Post Your Keyboard Evolution!

[Phedran]

I tried to search for a thread like this, so sorry if it's a repeat (or in the wrong area).

I've gone through a wide variety of hardware in my life over decades of computer use, and I know I'm not the only one. And that's before I got into mechanical keyboards!

Post your keyboard evolution!

[Phedran]

I'm still pretty new to mechanical keyboards, but this is my evolution so far:

[demik]

yeah i just noticed it'll take forever to list all.

so, i started with a leopold fc200r with brown switches, and right now i have a siig minitouch with fake alps/white xm

WORST DOWN GRADE EVER

[Badwrench]

to this:



to this:
Ducky 1008 mx blue - ocn model.


to my current 3:
KBT Pure (Reds)

1987 Model M

QFR (blues)




Kinda random:  In my searches for pictures, I came across my original "Fan in a box" from a competition that I hosted on OCN.  Good times 


Thing had a pair of 120x38mm panaflows to a molex with an on/off switch.  Was pretty noisy once fired up as they went full blast wind tunnel style.   

[metalliqaz]

I love collection threads.  Wish I could see more of them.  It's interesting to me to see what kinds of things different people want/need in the boards they buy.  For example, Phedran obviously a gamer that happened upon geekhack.  For me, almost everything is TKLs because that's just the size that 'feels right'.  The collection is too big to post here but I made a thread in my sig.

[McWilloughby]

I had just a generic rubber dome keyboard for years that I still have somewhere. It had novelty keys like "Panic!" that I stuck on it (not cherry MX sadly) and I eventually retired it in favour of this:


Saitek Gamer's Keyboard. It was (potentially?) one of the first backlit keyboards however the keys weren't actually transparent so it was more of a novelty than actually useful. The keypad was really hard to configure for my 15 year old self so I never really bothered with it.

Eventually it just stopped responding to most key presses (it later turned out that I probably just needed to re-solder the cable onto the board as I found out on a forum I used to post on) and I replaced it with this:

Which died in the same way several years later and was subsequently replaced with this:


Notice a trend? At the time, I was considering getting a mechanical keyboard as I'd used them at various tournaments and suchlike. The only ones available at the time for me were the Razer BWU (it was over £100 at the time, I wasn't paying that for a keyboard back then) and the Thermaltake Meka which I had considered buying but decided not to due to the weird layout (in hindsight, damn good decision).

I eventually decided that mechanical keyboards were the way to go about 6 months later, bought a QFR with blacks and started posting on geekhack. Bought a Cherry G80 with clears about a year later but I use the QFR pretty much all of the time.

[Morwrath]

Started with Logitech G11 because a friend of mine had one and it looked really good + it had macro keys xD Used only 3 of the macro keys so it was really a waste since it was so big and clumpy. Still the best rubber dome I have owned though.


The next one I got was Razer Lycosa since I managed to spill beer over my G11 multiple times
Started to hate it after a while due to it being so shiny, it was impossible to not have greasy fingerprints all over it. It also had the worst mediaplayer-system I have ever seen on a keyboard. Totally useless! It stopped working after around 1 year and I decided to go for a mechanical keyboard next since I wanted a keyboard that didn't just stop randomly working after a year.


After reading a lot of reviews and looking through Geekhack I went for a Noppoo Choc Mini with brown switches.
The thing that made me decide for the Noppoo was that the F-row was so close to the number-row. I was playing WoW at the time and it was perfect for the amount of keybinds needed, now I had more options since I could use F-keys aswell. Got a new keyboard a year later, but this time it was not due to my old one breaking down.


Ducky Mini, the one I am using atm. When I think about it my keyboards have grown gradually smaller haha.

[danielucf]

I started pasting in image links and then it all went to heck in a hand basket so I'll just type it out of frustration.

Original Microsoft split ergo keyboard -> Microsoft split ergo with media keys -> Logitech G15 original -> Steelseries 7G (first mechanical) -> Leopold FC700R -> KBT Pure orange backlit -> KBC Poker -> Some Cherry POS board -> another KBT Pure with oneproduct aluminum case (won /r/mechanicalkeyboards best picture 2012) -> KMAC Mini (first Korean custom) -> then it all gets a bit fuzzy the order because I got a lot around the same time: Cherry 1800, QFR MX Greens, 11900, LZ-GH, MX Mini, ErgoDox, another KBT Pure MX Whites, GON 60%, GON 75%, Realforce 87 45g, another KBT Pure in hammer case. On deck for delivery or in production: LZ-CE, recent FMJ style 2, layered 1800 from LZ.

I try to rotate through everything I still own on a regular basis and change keycap sets so none of them get particularly worn.

Here are some pictures from my imgur:

[Photekq]

[Emospence]

Eh no peeks right now but some Logitech rubber dome for years and years → Filco Majestouch 2 brown switch → Rosewill RK-9000 blue switch (sold) → HHKB Pro 2.

I will decide soon if I prefer Topre or Cherry, and then get 2 Realforce 87U 55gs if the former, another Filco and get PBT keycaps for both if the latter.

[demik]

holy crap this looks GREAT

[deSheol]

holy crap this looks GREAT

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holy crap this looks GREAT

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holy crap this looks GREAT

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holy crap this looks GREAT

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Indeed, that looks beautiful. O.o

[Amble]

Started in July 2012... I can finally say I am content with my Realforce.


>

[unicomp_uc]

Excluding the rubber dome days:

First: Unicomp
Second: Minila Browns
Third: HHKB Pro 2

[C5Allroad]

I first started off with a computer that wasn't too good to start with a few years back... So I then saved and bought a decent system with a K90.
After a year and some lurking on GH I thought why not? And I bought a shine 3 and don't regret it at all.

[Dubsgalore]

DAS


Pure


Poker


3700

[Forsythe]

DAS

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Pure

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Poker

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3700

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You changed from Poker to Numpad?

[Dubsgalore]

You changed from Poker to Numpad?

my bad, just simply added it to my collection 

[Forsythe]

You changed from Poker to Numpad?

my bad, just simply added it to my collection 

I was thinking, "What is this evolution?". 

[Dubsgalore]

I was thinking, "What is this evolution?". 

The thought of just the numpad and mouse on my desk,  )
that'd be quite the challenge to type with...

[kmiller8]

Kinda random:  In my searches for pictures, I came across my original "Fan in a box" from a competition that I hosted on OCN.  Good times 

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Thing had a pair of 120x38mm panaflows to a molex with an on/off switch.  Was pretty noisy once fired up as they went full blast wind tunnel style.

why.... do you have two fans in a box 

[jwaz]

Leopold TKL w/ MX-Blues -> Filco TKL w/ MX-Browns (okay board, garbage switch) -> G80-1800 MX-Blues -> 87' SSK -> (here is starts to get blurry) KMAC/eDox/chicony (switched to Colemak)

A lot of random stuff I found in junk stores/ eBay/ flea-markets/ bought new/ etc... but finally (last couple years):

a few HHKBs/ various Realforces' -> HHKB 55g -> Type-S & a dental modded HHKB

In the future? Perhaps a Burroughs, Kishsaver, Hall Effect, High-Pro or uTron?


EDIT: added switching layouts.

[SpAmRaY]

Leopold TKL w/ MX-Blues -> Filco TKL w/ MX-Browns (okay board, garbage switch) -> G80-1800 MX-Blues -> 87' SSK -> (here is starts to get blurry) KMAC/eDox/chicony

A lot of random stuff I found in junk stores/ eBay/ flea-markets/ bought new/ etc... but finally (last couple years):

a few HHKBs/ various Realforces' -> HHKB 55g -> Type-S & a dental modded HHKB

In the future? Perhaps a Burroughs, Kishsaver, Hall Effect, High-Pro or uTron?

Jwaz how do you compare the type S to the dental band mod?

[jwaz]

I like both, the dental band mod reduces the key travel a lot so it feels different. It changed my typing style to be more... correct? It's softer and I try to not press hard and sort of 'dance' across the keys. When I'm at home using the Type-S then I'm not bottoming out as harshly because I'm used to the smaller key travel. They're both SUPER quiet.

[SpAmRaY]

I like both, the dental band mod reduces the key travel a lot so it feels different. It changed my typing style to be more... correct? It's softer and I try to not press hard and sort of 'dance' across the keys. When I'm at home using the Type-S then I'm not bottoming out as harshly because I'm used to the smaller key travel. They're both SUPER quiet.

Yeah my dental band mod plus lube 55g HHKB is silent for sure....I didn't use the HHKB enough before to notice the reduced key travel

[IvanIvanovich]

Hmn, well if the numpad had an Alt key... you technically could use it for 100% input by typing unicode ) next, it will be evolution to a binary keyboard, you only need 2 keys suckers.

My evolution...
BTC 5100

These were my keyboard of choice for quite awhile, and I had a few of them. Earlier ones were very nice and had individual domes over a proper PCB. Last one I had was a ****ty sheet domes over membrane... so I decided I wanted something of much higher quality and started reading up and decided on MX...

G80-3000LPCEU-2

My first encounter with MX, but it was just too damn big and I didn't care for the force of blacks at the time so...

I went on the hunt for a smaller keyboard like it, and found the KBC Poker and this weird place and then...
my obsession with vintage Cherry keycaps and G80s

But I still love 60% the best.

[daerid]

I don't think there's enough space for me to post my evolution

[Reomero]

Used some run-of-the-mill rubber dome that came with the Dell PC I used to use.

Then when I built my first PC, I bought a QFR w/ Blacks. [c. mid/late 2012]

(That's the actual 'board with some blank WASD caps)

Then I managed to get my hands on a graphite Leopold FC700R w/ Browns. [c. Early 2013]


Since I sold my QFR after getting the Leo, for some reason I started to miss linear switches so I got my hands on a Noppoo Mid 87 w/ Reds. [c. mid 2013]

(Actual 'board with Miami set)

After that I got curious and decided to try the 60% layout. (Which I now love -- can't see myself using a bigger layout) [Nov' 2013]


And after that? Hmm.. maybe I'll take the plunge and try out cupped rubber. Though I found a broken BWU from a local dude for dirt cheap, which I'll be harvesting some Blue switches from.

[epzy]

Saitek Eclipse x5 -> SteelSeries 6g -> SteelSeries 6gv2 -> Steelseries 7g > SteelSeries SHIFT -> Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Elite 2013 x2 > CM Storm Quickfire Rapid x2, CM Storm Quickfire TK x2 and now my current ones; Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013, QFR, Filco Mj2 x2, Ducky YYY, Ducky Mini. Switching between everyone except the Blackwidow...

[hasu]

This happened 10 years ago and no evolution from then.

[Emospence]

Filco Majestouch 2 brown switch -> Rosewill RK-9000 blue switch -> HHKB Pro 2 -> Realforce 87UW 55g x 2

[SonicRevolution]

Hahah! just want to say this thread is amazing! haha!

[Sifo]

Soon to be:




End Game:



Some pics are not mine

[demik]

your end game will be hhkb. you will never be able to go back to peasant cherry.

[Sifo]

your end game will be hhkb. you will never be able to go back to peasant cherry.

I've already typed on enough HHKBs, I don't like it. I prefer my DT-35 more than an HHKB. I'm only getting one because I want hasu's controller to use with it.

[YongJK]

Rosewill Rk9000 MX Black
Ducky 9087 G2 Pro
Keycool 87
CMStorm QuickFire Rapid
PLU-ML87
Filco MJ2
KMAC2
Poker 2 (x2)
Duck Mini v2
Hammer Casing
38GT + GON Plate
IKBC F-104

All sold except KMAC 2 and F-104 which I am keeping right now.
A bit hassles to go through the photos. 

[Sai]

Soon to be:

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what is this board ?

[Sifo]

고래 aka whale not stopping til I have it for whalebro to sit on.

[Sai]

고래 aka whale not stopping til I have it for whalebro to sit on.

oh. i have not seen that one before. post pictures when you get it. 

[davkol]

keyboards I've owned and used for more than few weeks; won't repost pictures from other threads

2005–2008 some entry-level Genius keyboard, I think I learned to touch type on it
2007–2008 IBM ThinkPad T40
2008–2010? Logitech UltraX and Dell Latitude D series
2012 SteelSeries 6Gv2 (Cherry DS; MX Black)
2012+ Noppoo Choc Mini (original black POM; MX Red)
2013+ TypeMatrix 2030, ErgoDox (PBT DSA; MX Clear)
2014+ Kinesis Advantage (MX Brown)
TBA 2014 ErgoDox (PBT SA; vintage MX Black)

[jonathanyu]

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Soon to be:

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End Game:

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Some pics are not mine

what is the board that above the hhkb?

[ekw808]

This thread is going to sucks for mobile users.
Ducky Year of the Tiger, then the TG3 in the back

Poker, and RF 10th AE 55g

MX Mini

Race

Kmac

Kmac Mini

Kpad

Kmac 2 and another RF 55G

HHKB

456 GT

LZ MX SE

Ergodox

Last of All Kmac 1, round 2


I need to learn to take pics without CCs

[fourzeropooh]

This thread is going to sucks for mobile users.
Ducky Year of the Tiger

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Poker, and RF 10th AE 55g

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MX Mini

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Race

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Kmac

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Kmac Mini

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Kpad

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Kmac 2 and another RF 55G

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HHKB

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456 GT

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LZ MX SE

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Ergodox

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Last of All Kmac 1, round 2

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I need to learn to take pics without CCs

It already does :))

Where can I get that KMAC mini?

[ekw808]

It was from a GB a while back, there are still some floating around classifieds from time to time.

[demik]

Where can I get that KMAC mini?

K-Mart!

[rowdy]

I know it's a trick of the lighting, but that green on the RF AE looks completely toxic!

[ekw808]

Where can I get that KMAC mini?

K-Mart!

This....isn't.. wrong.

[demik]

Where can I get that KMAC mini?

K-Mart!

This....isn't.. wrong.

ha, i just got it myself!

[neunelfer]

Filco with MX Blacks to HHKB

[vim_commando]

The first keyboard I called my own was an old NMB Right Touch RT101+ that had Alps Sliders.  I LOVED this keyboard and only replaced it because I spilled water on it and it killed some keys 


Out of sheer desperation I found the least offensive membrane keyboard I could find at a second-hand store, it served me well when I needed something quiet.


I got an IBM Model M and felt right at home on the mechanical switches.  It was a great keyboard, but a bit to loud.  I've loaned it to a friend who uses it at his work.


I wanted to go back to mechanical and picked up this Dell AT101W.  It is a good keyboard, but still had a large footprint.  This was causing issues with my small keyboard drawer.


I went for a nice compact Apple Bluetooth keyboard.  Perfect size and is one of the best membrane keyboards I've used... but it is Bluetooth.  Small things like Batteries, needing to re-pair the device whenever I switch OSes (I dual-boot Win 8 and OS X), missing key strokes (right ctrl, insert), driver requirements for Windows, and the inability to use to select my boot drive on my PC's BIOS quickly soured my opinion of it.


Finally I recently picked up a Tex Beetle.  I LOVE this keyboard.  Every key I can think of is available on this 60%, it doesn't make weird compromises on the layout, is completely driver-less on any OS, remembers your custom config settings even when unplugged (like the ctrl/capslock swap), and has a dedicated arrow cluster.


My only disappointment with my Beetle has been the Cherry Brown switches.  I have studied Cherry switches for years and I thought these were going to be the perfect key switches for me.  What I have found is that they feel very similar to my old Dell, although quieter.  The "tactile" feel is so subtle I barely notice it, the Apple keyboard has a more defined activation point.  Mostly I think I let myself get over-hyped about the browns. They are still good, just not the nirvana I was expecting.

I can say I will never buy another 100% keyboard again, I love my Beetle. 

Thanks for the thread, this was a great idea!