Griping about fingers

[mps]

After happening on this site last year, I discovered the wonders of mechanical keyboards and purchased a Filco with Cherry Browns. I couple of months ago, I learned about buckling spring switches and that they were the same as the original IBM keyboards that I used to love, so I purchased a Unicomp, which is the best keyboard to type on I've experienced.

Unfortunately, now I need to gripe to people who will actually understand my problem and empathize. A couple of weeks after getting the Unicomp, my finger joints started to hurt. I guess 25 years of typing 10 hours per day is taking its toll. I've switched back to the Filco, with its lighter actuation force and my fingers are feeling much better, but it still sucks to "know what I'm missing."

I'm not really looking for advice, and the Filco is truly an awesome keyboard, but thanks for listening...

Mike

[keyhopper]

I can relate, but remember that each keyboard wants to be used with a different style.

The IBM and Unicomp keyboards have high profile keys, and they are based a little higher than one is used to. I have to adjust and elevate my hand and wrist positions when typing on my IBM to leverage the force and remove tension from the fingers. This can mean also adjusting the chair height so that everything is more natural.

Also the force of the buckling spring switches not being linear, means that you might want to strike the keys with quick sudden force and withdraw the force quickly. More like striking and less like pushing. I don't know if I'm making any sense. When one is used to it, one doesn't notice the difference in typing technique, but when swapping keyboards it becomes apparent.

With Buclking Spring and heavy 55g Topre, the name of the game is not "to not bottom out", but instead "to quickly strike and move on" and it doesn't matter if you bottom out or not. I find that my wrists are positioned different with different types of switches, and that the first days while readjusting it hurts a bit until I start to position my hands properly again and use muscles differently.

What bothers me more with the IBM keyboard is its width. If I don't sit properly, I get cramps and tingling at the end of the day because of shoulder extension in the right arm that uses the trackball. I hope that Unicomp comes up with a TKL buckling spring soon!

Cheers!

[mps]

Ironically, I remember that when I first ran into IBM keyboards (selectrics in the 70s, PCs in the 80s), I marveled at how low the actuation force was

[inanis]

I love typing on my Model M. It is my #1 absolute favorite-of-all-favorite keyboards....but, it is way to loud for the office. And the office is where I do the vast majority of my typing. So, I use it at home where I have the need to use it much less. At work I go back and forth between MX Blues and Matias Quiet Clicks (these Matias switches are so great!).

So, while I don't have the same issue as you, it is similar in that I can't use the board I want as much as I would like. But I found a way to use it enough that I'm happy. Maybe stick that Model M on a secondary machine and then when you do get to use it it will make you happy, even for that short burst of time.

[chicken]

You could get a model f, which people say feels better than the m, and has a lighter actuation force than the m. They usually are louder and more expensive, but most people say it's worth it.

[aref]

Ironically, I remember that when I first ran into IBM keyboards (selectrics in the 70s, PCs in the 80s), I marveled at how low the actuation force was

The 1980s Selectrics were effortless typing machines--could type on them all day with no fatigue. I prefer the feel of them to the company's Model M keyboards.

[mps]

What kind of keyboards did the selectrics have?

[ander]

mps: I agree, buckling spring keyboards are the greatest. They're not particularly taxing to use, though. Yours may have just required you to type in a slightly different way than you were used to, and the pain you experienced may indicate there are more general things you can improve about how you're working.

If you're typing 10 hours a day—or even half as much—it's essential that your work area and equipment be set up properly.

It sounds like you may also be typing for too long without taking breaks and giving your body a chance to recover. Have you considered using a break timer so you'll remember to stand, stretch, and walk around a bit every 20–30 minutes to avoid the kinds of injuries and illness that can come from overexerting yourself?

There are many free break-timer apps for various platforms. I like Workrave, which has Windows and Linux versions.

If you look into this stuff, you may find you can return to your clicky KB without discomfort—and that you were actually lucky this came up!