Max money spent on your keyboard?

[dorkvader]

There are two strategies here. One is to try out as many keyboards as possible that are weird or interesting for the experience. That's me and Dorkvader.

Most people have more or less decided what they like, and are willing to plunk down a lot of money and time to outfit one board to perfection

I'm actually starting to move from category 1 to category 2. I'm deciding what I want, and thinking about selling some of more "normal" keyboards to pay for it.


as to the most I've put into a KB: umm I dunno. Probably my skeldon (Proudly made in the USA! )
There's the price of the kit (lots)
the phantom PCB (I dunno were they $40 or so during the original run I think? my other phantom PCB is from MK)
MX white switches (from 7bit's GB back before we even knew what they were)
Titanium spacebar (about $110 IIRC)
Keycaps were from a NIB G80-8113 that I got on here for $100. Not really sure what portion of that counts though. What's a NIB set of cherry doubleshots with center stemmed capslock worth?

A lot of my keyboards you can't really estimate the worth, as I received parts in trade for labor, or as gifts. Many keyboards I acquired for significantly less than they're probably worth. Some the value has risen with time, some the value has dropped.

For me, it's all about the hacking.

[DasHHKBProM]

1 x PD-KB400WNS Happy Hacking Professional 2 Type-S - Blank (White/Gray) @ $331.00 Each

[berserkfan]

I'm actually starting to move from category 1 to category 2. I'm deciding what I want, and thinking about selling some of more "normal" keyboards to pay for it.

Too bad most of my stuff is not collectors' stuff, unfashionable and has very little value. I honestly see no reason for most people to buy my POS and terminal boards which is why I am desoldering them.

My stuff that does have value, is all too heavy to be worth shipping out. EG model Fs.

That said, I was surprised to see that Mougrim paid $300+ shipped for his Model F AT. I could have sold him mine for $50 less.

[henz]

when all parts are at my doorstep id have a gon TKL which would be around ~380$ unassembled.

[jonathanyu]

~1200 for my most expensive keyboard..but I know, if someone ask me a $1500 for a ansi olivetti, I will probably just buy it..

[0100010]

There are two strategies here. One is to try out as many keyboards as possible that are weird or interesting for the experience. That's me and Dorkvader.

Most people have more or less decided what they like, and are willing to plunk down a lot of money and time to outfit one board to perfection eg in designing a metal case and sourcing just the perfect keycaps for it. That's probably how you guys rack up the costs.

And there are people who do both, and wind up moving house so that their new place can keep their keyboard collection. That's SpamRay and possibly JDCarpe.

I think we need a poll for this :

Type 1 - those who try everything
Type 2 - those who over specialize
Type 3 - those who go all out

[0100010]

With all due respect to those fellow GHers that have fat wallets and no-remorse to buy over-priced stuff, I'd say that while I love this hobby, I still keep my expenditure on it under control. My highest cost purchase has been an FC660M for $130 with shipping included.

I think that using a cheap keyboard with an expensive computer does not make sense; but to expend more in the keyboard than in the computer does not make sense either, in my humble opinion. In the other hand, nobody can tell others what to do with their hard earned money.

Don't think it is all that different than a $500 rifle (aka cheap) with a $2000 scope (aka expensive).  You put your money where it matters.

[Elocutive]

Oooh my kind of thread! My biggest purchase is 475, but I kept it for about 3 weeks, then sold it for the same price. I liked it, but I needed money for a bigger undertaking: collecting all the LZ boards. My big purchases are still ahead. I feel honored that I would be on signatures list of most expensive purchases.

It has piqued my interest: anyone know JD's or Hoffman's biggest purchase? They seem like some of the bigger spenders on the forum 

Many of you shouldn't feel bad. Some of the koreans spend outrageous amounts of money on their boards. Like close to 5k for 3 unassembled keyboards

[HoffmanMyster]

It has piqued my interest: anyone know JD's or Hoffman's biggest purchase? They seem like some of the bigger spenders on the forum 

Hahaha.  I haven't spent that outrageous an amount of money on any single purchase.  I'd estimate my biggest investment for a board (no caps) at about $450 or so, for the Lightsaver.  Depending on which caps I put on it, the "total" value could come to $550-$600.  But then again, I could just load it up with artisan caps and take the value to the edge of senselessness.  So where would we draw the line?

In general, my spending on keyboards has historically been split fairly evenly between artisan caps, keycap sets, and keyboards.  I'm starting to shift that away from artisans and keycaps to more keyboards (or just less overall).

It's true though, I have spent far more money on keyboards than I'd like to admit...   

[limitz]

Probably my 60%, currently in progress.

Hammer case - $200

Titanium plate - $110

Poker 2 w/Clears- $119

Springs - $10

Lube - $20

Stickers - $5

Clear switch tops - $30

Keycaps - $50-100

Total - $545-595

Would probably be a bit more if I sourced everything new. The Hammer case was bought 2nd hand, and below retail.

My next build could exceed this one though, which is a custom TKL also utilizing a Titanium plate ($180). Just need to find a decent case for it though.

[Elocutive]

It has piqued my interest: anyone know JD's or Hoffman's biggest purchase? They seem like some of the bigger spenders on the forum 

Hahaha.  I haven't spent that outrageous an amount of money on any single purchase.  I'd estimate my biggest investment for a board (no caps) at about $450 or so, for the Lightsaver.  Depending on which caps I put on it, the "total" value could come to $550-$600.  But then again, I could just load it up with artisan caps and take the value to the edge of senselessness.  So where would we draw the line?

In general, my spending on keyboards has historically been split fairly evenly between artisan caps, keycap sets, and keyboards.  I'm starting to shift that away from artisans and keycaps to more keyboards (or just less overall).

It's true though, I have spent far more money on keyboards than I'd like to admit...   

That is true. You are in every single group buy, but I have never heard or seen any pictures where you spent 70803454 dollars on a single board. It all seems rather spread out. I just want to hear someone say, "yeah I spend 5000 on my 356cl with NIB HASRO caps, NIB nixdorf switches, and platinum springs. But I didn't spend as much as XY and Z person..."

[Peinful]

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

[Input Nirvana]

I had a Datahand.
Do the math

[demik]

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

wait does having a 9000 dollar over clocked water cooled computer make you type better/faster?

holy **** what a stupid thing to ask

[ideus]

With all due respect to those fellow GHers that have fat wallets and no-remorse to buy over-priced stuff, I'd say that while I love this hobby, I still keep my expenditure on it under control. My highest cost purchase has been an FC660M for $130 with shipping included.

I think that using a cheap keyboard with an expensive computer does not make sense; but to expend more in the keyboard than in the computer does not make sense either, in my humble opinion. In the other hand, nobody can tell others what to do with their hard earned money.

So speaks the guy who teaches accounting and business management at university level. Did I recall correctly your job?

If you taught geeky things like programming and electrical engineering you might think differently. Then you wouldn't care so much about the finances, and care a whole lot more about the engineering and the technology and what have you.

Thank you very much for the answer, and just for the records I am a mechanical & electrical engineer working in robust design.  It seems that I look like a bean counter to you though  LOL.

Spend your money as you want, enjoy the process, and share with us all your happiness.

[Wildcard]

Around $900 when all was said and done. It's my typing nirvana board. Realforce 45g uniform silenced, aluminum case in anodized titanium grey, 10th anniversary grey alphas with printed lime green mods. And my Gummyrot green Skull. On top of that the custom cable I made, my custom dust cover (still working on it), and some other small mods which I haven't finished yet.

[shut up]

Just around $100, because most of the time I act pretty stingy. Then I go out and buy a set of $1,000 dollar tires for my Audi. You can tell which order my priorities are in.

[jacobolus]

clearly a genius such as yourself [..] you possess a high level of intellect

Thanks!

[dorkvader]

Just around $100, because most of the time I act pretty stingy. Then I go out and buy a set of $1,000 dollar tires for my Audi. You can tell which order my priorities are in.

they grip the road so well!

That said, a decent set of keycaps will grip your fingers quite well also. Part of the reason everyone's figures here are so high.

[mason]

$150 is the most I've paid for a board. I don't want to know how much I put into caps  )

[tbc]

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

pretty sure that my salary is what justifies my keyboard

duh

[Touch_It]

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

I won't lie, I have a pretty beast computer.  After It's all said and done, my computer + monitors will easily be 2.5-3x more than what I will have spent on my keyboards to date.
With that being said my computer is about 1 year old and I fully expect it to last me 5-8 years.  Worthwhile investment IMO when I spend an average of I'd say 4 hours a day on it.

[ablooga]

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

I won't lie, I have a pretty beast computer.  After It's all said and done, my computer + monitors will easily be 2.5-3x more than what I will have spent on my keyboards to date.
With that being said my computer is about 1 year old and I fully expect it to last me 5-8 years.  Worthwhile investment IMO when I spend an average of I'd say 4 hours a day on it.

O.O what's your build?

[tigersharkdude]

I dont even want to know

QFR - $75
Extra top case - $10
Paint for top case/wrist rest - $20
Wood/supplies for wrist rest -$25
2 key cap sets - $160
Too many artisan caps - too much money

Total: well over $500

[Lurch]

this thread sux

[Data]

If you include key caps I've put well over $500 into my Ergodox... over the course of about 4 months.

I am not at all proud of that.

Next highest is probably the Duck Octagon.  I'll probably be in over $400 on that once the dust settles.

[FrostyToast]

Well in a day or two I will have an fc660c with a silver trophy skull and 55g domes. Not sure how much that would realistically equate to.

$170 for 660c
$180 for Rf domes
$70(ish) for the brobot I traded for the clack
$420 is really not the WORST. Just wait until I get a Novatouch and a fancy set of caps to go with it.

[ablooga]

Under 200

[JaccoW]

I'll do some calculations on my current board.

[Fragil1ty]

i was wondering how much money a fellow geekhacker would drop on a single keyboard. That way i dont feel bad dropping my own hard earned allowance on 1 computer peripheral

$260 + shipping for my HHKB that I later sold on.

[0100010]

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

Mediocre computers for me, only because I use my boards mostly at work - so they get attached to whatever the current corporate built machine happens to be (which for me is usually a laptop / dock, since I travel a bit).

[ideus]

this thread sux

It's entertaining though.

[JaccoW]

I'll do some calculations on my current board.

Item	Cost
Orion set	�354
SkiData keyboard for parts	�91
Originative 'Charred Orange'	�62
Transparent keytops	�31
Stabilizers & Stickers	�26
USB cable	�27
Noko Wrist Rest	�165
Acrylic Inserts	�20
Various small parts & shippings	�75
Total	�880

(all prices in €)

Now that includes multiple shipping costs for all the parts and import duties and I included some extraneous parts (no, it's mandatory) like the wrist rest.
That still leaves us with an *gulp* $1100,- keyboard...  )

Before that, my original D�ck Legend was well over $300 as well because of import duties.

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

My current rig has set me back €4500 or $5600 over the years which is not bad for a machine that I put together back in January 2008 and is still happily plodding along.
I do have plans to spend something like €2500 or $3100 on a water cooled Ncase M1 build some time next year once my finances recover.

[jacobolus]

this thread sux

It's entertaining though.

The mods actually killed the worst bits, thankfully.

[ablooga]

this thread sux

It's entertaining though.

The mods actually killed the worst bits, thankfully.

eh? I read this multiple times. Idont get it

[HPE1000]

this thread sux

It's entertaining though.

The mods actually killed the worst bits, thankfully.

eh? I read this multiple times. Idont get it

There were some inappropriate posts in this thread which were removed by the moderators. 

[berserkfan]

There were some inappropriate posts in this thread which were removed by the moderators. 
[/quote]

Uh, how did you know about the inappropriate posts?

I am always wondering how moderators do their censorship and what lurks underneath that is missing. For one, there was a thread I posted in a week ago that vanished, so I suspect moderation taking place. But since that was not a thread with political or racial remarks, I wonder why it vanished. Can we talk over PM about this?

[Touch_It]

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

I won't lie, I have a pretty beast computer.  After It's all said and done, my computer + monitors will easily be 2.5-3x more than what I will have spent on my keyboards to date.
With that being said my computer is about 1 year old and I fully expect it to last me 5-8 years.  Worthwhile investment IMO when I spend an average of I'd say 4 hours a day on it.

O.O what's your build?

Cm case (can't remember model)
Intel 3770k cpu
16 GBP corsair ram
Mid grade mobo gigabyte. About 170 USD
Gtx 760 gfx card
250 GB samsung 840 add
Corsair H50 water cooling unit.
Windows 8.1 pro
Logitech g502 mouse
2x Dell 23 inch s2340m ips monitors
1x Acer LCD 23 inch monitor

[ninjadoc]

Here's some previous threads which cover this topic:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44863.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62985.0

With my favorite quote being:

About $5.00/post. Please, no one post my total. It's too disturbing to look at.

I refuse to calculate and I know that you know why!

[davkol]

There were some inappropriate posts in this thread which were removed by the moderators. 

Uh, how did you know about the inappropriate posts?

I am always wondering how moderators do their censorship and what lurks underneath that is missing. For one, there was a thread I posted in a week ago that vanished, so I suspect moderation taking place. But since that was not a thread with political or racial remarks, I wonder why it vanished. Can we talk over PM about this?

It's usually "nice" to see mods in action. -_-

Anyway, $320 on an imported MD ErgoDox kit. It was way too much. I've spent additional $50 or so on replacement parts as well. The good news is that I can build a second one now.

[ablooga]

has anyone here just bought an expensive keyboard from the start, and NOT mod it what so ever.
seems like most of the money spent is like from aftermarket stuff

[Sturmfrau]

has anyone here just bought an expensive keyboard from the start, and NOT mod it what so ever.
seems like most of the money spent is like from aftermarket stuff

Bought an HHKB pro 2 for my first board if that counts. I wonder if anyone actually went for an ergodox, custom keyboard, datamance or datahand as their first board tho.

[tbc]

There were some inappropriate posts in this thread which were removed by the moderators. 

Uh, how did you know about the inappropriate posts?

I am always wondering how moderators do their censorship and what lurks underneath that is missing. For one, there was a thread I posted in a week ago that vanished, so I suspect moderation taking place. But since that was not a thread with political or racial remarks, I wonder why it vanished. Can we talk over PM about this?

It's usually "nice" to see mods in action. -_-

Anyway, $320 on an imported MD ErgoDox kit. It was way too much. I've spent additional $50 or so on replacement parts as well. The good news is that I can build a second one now.

?

Did you get it for medical reasons?

Mine paid itself off in 1 month

[ablooga]

this thread sux

It's entertaining though.

The mods actually killed the worst bits, thankfully.

eh? I read this multiple times. Idont get it

There were some inappropriate posts in this thread which were removed by the moderators. 

o.O what were the inappropriate posts? I'm kind of curious now

[Dihedral]

Around $900 when all was said and done. It's my typing nirvana board. Realforce 45g uniform silenced, aluminum case in anodized titanium grey, 10th anniversary grey alphas with printed lime green mods. And my Gummyrot green Skull. On top of that the custom cable I made, my custom dust cover (still working on it), and some other small mods which I haven't finished yet.

I'm going to need a picture of that.

[jacobolus]

has anyone here just bought an expensive keyboard from the start, and NOT mod it what so ever. seems like most of the money spent is like from aftermarket stuff

What do you mean? Are you asking if someone’s first ever keyboard was very expensive, or if people buy keyboards that are expensive as-is, or if they buy keyboards that have already been heavily customized?

There are plenty of keyboards that are expensive as-is. In particular, some rare old keyboards are pretty pricey. For example, the Cherry G80-5000, the IBM M15, the DataHand, and the FingerWorks TouchStream are all discontinued rare ergonomic keyboards, and tend to fetch $500–1000 or more. Niche ergonomic keyboards go for hundreds of dollars: the Maltron is ~$700 new, the μTRON is about $450 and only available in Japan. But even some currently produced standard keyboards can get quite expensive: for example, Topre keyboards are mostly $200+.

Some folks also buy keyboards that have been custom-made by hand. For example, these guys sell custom steam-punk-style keyboards http://www.datamancer.net/keyboards/keyboards.htm if you have the cash. Or there are surely some Geekhackers who have bought already-assembled Korean keyboards with CNC-milled aluminum cases that are quite expensive.

[ablooga]

I mean like, has anyone just bought an expensive keyboard for the sake of an expensive keyboard. And not be tempted to mod it to the max

[Signature]

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

I won't lie, I have a pretty beast computer.  After It's all said and done, my computer + monitors will easily be 2.5-3x more than what I will have spent on my keyboards to date.
With that being said my computer is about 1 year old and I fully expect it to last me 5-8 years.  Worthwhile investment IMO when I spend an average of I'd say 4 hours a day on it.

O.O what's your build?

Cm case (can't remember model)
Intel 3770k cpu
16 GBP corsair ram
Mid grade mobo gigabyte. About 170 USD
Gtx 760 gfx card
250 GB samsung 840 add
Corsair H50 water cooling unit.
Windows 8.1 pro
Logitech g502 mouse
2x Dell 23 inch s2340m ips monitors
1x Acer LCD 23 inch monitor

You call that a beast computer?  )

[davkol]

There were some inappropriate posts in this thread which were removed by the moderators. 

Uh, how did you know about the inappropriate posts?

I am always wondering how moderators do their censorship and what lurks underneath that is missing. For one, there was a thread I posted in a week ago that vanished, so I suspect moderation taking place. But since that was not a thread with political or racial remarks, I wonder why it vanished. Can we talk over PM about this?

It's usually "nice" to see mods in action. -_-

Anyway, $320 on an imported MD ErgoDox kit. It was way too much. I've spent additional $50 or so on replacement parts as well. The good news is that I can build a second one now.

?

Did you get it for medical reasons?

Mine paid itself off in 1 month

Eh?

• Massdrop kits (at least the first few) were overpriced, given the quality. I paid $80 in shipping and tax... Quite unnecessary, if you ask me.
• Buying switches and keycaps with the rest of the kit was stupid. Harvesting them would be much cheaper and with better outcome.
• For me, the difference in comfort between a modded POS dual keypad and the ErgoDox from MD isn't worth the price gap.

[ablooga]

So like do you guys also have beast computers to justify the heavy keyboard expenses. Or do ppl here go crazy on keyboards and attach them to mediocre computers

I won't lie, I have a pretty beast computer.  After It's all said and done, my computer + monitors will easily be 2.5-3x more than what I will have spent on my keyboards to date.
With that being said my computer is about 1 year old and I fully expect it to last me 5-8 years.  Worthwhile investment IMO when I spend an average of I'd say 4 hours a day on it.

O.O what's your build?

Cm case (can't remember model)
Intel 3770k cpu
16 GBP corsair ram
Mid grade mobo gigabyte. About 170 USD
Gtx 760 gfx card
250 GB samsung 840 add
Corsair H50 water cooling unit.
Windows 8.1 pro
Logitech g502 mouse
2x Dell 23 inch s2340m ips monitors
1x Acer LCD 23 inch monitor

You call that a beast computer?  )

yea... cpu 3 gen old. and a mid tier gpu, i mean its "good" but not good enough to be "beast"