compare ones ability to another, yet from what I see a large portion of the keyboard market is aimed at gaming not typing.     

33 WPM..... if anyone was wondering  :blank:
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ynrozturk on Mon, 01 December 2014, 06:21:13
The Ferrari arguments is stupid as well. 99% of Ferrari owners will ever even hit 200 mph in it.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: luisbg on Mon, 01 December 2014, 06:49:57
The Ferrari arguments is stupid as well. 99% of Ferrari owners will ever even hit 200 mph in it.

I agree.

Also because driving well isn't the same as driving fast.
I have friends who drive like maniacs and nobody wants to go with them. I will arrive a few minutes after them, but aiming at a very smooth and fun ride.

For that matter, the guy spending tons of money in the Ferrari living in a city is wasting his money because I will get there faster on my motorbike because I can filter through traffic. Wouldn't mind trading though. Never been on a Ferrari, but have been on a few Porsches and they are definitely very nice to be in. Enjoyment isn't only about speed.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: PocoLoco on Sat, 13 December 2014, 09:58:13
No  it isnt shameful you like the typing experience with mechanical keyboards wpm does not mean too much imho, its just bragging rights
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ideus on Sat, 13 December 2014, 10:28:54
Are mechanical keyboards only to type fast? I do not think so, I like them because I spent most of my working time on one, thus, I do not want to live with a cheapo, chicle feeling, tiring rubber membrane keyboard.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: luisbg on Sat, 13 December 2014, 11:37:18
I have a simple system to decide if something is worth the cost: I divide price by usage time.

I bought 200 euro rollerblades, have used them half a dozen times. Not worth it.

I've spent around 500 euros in my ErgoDox and Leopold. As a professional coder and open source enthusiast, I type for around 10 hours most days. Mechs make it a bigger pleasure. Totally worth it.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: RoflCopter4 on Sun, 14 December 2014, 08:38:20
What counts as a "low" WPM anyway?

When I got my Model M a few months ago I noticed for the first time that I had a very odd way of typing. I was getting something like 90 WPM but I was only touch typing in the conventional sense with my left hand. My right hand was only using two fingers. I wasn't looking at the keyboard or anything, I had the key locations memorized, but it wasn't proper touch typing. Ever since I've been trying to unlearn the way I've typed all my life and pick up "proper" touch typing and as a result my WPM has fallen to 70-80. I do seem to have slightly fewer typos though. I honestly do not know why I only learned to touch type with one hand. I can only imagine that I only bothered taking the typing lessons we had to take for my left hand and then just did nothing for the other. Kind of confusing, really.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Xonar on Sun, 14 December 2014, 09:24:40
Definitely not shameful. It's all about the experience of typing on a proper keyboard. I can understand the frustration of it, though. I'm learning Dvorak right now, and my typing speed on QWERTY seems to be decreasing because of it. lol Down to 60 WPM from my usual 85-90 WPM.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Grim Fandango on Sun, 14 December 2014, 10:01:00
It is not shameful.

Though if you are spending that much on keyboards, do yourself a favor and learn how to touch type. I really think there is something about these keyboards in terms of feel that non-touch typists will never grasp. I type only about 85 WPM on 10fastfingers.com. My sister types over 100 WPM on her laptop's chiclet keyboard. Who cares, I use it because I like the way typing on my keyboards feel.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Lunatique on Sun, 14 December 2014, 10:08:12
There are a **** ton of people who buy really expensive professional cameras and lenses, but take photos that look no better than typical vacation snapshots the average person takes with a phone or point-and-shoot camera, and they don't really try to learn to become a better photographer either. Yes, on some level it might seem a little silly, but that is a subjective judgment of values, not ethics or legality.

If we judge all gamers by the gaming keyboards, mice, gamepads, graphics cards, monitors, and computers they own, does that mean you have to be an elite professional gamer to justify buying nice gear? Is it okay to own nice gear if you are just an average gamer who never gets high scores or win competitions?

Let's look at it from another point of view:

Person A can type 180 WPM, but never actually writes anything of merit--just trolling on the web or sending pointless texts.

Person B  can only type 40 WPM, but is writing the next Great American Novel, or Oscar-winning screenplay, or coding an innovative new software that changes the way we live, or a speech that will result in a revolution that frees an oppressed people. Now, which one of them is more deserving of an expensive keyboard?

Value judgments are inherently subjective. You might place importance on WPM, but other people might place importance on enjoyment and comfort, or what is actually being written by the person using the expensive keyboard.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: RoflCopter4 on Sun, 14 December 2014, 17:14:54
There are a **** ton of people who buy really expensive professional cameras and lenses, but take photos that look no better than typical vacation snapshots the average person takes with a phone or point-and-shoot camera, and they don't really try to learn to become a better photographer either. Yes, on some level it might seem a little silly, but that is a subjective judgment of values, not ethics or legality.

If we judge all gamers by the gaming keyboards, mice, gamepads, graphics cards, monitors, and computers they own, does that mean you have to be an elite professional gamer to justify buying nice gear? Is it okay to own nice gear if you are just an average gamer who never gets high scores or win competitions?

Let's look at it from another point of view:

Person A can type 180 WPM, but never actually writes anything of merit--just trolling on the web or sending pointless texts.

Person B  can only type 40 WPM, but is writing the next Great American Novel, or Oscar-winning screenplay, or coding an innovative new software that changes the way we live, or a speech that will result in a revolution that frees an oppressed people. Now, which one of them is more deserving of an expensive keyboard?

Value judgments are inherently subjective. You might place importance on WPM, but other people might place importance on enjoyment and comfort, or what is actually being writren by the person using the expensive keyboard.

Now now, this is a very charged statement here. There is several millenia worth of philisophical debate on this topic. Some value judgements are not subjective. In this case though, they largely are. I'm just being a pedantic *******.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Lunatique on Sun, 14 December 2014, 18:00:36
There are a **** ton of people who buy really expensive professional cameras and lenses, but take photos that look no better than typical vacation snapshots the average person takes with a phone or point-and-shoot camera, and they don't really try to learn to become a better photographer either. Yes, on some level it might seem a little silly, but that is a subjective judgment of values, not ethics or legality.

If we judge all gamers by the gaming keyboards, mice, gamepads, graphics cards, monitors, and computers they own, does that mean you have to be an elite professional gamer to justify buying nice gear? Is it okay to own nice gear if you are just an average gamer who never gets high scores or win competitions?

Let's look at it from another point of view:

Person A can type 180 WPM, but never actually writes anything of merit--just trolling on the web or sending pointless texts.

Person B  can only type 40 WPM, but is writing the next Great American Novel, or Oscar-winning screenplay, or coding an innovative new software that changes the way we live, or a speech that will result in a revolution that frees an oppressed people. Now, which one of them is more deserving of an expensive keyboard?

Value judgments are inherently subjective. You might place importance on WPM, but other people might place importance on enjoyment and comfort, or what is actually being writren by the person using the expensive keyboard.

Now now, this is a very charged statement here. There is several millenia worth of philisophical debate on this topic. Some value judgements are not subjective. In this case though, they largely are. I'm just being a pedantic *******.

I agree that value judgments aren't always strictly subjective. When value judgments involve ethics, it starts to become more complex, and when ethical judgments are enforced by law, then it becomes something we must obey. At this level of discussion, we're safe from the police knocking on our door, so we're good.  :D

I was just trying to show the OP a different way to look at this subject.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: arakula on Mon, 15 December 2014, 06:08:25
But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.

BS. No, I don't mean Buckling Spring.
An overpowered car can be quite dangerous in the hands of someone who can't drive (but the same goes for a Smart).
A good keyboard, to go with your analogy, is more like a car that offers quite a lot of comfort and safety features you don't get in a cheap car, allowing for better and more exact steering (AND for going faster, but that's not the main point).

I'm not the fastest typist on this planet. Far from it. So what - I'm not paid on a words per minute scheme; got a far more interesting job than THAT. Using a good keyboard, however, reduces my typing errors by approx. 30%. I would type even slower on a cheap rubber dome keyboard, because I'd have to correct quite a lot more.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: bhtooefr on Mon, 15 December 2014, 08:07:12
I'd like to note that my fastest keyboard is a two way tie between an Acer Aspire One D250 and a Matias Tactile Pro 4. Those are the only keyboards that I've broken 120 WPM with (I've hit 119 with my Model F, though).

Guess which one I'd rather type on?

Earlier in this thread, someone compared mechanical keyboards to Miatas. Yes, you can get one to go quite fast in the twisty bits with skill, but it's still quite fun (at least in the dry, anyway) even if it's SLOWER, without skill. You won't get the most out of it without that skill, but you can get something out of it above and beyond a Toyota Corolla.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: mapple on Mon, 15 December 2014, 16:07:13
But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.
Or like buying sunglasses for the blind, iuno something like that

Speed isn't the main factor in keyboards, if you ask me. You might get a Ferrari if speed is your goal, but I bet you'd enjoy a scenic drive in a luxury car, and I'd bet you'd rather put 4 adults into a large vehicle. Maybe you like classic cars (expensive and way outdated, but an entirely different experience). Or maybe you like highly customized cars for their uniqueness. There is so much more to it than just typing speed.

For me, it's more about the comfort and overall experience. For example, I type fastest on an Apple aluminum keyboard... but I enjoy my Realforce 87U 55g more. I think comfort is a really big factor as well because repetitive stress injuries (RSI) can be a serious health problem that you'd want to avoid.

Take speed out of the equation, unless your desire is to become a faster typist. In that case, practice is what you really need, and it will come with time.

Otherwise, don't worry about it. Consider yourself a sunday typist.  :cool:



+1 for that. Additionally check out really deep that guy which claims that he's around 100. Might be that fast on words itself but when you add special signs he might be "bit lost" ;). Anywho, back to ferrari:D. Me personally with special signs it's around 70 wpm I know there's a lot of people which makes llllllllllllloooooooooooooooooootttttttttttttttttttt more. But ferrari is not best on straight line man, it's about downforce and cornering what makes ferrari sport car not straight line (obviously add sound to it;).
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: davkol on Tue, 16 December 2014, 07:46:16
I don't think it's the right question to ask.

What's the purpose of a keyboard?
A collectible? Then wpm is irrelevant.
A compensation of emotional/spiritual emptiness (like with most spending nowadays)? A way to boost your ego, show off your e-penis or simply get more street cred? Typing speed is another thing you can brag about; I think you're a tool in this case anyway.
A tool to get stuff done? Then evaluate, whether it types better, or not.

There's the fun factor, of course. People in marketing psychology claim that consumers get more enjoyment from more expensive stuff in general (as confirmed in case of wine, etc.). Enjoy your bias, I guess. Is it really worth it though? For example, why not seek pleasure in something with as few negative externalities as possible? (Environmental consequences of transportation are obvious; health effects of typing are something to consider as well.)
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: ideus on Tue, 16 December 2014, 08:01:22
I wonder why moderators have not moved this thread into the 'off topic' sub-forum yet.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: appleonama on Wed, 24 June 2015, 21:27:29
No, not shameful at all.

If you like something, keep doing it.

Unless that thing is murder.

drugs it is then


There's mucho murder in droogas.

hey vato tu eres narc?
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: jerue on Wed, 24 June 2015, 21:32:51
Nope, nothing wrong with it at all.

Friend #2 should try typing with Friend #1's keyboard and see if WPM is maintained. Give 5-10wpm due to changing boards, but if the speeds are about what you'd expect, friend #2 is a faster typist regardless of peripheral used.  :thumb:

FWIW I also type faster on rubber dome boards; In order of speed: Rubber dome, MX Blue, MX Clear, Topre, Buckling Spring. My Model M really slows me down - though I don't use it as much everyday as some other switches.

EDIT: Whoa I just realized this was necro-bumped.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: demik on Thu, 25 June 2015, 00:14:40
No, not shameful at all.

If you like something, keep doing it.

Unless that thing is murder.

drugs it is then


There's mucho murder in droogas.

hey vato tu eres narc?

You necro'd this for this corny ****?
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: hwood34 on Thu, 25 June 2015, 00:38:03
No, not shameful at all.

If you like something, keep doing it.

Unless that thing is murder.

drugs it is then


There's mucho murder in droogas.

hey vato tu eres narc?

You necro'd this for this corny ****?

ay man's gotta do what a man's gotta do to get the post count up
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Bucake on Thu, 25 June 2015, 01:30:09
the answer is no. it's a stupid question.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Elrick on Thu, 25 June 2015, 03:30:33
Friend 2 always mocks friend 1 for typing significantly slower than him, in spite of the difference in keyboards.

Very easy solution for you here, just dump so-called "friend 2"......... enough said  8) .
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: jamster on Thu, 25 June 2015, 04:18:01
Spending money on keyboards might be a bit eccentric, but not something to be embarrassed about.

I could see that being a super slow typist might be a bit embarrassing though (for anyone who types a lot, e.g. a student or an office professional). My best friend used to be a two fingered typist (we're IT guys) until I gave him so much **** that he finally learned to touch type :)
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 25 June 2015, 07:12:40
Of course not.

But a new set of golf clubs will take several strokes off your game.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: flamf on Thu, 25 June 2015, 07:13:40
Is this troll? I'm bad at internet :blank:
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: steve.v on Thu, 25 June 2015, 12:30:21
Please tell me what to do with my money. Go ahead
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: KeypressGraphics on Thu, 25 June 2015, 16:28:49
You could argue its those of us who aren't speed demons who deserve a little more assistance from our keyboards than those who are. :)
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: davkol on Thu, 25 June 2015, 16:48:01
You could argue its those of us who aren't speed demons who deserve a little more assistance from our keyboards than those who are. :)
Then learn to use text expansion software. It's free and actually helpful.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Mad_Maxx on Thu, 25 June 2015, 17:21:56
Of course not.

But a new set of golf clubs will take several strokes off your game.

Ha. That's what you think.

Nothing can help my golf game.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: theryaner on Fri, 26 June 2015, 05:24:48
Nah, buying keyboards is all about enhancing your overall experience when using your computer not wpm.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: Grrizz on Thu, 02 July 2015, 19:11:08
IMO there are lots of reasons to want a nice (and/or expensive) keyboard, if you type a lot and need/want a high WPM output a nice keyboard can aid in that but for others it'll be more about comfort, for some functionality e.g. additional keys/better layout for games, productivity or entertainment, it could be purely for aesthetic reasons and for others (myself included) the engineering aspect alone is enough to peak our interests. If someone tells you you shouldn't spend a good chunk of money a nice keyboard because your WPM is lower then 100 (or any other arbitrary number) its only because of their own narrow mindedness IMO.

Edit: Oh damn that necro...
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 02 July 2015, 19:23:02
Yes, and it is shameful to spend a lot of money on a pair of running shoes if you are not a track star.
Title: Re: Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm
Post by: mkawa on Sat, 04 July 2015, 13:23:41
i didn't tell you this but dorkvader can't touch type :whistle: