I guess I do have an addictive personality, but I never thought computer keyboards would be one of my 'vices'.
Maybe it has to do with the fact that I'm a "keyboard" player (music, that is.... specifically - I'm a Hammond "B3" - a vintage electric organ- enthusiast).
Anyways, I started out with "ergo" keyboards probably 10 years ago (for me it was the Microsoft 4000 nothing special)...but with those, I've had a few.... and finally my last one broke on me about 1 month ago.
So I went searching around for replacement keyboards and started learning about "mechanical" keyboards and it opened up this whole world to me. In the last month I've purchased about 10 different boards....let's see... started with the CM Storm MX test kit, and a Microsoft Sculpt just because it was new...., then it went: Corsair Vengeance K70 (MX Blue - too soft and wobbly), CM Storm QF TK (MX Green v. nice!), Logitech K350 (meh), IBM Model M #42H1292 (well yeah it is what it is...great!), Code 87 Key (MX Green bout the same as the CM really...), Code 104 (MX Green - for office ppl), Northgate Omnikey Evolution Keyboard (still in the mail)
....then I learned about Topre...
and since I'm a linux sysadmin, do a bit of coding, etc I decided on a HHKB (still getting used to the layout), and I'm planning on a 55g Realforce (v. soon).
But I have to say.... I'm pretty stoked about Topre....the keys are just fantastic!
So I can see myself getting into modd'ing w/ my Topre boards.... I have the black HHKB case (thinking about white/grey blanks w/ some color in the navigation cluster and escape...nothing fancy.
Also, I'm looking forward to the new Matias Ergo Pro (still haven't tried their "alps style keys") ... and the TECH Ergo board that is coming out in Aug w/ MX Clears ( I really do like ergo boards)....
I'm very interested to see what a "columnar" layout board would be like....
My Holy Grail board would be:
- Split keyboard, ergonomic
- "Tentable"
- Topre 55g keys
- Backlit (I like to key at night)
- Columnar
- Built in Palm support.
- Wireless (bluetooth preferrably)
Basically I think it would be the Truly Ergonomic board w/ Topre keys in a bluetooth model
So I probably will not ever get what I want, but one can dream....
So I've heard about the ErgoDox, but I'm not "solder-savvy", and I"m not sure you can put Topre's in there....
That's about it... I have to say... you guys are nuts! (in a good way! but I should talk ...having read all 76 pages of "post your topre board pics" LOL) hahah!
Good to be here!
-John
(p.s I don't really do forums that much....is it not cool to use your real name? should I adopt some moniker or something? Probably doesn't matter if you don't post a ton but...)