Author Topic: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer  (Read 4608 times)

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Offline xeon123

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Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 04:39:37 »
I spend all day in the programming, and I want to buy a keyboard that allows me to write fast and don't hurt my hand causing RSI.

I see lots of keyboards out there and they cost money, like the Logitech B810, das Keyboard , Poker II, Leopold, Wacky, etc.
My previous keyboard was a mechanical keyboard Razer BlackWidow, but it lasted 1 year. The mini USB socket broke.

What keyboard should I buy? Preferable, a durable keyboard.

Offline rowdy

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 04:48:14 »
Topre?

Variable weight (for the ergonomics) if you touch-type, uniform if not.

45g if you have average fingers, 55g if you have strong fingers.
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

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Offline Findecanor

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 05:07:25 »
It is not the first time I have heard the Razer BW failing at the cable outlet. Have you considered repairing it?
🍉

Offline xeon123

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 05:12:44 »
I tried to, but it is very difficult to solder a mini-USB to a printed circuit board. The money that I would spent in buying a soldering iron for a tiny chips, is the price of a new keyboard. I only have a soldering iron for normal sized components, and not for tiny ones.

Offline Belfong

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 05:22:53 »
Durable keyboard: I think Matias is durable. And it is also reasonably price. And the keyboard is available in many retails store so perhaps you can get people in those store to help you fix should this happened again.
 

Offline xeon123

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 08:40:27 »
I am thinking in buying the "das Keyboard" MX-blue. Is it a nice and durable keyboard?

Offline Linkbane

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 09:13:13 »
The Das is fine, but for its price a Filco or Ducky are much better options, the Ducky more so if you get one of the versions with their classic thick PBT caps. Matias is also nice, overall you should stick to low-force switches (Blues, Browns, Reds, Topre 45g, Matias?) to avoid RSI over a long period.
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline ideus

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 09:18:54 »
Get any Leopold, I suggest you in particular the FC660, either M or C, the second if you are after Topre. But the first will allow you to use most MX sets available, but the spacebar. To say that keyboards are rock solid, is a common expresion around here, that may be a little worn off, however it is the way you can actually describe the Leopold FC660M.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 09:21:41 »
Pretty much anything at Elitekeyboards is worth your money and time.  If you want pure durability, you can look into a classic buckling spring board, but they tire me out.

Offline RESPRiT

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 09:41:48 »
Das is pretty expensive, although it's the most "professional" looking keyboard in my opinion. Like it's been said, though, you can get a nicer keyboard for the same cost. I'll give another +1 for Leopold, their stuff is super solid. Also, if you're willing to pay, Topre is fantastic, I love the layout of my HHKB, it makes typing awesome :thumb:
;)

Offline Linkbane

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 09:49:26 »
Das is pretty expensive, although it's the most "professional" looking keyboard in my opinion. Like it's been said, though, you can get a nicer keyboard for the same cost. I'll give another +1 for Leopold, their stuff is super solid. Also, if you're willing to pay, Topre is fantastic, I love the layout of my HHKB, it makes typing awesome :thumb:

Don't know if the Das 4 could be considered professional, especially considering Cherry boards. :p
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
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Offline ideus

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 09:52:35 »
Das is pretty expensive, although it's the most "professional" looking keyboard in my opinion. Like it's been said, though, you can get a nicer keyboard for the same cost. I'll give another +1 for Leopold, their stuff is super solid. Also, if you're willing to pay, Topre is fantastic, I love the layout of my HHKB, it makes typing awesome :thumb:

Don't know if the Das 4 could be considered professional, especially considering Cherry boards. :p


Well, the problem is semantics for professional, that may be a differente thing if you consider it should be applied to people, not to things.  :p

Offline xeon123

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 09:59:56 »
the Leopold 66key Tactile Click "Mini" Keyboard is a nice one?

Offline RESPRiT

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #13 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:00:46 »
the Leopold 66key Tactile Click "Mini" Keyboard is a nice one?

Very solid board, very nice layout, and if you like compact boards, also very nice :)
;)

Offline ideus

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #14 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:00:53 »
the Leopold 66key Tactile Click "Mini" Keyboard is a nice one?


There is a review somewhere. Let me check and post the link. I found it here.

Offline Mooby

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:37:17 »
Or you could buy a cheap QFR Rapid, which is not bad at all in the quality department and replace it with another cheap QFR Rapid if something should break outside of warranty.

Offline Linkbane

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #16 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:43:49 »
the Leopold 66key Tactile Click "Mini" Keyboard is a nice one?

My favorite layout and favorite MX switch. An excellent choice, if I do say so myself.
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline xeon123

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #17 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:46:18 »
Is it possible to buy a elitekeyboard in Europe, or do I need to pay the ship taxes from buying in US?
« Last Edit: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:49:21 by xeon123 »

Offline RESPRiT

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #18 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:50:54 »
Is it possible to buy a elitekeyboard in Europe, or do I need to pay the ship taxes?

I would try qtan's store, EK's shipping costs outside of CONUS are rather prohibitive. Alternatively, people sell them on the classifieds every once and a while. Qtan's store is here: http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/
;)

Offline ime1729

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #19 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:51:40 »
If you play the piano or a stringed instrument, you probably have stronger fingers than some of us, and I would recommend you trying the stiffer springs first. (Blacks, greys, greens, BS)

Offline Linkbane

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #20 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:54:41 »
If you play the piano or a stringed instrument, you probably have stronger fingers than some of us, and I would recommend you trying the stiffer springs first. (Blacks, greys, greens, BS)

Stiff springs aren't better. And despite fencing daily and typing frequently, I type more slowly on heavier springs and they feel significantly worse.
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline RESPRiT

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #21 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 10:59:31 »
If you play the piano or a stringed instrument, you probably have stronger fingers than some of us, and I would recommend you trying the stiffer springs first. (Blacks, greys, greens, BS)

I've played the piano for 7 years and heavy switches are still too tiring for me :P
;)

Offline Parak

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #22 on: Wed, 02 April 2014, 11:02:26 »
Meh. I have weak fingers and can't stand using anything but model Fs at home and work, so I'd say a good 12+ hours a day in front of a keyboard. They are slightly lighter than Ms, however. YMMV.

Offline SonOfSonOfSpock

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #23 on: Thu, 03 April 2014, 00:27:47 »
It might be worth your time to consider a split board if you are worried about RSI or ergonomics.

Offline rowdy

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #24 on: Thu, 03 April 2014, 00:32:12 »
If you play the piano or a stringed instrument, you probably have stronger fingers than some of us, and I would recommend you trying the stiffer springs first. (Blacks, greys, greens, BS)

I've played the piano for 7 years and heavy switches are still too tiring for me :P

I seem to recall that piano keys are not that heavy (it's been a good few years since I last played).

Anyone know what the actuation force of piano keys is?

Did I really ask that?
"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

NEC APC-H4100E | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED red | Ducky DK9008 Shine MX blue LED green | Link 900243-08 | CM QFR MX black | KeyCool 87 white MX reds | HHKB 2 Pro | Model M 02-Mar-1993 | Model M 29-Nov-1995 | CM Trigger (broken) | CM QFS MX green | Ducky DK9087 Shine 3 TKL Yellow Edition MX black | Lexmark SSK 21-Apr-1994 | IBM SSK 13-Oct-1987 | CODE TKL MX clear | Model M 122 01-Jun-1988

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Offline Linkbane

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #25 on: Thu, 03 April 2014, 00:46:44 »
If you play the piano or a stringed instrument, you probably have stronger fingers than some of us, and I would recommend you trying the stiffer springs first. (Blacks, greys, greens, BS)

I've played the piano for 7 years and heavy switches are still too tiring for me :P

I seem to recall that piano keys are not that heavy (it's been a good few years since I last played).

Anyone know what the actuation force of piano keys is?

Did I really ask that?

When people say 'press' and you immediately think of actuation force, you know you're a real geekhacker. It's already happened to me!
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #26 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 10:33:14 »
Piano keys don't have much resistance but they have a lot of inertia.  It isn't an apples to apples comparison

Offline ynrozturk

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 10:58:23 »
Get a Filco with MX Browns. Never look back.
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Offline QuadGMoto

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #28 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 11:08:42 »
I seem to recall that piano keys are not that heavy (it's been a good few years since I last played).

Anyone know what the actuation force of piano keys is?

Did I really ask that?


I just checked the fairly decent piano in our living room. It needs about 75 grams just to push the key down. Obviously you need more to actually play a sound, nevermind playing fortissimo.

Offline sth

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #29 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 11:10:11 »
i like topre a lot so i would recommend full-size realforce, if you're just looking for a keyboard and don't plan on switching keycaps or modding things. it sounds like you're used to fullsize already but if you dont want the numpad, the 87 key is there too. it's like buying the cadillac of keyboards - big, comfy, classic and distinguished, and it will last for a dang long time without looking or feeling worn.  the hi-pro version is interesting too but i haven't used one for long.

the price tag is up there with caddies too, so you could also go filco or leopold. both make great, professional-looking boards as well but my fingers seem to like topre's rubber more than springs for extended use.
« Last Edit: Fri, 11 April 2014, 11:12:17 by sth »
11:48 -!- SmallFry [~SmallFry@unaffiliated/smallfry] has quit [Ping timeout: 245 seconds] ... rest in peace

Offline Linkbane

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #30 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 11:46:51 »
i like topre a lot so i would recommend full-size realforce, if you're just looking for a keyboard and don't plan on switching keycaps or modding things. it sounds like you're used to fullsize already but if you dont want the numpad, the 87 key is there too. it's like buying the cadillac of keyboards - big, comfy, classic and distinguished, and it will last for a dang long time without looking or feeling worn.  the hi-pro version is interesting too but i haven't used one for long.

the price tag is up there with caddies too, so you could also go filco or leopold. both make great, professional-looking boards as well but my fingers seem to like topre's rubber more than springs for extended use.

Only thing about the high profile is that according to reviews I've seen and the company themselves, is that they don't recommend it for typing because the spherical shaping makes it require a large movement comparatively to others.
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #31 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 12:08:33 »
Why would a company that makes a keyboard not recommend typing on said keyboard?

Offline Linkbane

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #32 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 12:28:32 »
Why would a company that makes a keyboard not recommend typing on said keyboard?

Nice rhetoric, but it's apparently supposed to be for data entry/aesthetics rather than function.
Quickfire TK MX Blue Corsair K60 MX Red Ducky Shine 3 Yellow TKL MX Blue Leopold FC660C
Current best: 162 wpm.

Offline hoggy

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #33 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 13:27:23 »
If you are in Europe, then check out www.keyboardco.uk
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Offline lunr

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #34 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 14:10:01 »
Filco, Ducky, Topre, or Leopold are equally solid and great keyboards. I love Topre now ever since I was introduced but you should do more research on Topre switches since they are not for everyone.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Good keyboard for someone that spend all day in the computer
« Reply #35 on: Fri, 11 April 2014, 14:16:44 »
Equally?  I dunno.  I'd probably put the order as Leopold > Filco > Ducky, with Topre boards over on a different scale.