Furthermore, tp4 adds nothing to any thread with any of his posts. And the threads he starts have nothing to do with keyboards. His only attempt to communicate something close to an idea regarding keyboards is "get an ergodox". Which while appearing to be a comment, is actually a form of griefing in itself because: (1) getting an ergodox is not easy because it is a totally custom keyboard, (2) getting an ergodox is totally inappropriate advice to give to a nub, and (3) getting an ergodox is extremely expensive. Plus, it's hypocritical advice, since tp4 doesn't actually have an ergodox himself.
1) Totally custom keyboard == not easy? I fail to see how you reached that conclusion rationally
2) How is it inappropriate advice for a "nub"? The appropriate advice for a nub would depend on what that person wants, and if they want a custom ergonomic keyboard and have soldering experience, then the ErgoDox is a perfectly acceptable suggestion
3) Not "extremely". It's more expensive than a Filco, but less than a HHKB or Topre (at least for US customers, which is quite a bit)
And I'm curious why you think he doesn't own one?
Hmm, I guess my post makes it sounds like I'm anti-ergodox, which I'm not. Let me be clear: I am anti-tp4tissue. I am actually pro-ergodox, even though I don't have one. I like everything about it.
However, let me address your points:
(1) Building a custom keyboard is not easy to accomplish. This seems a pretty rational statement. First, I've done it, and I have soldering experience, keyboard experience, computer building experience, an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree, and I thought it was hard, not in terms of brain power so much, but in terms of time spent hunched over breathing in vaporized solder. Second, simply getting the ergodox kit is not easy. And when I say easy, I mean in comparison to ordering an HHKB Pro 2 from elitekeyboards.com (at least for US customers, which is quite a bit). I can buy an HHKB Pro 2 Type-S with three mouse clicks. That is easy.
(2) ergodox is a good recommendation as a first keyboard to a total nub? Really? I don't really know how to respond to this.
(3) As for price, expensive is a relative term. And I would estimate the price of a fully modded ergodox at near $600 (with stickers, lube, custom keycaps, and modded springs), which to me is extremely expensive, IMO.
With all that said, I do not mean to discourage anyone from getting an ergodox. Nub, pro, intermediate, all should get one. But they should be made aware of what's involved in getting and building one. As for price, while it's high, $600 is not too much to pay for a keyboard. Especially one as good as the ergodox. Also, I do not mean to malign the ergodox in any way. It is an excellent keyboard, and is the only one of it's kind available anywhere.
What I don't like is tp4's incessant, inane, and many times inappropriate comments about it. The ergodox is not appropriate for every person, in every situation. A responsible geekhacker know this, and will recommend it when it's appropriate and not recommend it when it's not appropriate. A blanket spamming of "get an ergodox" helps no one, and adds no value. It actually detracts from the utility of this whole website.
As for why tp4 has no ergodox, you should ask him. He is a troll, and his mindless "get an ergodox" blather is more about trolling this site, than it is about giving actual advice, or promoting the ergodox. If you love the ergodox, you should realize tp4 is not your friend. He is nobody's friend.
Yea this whole thread is fap material for TP4. He's probably already changed his underpants multiple times today reading it.
He did. As he does most everyday. But due to sharts, not faps.
Can't it be both?
lol. I guess. Both at the same time? Wow. tp4 has at least one hidden talent then: the 'ol fap 'n shart.
Do I hear envy in your voice?
lol. I dunno if bowel incontinence is something I aspire to. But I guess maybe tp4 may be the master of a kind of auto-blumpkin. And that's admirable in a way. If you're scatophilic, I guess.
