geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: aptivaboy on Thu, 28 July 2016, 18:48:38
-
Hi guys,
In addition to yet another Model M, I'm in the market for a 60-65% smaller keyboard. So far, the two I'm focusing in on are the Ducky Mini and the Whitefox. I was hoping that you all could help me make a decision by pointing out the pros and cons of each. I've read up on reviews and the the various threads on these, especially the Whitefox threads and pages, of which there are many.
Both are the right size and can come with Cherry Blues – I'm a clicky key guy. However. The Ducky is lower priced and includes all of those light and LED options and the keyboard is very remappable. A snugly fitting carry bag can also be bought for it. The Whitefox appears to be lovingly designed and is beautiful, and can come in a small variety of keyboard patterns but is also much more expensive.
I'll mainly be using whichever one I choose as a keyboard to plug into my traveling laptops and tablets (I can't abide most laptop keyboards except for vintage IBM Thinkpad boards. Those were awesome).
Many thanks,
Bob
-
I've got a WF on order, but a DIY kit with Gateron switches not Cherry MX. I think the WF has the better resale value (pro) if you plan on selling later. Is that even a consideration? It ought to be if you're visiting this forum on a regular basis. :)
Also -- and someone correct me if I'm wrong -- the stabs might be different in both boards (pro or con or neither). I've used both costars and cherry stabs and can get along with both, but some have pretty strong preferences.
Re: using as keyboard for traveling laptops/tablets -- think lightweight and overall dimensions. I'm not sure which wins that category. Also, avoid sharp corners on the case itself if you're placing it atop a laptop.
Floating keys vs. non-floating keys. I prefer non-floating, but it isn't a deal breaker for me. Some people are picky about this.
I'm relatively new to the GH community, so gather more input from others who have been around longer and have more experience. The WF will require a bit more initial attention if you plan on altering the layout to suit your specific needs, and it will require some soldering work and time if you aren't getting it pre-assembled.
The Ducky Mini is kind of cute.
-
Buy both -- just go ahead and do yourself a favor and buy both ^-^
-
I'd prefer the WF.It looks really cool.Especially it's Clicky feeling.
-
Both are great, you layed out all the pros and cons in your OP. After those points it's just your personal preference. I like the Ducky mini over the WF personally though.
-
If you like MX Blues you should try out a KBParadise V60 with Matias Clicks.
-
If you are taking it around you may want to consider one of these cases: http://www.datamancer.com/cart/datamancer-oaken-60-keyboard-case-p-295.html they pop up on mass drop from time to time for a discount.
-
HHKB? Especially for portability.
Are you planning to swap keycaps? If so, the Ducky mini has a completely standard layout, whereas the WhiteFox has a slightly different layout (which is supposed by a few keycap sets, but not all).
There's also a 60% Model M, known as the Kishsaver, if you can find one. Although it might be a little less portable than the others ;)
-
HHKB? Especially for portability.
Are you planning to swap keycaps? If so, the Ducky mini has a completely standard layout, whereas the WhiteFox has a slightly different layout (which is supposed by a few keycap sets, but not all).
There's also a 60% Model M, known as the Kishsaver, if you can find one. Although it might be a little less portable than the others ;)
aha! Modelfkeyboards.com brewed a compact Kishsaver for the future! https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/f62-model-f-keyboard-kishsaver-ultra-compact/ (https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/f62-model-f-keyboard-kishsaver-ultra-compact/)
-
That Kishsaver is amazing. It was one of the first pages I ran across during my descent into keyboard insanity. I'd love to get one but the cost... I could get several keycap sets and a board for what they're charging - not that I'm criticizing. That has to be an incredibly difficult and expensive undertaking for the designers to start up so I totally understand the price.
Can someone please point out the pros and cons of the various WhiteFox keyboard layouts? I've been examining them but can't really tell what the pros and cons are, apart from the fact that I traditionally prefer larger ISO enter keys. In other words, is one demonstrably better for typing? I'm a short story writer and teacher who spends hours writing lesson plans and such, so typing ease and accuracy are my main criteria.
I'm sort of going away from the Ducky Mini after reading several purchase reviews. A number of people have apparently reported issues with mushy keys and keys not really registering consistently using Blues, which is probably the direction I would go in.
Thank you all.
Robert