Practicality Or Aesthetics

[Jpecina]

So I recently bought an HHKB, and as my first Topre board, I gotta say it is a clean, stealthy beauty. The thing is, I can't type on it. For every 4 words I type, I delete 2. Yet I can't fault it because I love the way it looks. My Pok3r is the same way. I'm currently rocking the Quartz set from Signature Plastics and I can maybe hit 20 wpm on DSA. So it got me thinking, would you guys sacrifice practicality for aesthetics or vice versa? Would love to hear your opinions.

p.s. Forgive me if this was already brought up and discussed before.

[Shikarikato]

I've never had any issues switching between switches or keycaps but I think I do type significantly slower when switching from MX to Topre. Going Topre to MX is no problem which is the strange thing. I wouldn't mind typing 60wpm instead of 120 if I had a key set like Penumbra but form over function is most likely more valuable at lower wpm I guess. My whole life is just buying things based on how they look though so I'm pretty biased in that respect.

[rowdy]

I switch between all sorts of keyboards (mostly US ANSI layout, but includes HHKB), and switches and keycaps.

No real problems, I've gotten used to switching between HHKB and other layouts, and generally don't have issues typing on any of them.

As I use a keyboard more, I find that I do begin to improve slightly on it, but that's not to say I'm no good on a particular keyboard when I start using it.

[Jpecina]

I've never had any issues switching between switches or keycaps but I think I do type significantly slower when switching from MX to Topre. Going Topre to MX is no problem which is the strange thing. I wouldn't mind typing 60wpm instead of 120 if I had a key set like Penumbra but form over function is most likely more valuable at lower wpm I guess. My whole life is just buying things based on how they look though so I'm pretty biased in that respect.

I guess I'm the same way. I don't really type much at work so using a keyboard effectively isn't a skill I possess. I just love having pretty keyboards and I'm envious of the people that can touch type. I want to be able to use blanks dammit.

[Shikarikato]

I've never had any issues switching between switches or keycaps but I think I do type significantly slower when switching from MX to Topre. Going Topre to MX is no problem which is the strange thing. I wouldn't mind typing 60wpm instead of 120 if I had a key set like Penumbra but form over function is most likely more valuable at lower wpm I guess. My whole life is just buying things based on how they look though so I'm pretty biased in that respect.

I guess I'm the same way. I don't really type much at work so using a keyboard effectively isn't a skill I possess. I just love having pretty keyboards and I'm envious of the people that can touch type. I want to be able to use blanks dammit.

the best way i've figured is to force yourself into it
buy blanks throw them on your board and suffer with 75% mistakes and low wpm
i never had any formal instruction on how to type i just played video games and i wanted to spend more time looking at my computer and less at my keyboard and all i did was put my keyboard under the desk where i couldnt see it and now im doing pretty good for someone with a really wack typing patttern

[Jpecina]

I've never had any issues switching between switches or keycaps but I think I do type significantly slower when switching from MX to Topre. Going Topre to MX is no problem which is the strange thing. I wouldn't mind typing 60wpm instead of 120 if I had a key set like Penumbra but form over function is most likely more valuable at lower wpm I guess. My whole life is just buying things based on how they look though so I'm pretty biased in that respect.

I guess I'm the same way. I don't really type much at work so using a keyboard effectively isn't a skill I possess. I just love having pretty keyboards and I'm envious of the people that can touch type. I want to be able to use blanks dammit.

the best way i've figured is to force yourself into it
buy blanks throw them on your board and suffer with 75% mistakes and low wpm
i never had any formal instruction on how to type i just played video games and i wanted to spend more time looking at my computer and less at my keyboard and all i did was put my keyboard under the desk where i couldnt see it and now im doing pretty good for someone with a really wack typing patttern

Thanks for the tip, ill have to give it a go.

[xondat]

To me, something practical usually turns out pretty. Providing the design is good and it's been given though, if it has a use then that's good for my eyes.

[Cerasis]

I felt this way somewhat after switching from fullsize to 60%, though i have mostly gotten used to it. Maybe easing into it will work, and accept making mistakes while using it.

I'm still 50/50 on aesthetics and practicality though, maybe having more keyboards solves that problem, eh? 

[Krytone]

thats why i dont go below 75%. The small keyboards are pretty and all but full layout is still the best for me so i just try to find aesthetically pleasing layout like the 96 customs 

[thatsmrdoctortoyou]

Definitely more on the aesthetics side for me. However, I do find that the smaller keyboards (HHKB, poker2 and other 60%) seem to be more functional for my usage as they don't take up too much space on my desk. Don't get me wrong, I love my model-M but damn if my entire desk is taken up by that thing! I also find it more appealing to have smaller boards so that I can take them with me while I travel/work/school/etc.

[user 18]

Definitely a practical board if it's one that I plan on using often. If it's something I want just to sit on a shelf, I might be okay with something that's more just for aesthetics.

[mike52787]

hah I have both with my model f, yall and your flashy keyboards, tsk tsk

[Jpecina]

Definitely more on the aesthetics side for me. However, I do find that the smaller keyboards (HHKB, poker2 and other 60%) seem to be more functional for my usage as they don't take up too much space on my desk. Don't get me wrong, I love my model-M but damn if my entire desk is taken up by that thing! I also find it more appealing to have smaller boards so that I can take them with me while I travel/work/school/etc.

Yes, it seems that every board I buy gets smaller and smaller. I went from full size to TKL to 60%. The funny thing is that my first keyboard, a Corsair Strafe with MX blues, was a perfect fit for me. It seems that the uglier the board the better I type. Maybe I just need a certain profile.

[Jpecina]

hah I have both with my model f, yall and your flashy keyboards, tsk tsk

Jesus man I'm surprised IBM didn't add a cup holder to that thing . it would be almost too practical.

[[Lewynlight]]

At first, i made so much typo on hhkb when i got it the first time.but eventually i get used to it, and now i'm lovin' it

But i think 60% is already the borderline. I won't sacrifice too much practicality for the aesthetics (i'm looking at you, planck) losing arrow cluster are enough, i can't bear to lose any of my keys lol

[Air tree]

I lean toward aesthetics quite often, I try to be as balanced  as possible.


And at first I used to make a huge amount of typos on my HHKB, now I've got used to it and it's just the same as typing on any other keyboard.

[SBJ]

I lean toward aesthetics quite often, I try to be as balanced  as possible.


And at first I used to make a huge amount of typos on my HHKB, now I've got used to it and it's just the same as typing on any other keyboard.

Yup can confirm.
When I started using 60% layouts instead of the usual 104 key layout I made a ton of mistakes, still do, but I'm learning.

[ReverbSlush]

I have the same issue, reversed.....

I've been on an HHKB for a long time and the layout is very comfortable to me.  I just joined the WhiteFox massdrop and the TrueFox layout seems the closest to what I use now  BUT I don't think I'll be able to customize the keycaps perfectly unless a set has caps specifically for the truefox layout.  I have changed my massdrop order between the Truefox and Aria (a layout more compatible to keycap sets) 3 times now..... it's a struggle!

[CPTBadAss]

To me if you can't use it then there's no point in the board or anything else. It's gotta be practical before aesthetically pleasing.

[Cerasis]

To me if you can't use it then there's no point in the board or anything else. It's gotta be practical before aesthetically pleasing.

Yeah that goes first and foremost, but sometimes some layouts need some time to ease into. Sometimes layouts don't work for other people as well.

[jerue]

Why sacrifice either? I agree with xondat, a sound design will ensure both of these qualities are met. OTD keyboards, as an example, embrace that idea.



Visually, they're stunning, and can be programmed however the user likes. What's practical for someone might not be for another, like any keyboard it all comes down to your preference...if you're having trouble with using a particular board like the HHKB, I would try to stick it out, I personally love the layout and don't like it when I hit \ instead of backspace  )

[zeltner]

I touch type and average around 70 - 80 wpm. I switch between a fullsize, tkl, and 60% board on a pretty regular basis and I don't see a noticeable difference in wpm between the layouts.

If you are hunting and pecking, I wonder if your drop in wpm has more to do with the keycaps (color, font size, etc) than with the actual layout.

[user 18]

Why sacrifice either? I agree with xondat, a sound design will ensure both of these qualities are met. OTD keyboards, as an example, embrace that idea.

Show Image

Visually, they're stunning, and can be programmed however the user likes. What's practical for someone might not be for another, like any keyboard it all comes down to your preference...if you're having trouble with using a particular board like the HHKB, I would try to stick it out, I personally love the layout and don't like it when I hit \ instead of backspace  :))

Physical layout can play a factor too -- for me, a WKL bottom row isn't functional.

[1swt2gs]

This post got me thinking...

Are peoples WPM's actually lower on hhkb vs a mx keyboard/regular layout? The only difference I can think of is the place of the backspace key.

I definitely would not sacrifice my WPM for aesthetics, I enjoy my 120+ wpm and want to keep it that way.

FUNCTION > FORM

[Jpecina]

This post got me thinking...

Are peoples WPM's actually lower on hhkb vs a mx keyboard/regular layout? The only difference I can think of is the place of the backspace key.

I definitely would not sacrifice my WPM for aesthetics, I enjoy my 120+ wpm and want to keep it that way.

FUNCTION > FORM

I think different factors can really throw me off. in the case of DSA, the key spacing has me constantly hitting two keys at once. As for the HHKB the small shift key bugs me. I guess I'll just keep practicing on the HHKB and see if I can get used to it.

[Leslieann]

would you guys sacrifice practicality for aesthetics or vice versa? Would love to hear your opinions.

I actually had to make this choice.

When I got my Vortex Race I had an issue where the F-keys were too close to the number row, which I wasn't used to. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, except soem genius decided to make backspace and FN open the Calculator, can you get where FN is positioned? Right above backspace. My nails are not long, but I hit that stupid combo several times an hour some days unless I trimmed my nails back to the nail bed.  Eventually I was forced to put a shorter key on the FN switch.

Honestly though, I like nice looking keyboards, but they are much more utilitarian than anything. It's a keyboard, not an art piece.

[Screwdriver]

I need practicality. I bought a Poker 3 last year and have never used it. I pulled it out again today and realized I never will. While HHKB's look and are praised here, it would be a waist in my possession. It would be too difficult for m to use.

[hwood34]

Mans it's nice being on a completely standard layout with a neutral colored keyset, usb connector, and no special requirements to think of  )

[[Lewynlight]]

if you're having trouble with using a particular board like the HHKB, I would try to stick it out, I personally love the layout and don't like it when I hit \ instead of backspace  )

i'll have to say that i agree with this. i really love the delete/BS replacement on HHKB.


oh, and i think that layout (60%, TKL, Fullsize) doesn't really affect your WPM, it seems. maybe it could affect when you're going to do something (e.g the times when you need to use function row, delete key, arrow cluster, numpad for data entry) but i guess when you're typing something... even 60% and HHKB already has all keys that you need.

[sushi]

Switching back from my HHKB and keep hitting \\\\ to delete!

I agree with what others have said with small boards - stick it out, it'll grow on you, especially the HHKB which I hated most of the first week I had it. Also, I'm running blanks as well and it basically forced me to learn touch typing. Interestingly enough learning how to type dvorak improved my touch-type querty game.