I've been a lurker on this forum for a while now, but finally decided to register.
Ever since I was a kid typing on an IBM Model M connected to my PS/2, I've loved typing and also the feel and sound of buckling spring keyboards. In my professional life I work as a transcriptionist, and after doing that for a few years you of course get ideas on what kind of keyboard would produce the optimal (and most ergonomic) typing experience. Because of this, I sought out the veyboard/velotype keyboard (a chording-type apparatus invented by a Dutch engineer in the 80's). However, achieving the kind of WPM I have on a QUERTY board would mean registering for one of the audiovisual direct text or d/Deaf or hard of hearing interpreter courses - something I mean to do, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
My daily use keyboard is currently a Kinesis Freestyle 2 (with VIP3), and I'm also waiting on my Ergodox kit from the latest group buy. No proper soldering experience behind me, but I'm ready to learn, because I really like the design idea (even though I also have ideas about improvements, as many other people here, I venture). The Kinesis not having mechanical switches is driving me mad, so I'm just happy to have a split keyboard with nice action. But the Velotype is king when it comes to rational keyboard design imho.
(this is the veyboard version, but right now i have the older Soviet tank factory style Velotype. Last year another company released the Velotype Pro - significantly improved in terms of having cross-platform support and a nice trackpad - but, sadly, it also uses scissor switches, which makes it more or less unusable imho....)
Anyway, glad to finally having taken the plunge and joining this community of key nerddom
Allt gott, kamrater!