Form or function?

[xsphat]

What is more important to you?

Form, a.k.a. looks of the keyboard

or

Function?


And what about what is more important? i.e. layout, switches, color, etc.

[iMav]

Function is definitely top priority.  But that doesn't mean that I don't care about form.  Primarily, I want a keyboard that compliments my typing style...but if it can look good TOO, bonus.  

I'm quite picky about my key layout.  A few remapped keys and the Model M layout is quite good.

[xsphat]

I agree with iMav. Let me guess, you remapped the caps lock to the control, right? I do that with all my keyboards, even at work.

[iMav]

I agree with iMav. Let me guess, you remapped the caps lock to the control, right? I do that with all my keyboards, even at work.

Well, that IS where the control key belongs.  

[xsphat]

Oops, see below.

[xsphat]

[Well, that IS where the control key belongs.  

Word.

[Whiskey in the Jar-o]

I agree with iMav. Let me guess, you remapped the caps lock to the control, right? I do that with all my keyboards, even at work.

That's considered a good idea for emacs. I am not too thrilled with it. I think that you should not press more than one key with one hand. The only exception could be combinations where it is easy to thumb the modifier key. For example Alt-Tab, or Ctrl-PageDown. I think that Ctrl is probably the worst modifier key as it's out of the way and requires pinkies.  I used to find it annoying (and still do), but I think that OS X has it right in using mainly the Command key for most chorded commands. It's easier to use thumbs than pinkies. My only modification to the keyboard layout is to swap Backpace and Caps Lock. Not a good idea on the Cymotion keyboard, as the Caps Lock key is very very stiff on purpose.

[xsphat]

Wanna talk about a stiff caps lock key? My 20 year old Apples with the Alps sliders use a toggle switch as the caps lock. Its where the control key usually goes these days, and they have the control in the right spot - next to the A. I don't mind using my pinky finger to hold command keys for combos, but we are coming from different planes of existence here.

[FLFisherman]

I'm of the opinion that form follows function. At this point we are fortunate to (usually) have multiple keyboards that match our minimum requirements regarding function. Now we are starting to see an influx of "form", with things ranging from individual keycaps (artisans) to entirely new keysets that pay homage to the classics.

Mechanical keyboards are all about function, but because of their versatility they can easily be about form as well.

[Steezus]

I'm of the opinion that form follows function. At this point we are fortunate to (usually) have multiple keyboards that match our minimum requirements regarding function. Now we are starting to see an influx of "form", with things ranging from individual keycaps (artisans) to entirely new keysets that pay homage to the classics.

Mechanical keyboards are all about function, but because of their versatility they can easily be about form as well.

Just stop, you're doing it on purpose whereas new members are simply not paying attention.

Seems to be out of stock everywhere. Any luck?

The Necro is real! 2 years 6 months, now that's impressive.

Let's go find something else to revive!

[jdcarpe]

Por que no los dos?

[FLFisherman]

I'm of the opinion that form follows function. At this point we are fortunate to (usually) have multiple keyboards that match our minimum requirements regarding function. Now we are starting to see an influx of "form", with things ranging from individual keycaps (artisans) to entirely new keysets that pay homage to the classics.

Mechanical keyboards are all about function, but because of their versatility they can easily be about form as well.

Just stop, you're doing it on purpose whereas new members are simply not paying attention.

Seems to be out of stock everywhere. Any luck?

The Necro is real! 2 years 6 months, now that's impressive.

Let's go find something else to revive!

I like the topic though. I'll start a new one.

[appleonama]

aesthetics 

I can easily adjust to any keyboard layout.

[hwood34]

as soon as I see xsphat I know it's a hella necro

[Steezus]

as soon as I see xsphat I know it's a hella necro

8 years and counting

[FLFisherman]

as soon as I see xsphat I know it's a hella necro

It's strange. Why is he still active then (according to the forum profile info)?

aesthetics 

I can easily adjust to any keyboard layout.

Even membrane?

[hwood34]

as soon as I see xsphat I know it's a hella necro

It's strange. Why is he still active then (according to the forum profile info)?

I'm sure he might log in every once and a while just to see what's going on. Wouldn't really call it active

[Steezus]

as soon as I see xsphat I know it's a hella necro

It's strange. Why is he still active then (according to the forum profile info)?

I'm sure he might log in every once and a while just to see what's going on. Wouldn't really call it active

His last post was in 2012, definitely not active.

[Macsmasher]

I use Realforce keyboards. Obviously, function over form for me. They're so ugly they're cute.

[FLFisherman]

I use Realforce keyboards. Obviously, function over form for me. They're so ugly they're cute.

Luckily beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Realforces also don't look too bad at all!

[derb2k2]

I use Realforce keyboards. Obviously, function over form for me. They're so ugly they're cute.

Luckily beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Realforces also don't look too bad at all!

Yea who's Macsmasher kidding!??? Realforces are the finest keyboards I've laid eyes on and it looks really nice on a work desk.

Function is most important important but as has been mentioned, I'd prefer them to go hand-in-hand. 

[chyros]

For me it's the whole package. Feel, look,build, sound, and anything interesting about it. I guess that's why I talk about every single aspect of a keyboard in my reviews .

[MeltingTeeth]

Pok3r.

Form AND function.

[rowdy]

HHKB has both.

[bocahgundul]

HHKB has both.

And don't forget the feel of the board  )

[rowdy]

HHKB has both.

And don't forget the feel of the board  )

Form, function and feels.

[bocahgundul]

HHKB has both.

And don't forget the feel of the board  )

Form, function and feels.

Yep and you can just buy it without modding it like cherry switches or buying customs board so I think if someone who wants to go into keyboard but doesn't want to mod or buy custom the can go with HHKB

[rowdy]

HHKB has both.

And don't forget the feel of the board  )

Form, function and feels.

Yep and you can just buy it without modding it like cherry switches or buying customs board so I think if someone who wants to go into keyboard but doesn't want to mod or buy custom the can go with HHKB

Form, function, feels and fitness (for purpose).

[iLLucionist]

For me, form is also function. I try to follow some zen-minimalism in my workplace. Everything has to be consistent around me so that it fades away in the background so that I can concentrate solely on what is on my monitor. No colored keycaps for me for my daily driver. All black-white, including desk, mouse, mat, kb, speakers, etc. ALL

But if I had to choose, function. That's the reason I started with mech kb's in the first place: the switch, the feel. I CANNOT stand the crap rubberdomes that logitech and the lot push out nowadays.

[appleonama]

HHKB has both.

True

[alexjd99]

HHKB has both.

Something about those blank bottom left keys is so aesthetically pleasing. And that layout is godly.

So I guess with good function comes good form IMO 

[PQTran]

Function definitely.
I currently use a apple keyboard as I am waiting for my topre novatouch in the mail,
and it absolutely irritates me that I cannot remap the fn or eject keys (using AHK or any other method).

I'm planning on practising my touch typing as well, so I will hardly be looking at the keyboard anyhow

[ResonantPixel]

Function above almost everything, but keep it pragmatic and dont go crazy (looking at you emacs!) also form can stem from function, hence minamalism being a thing!