Favorite TYPING Keyboard and why?

[lonedruid]

I got my 6GV2 STEELSERIES GAMING KEYBOARD, and i LOVE it, i have no regret at all buying it . It has a hefty price of singapore dollar 180 though. :thumb:But, i realize i am a keyboard fanatic. So, even though i love my 6GV2 i want to have multiple keyboards to play around as well. So i am starting to look into some mechanical keyboards. As i research deeper into this keyboard abyss, boy, there are zillions of mechanical keyboard other than mainstream morre " well known" brands  like Steelseries, RAzer,Roccat, Tt esports,gigabyte ,quickfire, and logitech.
As i went on my keyboard finding mission on youtube : I already know about Rosewill and Das abit. But , boy , there are tonnes more that could stand up to my German 6GV2. There is this Japan much talked about FIlco, Taiwanese Ducky light freaks, Chinese i-rocks, hipster (not really, i dont know the vocab, sorry,how do you say this small group that pride themselves on their HHKBS?Realforce HKKB (who make this ?)


But it is kind of weird that in geekhack and more "keyboard fanatic" groups and discussions, mainstream famous keyboards like my 6GV2 or Razer Black Widow Ultimate for that case never even comes up.

For my, second keyboard , i will be looking at cherry mx blue swiltches. I love my Red switch's satisfying hit-all-the-way -down keys of my 6GV2 and the nice bottoming out sound. I would like to try some tactile ,clicky feel even though i initially opted for red keys over blue keys because blue keys have to pres halfway only then as you press past that halfway point they become slack: hence less satisfaction of hitting the keys. But i like the clicky tactile sound and feel so gonna get my blue keyboard.

I am thinking Das Keyboard S Professional Ultimate Clicky.But, i just read on geekhack two guys say, Das has become abit lowered quality due to shifting of factories. HHKB looks interesting but i just read somewhere their keys are some "capacitative?". i want mechanical one. Filco sound good too, but i slightly dislike the idea of front-face key, i mean if you dont want put the letters on key caps, dont put it at all. Thats another point why i want to get das as well. They have no letters! Makes me feel like some pro typist though i am not really close to one yet .

I read some good review about coolmaster's firestorm, but not sure because whether it is too comercialised or it is really that good. RAzer is too mainstream i need to consider first. All of them have some blinding backlighting. Not sure, whether i am into that. Anyway , whats with all those ducky fans crazing over all those lighting stuff that i feel they are just buying theirs for the lighting. I must admit though, ducky has some best pro lighting **** in the market right now. Other than lighting , i think ducky is just another Rosewill?


o

[Linkbane]

For my, second keyboard , i will be looking at cherry mx blue swiltches. I love my Red switch's satisfying hit-all-the-way -down keys of my 6GV2 and the nice bottoming out sound.

If you hit all the way down, you don't even need a mechanical.
The point of having a light switch is to use less force on it, so you don't bottom out.

[AKmalamute]

Nah membrane switches aren't linear like MX reds / blacks. There's a buildup at the start, as you deform the dome, then it drops off, and builds rapidly again as you smush the key home. Actuation happens somewhere in the middle, like mechanical switches, you just don't know for sure when as it's much more arbitrary, and yes much more towards the bottom of the stroke.

[BlackWidowMan777]

I type more than is healthy because of my TK with Blues.
EDIT: Forgot the 'why'.
I type a great deal daily, for school and for practice, so having Blues, which I find conducive to speed as well as sounding great, is perfect. Browns just didn't have enough tactility, but they and Reds are quite easy on the fingers when I'm playing League.

Just wondering whether at your speed you have ever noticed the supposed problem of double taps not registering e.g.. when typing the word 'Woolloomooloo' with your mx blue board?

I notice that on the daskeyboard site they say this of blues: "While many people prefer them for gaming, it is not as easy to double tap as other switches since the release point is above the actuation point."

So, I wonder at what wpm does this become a problem or do the pros outweigh the cons notwithstanding?

[Linkbane]

I type more than is healthy because of my TK with Blues.
EDIT: Forgot the 'why'.
I type a great deal daily, for school and for practice, so having Blues, which I find conducive to speed as well as sounding great, is perfect. Browns just didn't have enough tactility, but they and Reds are quite easy on the fingers when I'm playing League.

Just wondering whether at your speed you have ever noticed the supposed problem of double taps not registering eg. when typing the word 'Woolloomooloo' with your mx blue board? I know chimchimchim found this with his das before changing to buckling spring. Also Fyda seems to be up and down on them ATM.

I notice that on the daskeyboard site they say this of blues: "While many people prefer them for gaming, it is not as easy to double tap as other switches since the release point is above the actuation point."

So, I wonder at what wpm does this become a problem or do the pros outweigh the cons notwithstanding?

Didn't know that chimchim communicated elsewhere, where'd you manage to talk to him?
And to me, yeah, I'm not a fan of the double-taps, it's somewhat annoying, but I have to lift my finger on linear switches anyways, so I just have to exaggerate the action more. It can be irritating, but overall I benefit from knowing my keypress (having hyperactivity, my fingers tend to bounce a lot without proper control) more than not being able to double-tap well.

[eth0s]

Best keyboard for doing LOTS of typing is:  Topre Realforce 87U silent ergo-weighted. 

If you need to type for more than a half-hour at a time, then this keyboard will really reduce fatigue in your hands and fingers.

Very close second best keyboard for typing:  HHKB Pro 2 Type-S.

[Linkbane]

Best keyboard for doing LOTS of typing is:  Topre Realforce 87U silent ergo-weighted. 

If you need to type for more than a half-hour at a time, then this keyboard will really reduce fatigue in your hands and fingers.

Very close second best keyboard for typing:  HHKB Pro 2 Type-S.

Favorite, not what you consider the best. It's definitely not the best, that's completely subjective.

[BlackWidowMan777]

I type more than is healthy because of my TK with Blues.
EDIT: Forgot the 'why'.
I type a great deal daily, for school and for practice, so having Blues, which I find conducive to speed as well as sounding great, is perfect. Browns just didn't have enough tactility, but they and Reds are quite easy on the fingers when I'm playing League.

Just wondering whether at your speed you have ever noticed the supposed problem of double taps not registering eg. when typing the word 'Woolloomooloo' with your mx blue board? I know chimchimchim found this with his das before changing to buckling spring. Also Fyda seems to be up and down on them ATM.

I notice that on the daskeyboard site they say this of blues: "While many people prefer them for gaming, it is not as easy to double tap as other switches since the release point is above the actuation point."

So, I wonder at what wpm does this become a problem or do the pros outweigh the cons notwithstanding?

Didn't know that chimchim communicated elsewhere, where'd you manage to talk to him?
And to me, yeah, I'm not a fan of the double-taps, it's somewhat annoying, but I have to lift my finger on linear switches anyways, so I just have to exaggerate the action more. It can be irritating, but overall I benefit from knowing my keypress (having hyperactivity, my fingers tend to bounce a lot without proper control) more than not being able to double-tap well.

On reading back on what I had read some time ago in one of chimchim's posts I see that the problem he was having was with transpositional problems, and not double-tapping issues at all, and that Das had informed him that their new model would fix it. So I have edited out my references to ChimChim and Fyda (for her part, she has only been using the Das for a couple of weeks anyway). 

I myself can't even produce the double tapping problem with one finger sadly. I am however on the hunt for a backlit tenkeyless with aftermarket o-rings/soft-landing pads and sporting cherry mx blues.

Regarding the Das, I have received by far the highest 'fluidity' score on it as measured by Klavaro.

Here's the link to chimchim's keyboard experiences: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/typeracer/SONEmOpH_8A.

[Linkbane]

On reading back on what I had read some time ago in one of chimchim's posts I see that the problem he was having was with transpositional problems, and not double-tapping issues at all, and that Das had informed him that their new model would fix it. So I have edited out my references to ChimChim and Fyda (for her part, she has only been using the Das for a couple of weeks anyway). 

I myself can't even produce the double tapping problem with one finger sadly. I am however on the hunt for a backlit tenkeyless with aftermarket o-rings/soft-landing pads and sporting cherry mx blues.

Regarding the Das, I have received by far the highest 'fluidity' score on it as measured by Klavaro.

Here's the link to chimchim's keyboard experiences: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/typeracer/SONEmOpH_8A.

Just installed, I'll take a look at that. But I will say that double-tapping issues tend to happen when typing with my ring finger, other fingers have more control.
Backlit tenkeyless, well, I don't know of any boards that come with o-rings besides the Logitech G710, but you can get hundreds of o-rings for a few dollars on ebay. Shine 3 TKL is a great option, and I love my TK personally. Soon enough I'll have both!

[BlackWidowMan777]

On reading back on what I had read some time ago in one of chimchim's posts I see that the problem he was having was with transpositional problems, and not double-tapping issues at all, and that Das had informed him that their new model would fix it. So I have edited out my references to ChimChim and Fyda (for her part, she has only been using the Das for a couple of weeks anyway). 

I myself can't even produce the double tapping problem with one finger sadly. I am however on the hunt for a backlit tenkeyless with aftermarket o-rings/soft-landing pads and sporting cherry mx blues.

Regarding the Das, I have received by far the highest 'fluidity' score on it as measured by Klavaro.

Here's the link to chimchim's keyboard experiences: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/typeracer/SONEmOpH_8A.

Just installed, I'll take a look at that. But I will say that double-tapping issues tend to happen when typing with my ring finger, other fingers have more control.
Backlit tenkeyless, well, I don't know of any boards that come with o-rings besides the Logitech G710, but you can get hundreds of o-rings for a few dollars on ebay. Shine 3 TKL is a great option, and I love my TK personally. Soon enough I'll have both!

I'm gonna get the Francium, and I got plenty o-rings around just need some more soft-landing pads - got the grey ones on the razer.

That klavaro is so frustrating lol. Anyway, let me know when you beat me: Fluidity 83% 2 paragraphs Klavaro 

[Linkbane]

On reading back on what I had read some time ago in one of chimchim's posts I see that the problem he was having was with transpositional problems, and not double-tapping issues at all, and that Das had informed him that their new model would fix it. So I have edited out my references to ChimChim and Fyda (for her part, she has only been using the Das for a couple of weeks anyway). 

I myself can't even produce the double tapping problem with one finger sadly. I am however on the hunt for a backlit tenkeyless with aftermarket o-rings/soft-landing pads and sporting cherry mx blues.

Regarding the Das, I have received by far the highest 'fluidity' score on it as measured by Klavaro.

Here's the link to chimchim's keyboard experiences: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/typeracer/SONEmOpH_8A.

Just installed, I'll take a look at that. But I will say that double-tapping issues tend to happen when typing with my ring finger, other fingers have more control.
Backlit tenkeyless, well, I don't know of any boards that come with o-rings besides the Logitech G710, but you can get hundreds of o-rings for a few dollars on ebay. Shine 3 TKL is a great option, and I love my TK personally. Soon enough I'll have both!

I'm gonna get the Francium, and I got plenty o-rings around just need some more soft-landing pads - got the grey ones on the razer.

That klavaro is so frustrating lol. Anyway, let me know when you beat me: Fluidity 83% 2 paragraphs Klavaro 

It's giving me some issue, saying that the locale en_US is not available.
Can't start..

[BlackWidowMan777]

On Linux you can get it from Package Manager (if the download manager won't work for Windows).

[Linkbane]

On Linux you can get it from Package Manager (if the download manager won't work for Windows).

Eurgh, perhaps I'll just have to get it to work on another computer. I'll tell you how it goes when I do, though.

[daerid]

I'm going to chime in here and say my fav is definitely an ErgoDox with stock Clears. However, if I could get an ErgoDox with Alps (or better yet, Topres), I'd probably just quit GH altogether, as there would be nothing left to aspire to.

I need to stock up on a couple more kits, I don't think I'm going to be able to go back to regular keyboards once these fail in (hopefully more than) a few years.

[johndavis33]

One thing I noticed. Two pages in and not one Green or Clear (ergo or stock) Switch in sight.

I got you covered on greens! My first mechanical was a Rosewill with blacks, and I think it ruined me because now, I can't stand light switches. I first few weeks I typed on it, I was DEFINATELY getting fatigued. I could feel the lactic acid build up in my fingers. But, I kept using it, because it just felt so much better than membrane board. I tried a QFR with blues on it after and just couldn't do well on it. I tried it for 3-4 weeks and didn't really like it all, and just went back to my Rosewill. I couldn't stop myself from bottoming out on it and I just hated feeling the switch reset. Then, I got my favorite keyboard, a Ducky g2 with greens and PBT caps. This thing is AMAZING! I NEVER bottom out, or feel the switch resetting, due to the stiffness of it. I do a lot of gaming and a lot of typing, and even when gaming I never feel the reset mechanism. Hell, even when I TRY to feel it, it doesn't feel anywhere near as gross as the one on the blues. And the PBT caps just help the experience so much as well. Even when typing wtih sweaty hands, it never feels sticky, and my fingers never hit the side of a cap while they're moving from key to key!

[frvrngn]

My new favorite has become my G80 with Ergo Clears.  I was never a big fan of Cherry switches and have now used all of them except Black but since starting to use this G80 I have really grown to like these switches.  I dont know what it is about them that I like so much but they are just fun and nice to type on.  The only complaint I have is that I seem to bottom out way too much on these vs. even Reds.  I can certainly feel the bump but I just blow through it and bottom out.  It doesnt really bother me to bottom out on this board as much as it does on others.  Sound wise I really prefer the Topre thock vs. the clack of these keys but I prefer the clack over the feeling of o-rings.  I may try the pads vs. rings to see if they feel better but I didnt like the feeling of the last set of o-rings I tried.

[jeffgran]

My favorite board for *typing* ever so far has been the Cherry G80-3800 with blue switches. I actually just got it to harvest the switches and key caps for other projects... but man, typing on those blue switches just feels so.... BUTTERY. I can't think of any other word to describe it. I was surprised I liked blues because I didn't think I'd like the clicky sound, but it's really not that loud, and something about it just feels so buttery and smooth. I'm not sure if I'd like it for gaming or for programming where you're holding down keys and multiple-tapping keys, but for typing, it's definitely the best I've felt so far.

[snoopy]

Can't decide between HHKB and SSK. Depends on mood.

why? because both are awesome. Famous buckling spring vs cup rubber. But currently I'm a bit faster with the hhkb and the noise of bs is sometimes driving me crazy.

[Moosecraft]

HHKB

[tp4tissue]

I'm going to chime in here and say my fav is definitely an ErgoDox with stock Clears. However, if I could get an ErgoDox with Alps (or better yet, Topres), I'd probably just quit GH altogether, as there would be nothing left to aspire to.

I need to stock up on a couple more kits, I don't think I'm going to be able to go back to regular keyboards once these fail in (hopefully more than) a few years.

I honestly don't see why the Egdx would fail.. unless you overclock it..

[Air tree]

I'm going to chime in here and say my fav is definitely an ErgoDox with stock Clears. However, if I could get an ErgoDox with Alps (or better yet, Topres), I'd probably just quit GH altogether, as there would be nothing left to aspire to.

I need to stock up on a couple more kits, I don't think I'm going to be able to go back to regular keyboards once these fail in (hopefully more than) a few years.

There are two things that are holding me back from getting an ergodox right now, 1st is topre, I think i'm going to Get an HHKB/Realforce 55g in the end for my first keyboard.

2nd, Lack of keycaps. I can't find anything! If i could find this set of keycaps i think i might just go with the ergodox.


Or really any other printed keycap options. I can only find those not so good looking black blanks. If you know of any other keycap sets i could look for let me know.

[davkol]

I'm going to chime in here and say my fav is definitely an ErgoDox with stock Clears. However, if I could get an ErgoDox with Alps (or better yet, Topres), I'd probably just quit GH altogether, as there would be nothing left to aspire to.

I need to stock up on a couple more kits, I don't think I'm going to be able to go back to regular keyboards once these fail in (hopefully more than) a few years.

There are two things that are holding me back from getting an ergodox right now, 1st is topre, I think i'm going to Get an HHKB/Realforce 55g in the end for my first keyboard.

2nd, Lack of keycaps. I can't find anything! If i could find this set of keycaps i think i might just go with the ergodox.

Show Image

Or really any other printed keycap options. I can only find those not so good looking black blanks. If you know of any other keycap sets i could look for let me know.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50249.0

[Air tree]

I'm going to chime in here and say my fav is definitely an ErgoDox with stock Clears. However, if I could get an ErgoDox with Alps (or better yet, Topres), I'd probably just quit GH altogether, as there would be nothing left to aspire to.

I need to stock up on a couple more kits, I don't think I'm going to be able to go back to regular keyboards once these fail in (hopefully more than) a few years.

There are two things that are holding me back from getting an ergodox right now, 1st is topre, I think i'm going to Get an HHKB/Realforce 55g in the end for my first keyboard.

2nd, Lack of keycaps. I can't find anything! If i could find this set of keycaps i think i might just go with the ergodox.

Show Image

Or really any other printed keycap options. I can only find those not so good looking black blanks. If you know of any other keycap sets i could look for let me know.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50249.0

What where you referring to in that thread? The problems with the DSA retro sets? If so that's quite sad, And is there any other keycap set options that aren't the blanks from massdrop? Because if there are i can't find any.

[Photoelectric]

If I could have my LZ-GH in a low Filco profile... it would be my ultimate favorite.  As of now though, I can't like plastic cases anymore, and most aluminum ones seem taller than I'd prefer them to be.  Filco incline/height with Cherry profile caps is my ultimate comfortable keyboard.  (Could be helped if my desk were a bit lower...  But it's a nice desk, I'd hate to change it just for that).

P.S.: I can't even imagine using an Ergo-Dox--it sits so high above the desk surface!  Even with a wrist rest (and I usually use one for my TKLs, unless it's a Filco with feet not extended).

[davkol]

I'm going to chime in here and say my fav is definitely an ErgoDox with stock Clears. However, if I could get an ErgoDox with Alps (or better yet, Topres), I'd probably just quit GH altogether, as there would be nothing left to aspire to.

I need to stock up on a couple more kits, I don't think I'm going to be able to go back to regular keyboards once these fail in (hopefully more than) a few years.

There are two things that are holding me back from getting an ergodox right now, 1st is topre, I think i'm going to Get an HHKB/Realforce 55g in the end for my first keyboard.

2nd, Lack of keycaps. I can't find anything! If i could find this set of keycaps i think i might just go with the ergodox.

Show Image

Or really any other printed keycap options. I can only find those not so good looking black blanks. If you know of any other keycap sets i could look for let me know.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50249.0

What where you referring to in that thread? The problems with the DSA retro sets? If so that's quite sad, And is there any other keycap set options that aren't the blanks from massdrop? Because if there are i can't find any.

R5 Honey. Apart from that, there have been few more GBs that included an ergodox set as an option, but I haven't followed them closely. Maybe it would be better to discuss it in that thread, since it was dedicated to ergodox keycaps options after all.

[dsc.]

Topre or MX Browns have always been my favorite to type on

[Melvang]

I think you'll be fine on an Egdx...

the right pinky is only required for .  and '   Not huge problems,  the fastest way to type  P  is actually ring finger, so if you're using your ring finger for p   I believe that is the correct way to do it...

the left q is the same, use ur left ring finger...  this saves you from lifting your hands to reach the letter with the pinky, as it is too short if you hand is in typical resting postion either   awef jio'  or asdfjkl'

Show Image

I don't know about you but I can reach q and p just fine with my pinkies without moving my entire hand.

Back on topic I am loving my lubed ergo clears with thin pbt.  Would love to try thick but I don't see that happening with the Toxic set getting closer to invoicing.

[Valis]

Model M. The feel of the buckling springs is just awesome for typing, and I'd guess that learning touch typing on a real typewriter makes me prefer the heavy-ish feel.

[opensecret]

I'm surprised there's not more love for Northgates in this group.  I type a lot (I'm a writer), and my all-time favorite continues to be the Northgate Ultra 119-key model.  I like the feel the feel of those Alps keys better than the Model M or any Cherry that I've tried -- I currently have a Ducky with Cherry blues, but haven't used it much -- and I love the function keys on the left side of the Northgate as well as across the top, not to mention the alley at the top of the keyboard that makes a handy place to park pencils and paper clips.

Keeping 20-year-old keyboards that don't speak usb connected and operating is an occasional challenge, and I have to program some key as the Windows key, which is really vital in Windows 8.  Over the years, I've occasionally had to give up on one of my beloved Northgates, but I currently have two in regular service, and one just-in-case back-up. 

[terran5992]

Model M. The feel of the buckling springs is just awesome for typing, and I'd guess that learning touch typing on a real typewriter makes me prefer the heavy-ish feel.

I seem to type slower in buckling springs. May be too heavy for me

[KangarooZombies]

HHKB.

All Day. Every day.

[terran5992]

HHKB.

All Day. Every day.

This ^^

[rowdy]

I'm surprised there's not more love for Northgates in this group.  I type a lot (I'm a writer), and my all-time favorite continues to be the Northgate Ultra 119-key model.  I like the feel the feel of those Alps keys better than the Model M or any Cherry that I've tried -- I currently have a Ducky with Cherry blues, but haven't used it much -- and I love the function keys on the left side of the Northgate as well as across the top, not to mention the alley at the top of the keyboard that makes a handy place to park pencils and paper clips.

Keeping 20-year-old keyboards that don't speak usb connected and operating is an occasional challenge, and I have to program some key as the Windows key, which is really vital in Windows 8.  Over the years, I've occasionally had to give up on one of my beloved Northgates, but I currently have two in regular service, and one just-in-case back-up. 

Welcome to Geekhack!

That is something I missing sometimes - somewhere to leave a pen at the top of the keyboard.  Mind you, I keep my pens in a pen pot now, the olden keyboard was starting to fill up.

[theMANtonio]

realforce 45g

Haven't made it through the whole post, but +1. I use a uniform 45g at work for 6-8 hours a day and I love it.

[reziak]

Right now I'm just getting comfy with my Ducky G2 Pro.

SGI Granite.  While I like Alps, this one just takes a bit too much force to use as a daily driver.  I've pulled it out here and there, though.  The lack of media and Windows keys means it will never end up a regular use keyboard though.

Model M.  A rescue to have as part of the collection more than anything.  That and the kids get a kick out of it.  Not really something I can easily use at home or at work.  I've used it a few times but that's been about it.

MS Ergo 4000.  Have one at home and one at work.  The Ducky is replacing this after being on MS Ergo type keyboards for over a decade.

Though the person that hacked an MS Ergo 4000 and put Cherry switches in it has me jealous.  I would love an MS Ergo 4000 with reds.  The ErgoDox looks nice and I may eventually try one out, though having to find homes for various keys and lacking dedicated functions keys has kept me away. 

I am tempted to try the HHKB but not sure how it would work out as a pure typing board.  I do typing and some data entry so I use a numpad at times.  On my TKL boards I am OK not using it but am 10x faster with it!  I have always like the looks of the HHKB.  Second board I'd like to try is a 55g RF.  I keep reading they are a lot more tactile than the 45g.  Not sure I want to try a variable board, again due to my homemade typing style.             

TP - I do use my ring finger for those keys as I think about it.  I tend to cross over a lot with my index finger, like just there I used my right index for the "g" in finger.  Not sure why I do it one certain words but I can definitely tell my hands seem to move more than they should!

Maybe I will try an Ergo some day as well!

HHKB + tenkeypad?! This will be my set up soon! Excited to have the tenkeypad on the left - I find having my mouse closer to the center of the desk way more comfy.

[terran5992]

 
 HHKB

 Nuff said

[lonedruid]

Ok fk it!!!!!  I m gonna get a type heavrn!!!!!! Topre Madness!!!!!!!!

[lonedruid]

Btw , who makes poker and wad switch they use. Thanks. Noob here.

[KangarooZombies]

Btw , who makes poker and wad switch they use. Thanks. Noob here.

The poker is made by Vortex i believe.

They use Cherry MX switches.