geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Langley on Tue, 03 November 2009, 01:05:24
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Hello! I've been digging around trying to find a small keyboard minus the number pad that could stand up to extremely heavy use, and was directed here. I love to write, do light programming, gaming, and spend most of my spare time on the computer. Because of this, I've developed carpal tunnel in both wrists. It had been getting better, but because of an accident with my old keyboard (orange juice with extra pulp, completely uncleanable) I've been forced onto a Microsoft KB-0168 and my wrists now feel like they are going to DIE. Anyway, I can't live without my computer, so this paycheck will be entirely dedicated fully to a keyboard. I can stand clicky, but Das Keyboard was kind of overkill for me in the sound department. I want a small one and the lower number of needless keys, the better, though it's far more important that the keys are low strain. Anyway, suggestions would be very much appreciated. Let me know if there's some kind of cult ritual that would help with the process.
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Hello! I've been digging around trying to find a small keyboard minus the number pad that could stand up to extremely heavy use, and was directed here. I love to write, do light programming, gaming, and spend most of my spare time on the computer. Because of this, I've developed carpal tunnel in both wrists. It had been getting better, but because of an accident with my old keyboard (orange juice with extra pulp, completely uncleanable) I've been forced onto a Microsoft KB-0168 and my wrists now feel like they are going to DIE. Anyway, I can't live without my computer, so this paycheck will be entirely dedicated fully to a keyboard. I can stand clicky, but Das Keyboard was kind of overkill for me in the sound department. I want a small one and the lower number of needless keys, the better, though it's far more important that the keys are low strain. Anyway, suggestions would be very much appreciated. Let me know if there's some kind of cult ritual that would help with the process.
HHKB Pro 2. It is pricey but highly recommended. (can't really compare it to the das).
Look up All Things Topre in the Wiki for a review of the HHKB Pro 2
You may also want to investigate a Topre Realforce keyboard.
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I certainly like the way they sound after listening to a few clips. Is it me, or does the realforce seem sturdier? Though I do like super-compactness of the happy hacking one. Small keyboards seem hard to find, I'm not really running into many. I guess I'm probably looking in the wrong places.
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also hhkb pro2
EDIT but yes the realforce is supposedly sturdier
my hhkb does not flex, and seems very sturdy for its weight, but i recently have been able to make it creak by giving it some stress
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If you don't want to spend quite that much a Filco Tenkeyless with brown Cherry switches might also be the one for you. Not clicky and low actuation force.
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I just spent two hours reading about switches. I should be asleep. I'll check the Filco out in the morning. Thanks!
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+1 for the HHKB Pro 2 or Realforce.
I personally prefer the Realforce, but the HHKB sounds more like what you're looking for.
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My only concern about the HHKB Pro 2 is having to use the Fn key with numbers to get Function keys. Same for arrow keys to a lesser extent. For someone who already has carpal tunnel etc., that might be a no-no.
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do you use F keys so often?
even if so, its nice to be able to reach them from the home row
the arrow keys i understand your concern, but its not as bad as i once thought it would be
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The OP mentioned programming, so function keys might be used a lot. I suppose it's not a problem if you configure the left diamond key to be another Fn. I keep forgetting about that option. But the default use of the right-hand Fn with the arrows could aggravate existing pain - even though it's said to be comfortable, it's still a contortion of the hand so might carry risk.
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yes, i think a left fn is the way it should have been from the start... along with the 'return' and 'backspace' options
EDIT and i still dont get some of the things i read about when people mention 'programming'. am i the only one that when 'programming' just kind of uses more things like <>& ...not some sort of fancy IDE or emacs or something?
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yes, i think a left fn is the way it should have been from the start... along with the 'return' and 'backspace' options
EDIT and i still dont get some of the things i read about when people mention 'programming'. am i the only one that when 'programming' just kind of uses more things like <>& ...not some sort of fancy IDE or emacs or something?
It seems only the 'professionals' use the bloated IDEs or eccentric ancient text editors.
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yes, i think a left fn is the way it should have been from the start... along with the 'return' and 'backspace' options
EDIT and i still dont get some of the things i read about when people mention 'programming'. am i the only one that when 'programming' just kind of uses more things like <>& ...not some sort of fancy IDE or emacs or something?
For some reason, I find it to be a completely different kind of strain on the wrist than normal typing. It seems to stress more on the sides of the wrist rather than the inside. I mostly just use notepad and almost never use function keys, but programming does tend to be the one place I use arrow keys.
I've decided to order the Filco since it's cheaper and I liked the sound it makes, and after digging around the forums it seems that the only way I'm going to figure it out is buying trying them out. So I guess I'll just pace myself and order them one at a time until I find one I like. Thanks for the help! Keyboards are actually pretty interesting, I think I'll just lurk around and soak up more info.
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I wonder if people have ever considered replacing the Caps Lock with a Fn key and placing it where there's a right Ctrl. Just an interesting thought.
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I wonder if people have ever considered replacing the Caps Lock with a Fn key and placing it where there's a right Ctrl. Just an interesting thought.
I've used CapsLock as a Fn key for AutoHotkey, using it to turn the WASD keys into arrows.
It's embarrassing just how comfortable it is.
Only reason I stopped was to use CapsLock as Backspace. I may revert though.
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do you use F keys so often?
even if so, its nice to be able to reach them from the home row
the arrow keys i understand your concern, but its not as bad as i once thought it would be
The Realforce 23UB number pad is just as awesome as the other Topre key switch products and pairs nicely with the HHKB Pro 2 i.e. they look like they go together. However, it does cost as much as the Filco Majestouch 104-key with Brown Cherry key switches.
I know having a separate number pad consumes more real estate on your desk top and kind of defeats the HHKB form factor benefits. However, as a bean counter, it was not practical for me to not have a dedicated numeric keypad. A fringe benefit of the 23U is being able to use the arrow keys when numlock is disengaged.
The only product I have tried with Brown Cherry MX keyswitches is the Filco FKB22MB number pad. It is OK, better than your cheapo $15 office store number pad, but I find the feel of the Realforce 23U to be superior.
Ironically, I prefer the tactile response from the Topre key switches to the Brown Cherries. I am a very heavy handed typist and cannot avoid bottoming out each key stroke. I find the soft landing of the Topre keyswitches pleasant and as a result I find I can type faster and more accurately on Topre key switch boards.
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I like the standard 101/104 key layout the best. It's just the easiest for me.
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I like the standard 101/104 key layout the best. It's just the easiest for me.
Besides, most standard 101/104 layout keyboards cost much less than $200 :)
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Besides, most standard 101/104 layout keyboards cost much less than $200 :)
Not if you are getting a Realforce. But still cheaper than a 87U or HHKB Pro.
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More keys for less.
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an argument that still pains me, but doesnt change the fact that you still want the HHKB more, and thus, will pay more for it.
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If you have bigger hands, or you might be concerned about the arrow keys on the HHKB, crunching your fingers together, try using a ring finger, and use your index/middle finger (or just your index finger) to operate your arrow keys. I do about 9 hours of front end web stuff all day, and then about 2-5 hours at home, it becomes second nature, and you adapt to what's more comfortable (not using a left Fn key, personally. Need all the super/meta keys you can get on Macs. Blah)
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I don't know. That sounds like a lot of trouble for me when I currently have something that works. Guess I'm not feeling that adventurous today.