compact mechanical keyboard? a case for the IBM PC/AT layout

[The Solutor]

Yeah, how long will it take you to design and prototype your programmable keyboard?

 
More than one basic designs are already available on the tensy's site and on similar stes, having a custom layout is not harder than writing an AHK configuration, made the project generic and user customizzable is surely a more ambitious plan and will require more time.

I can write an AHK script to simulate many of the layouts here in less than an hour. I'm not saying AHK is the solution to last the ages, but instead of throwing ideas fruitlessly against the wall, you could actually be using your "optimal" layout and have some experience with it.

I'm sure you can, but is definitely not what I need, I don't mind to rewrite every configuration for every os I use, and btw obviously I don't to have "experience" with the layout I like.

I need a keyboard with a layout close to the one i like and mod it physically and logically to match my likings.

[gocantor]

PS: in the absence of a true "navkeyless" model, I bought a Filco tenkeyless through Amazon. I'm anxious to see how it performs.

Well, it's here. My first modern mechanical board in 20 years ;-)  It looks as decent as I expected, but I have to say I'm somewhat disappointed: first, the board is wiggling on my desk (!), in a very noticeable way (tested on several desks).  Second, I'm not very happy with the blue switches: the sound they produce is indeed very high pitched, which is irritating to my ear, not to mention what it would do to my officemates... I also feel that the release point is higher than where it should be: for example, I get those glitches with double caps at the beginning of words, because the shift is not released when I think it is.

I've compared my typing speed with this one and a $20 Logitech Classic 200. With the Filco, I can score between 87-93 wpm, after some practice; with the Logitech I get 91-94 more consistently, and the noise during that 1 minute test doesn't drive me crazy... ;-)   oh, and so far I am not missing the numpad ;-)

I think the Filco goes back, if only for the wiggling defect; I'll probably replace it for a Cherry MX Brown version. I just hope that the even lighter actuation/peak force of the browns won't feel too light (unfortunately, there's no tenkeyless with MX Clear switches). I still wish I could get my hands on a model F, just to try it out.  I know this is off topic, but I'd love to hear others' advice.

[alaricljs]

The wiggling is a not uncommon issue that may be attributed to the temperatures inside cargo trucks.  Generally a gently torquing by hand will get the KB back to true.

I also do not like the noise of the blues.  I went with Filco browns on both my boards.  I also replaced the keyset on one with PBT keys from tankguys which changed the tonal quality of bottoming by quite a bit as well.  It's something of a lower pitch and a bit deader sounding.  I'd do it for the 2nd board but I only use it a few times a month when I go to the office.

[sordna]

To resolve the wiggle, just grab the board at the far ends, and twist it in the right direction. The metal plate actually helps with keeping the adjustment (as it bends a little).

Regarding the switches, give them a week. The blues have 2 tactile points, in the downstroke AND in the upstroke, so you need to raise your finger a bit more to go past it.
If you think browns are too light, you can go for black (linear) switches. No tactile points however, pure smoothness all the way.

[gocantor]

I also do not like the noise of the blues.  I went with Filco browns on both my boards.

Well, the tenkeyless with brown switches is here. A much saner option, I have to say. I does feel kind of soft, but I don't notice that much a difference compared to blue switches. It is very pleasant to type on, definitely puts less stress on your fingers compared to my rubber dome board. So far I was able to reproduce my typing rate on the Logitech, albeit with a higher error rate: this will likely improve as I get used to the longer key travel (especially the distance to release point).

EDIT: I do wish the they kept the right Windows key out and had the first row more symmetrical, with a nice and wide spacebar... I think I'll map that key to right-alt so complex shift/alt/control combos are easier.

I also replaced the keyset on one with PBT keys from tankguys which changed the tonal quality of bottoming by quite a bit as well.  It's something of a lower pitch and a bit deader sounding.

The sound of the brown switch Filco is actually quite pleasant. I might go with PBT if people around me start complaining ;-)  Thanks for the tip.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the Filco tenkeyless and expect to use it heavily. That said, I still have this craving for a model F-like layout...  any model F owners out there who dislike its layout or just don't use it very often, and who're willing to sell it? ...please? ;-)

[gocantor]

Alas, I'm happy with my Filco tenkeyless but still haunted by that model F... went to a local store of computer crap, they only carry the PC/XT (no good) and a BTC knock-off of the model F (no good either). I might settle for a model M for now, just so I'd have a mechanical with a numpad---or perhaps I'm better off with a dedicated numpad? (eg, Adesso AKP-220)  Tough decisions ;-)

One thing for sure, this is becoming an addictive hobby. And an expensive one, too.

[gocantor]

Btw, some advice on numeric keypads would be appreciated. Came up with a short list and some open questions.

- Genovation Micropad 630: which switches does it use? The product page says Cherry rated 50M cycles (MX? which one?)
- Kinesis Low-Force Keypad: which key switches?
- Cherry G80-3700, Filco TenkeyPad (FKB22MB or FKB19BU): where/how to get one in the US?

The Adesso AKP-220 looks okay and has a low enough price tag, although kinda bulky and has the blue switches, which I dislike. The Cherry G84-4700 has ML switches.

Which one would you recommend?

[gocantor]

- Kinesis Low-Force Keypad: which key switches?

Just saw the review that reveals the brown MX switches on this one ;-)  Looks like a nice board.