Help me decide on a new daily driver

[zeltner]

Cider was spilled into my das ultimate and a bunch of keys are sticky and I need a new board asap. Im planning to eventually attempt a switch replacement on the das so I'd rather try something different for this replacement but can't make up my mind.

1) I am thinking about trying a 60% pok3r or fc660 but I'm nervous about making the switch for my daily driver kb as I am so used to full size boards. I have a full size board at the office and I'm worried I might make mistakes switching back and forth between the 2 layouts. Does anyone have this problem or am I way overthinking this?

2) I've only ever used mx Browns. I was considering clears though but I am worried they could end up feeling too heavy after long coding sessions.

Any help or recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

[Fullcream]

You might want to check out  RC930 55g

[Lurch]

1) You are overthinking it.

2) Coming from browns, your hands will likely become tired during extended coding sessions on clears. I would recommend 45g Topre, 65g Zealios/ergo-clears, or MX Blues if the sound doesn't bother you.

[SpAmRaY]

If you want to try something else full size go for the Leopold FC900R with reds.

http://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1400

[bocahgundul]

hhkb is all you need bro

[mobbo]

Cider was spilled into my das ultimate and a bunch of keys are sticky and I need a new board asap. Im planning to eventually attempt a switch replacement on the das so I'd rather try something different for this replacement but can't make up my mind.

1) I am thinking about trying a 60% pok3r or fc660 but I'm nervous about making the switch for my daily driver kb as I am so used to full size boards. I have a full size board at the office and I'm worried I might make mistakes switching back and forth between the 2 layouts. Does anyone have this problem or am I way overthinking this?

2) I've only ever used mx Browns. I was considering clears though but I am worried they could end up feeling too heavy after long coding sessions.

Any help or recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

How often are you using the numberpad? Switching keyboard formats is not as insane as most people seem to think. You get adjusted with what's in front of you extremely quickly. But if you are a big user of the home cluster/arrow keys/numberpad for work purposes, then it's probably just better to get a fullsized. 

1. You're overthinking it. I have multiple boards with multiple layouts and the only time I find it hard to switch is when switching from HHKB layout to a normal one or vice vers (due to the ctrl and backspace locations being different).

2. Zealios are really nice switches with a lot of weighting options. I'm typing on them now, and I love them. Keep in mind switch preference is totally a personal thing. You're gonna get a lot of recommendations for light switches like Reds, 45g Topre, etc. and they'll all suit your needs - but you really have to decide whether you want a bit of tactility, click, or linear feeling, and go from there.

[zeltner]

Thanks for all the info guys.

I don't use the numberpad too much so I would be ok getting rid of it to save some desk space.

I found a 45g RC930 here https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1433 . How does that compare to the 55g / browns / clears? I do like that it looks like it has mx compatible stems.

I am intrigued by the hhkb, but not going to make the switch yet, as it sounds like switching back and forth with a standard layout every other day could be a pain with this.

I do really want to try ergo-clears (zealios) but I need something ASAP and I think I would have to mod it to get there. So I guess maybe I could go w/ clears and then mod the springs later if they feel too heavy. As a side note, I am already in on the Zealios group buy for a custom kit I am waiting on. This is for a 60% though and is not intended to replace my daily driver. I'm considering getting 100 more though maybe to swap into the sticky das.

[mobbo]

Thanks for all the info guys.

I don't use the numberpad too much so I would be ok getting rid of it to save some desk space.

I found a 45g RC930 here https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1433 . How does that compare to the 55g / browns / clears? I do like that it looks like it has mx compatible stems.

I am intrigued by the hhkb, but not going to make the switch yet, as it sounds like switching back and forth with a standard layout every other day could be a pain with this.

I do really want to try ergo-clears (zealios) but I need something ASAP and I think I would have to mod it to get there. So I guess maybe I could go w/ clears and then mod the springs later if they feel too heavy. As a side note, I am already in on the Zealios group buy for a custom kit I am waiting on. This is for a 60% though and is not intended to replace my daily driver. I'm considering getting 100 more though maybe to swap into the sticky das.

Having tried all of them, I would say: 45g/55g real Topre > Clears > 45g RC930 > Browns.

The Royal Kludge clones are alright. They make a great thocking noise but the feel is lacking for me. Feels lighter than it's true counterpart for some reason, and scratchier than regular topre.

If you want backlighting and MX keycap compatibility though, I think it's a great price point.

[bocahgundul]

Thanks for all the info guys.

I don't use the numberpad too much so I would be ok getting rid of it to save some desk space.

I found a 45g RC930 here https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1433 . How does that compare to the 55g / browns / clears? I do like that it looks like it has mx compatible stems.

I am intrigued by the hhkb, but not going to make the switch yet, as it sounds like switching back and forth with a standard layout every other day could be a pain with this.

I do really want to try ergo-clears (zealios) but I need something ASAP and I think I would have to mod it to get there. So I guess maybe I could go w/ clears and then mod the springs later if they feel too heavy. As a side note, I am already in on the Zealios group buy for a custom kit I am waiting on. This is for a 60% though and is not intended to replace my daily driver. I'm considering getting 100 more though maybe to swap into the sticky das.

hhkb

[zeltner]

As far as backlighting goes I could care less. I use blank keycaps anyway right now. And I'd rather have something that feels good than looks cool so I think I will steer away from the RC.

Based on your switch comparison I am leaning towards the 45g fc660 I think. Still not quite ready to pull the trigger though..

[inanis]

hhkb

[zeltner]

hhkb

1. You're overthinking it. I have multiple boards with multiple layouts and the only time I find it hard to switch is when switching from HHKB layout to a normal one or vice vers (due to the ctrl and backspace locations being different).

Not going to an hhkb because I am still switching back to a standard layout at the office.

[inanis]

I switch back and forth between the hhkb, an SSK and my laptop keyboard, all of which have different layouts. I will admit, I do sometimes hit Caps by mistake on the SSK instead of CTRL. But other then that there is really no problem. It's not like if you start using the hhkb you'll just forget how to type on a standard layout. Your surroundings and the board in front of you will trigger the appropriate muscle memory, or at least it does for me.

I'm not trying to sell you on something you don't want, I just don't think that reason is as hard as people think it is to overcome. 

[bocahgundul]

hhkb

hhkb

[inanis]

hhkb

hhkb

^ this guy gets it. 

[bocahgundul]

hhkb

hhkb

^ this guy gets it. 

We're like a zombie that only says hhkb instead of groaning and yeah where is demik to convert this guy?

[Hypersphere]

Like you, I started with a full-size keyboard. Since then, I have tried 60%, TKL, and various form factors and layouts in between.

Regarding form factor, I prefer 60% or TKL, but nothing in between.

With respect to layout, I prefer the HHKB, which is now my daily driver. When I am using other keyboards, I use remapping software (such as ATNsoft Key Manager) to remap them to something as close as possible to the HHKB layout.

As for switches, I have tried every flavor of Cherry, various Alps (including Matias), IBM beam spring, IBM membrane buckling spring (Model M), IBM capacitive buckling spring (Model F), Space Invader/Angry Bear, and various vintage linear switches. I would now rank my currently available switches as follows:

Topre 45 ~ Topre 55 ~ IBM Model F > Brown Alps > Matias Click > Matias Quiet > IBM Model M > Cherry mx (and clones)

Within the Cherry mx family, clears were my least favorite because of the steep increase in force past the actuation point -- I found this tiring, because I like to bottom out. Some people like this, because it encourages typing without bottoming out.

[zeltner]

So lets say hypothetically I get an HHKB. I think I would want to remap some stuff on my standard keyboard at the office to be more HHKB like.

Hypersphere recommended key remapping software but looks like that is Windows only... What is the recommended Mac / Linux software to do this? I am primarily on a Mac.

Also, is the novatouch TKL real topre or are these clones? And if they are clones, how do they compare to real topres?

[FoxWolf1]

I found a 45g RC930 here https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1433 . How does that compare to the 55g / browns / clears? I do like that it looks like it has mx compatible stems.

I'm typing this message on a 55g RC930 (full size, rev. 2 version-- definitely preferable to 1st gen IMO) and would say that it's probably a hair heavier than your typical blue MX-style switch-- so I suspect the 45g would probably be similar to browns.

I think a lot of people overestimate how difficult it would be to adapt to a heavier switch. I've always found that the trick to using a heavier switch is to work with the switch, not against it. Let the weight cushion you; don't give in to the urge to fight against the extra force and make the key bottom out. So I wouldn't be too afraid of clears or 55g on those grounds. Another possibility is that, if you're into tactile, and especially if you're looking to experiment, you might enjoy trying some ALPS or ALPS-style switches. Just make sure you avoid the bad ones, like the XMs that Ducky used to use (which are so woefully awful that you'd be better off with a $5 rubber dome).

[whmeltonjr]

HHKB

I take mine to work and use it, use it at home, and switch to normal layout all the time. Transition between them is no big deal. I could live with just having a HHKB easily.

[Hypersphere]

@zeltner: I previously used a Mac as my primary computer. At that time, I used Karabiner as my keyboard remapping software.

I also use linux, but I share my keyboard and mouse through a KM switch and Synergy software, using a Windows computer as the primary (server), so I can use ATNsoft Key Manager, which is a Windows keyboard remapping program.

[bcredbottle]

Ergodox. You won't realize how much a normal keyboard ****s with your posture until you start using an Ergodox as a daily. And I switch back to normal layout no problem.

[zeltner]

@zeltner: I previously used a Mac as my primary computer. At that time, I used Karabiner as my keyboard remapping software.

I also use linux, but I share my keyboard and mouse through a KM switch and Synergy software, using a Windows computer as the primary (server), so I can use ATNsoft Key Manager, which is a Windows keyboard remapping program.

Thanks I will check out Karabiner.

Ergodox. You won't realize how much a normal keyboard ****s with your posture until you start using an Ergodox as a daily. And I switch back to normal layout no problem.

I would consider ergodox maybe but I need something by next week. Seems like I would need to wait for another group buy to get my hands on one.