Is it weird to bring my own keyboard to a new job?

[rowdy]

I teach in the math department of a public community college and we are not exactly rich. But, I bet one could *find* a model M if you looked in some of the sub-basements and steam tunnels on our grand old campus. Ha Ha! I am planning on buying a keyboard for work soon. But, I'm giving my first purchase some time so I can decide what I might want to change.

Buy a keyboard for work?  Nah, why bother, when you can find a Model M there already

Just clean it up a bit - it should last you for a good few more years.

[tricheboars]

i dont know about the Model M. i am pretty liberal when it comes to personal keyboards at the office but Model M boards might be over the line. those ****ers are loud as ****.  make blues seem silent.  if you have an office it is fine but if you work in a more open environment.... choose something else and leave the M at home.

[Zombly]

I know, I'm personally not allowed to bring in anything that the corporation didn't buy due to possibility of losing personal items, and that it's government affiliated so everyone needed should be provided, they do provide ergonomic boards, but non-mechanical and usually costing a max of $40-$50, as it hasn't been proven to them that it's 100% needed

[Hellmark]

Pfft, I've used a Model M at the office for a while, and right now I am typing this on a XT Model F. They're not THAT loud. Machine Gun Fingers!

[rowdy]

i dont know about the Model M. i am pretty liberal when it comes to personal keyboards at the office but Model M boards might be over the line. those ****ers are loud as ****.  make blues seem silent.  if you have an office it is fine but if you work in a more open environment.... choose something else and leave the M at home.

We've got me on MX greens and someone else on MX blues, and the only comment we've had is that people know when we're working.

I am trying to find an SSK to bring in to work )

[rknize]

My company recently moved into the city and our office environment went from a cube farm to a completely open, Googlesque, office plan.  We are all at desks a few feet from each other.  I brought my Model M home, thinking it would be way too loud, and brought in my Ergo-cleared Filco instead.  Previously, I only knew of one other person with a mechanical keyboard: a recently-acquired QFR with blues.  Well, lo and behold, there are at least 3 MX boards right around me: a CM Trigger, a Leo, and the QFR.  There is even a fellow with an unmodded M on my floor.

Once the M is cleaned and fixed up a bit (has some broken rivets), I'll be bringing it back.  Even though the space is open, the background noise level is really high.  You have to wear headphones to be able to think at all, but that is a different thread....

[CK Briefs]

My company recently moved into the city and our office environment went from a cube farm to a completely open, Googlesque, office plan.  We are all at desks a few feet from each other.  I brought my Model M home, thinking it would be way too loud, and brought in my Ergo-cleared Filco instead.  Previously, I only knew of one other person with a mechanical keyboard: a recently-acquired QFR with blues.  Well, lo and behold, there are at least 3 MX boards right around me: a CM Trigger, a Leo, and the QFR.  There is even a fellow with an unmodded M on my floor.

Once the M is cleaned and fixed up a bit (has some broken rivets), I'll be bringing it back.  Even though the space is open, the background noise level is really high.  You have to wear headphones to be able to think at all, but that is a different thread....

Lucky...
I'm still working in a cubicle-esque office space with crappy keyboard and mouse
I don't really wanna bring in a keyboard cause my coworkers are pretty close in proximity and there are no real walls between us :S

[Tarzan]

My company recently moved into the city and our office environment went from a cube farm to a completely open, Googlesque, office plan.  We are all at desks a few feet from each other.  I brought my Model M home, thinking it would be way too loud, and brought in my Ergo-cleared Filco instead.  Previously, I only knew of one other person with a mechanical keyboard: a recently-acquired QFR with blues.  Well, lo and behold, there are at least 3 MX boards right around me: a CM Trigger, a Leo, and the QFR.  There is even a fellow with an unmodded M on my floor.

Once the M is cleaned and fixed up a bit (has some broken rivets), I'll be bringing it back.  Even though the space is open, the background noise level is really high.  You have to wear headphones to be able to think at all, but that is a different thread....

Lucky...
I'm still working in a cubicle-esque office space with crappy keyboard and mouse
I don't really wanna bring in a keyboard cause my coworkers are pretty close in proximity and there are no real walls between us :S

When I asked my IT team for something better than the Dell rubber dome POS they had on my desk when I started, they recommended I order a replacement and expense it.  Now my HR director and one other co-worker have Ducky 78's, the IT guys bought some back-lit models, and one of the other managers has a Ducky Pro with Clears.  It's still a quiet office, even when I do use a Model M for a change of pace.  I'd recommend you bring in the gear that makes your work as optimal as possible, and find out if people have concerns.

[mougrim]

My company recently moved into the city and our office environment went from a cube farm to a completely open, Googlesque, office plan.  We are all at desks a few feet from each other.  I brought my Model M home, thinking it would be way too loud, and brought in my Ergo-cleared Filco instead.  Previously, I only knew of one other person with a mechanical keyboard: a recently-acquired QFR with blues.  Well, lo and behold, there are at least 3 MX boards right around me: a CM Trigger, a Leo, and the QFR.  There is even a fellow with an unmodded M on my floor.

Once the M is cleaned and fixed up a bit (has some broken rivets), I'll be bringing it back.  Even though the space is open, the background noise level is really high.  You have to wear headphones to be able to think at all, but that is a different thread....

Lucky...
I'm still working in a cubicle-esque office space with crappy keyboard and mouse
I don't really wanna bring in a keyboard cause my coworkers are pretty close in proximity and there are no real walls between us :S

When I asked my IT team for something better than the Dell rubber dome POS they had on my desk when I started, they recommended I order a replacement and expense it.  Now my HR director and one other co-worker have Ducky 78's, the IT guys bought some back-lit models, and one of the other managers has a Ducky Pro with Clears.  It's still a quiet office, even when I do use a Model M for a change of pace.  I'd recommend you bring in the gear that makes your work as optimal as possible, and find out if people have concerns.

People actually LISTENING to reasonable demands? You must be working at some paradise long lost to us

[daerid]

My company recently moved into the city and our office environment went from a cube farm to a completely open, Googlesque, office plan.  We are all at desks a few feet from each other.  I brought my Model M home, thinking it would be way too loud, and brought in my Ergo-cleared Filco instead.  Previously, I only knew of one other person with a mechanical keyboard: a recently-acquired QFR with blues.  Well, lo and behold, there are at least 3 MX boards right around me: a CM Trigger, a Leo, and the QFR.  There is even a fellow with an unmodded M on my floor.

Once the M is cleaned and fixed up a bit (has some broken rivets), I'll be bringing it back.  Even though the space is open, the background noise level is really high.  You have to wear headphones to be able to think at all, but that is a different thread....

What kind of work do you do? If it's development, that's a terrible, terrible idea (the open office plan).

[tbc]

^ if you're a small team (like 5) then it's not too bad.  but having the entire department there is ridiculous because you hear more unrelated chatter then actually relevant stuff.

it gets kinda lonely in an office by yourself for hours at a time (this is coming from a pretty extreme introvert)

[mougrim]

^ if you're a small team (like 5) then it's not too bad.  but having the entire department there is ridiculous because you hear more unrelated chatter then actually relevant stuff.

it gets kinda lonely in an office by yourself for hours at a time (this is coming from a pretty extreme introvert)

Yep. Five-a-room is a best number

[rknize]

My company recently moved into the city and our office environment went from a cube farm to a completely open, Googlesque, office plan.  We are all at desks a few feet from each other.  I brought my Model M home, thinking it would be way too loud, and brought in my Ergo-cleared Filco instead.  Previously, I only knew of one other person with a mechanical keyboard: a recently-acquired QFR with blues.  Well, lo and behold, there are at least 3 MX boards right around me: a CM Trigger, a Leo, and the QFR.  There is even a fellow with an unmodded M on my floor.

Once the M is cleaned and fixed up a bit (has some broken rivets), I'll be bringing it back.  Even though the space is open, the background noise level is really high.  You have to wear headphones to be able to think at all, but that is a different thread....

What kind of work do you do? If it's development, that's a terrible, terrible idea (the open office plan).

Software development.  Hundreds of developers in clusters of a few dozen or so.  Yes, it is a terrible idea...really hard to dive deeply into things.  I wear headphones at work regardless, so the noise aspect isn't a big deal.  Lots of other distractions, though.  Between that and the commute, I'd say I am about 75% as productive as I was before the move.

However, in exchange for the loss of personal space we got some pretty nice perks.  Worth it?  Depends who you ask.

[daerid]

Open office spaces kill developer productivity. There's been quite a few studies on it. Whether or not it makes for happier employees (which I doubt) is a different story. Hopefully those are some wicked perks then

[Dubsgalore]

Would start my own thread but won't because this exists 

So today was my third day, but I'm spending all summer 9 am to 5 pm doing a paid internship at a company, and I'm really loving it so far.
It's a software company, but I'll be doing just a lot of small work and formatting and double checking things and what not, but I really like it.
they've set me up on a nice laptop to use, and some **** mouse but it's just my third day so i'm adjusting to the environment.
I expected to see at least one keyboard in the entire large office that wasn't a dell modern quietkey or a microsoft 4k, but i haven't seen one mech or semi-mech once.
Being an intern and it being my first job in my life ever, I feel very out of place and awkward, but I assume that's natural. Everyone is really nice but professional, and I really like it.
So...

1. I don't want to be the first person to bring in a keyboard that isn't the standard because I feel like i'd stand out when I don't like standing out
2. I'm the intern

First of all I don't even have any mechs that are quiet or an 'office-environment' switch. All my are generally loud so...i'd have to buy a realforce or hhkb to bring in...mainly because I want to try topre and It's quieter (yes/nah?). Vesper has been helping me look at realforces for a bit now so I'm thinking about picking one up...what should I do

(the urge to go on #geekhack or actual geekhack during the day gets closer and closer to fatal with ever passing minute)

[Flyersfan1]

Would start my own thread but won't because this exists 

So today was my third day, but I'm spending all summer 9 am to 5 pm doing a paid internship at a company, and I'm really loving it so far.
It's a software company, but I'll be doing just a lot of small work and formatting and double checking things and what not, but I really like it.
they've set me up on a nice laptop to use, and some **** mouse but it's just my third day so i'm adjusting to the environment.
I expected to see at least one keyboard in the entire large office that wasn't a dell modern quietkey or a microsoft 4k, but i haven't seen one mech or semi-mech once.
Being an intern and it being my first job in my life ever, I feel very out of place and awkward, but I assume that's natural. Everyone is really nice but professional, and I really like it.
So...

1. I don't want to be the first person to bring in a keyboard that isn't the standard because I feel like i'd stand out when I don't like standing out
2. I'm the intern

First of all I don't even have any mechs that are quiet or an 'office-environment' switch. All my are generally loud so...i'd have to buy a realforce or hhkb to bring in...mainly because I want to try topre and It's quieter (yes/nah?). Vesper has been helping me look at realforces for a bit now so I'm thinking about picking one up...what should I do

(the urge to go on #geekhack or actual geekhack during the day gets closer and closer to fatal with ever passing minute)

First off, congrats on your internship! That's really exciting! 

A realforce or hhkb would make for a great workplace keyboard, especially the HHKB since you said you're working with just a laptop right now.  Even the normal hhkb is quiet enough for an office environment in my opinion, the only noise you get is the clack from the upstroke.  The layout might take a bit of time getting used to, but I adjusted pretty quickly to mine.  A realforce would be a great option too, since they've become so affordable recently and the silenced model(variable weighted only) is much cheaper than a silenced hhkb, I've seen many variants going for as little as $180 in the classifieds.  Good luck in your decision! 

[Dubsgalore]

First off, congrats on your internship! That's really exciting! 

A realforce or hhkb would make for a great workplace keyboard, especially the HHKB since you said you're working with just a laptop right now.  Even the normal hhkb is quiet enough for an office environment in my opinion, the only noise you get is the clack from the upstroke.  The layout might take a bit of time getting used to, but I adjusted pretty quickly to mine.  A realforce would be a great option too, since they've become so affordable recently and the silenced model(variable weighted only) is much cheaper than a silenced hhkb, I've seen many variants going for as little as $180 in the classifieds.  Good luck in your decision! 

Yeah I was really thinking HHKB for the size and whatnot, but was leaning more towards RF for the price..I'll be on the lookout for a cheap HHKB now

I'm not too far from philly either haah thanks for the reply!

[myrddin]

1. I don't want to be the first person to bring in a keyboard that isn't the standard because I feel like i'd stand out when I don't like standing out
2. I'm the intern

Don't be afraid, if your industry is at all related to computers their HR should be more than used to people bringing in their own stuff.
My company even refunded me the cost of the one I bought for work (I use a hardware dvorak so I can have a second qwerty keyboard attached for pair-programming guests).

[davkol]

TBH I'd be more concerned about company's security policy than this. I've used reds and clears in lectures and never got any complaints... maybe because some people can really smash their rubber domes—or even light-touch chiclet laptop keyboards. O.o

[D01]

Not weird at all.  Plus I'm always down to turn someone on to mechanical keyboards if they show some interest.  Every time someone sees my keyboard nine times out of ten they ask....where did you get that old thing?

I'm by myself behind a locked door so I have no idea if the noise would bother anyone, but I doubt it. 

[Smasher816]

I brought my own to my job. But then again it's a small little company with like 5 people so it's pretty relaxed environment

[dgreekstallion]

I may get a new job soon at a stock trading company... I  hope they let me bring my own keyboard... Guess I'll have to buy a quiet mechanical. Shame- I have to get a new keyboard.

[mougrim]

I may get a new job soon at a stock trading company... I  hope they let me bring my own keyboard... Guess I'll have to buy a quiet mechanical. Shame- I have to get a new keyboard.

Bring your F-122. Say it's specially made for PROFESSIONAL stock traders

[dgreekstallion]

Haha. The only issue is I would have is the fact it's an open office design. Not cubicles thankfully. If they allow me I'd like to get a quiet board. I've heard the Matias Quiet Pros are good... I could be wrong, though.

[RESPRiT]

Get cup rubber and silent mod it yourself. That would make for a fantastic work mech

[exitfire401]

Get cup rubber and silent mod it yourself. That would make for a fantastic work mech

This! I've been using my Realforce all summer at work so far, and now that I have my HHKB, that's my work board.

[RESPRiT]

Get cup rubber and silent mod it yourself. That would make for a fantastic work mech

This! I've been using my Realforce all summer at work so far, and now that I have my HHKB, that's my work board.

I think Topre is just modest enough to be professional and quiet enough not to be an annoyance.

[Justintoxicated]

Is it weird to bring my own keyboard to a job interview?

[mougrim]

Is it weird to bring my own keyboard to a job interview?

Not if you won't beat interviewer on the head with it

[OnTheBrink]

I didn't read all the pages so sorry if someone said this, but bring it in!

You never know, when other closet geeks see you do this it might start a keyboard revolution!

Is it weird to bring my own keyboard to a job interview?

It would be epic if you did this and the interviewer hired you on the spot because he was a member on GH, lol.

[mougrim]

Or rejected you on spot because keyboard is MX and he's a Topre zealot

[rowdy]

Or rejected you on spot because keyboard is MX and he's a Topre zealot

Take a Model M.

Can be used for defence if required, or if application not successful.

[mougrim]

Or rejected you on spot because keyboard is MX and he's a Topre zealot

Take a Model M.

Can be used for defence if required, or if application not successful.

F-122. Can be used as a shield or as offensive weapon

[blackbox]

Or rejected you on spot because keyboard is MX and he's a Topre zealot

Take a Model M.

Can be used for defence if required, or if application not successful.

F-122. Can be used as a shield or as offensive weapon

If you need to use your keyboard as defense or a weapon in an jobinterview I think there something horribly wrong.

[Dubsgalore]

I'm going to be able to try out a realforce and hhkb in real life next week so maybe I'll buy one and bring it into work..hmm...

[Belfong]

I'm going to be able to try out a realforce and hhkb in real life next week so maybe I'll buy one and bring it into work..hmm...

And if you really love Topre, we can help you dispose of the MX Julysicles

[Showhand]

I am going to take my board to work next week. Anyway my colleagues (engineers) are quite skeptical about the usefulness of a mechanical keyboard. But in general when they see me typing doubling their ridiculous wpm they stop to argue.

[Dubsgalore]

Brought my brother's ducky in and slapped some WoB on there

I'll figure out if i want topre or not when I try it tomorrow...and then probably grab a realforce if I do and if not then ill find something more permanent

[CPTBadAss]

Lol. I was rocking Valentines on MX Blues for months at work. It was hilarious. #Professional

[Dubsgalore]

Lol. I was rocking Valentines on MX Blues for months at work. It was hilarious. #Professional

H-HOW?

I feel like this ducky sticks out enough as is )

These browns are really pushing it too for loudness ) I don't think anyone cares but I'm self conscious

[CPTBadAss]

Well I brought it in and after a week, no one walked up to me and said take that **** home. So I kept it. It yielded many hilarious conversations.

[Dubsgalore]

Well I brought it in and after a week, no one walked up to me and said take that **** home. So I kept it. It yielded many hilarious conversations.

I need to find a permanent board for the whole summer, so this will do for now
It's an open space area, no individual cubicles, so I don't think clickies would work for me at all

[CPTBadAss]

I was in an open area. Lol. Rock it until someone tells you otherwise if you like that board.

[nobee]

I was in an open area. Lol. Rock it until someone tells you otherwise if you like that board.

Agreed! I got all sorts of comments for my pink boards. They got Instragrammed a lot. They've never seen anything like it! It was pretty funny.

[mougrim]

When I brought by Poker at my work, it was looked at by everyone. Even those who other floors

[Jixr]

i'm to the point where no one bothers or questions all the junk I bring into work all the time.

Right now I have a full size and a poker on my work desk, and i'm constantly bringing in others to test out and play around with.

I've been clearly labled the office geek, but its whatever.

[daerid]

Work from home. No more problems

[Justintoxicated]

Lol. I was rocking Valentines on MX Blues for months at work. It was hilarious. #Professional

H-HOW?

I feel like this ducky sticks out enough as is )

These browns are really pushing it too for loudness ) I don't think anyone cares but I'm self conscious

I'm using my FC660C Topre at work now, everyone there likes full sized and no one knows what topore is so It's probably pretty safe    When I had my brown Blackbird board in there the only comment I got from a higher up was that they could hear the productivity, granted I was just writing something on gh

[nobee]

Lol. I was rocking Valentines on MX Blues for months at work. It was hilarious. #Professional

H-HOW?

I feel like this ducky sticks out enough as is )

These browns are really pushing it too for loudness ) I don't think anyone cares but I'm self conscious

I'm using my FC660C Topre at work now, everyone there likes full sized and no one knows what topore is so It's probably pretty safe    When I had my brown Blackbird board in there the only comment I got from a higher up was that they could hear the productivity, granted I was just writing something on gh

My co-workers are so confused as to how I can do "Page UP/DOWN" or use F5 on my FC660C. I get that ALL THE TIME. Also about the blanks: "But how do you know where to type?!"

[dorkvader]

in the last week, I have brought in the following to type on:

topre realforce pro 30g uniform (what I had 'cause it's quiet)
lightsaver with 62g clears (dvorak and blank keycaps)
skeldon in 62g whites
Model M
TG3 NBL82 (the non backlit one)
Cherry G80-11900
IBM AT model F.

Everyone knows I dig keyboards, so they are OK with it. I actually ended up selling the NBL82 for $25 to a co-worker. It was NIB so we both got a good deal.