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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: shadowku on Tue, 24 January 2017, 20:14:53

Title: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: shadowku on Tue, 24 January 2017, 20:14:53
I want to get a desk mat to further silence my sphere'd HHKB.
I know there was a member here selling them before that would perfectly fit any keyboard you want.
I'm thinking of just getting a whole desk mat and I'm wondering if there's any suggestions.

What's the minimum size I would want for a HHKB + mouse if I want both to fit comfortably on it?
I'm not necessarily looking to buy the minimum size but I want to make sure I don't buy something too small.

Anyway, any suggestion is greatly, greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Here's my HHKB if anyone cares.
[attachimg=1 align=left width=600]
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: Krakob on Wed, 25 January 2017, 04:47:03
Sentraq sells nice desk mats! No logo and stitched edges. I haven't tried one myself though so I can't speak for the quality in terms of gaming performance, but if you don't care about that I'm sure it should be fine either way. Personally using a Ducky Flipper which is of similar quality to SteelSeries Qck.

As for dimensions I guess just take your keyboard width and add your approximate mouse area width. I'm sure most desk mats would be OK since they're usually designed for gamers with filthy, filthy full size boards.
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: shadowku on Wed, 25 January 2017, 11:57:50
I got something very similar to that from Amazon Canada.
The selection on Amazon Canada isn't the greatest, but there's a decently well rated one that's plain with stitched edges for under $20.

I'll wait for it to arrive and report back. I'm not really picky about it as long as it doesn't have any graphics (or even logos preferably).

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01DIZUHV0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: Krakob on Wed, 25 January 2017, 13:16:46
That may very well be from the same OEM, although Sentraq's has different dimensions, 36in wide.
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: ddot on Wed, 25 January 2017, 14:50:33
If you're just using a 60% keyboard and a mouse, I'd say stick to a 600mm (24") mouse pad or wider.  I've currently got one along with a 60% keyboard, a track ball and a dedicated number pad and it doesn't quite fit. (I've got a 900mm one on order).  A keyboard and mouse alone would fit fine.

I got mine off ebay.  Super cheap compared to the branded ones and reasonable quality, especially for the price.

For 300*600mm, here's one link (http://www.ebay.com/itm/300-600mm-Fashionable-Anti-Slip-Computer-Laptop-Desktop-Mice-Pad-Mouse-pad-DS-/152362103124).

And another (http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Large-XL-Notebook-Computer-Mouse-Pad-Rubber-Games-Solid-Color-300-800-2MM-/252670111874) for 300*800mm if you want to go a little wider.

But if you really want to go full desk, you can't beat 500*1200 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thickening-Large-XL-Notebook-Computer-Mouse-Pad-Rubber-Games-Solid-500-1200-2mm-/252670091002).

You can find some other sizes too if you search around and you might be able to find some better prices too.  Heads up that mine had a rubbery smell to it when I first got it.  I hung it up for a couple weeks to let it air out before I used it.  It smells fine now.
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: olijuice on Wed, 25 January 2017, 15:32:20
I am using a Stanaway large mouse pad I got from Amazon back in July 2016. For an $11 mousepad this thing has totally been worth the money and it's maintained itself pretty clean for the last 6 months.

Here's the amazon link.
http://a.co/7oXVlyb (http://a.co/7oXVlyb)

Here's a pic :)
(http://i.imgur.com/RLZ8J9X.jpg)
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: shadowku on Sat, 28 January 2017, 20:00:46
I got my mat!

It's actually just big enough. The quality is alright. It's about what I expected of a mat that cost around $20.
Definitely feels nice and makes my sphere'd HHKB a bit quieter, which doesn't quite matter so much at work.

I'm not sure if this is the size that I want for home since my desk at home is bigger. So far I'm liking it though.


[attachimg=1 align=left width=600]
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: zutroy on Sat, 28 January 2017, 21:05:23
Quote from: olijuice on Wed, 25 January 2017, 15:32:20
I am using a Stanaway large mouse pad I got from Amazon back in July 2016. For an $11 mousepad this thing has totally been worth the money and it's maintained itself pretty clean for the last 6 months.

Here's the amazon link.
http://a.co/7oXVlyb (http://a.co/7oXVlyb)

Here's a pic :)
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/RLZ8J9X.jpg)


For anyone else who happens upon this thread, I can also attest to the Stanaway mat. I even use it with a TKL with no issues in terms of space. It has a good thickness to it, tracks well, and provides a bit of dampening on keyboard sound.
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: Hordak on Mon, 04 September 2017, 12:19:45
I use two Artisan Zero XSoft mouse pads, which for me has eliminated all and any RSI issues as well as callus buildup. The pads are 4mm thick and made up of some kind of memory foam. Thanks to the heavy cushioning, I can rest my palms (not wrists) on the edge of any table while keeping a straight wrist. Alternatively, and for changing seating positions once in a while, I push the keyboard to the middle of the desk and comfortably rest my forearms on the mouse pad. The heavy cushioning also allows you to support the head with your elbow when assuming the thinkers pose.

A terrible shot made with my phone cam (the pads are 3 years old):

[attachimg=1 align=left width=400]
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Mon, 04 September 2017, 21:46:27
Yes, all these pads do is help with reverberating noise as well as RSI.  I think what is more helpful is proper typing posture.  If you look at a piano player, he is almost belly up to the keys and the forearms are parallel to the ground.  This is also ideal for typing.  I have had carpal tunnel to the point where I couldn't feel most of my fingertips and just a gentle tap would cause terrible pain.  Pull you keyboard to the edge of your desk instead of leaning forward and resting your palms on the pad.  After about 6 weeks of this 90% of my pain and numbness went away.

The keyboard drawer under the desk is actually quite ergonomic, but not always convenient, depending on the height of your desk and chair.  I also believe a 60% keyboard is ergonomic as it doesn't require a longer reach for the mouse, which often encourages leaning on the wrist.  Also, a raised monitor encourages straight posture instead of arching forward to level your eyes to the monitor, and then resting your palms and bringing your shoulders forward.  This also encourages back and neck pain as well as poor posture.  My experience is anecdotal, but I'm sure this is correct if you do some research, which I have not.
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 04 September 2017, 22:02:45
1.2 meter is the way to go..

they got the biggest one which is 0.55m x 1.2m @ 3mm thick
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: OfTheWild on Mon, 04 September 2017, 22:06:42
Quote from: tp4tissue on Mon, 04 September 2017, 22:02:45
1.2 meter is the way to go..

they got the biggest one which is 0.55m x 1.2m @ 3mm thick

I agree with this. I wish i could just do my whole desk top with mat material (easily).
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: Hordak on Tue, 05 September 2017, 10:40:09
Quote from: jcoffin1981 on Mon, 04 September 2017, 21:46:27
Yes, all these pads do is help with reverberating noise as well as RSI.  I think what is more helpful is proper typing posture.  If you look at a piano player, he is almost belly up to the keys and the forearms are parallel to the ground.  This is also ideal for typing.  I have had carpal tunnel to the point where I couldn't feel most of my fingertips and just a gentle tap would cause terrible pain.  Pull you keyboard to the edge of your desk instead of leaning forward and resting your palms on the pad.  After about 6 weeks of this 90% of my pain and numbness went away.

... I also believe a 60% keyboard is ergonomic as it doesn't require a longer reach for the mouse ...

Fully agree. My experience, exactly.

Best width depends on your largest keyboard; length on your forearm + keyboard. Ideally, on a desk with a nice finish, the mat should only be as large as it needs to. Some suck up dirt real quick.
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: Duckyreddy on Wed, 06 September 2017, 01:41:37
I second the Ducky Flipper, or just any generic large mat, I would definitely recommend stitched edges as a solution to fraying and peeling for the best durability.
:))

Some fraying going on here, I've had a similar experience and it bothered me a lot!
(https://i.imgur.com/mPJo6kP.jpg)
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: OfTheWild on Sat, 09 September 2017, 18:50:37
I picked up one of these from Massdrop and it seems to be holding up great at work - which is where it would get the most wear and tear. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/38585 Definitely seems to be important that the edges are surged/stitched.
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: davkol on Sun, 10 September 2017, 04:18:49
Quote from: jcoffin1981 on Mon, 04 September 2017, 21:46:27
Also, a raised monitor encourages straight posture instead of arching forward to level your eyes to the monitor, and then resting your palms and bringing your shoulders forward.  This also encourages back and neck pain as well as poor posture.  My experience is anecdotal, but I'm sure this is correct if you do some research, which I have not.
Ahem, not the best idea for ones eyes. See https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63234.0
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 10 September 2017, 09:40:39
Quote from: Duckyreddy on Wed, 06 September 2017, 01:41:37
I second the Ducky Flipper, or just any generic large mat, I would definitely recommend stitched edges as a solution to fraying and peeling for the best durability.
:))

Some fraying going on here, I've had a similar experience and it bothered me a lot!
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/mPJo6kP.jpg)


you have bad technique..

I've had my ripper xl for 10 years.. edges are perfect..

my wrist and arm are off the mat..

Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: Duckyreddy on Sun, 10 September 2017, 15:30:44
Quote from: tp4tissue on Sun, 10 September 2017, 09:40:39
Quote from: Duckyreddy on Wed, 06 September 2017, 01:41:37
I second the Ducky Flipper, or just any generic large mat, I would definitely recommend stitched edges as a solution to fraying and peeling for the best durability.
:))

Some fraying going on here, I've had a similar experience and it bothered me a lot!
Show Image
(https://i.imgur.com/mPJo6kP.jpg)


you have bad technique..

I've had my ripper xl for 10 years.. edges are perfect..

my wrist and arm are off the mat..



Yea, I probably do lol  ;D
I've had mine for some time now but I use my mat for gaming mainly where my right hand (mice) tends to flick a lot, so there is contact between my skin and the surface, could just be me though, I'm not sure if others have this problem...  :thumb:
Title: Re: Desk mat for silencing. Also best size for desk mat?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 10 September 2017, 16:13:28
Quote from: Duckyreddy on Sun, 10 September 2017, 15:30:44


 for gaming mainly where my right hand (mice) tends to flick a lot, so there is contact between my skin and the surface,



//Suspicious