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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: dante on Sat, 04 April 2015, 09:02:46
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I don't know if it's something that happens when you get older but it seems as the years roll on the amount of regrets keeps piling up. One of these is thinking about all the cash/time I've squandered hunting boards that I thought were "it" but ended up falling short. So it got me thinking about how differently I would have changed things given the opportunity.
So... if you had to do it all over again what would you do differently?
1. For my first board I would have bought a Siig Minitouch and populated it with custom Linear Dampened Cream Alps.
2. I would have saved all my money to buy a KingSaver and wait until Matias Red Alps came out to decide whether to use them or not.
I love the V60MTS, not sure I'd want them again after trying a KingSaver :)
What about you?
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Buy topre and be done. Stay away from this place.
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Not selling my QFR and move straight to korean boards.
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Get on GH as soon as I bought a Keycool so I could have bought Clacks at retail.
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Buy topre and be done. Stay away from this place.
Pretty much this :))
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1. buy kustoms early on and not go through so many stock boards
2. actually post early on and not lurk for 4 months:p
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I would have registered earlier.
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I'd buy a Nerd60, and make it totally customized with my preferred layout, my own selection and mix of MX switch's stems and springs, and of course key caps and case. Stock boards are for starters, and going the custom route from start might has saved me hundreds dollars. But, in any case the quest for my preferred "sword (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70049.msg1683979#msg1683979)" has been a lot of fun; besides, I did not know enough at the beginning as to figure that out for myself, back then. Just read the awesome stories at this (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70049.msg1683979#msg1683979)thread.
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I would have skipped the Model M and went straight for a Model F.
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should have started Topre. Went through 3 boards and sold them at a considerable markdown before I found out I actualy really like silenced cup rubber.
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I would have never come to this place and enjoyed a cost free RD existence.
Seriously I have only been on this site for like 6 months and already own 5 keyboard (All IBM and all cost over $100), not to mention the extra key caps, custom SDL cables and the unnatural desire for Gasmasks.
Just did a quick calculation... I'm at about $900 in keyboard purchases, not including shipping costs and not including random cables and key caps.
Dam I love Model M/F
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I would buy all the Clacks available on classified when the price was can still be swallowed...
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I just got my first Topre board a few weeks ago (Novatouch TKL). If I was to start over I would definitely stick with Topre, and the new Alps ErgoDox that is currently on Massdrop.
I've realized that my preference for switches is ranked as follows (out of the switches I've tried):
1. Topre
2. Alps SKCL/SKCM / Matias
3. Buckling springs (these are great but a bit too loud)
4. MX switches (Gaterons preferred over Cherry)
Although I think MX switches are great, I'm finding I just don't prefer them to other mechanical switches.
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I just got my first Topre board a few weeks ago (Novatouch TKL). If I was to start over I would definitely stick with Topre, and the new Alps ErgoDox that is currently on Massdrop.
I've realized that my preference for switches is ranked as follows (out of the switches I've tried):
1. Topre
2. Alps SKCL/SKCM / Matias
3. Buckling springs (these are great but a bit too loud)
4. MX switches (Gaterons preferred over Cherry)
Although I think MX switches are great, I'm finding I just don't prefer them to other mechanical switches.
But the loudness is the bestest bit, it keeps the evil spirits away.
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I just got my first Topre board a few weeks ago (Novatouch TKL). If I was to start over I would definitely stick with Topre, and the new Alps ErgoDox that is currently on Massdrop.
I've realized that my preference for switches is ranked as follows (out of the switches I've tried):
1. Topre
2. Alps SKCL/SKCM / Matias
3. Buckling springs (these are great but a bit too loud)
4. MX switches (Gaterons preferred over Cherry)
Although I think MX switches are great, I'm finding I just don't prefer them to other mechanical switches.
But the loudness is the bestest bit, it keeps the evil spirits away.
Haha its just too intense for me :). It would be nicer if it was one deep "thock" like topre. The higher pitch of the spring actuating is what I don't like.
I can understand why people love IBM Model M/SSK, the build quality is extraordinary, and BS switches are super comfortable.
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I just got my first Topre board a few weeks ago (Novatouch TKL). If I was to start over I would definitely stick with Topre, and the new Alps ErgoDox that is currently on Massdrop.
I've realized that my preference for switches is ranked as follows (out of the switches I've tried):
1. Topre
2. Alps SKCL/SKCM / Matias
3. Buckling springs (these are great but a bit too loud)
4. MX switches (Gaterons preferred over Cherry)
Although I think MX switches are great, I'm finding I just don't prefer them to other mechanical switches.
But the loudness is the bestest bit, it keeps the evil spirits away.
Haha its just too intense for me :). It would be nicer if it was one deep "thock" like topre. The higher pitch of the spring actuating is what I don't like.
I can understand why people love IBM Model M/SSK, the build quality is extraordinary, and BS switches are super comfortable.
They are quite pingy, you have reminded me I should floss......................................mod.
To be honest I have never tried Topre or Alps but I would probably end up liking it and wanting more keyboards.
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1. Topre
2. Topre
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I would have skipped MX altogether and gone straight to the HHKB, Alps, and Model F.
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Would have bought those clacks on EK when they were retailing for $18 instead of scoffing at the prices for a "single stupid key." sigh. smh.
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1. bought a Kishsaver when that lot was found, and installed a buzzer and solenoid
2. F AT with buzzer and solenoid.
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I obtained, but did not hoard, when I had an easy supply of used white ALPS boards. Should have just gotten a stack instead of one at a time.
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Probably not much, because I value the experience I have gained.
If anything I would have tried to join a bit earlier so I could have gotten in on the early Clack sales.
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i would have kept my linear alps board
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- bought a kishsaver when it was available
- bought a SSK when it was cheaper
- bought less DCS key cap sets :rolleyes:
- bought the HHKB sooner
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Skip buying the cheap crab and just save for what I really want, this goes for boards and caps. Also I really wish I never bought an artisan, they're a money pit.
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Skip buying the cheap crab and just save for what I really want, this goes for boards and caps. Also I really wish I never bought an artisan, they're a money pit.
Yeah cheap crab is the worst.
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Skip buying the cheap crab and just save for what I really want, this goes for boards and caps. Also I really wish I never bought an artisan, they're a money pit.
Yeah cheap crab is the worst.
Hey if I'm getting crabs I want to get classy ones. ;)
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I would have done the same thing as I did this go-round. Try out as many keyboards as I could to form my own opinions on things. I guess I wouldn't have bought that Blackwidow and bought the Kingsaver sooner. Oh and found GH sooner.
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GON TKL for gaming swag, GON 60 for coding, and realforce 104U 55g uniform for typing orgasm. deck them out with nice caps. Probably would not have cost much more than I've already spent. :-[
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Buy HHKB first
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Stayed 100% Clicky.
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Buy a Korean custom in the beginning! Not start with a Filco (x2) and Ducky (x2) before selling off both for my KMAC2.
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Buy a Korean custom in the beginning! Not start with a Filco (x2) and Ducky (x2) before selling off both for my KMAC2.
it is kinda hard to ask our past selves to drop a few hundred on a single board :p . I remember seeing a big kustom classifieds thread and just scoffing at all the prices
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I would have gone straight to the HHKB. Completely in love with the board and Topre now has a special place in my heart.
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I remember seeing a big kustom classifieds thread and just scoffing at all the prices
I thought the same thing for a bit.
*4 Months into GH Joey Quinn buys a lightsaver then a GON :blank:
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Nothing. Or maybe everything.
It's a process. If I did things differently, my current self would be different as well.
For example, one of my first switches was Cherry MX Black. I hated it. Several keyboards later, I'm back at blacks and lovin' it. My typing technique is different.
If it weren't for Czech QWERTZ, I wouldn't have switched to Colemak. If it weren't for Colemak and ErgoDox, I wouldn't have even considered AdnW.
There's one thing I *would* do differently though. I wouldn't be lazy to do tedious mods, cleaning and software changes. In particular, I kinda wish I had committed to using a matrix layout a year earlier.
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Buy a Korean custom in the beginning! Not start with a Filco (x2) and Ducky (x2) before selling off both for my KMAC2.
it is kinda hard to ask our past selves to drop a few hundred on a single board :p . I remember seeing a big kustom classifieds thread and just scoffing at all the prices
I know...but I remember modding my Filcos and Duckys and realized with all that money spent...I could have gotten something better :(.
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Buy topre and be done. Stay away from this place.
I have only just recently seen the light. this is the best keyboard advice ever
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tl;dr I would have bought a HHKB, which was my first impulse
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I only became aware of this world because I saw an article or something about the HHKB and it looked cool, but way more money than I was willing to spend. Started looking for alternatives and found this forum, bought a KUL ES-87 with brown switches. It was miles ahead of anything I'd ever used and I started chasing after the "perfect" set of key caps. Three key sets later, and lots of time spent reading how great Topre switches are, I finally pulled the trigger and got a black HHKB and put white printed keys on it. I actually get excited when I get a chance to type on it a bunch. The Cherry switches on the KUL feel pretty crude by comparison, and I can seriously imagine just using this keyboard from now on, even as computers and monitors come and go. So yeah, my first instinct was to get an HHKB and I wish I'd just gone that route first.
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To be honest? Nothing. As cheesy as it may sound, the journey was important for me...
I started with a fresh MX Brown, before getting a used TKL (also browns), FILCO Blue, Topre 45g, then Ergo Clears 55g. I thought I would stop chasing switches and stick to my Ergodox (double the ergo!) and started chasing caps instead. From IMSTO to SP, and Cherry-profile to SA, I got them all (save GMKs, which I am getting now).
Now I'm experimenting with Jailhouse Blues and Gaterons.
My take on this?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EabB55IYyOg
p/s; how the heck do I use the embed youtube video?
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Would have found a way to purchase Model Fs back in the 80's.
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I would have to also say that in the grand scheme of things, having high-end keyboards didn't really improve my life in any significant way, since I was not suffering from RSI or any other problems due to typing a lot, and my typing speed didn't really improve much since getting quality keyboards. And it's not as if keyboards brought any additional deeper meaning to my life. The "journey" of researching, testing, comparing, customizing keyboards is simply means to an end, and it's not a "hobby" because I have passions that are far more meaningful/fulfilling in my life. Keyboards are just tools, in the same way that cameras, paint brushes, computers, smartphones, screwdrivers, etc are just tools. Some people do find some kind of additional meaning in keyboards by making it a serious passion and getting into designing/modding/collecting, but I don't have that kind of interest in keyboards (or any kind of collecting and modding in general)--I simply want a tool that's ideal for my needs, and I focus on my preferred creative outlets (writing novels, visual art, composing music, etc).
With all that said, I do prefer the experience of using a quality keyboard compared to a cheap rubber-dome, but ultimately, having multiple high-end keyboards with different switch types and form factors and continuing "the journey" is really just an excuse to fill one's life with something to be immersed in, but compared to everything else in life, is mainly superfluous.
So in the end, if I could start over knowing what I know now, I would do the following:
-Get the RealForce 87U 55g (white/gray version) and add colored modifier/arrow/Esc/WASD keycaps. This is the daily driver and the best keyboard among all my keyboards in terms of tactile feel, sound, construction quality, etc. And it doesn't require a bunch of DIY--it's superb right out of the box.
-Get the Leopold FC660C (beige/gray version) as my bedtime/portable typing keyboard to be used with my smartphone (via OTG cable). BUT, this might change soon, because I'm still waiting for the TextBlade and the Matias 60%, and there's a chance one of them might end up being better for portable typing. (TextBlade should win due to its tiny size, but until I actually type on one, I can't say for sure if it will perform as well as advertised.)
-Get a quality fully customizable RGB LED backlit TKL keyboard with linear switch (for gaming, so I can use different LED colors for types of weapons, spells, healing, movements, inventory, etc). Unfortunately, none of the ones on the market currently are acceptable to me in terms of design. I hate LED light spillage onto the keyboard, and I'm still waiting for one of the companies out there to release a TKL that has fully customizable RGB LED lighting only for the key legends and nowhere else.
And that's it. Three keyboards to satisfy three distinctly different needs. Beyond those three, any more is just being self-indulgent and putting time/energy/money into something that inherently has no real meaning to me. I knew this going in, and I even said so in my very first post here. I just need to find the keyboard(s) that matches my needs and then move on with my life.