Is it shameful to spend alot on keyboards, and have a low wpm

[ablooga]

Just curious because. I've got 2 friends and..
Friend 1: spends tons of money on keyboards, a gh member BUT,
Friend 2: uses microsoft peripherals that come free with his computer, yet types significantly faster than friend 1.
Friend 2 always mocks friend 1 for typing significantly slower than him, in spite of the difference in keyboards.

My 1st friend types like around 40wpm and my 2nd one types on avg just over 100wpm.
I mean i spend quite a bit on keyboards too, but I don't go past the intial keyboard purchase and get extras. I personally just buy the keyboard and leave it like that. I type around 90wpm on avg and spent bout 130$ on type heaven and around 220$ on the realforce hi pro

[Puddsy]

No, not shameful at all.

If you like something, keep doing it.

Unless that thing is murder.

[ablooga]

But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.
Or like buying sunglasses for the blind, iuno something like that

[SpAmRaY]

I didn't know linkbane had friends.

[ablooga]

who?

[hwood34]

65 WPM club

[Telephasic]

If I spent as much time typing out words as I do gaming on my keyboard....

[Altis]

But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.
Or like buying sunglasses for the blind, iuno something like that

Speed isn't the main factor in keyboards, if you ask me. You might get a Ferrari if speed is your goal, but I bet you'd enjoy a scenic drive in a luxury car, and I'd bet you'd rather put 4 adults into a large vehicle. Maybe you like classic cars (expensive and way outdated, but an entirely different experience). Or maybe you like highly customized cars for their uniqueness. There is so much more to it than just typing speed.

For me, it's more about the comfort and overall experience. For example, I type fastest on an Apple aluminum keyboard... but I enjoy my Realforce 87U 55g more. I think comfort is a really big factor as well because repetitive stress injuries (RSI) can be a serious health problem that you'd want to avoid.

Take speed out of the equation, unless your desire is to become a faster typist. In that case, practice is what you really need, and it will come with time.

Otherwise, don't worry about it. Consider yourself a sunday typist. 

[noisyturtle]

Nope 


Under 60 you really should up your game though 

[Evo_Spec]

Absolutely not shameful but i only really do typing tests because i love how it feels.

[Lain1911]

It's your money, use it when you need it!

[Coreda]

Not at all shameful, really. It's much like many interests people have, such as collecting sports related items even if they don't play the sport or play well. In the case of keyboards I'd imagine a lot is spent on finding the right individual feel, as well as purely aesthetic expenses, or just even liking to tinker as most geeks do.

[CPTBadAss]

85 WPM. I am the Geekhack champion

[Richard Eul]

Absolutely not shameful - do what you want with your own money!

On the same note, I use a gaming mouse for my everyday normal use & office use but I don't game, but the main reason I bought it is for the comfort and light clicks. As well for the lighting. (I'm using Roccat Kone Pure Optical)

[Veridis]

Nothing wrong with typing slow, but we really owe it to ourselves to have decent touch typing!

[DrHubblePhD]

When I bought my first MK I was typing around 39-45 wpm. After spending time with some good keyboards and some proper diligence I am now typing 95-100 wpm. Spending money on keyboards does not require incredible talent, if you love it, and you find it fun, it is worth investing in!

[jackalope]

IMO most people get into mechanical keyboards because of how it feels and and the range of options from cases to keys, the boosts in typing speed is just a major bonus. Friend 2 is just a ****, lol.

[tp4tissue]

It's not shameful to BUY the expensive keyboard and START slow..

It however IS shameful if you bought the keyboard,  and 1 year later, your STILLLLLL slow..


Not everyone starts the key-power hobby with 1337 skillz...   but if you don't END with 1337 skillz, You've wasted your money..

THAT is shameful.. 

[FrostyToast]

I get 90 WPM on 10 fast fingers
around 50 anywhere else
Although to be fair I have started doing the advanced tests on 10 fast fingers and I have maintained straight 70s and very high 60s on all of them.

It is absolutely not shameful at all. Although I do think that people should at least learn touch typing or try to.

[_PixelNinja]

I agree with the others here; it is by no means shameful, but you do owe it to yourself to learn touch typing.

[skuko]

i don't even touch type and i spent over 1000 euros on boards in the past 2 years. and i don't give a f**k...

[Oobly]

By no means is it shameful. A nice mechanical keyboard can improve your comfort when typing and as a result you may find yourself typing faster. Mechanical keyboards are not designed primarily for speed, but rather for quality and feel and just for typing, however you do it. If you like a thing and can afford to buy it, you can use as you wish. Unless it's specifically designed to be used differently...

[mz/x]

I love this thread.

I think it is not shameful. In my case I call myself the "one fingered magician" as I type so slowly that probably the word counter would commit a suicide if I ever wanted to measure my speed. 

I got my mechanical keyboard because it makes it a bit better ... also, since we spend so much time front of displays and computers then use something that makes you feel better. Ok these are justifications and I am sure that a cheap item would work as well. However, if you work on something that you like then you have better mood.

[appleonama]

No, not shameful at all.

If you like something, keep doing it.

Unless that thing is murder.

drugs it is then

[tp4tissue]

No, not shameful at all.

If you like something, keep doing it.

Unless that thing is murder.

drugs it is then

There's mucho murder in droogas.

[ynrozturk]

40 WPM is pretty bad though, damn. He must be typing with his nose.

I'm at a consistent 110. I set challenges for myself before buying a new board sometimes, just to push myself. 100 was the Poker II challenge, 110 was the Filco challenge, and 120 is the current GON challenge.

[ConscienceDrop]

don't you dare buy nice running shoes if you cant run 100m in 10 seconds.

[dustinhxc]

No it is fine!

People who tell you to type faster just because you have a mech board are jerks.

Enjoy the amazing feels of switches and relax.

[ablooga]

don't you dare buy nice running shoes if you cant run 100m in 10 seconds.

bad joke. not funny.

[mogo]

Hilarious joke. Very funny! ConscienceDrop was being satirical, lighten up!

I agree with the expensive car analogy. Spending money on a nice keyboard isn't like buying a fast Ferrari you can't push to its limits, it can be like buying a plush Bentley that you love the feel of. Or like buying a cherry Miata, so you can feel more connected and precise with the experience of driving (typing) without having to go blisteringly fast. Typing speed is not the one and only reason to become a keyboard enthusiast, there's finger feel, sound, and for some people, pure aesthetics and nothing more. And everyone is equally valid in their reasons to be an enthusiast here. 

[katushkin]

My typing speed is terrible. But to be honest, I don't type a massive amount, so I can't see my WPM rising any time soon. But then I always do terrible to typing tests but I seem to type pretty fast when I know what I'm typing.

Bleh. Don't really care. I think it's more like buying a Jaguar or a Rolls Royce. It just makes your experience more enjoyable.

[domoaligato]

ergonomics is a good reason other then apm ti buy a nice keyboard fyi

[Lain1911]

Typing slow is like eating slow? Savor the feels?

[C5Allroad]

It's not really wrong at all.
You'll slowly become faster.
Stick to one board, and practice on that switch for sometime. You'll get faster on that and it would be faster to adapt to other.

[ablooga]

Typing slow is like eating slow? Savor the feels?

Uhm. you're trying to hard to find positives out of typing slow.. lol..
Eating and typing isn't a good comparison at all...

[Fragil1ty]

It's your money, do what you want with it. Doesn't matter if you type at 60 or 160, we all like to own nice products and with that in mind, I'm pretty sure that's why a lot of us here on GH own a lot of the expensive products that we do.


I type at a fairly high WPM and me buying a HHKB for example and you buying a HHKB, there is literally no difference, I'm no better than you because I can type higher/faster on my HHKB than you.


At the end of the day, practice makes perfect, none of us started out typing at these fast speeds, it takes time, I've been typing since I was about 12 and I'm 24 now. I remember back when I got my first computer, I was typing with one hand (lmfao) and looking at the keys constantly, oh how far I have come.


Just buy what you want, practice and then that's that.

[ablooga]

But but what's the point in paying big bucks on a product a person cannot use efficiently?
saying "Buy what you want, it's your money" sounds like the fattest excuse ever,
Nobody here has yet to give a more logically reason other than "it's your money".
The point I'm trying to make is. A person should at least know or at at least learn how to properly use the tool or product well. Before investing tons of money in it. I mean its practically saying I bought a $5000 dollar grand piano, but guess what. I can't play the piano. BUT ITS OKAY. Because it's MY MONEY. It seems like people on geekhack are willing to defend their heavy purchases on keyboards at all cost. Even if they can't use well enough. Even if it's impractical. Even if they type slow. I know I know. It's a hobby. There's nothing wrong with having a big budget hobby on something only people here on geekhack care about. Frankly I too spend hundreds on keyboards. And I have no shame in spending tons. And i know there's no rule against typing slow and spending tons. BUT still. Shouldn't people at least be proficient with the EXPENSIVE products they buy.

[tjcaustin]

Then both you and friend 1 should sell your mechanicals and go back to free keyboards (neither of you are as proficient as your friend that uses those anyways) since this is clearly the answer you want spoon fed to you.

[epzy]

I get 120+ wpm on typeracer all the time, and I don't think it's in any way "shameful" to spend "a lot of money" on keyboards even though you're a slow typist.

First of all, expensive mechanical keyboards are most likely going to last longer than some cheap non-mechanical keyboard. Second, most people find mechanicals more comfortable to type on, therefore I don't see why someone can't spend money on these types of keyboards without being crucified for doing so. Third, these are pretty much luxury items, so if he has the money, just let him enjoy himself/herself... nothing wrong with that.

[jacobolus]

But but what's the point in paying big bucks on a product a person cannot use efficiently?
saying "Buy what you want, it's your money" sounds like the fattest excuse ever,
Nobody here has yet to give a more logically reason other than "it's your money".
The point I'm trying to make is. A person should at least know or at at least learn how to properly use the tool or product well. Before investing tons of money in it. I mean its practically saying I bought a $5000 dollar grand piano, but guess what. I can't play the piano. BUT ITS OKAY. Because it's MY MONEY. It seems like people on geekhack are willing to defend their heavy purchases on keyboards at all cost. Even if they can't use well enough. Even if it's impractical. Even if they type slow. I know I know. It's a hobby. There's nothing wrong with having a big budget hobby on something only people here on geekhack care about. Frankly I too spend hundreds on keyboards. And I have no shame in spending tons. And i know there's no rule against typing slow and spending tons. BUT still. Shouldn't people at least be proficient with the EXPENSIVE products they buy.

How much money have you spent on writing implements (pens, paper, computers, printers, etc.) and education, without learning to write proper grammatical sentences? Shouldn’t you at least be proficient with basic English grammar before spending money on anything but a pencil and the cheapest possible printer paper, and some remedial writing lessons?

(See what a condescending and obnoxious kind of argument that is?)

[tbc]

has linkbane ever actually left?

[BucklingSpring]

"But but what's the point in paying big bucks on a product a person cannot use efficiently?"

That's funny... I guess we should start by annihilating all the collectors.

I'm a proud owner of lots of expensive keyboards and I shamelessly cruise at about 70wpm.

How much you pay for something is a dosage of mean,  reason, passion and function.
I say respect others and yourself for how they/you balance these 4 towers or be ashamed of yourself.

[Geroximo]

But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.

What would you prefer? Driving a Ferrari or driving a piece of junk?
... Exactly.
Driving a ferrari is just more enjoyable ... no matter how fast you're driving.

That's how i see it.
Typing speed doesn't matter .... the feeling you have while typing is what counts 

[Touch_It]

My spending is justified! lol.  Although if you enjoy the keyboard but still type slow, oh well.  I'd rather someone type slow but have a sweet mech keyboard than a crappy un-enjoyable RD keyboard. (I know its all preference and there are perfectly good RD and bad mech keyboards)

[katushkin]

You spent a lot of money on a computer? Why don't you do video rendering or crypto currency mining 24/7?

You spent money on a house? Why did you spend a lot of money on it if you spend 8 hours a day at work?

You bought a cooker? Why don't you cook Michelin Starred meals every night?

You bought a new HD TV? Why do you settle for watching media less than 1080p?

I could go on and on. This is stupid.

The answer to your question in the OP is no.

[Hypersphere]

Like so many things in life, or like life itself, it's not about how fast you go. It's about savoring the experiences and enjoying the journey.

[cephelix]

Just dropped almost SGD200 on my keyboard, took the typing test and lo and behold, i type at a granny's pace of 45 words per minute. Ashamed of myself but hey, at least the typing experience feels more comfortable and natural now compared to my previous mechanical or my rubber dome at work.

To my colleagues, they'll never understand why I chose to spend that amount of money on a keyboard, when normal ones cost so much less, but to me, my typing experience has become more enjoyable, and I suppose, that's all that matters

[Geoph]

I watched a video of a ducky keyboard a while ago and thought it was really nice and I had never used a mech board before. Then I used one at a Dota2 LAN I was competing in and I just had to buy one. So a few months later I bought a Ducky Shine 3 and didn't even think about my WPM or how much it would cost me, just how it felt to type with and use on a daily basis. Even a few months with my Ducky I already want to purchase all sorts of new fancy keycaps and even new boards with different switches in.

[EvilOliv3]

I bought a Ducky for all the shiny lights and barely use it... pretty sure that is more shameful....

[tp4tissue]

But isn't it the same as buying a ferrari and not knowing how to drive?
That's kind of like how i view it.

What would you prefer? Driving a Ferrari or driving a piece of junk?
... Exactly.
Driving a ferrari is just more enjoyable ... no matter how fast you're driving.

That's how i see it.
Typing speed doesn't matter .... the feeling you have while typing is what counts 

NO... that is NOT how you should see it...

A mechanical keyboard is in NO WAYS like a ferrari.   

It serves a very different function..

A ferrari is a devote VANITY item that is a badge for the Rich, and it helps men get laid, and women fill that emptiness inside themselves..


A mechanical keyboard is a TOOOL, no matter how expensive it is.  it can NEVER function as a vanity item, because it's NOT something anyone else will see and judge you upon..  ONTOP of which it will NEVER EVER get you Sex-Points with the females..