Keyboard protector for messy eaters that doesn't suck?

[Lunatique]

I'm one of those people who's a complete klutz when eating; I drip sauce, drop food and utensils, splash soup, knock over cups and cans and bottles--you name it. And to make it worse, I eat every meal in front of the computer (my wife does the same--she picked up the habit from me. And no, not eating together doesn't make our marriage worse--we snuggle and talk plenty  ).

So, because I got tired of cleaning up the mess I leave on my keyboard, I started using keyboard protectors--you know, the ones like the "shower cap" style, or the "food wrap" style, or the silicon sheet style. But the problem is that they all suck, and I'd love to find an alternative that doesn't suck. (Clarification: I'm talking about keyboard protector sheets you lay over your keyboard and type on, not a hard shell case or cushioned bag).

The "shower cap" style's problem is that it doesn't stretch flat over the keyboard, so there are some wrinkles that reflect the light and obscure the visibility. It also can tear at most often used spots with prolonged use. I would then try to fix the tear with clear tape, but hat changes the feel since the tape is ticker than the protector.

The "food wrap" style's problem is that it also tears with prolonged use.

The silicon sheet style's problem is that it only comes in semi-transparent and degrades visibility by about 50%, so if the legends on the keyboard are not high contrast, it becomes very hard to see. With LED lit keys it's better, but the semi-transparent material blurs visibility a bit. The silicon sheet can also tear with prolonged use, but is far more durable than the much thinner styles mentioned previously. Typing on the silicon sheet also diminishes the tactile feel, which is not ideal.

I've been typing on keyboard protectors for a few years, and I kind of see them as a necessary evil. But ever since I started to look into mechanical keyboards and feeling like my typing is suffering due to the protectors' interference (this is especially problematic since I write fiction, and I need to type very fluidly when the ideas come fast and furious). I'm now trying to improve the situation, so I have these options:

1) Stop using keyboard protectors and just clean up the keyboard whenever I make a mess.

This is not ideal because it's time-consuming.

2) Stop eating in front of the computer.

Not a chance in hell. My life is far more productive/fun when I eat in front of the computer.

3) Only use keyboard protector during meals.

This is pretty good option, but I have to be careful when I'm just snacking between meals, since snacks can make a mess too.

4) Find the ideal keyboard protector that doesn't suck.

That's why I started this topic.


So, any of you know of an ideal keyboard protector or have a great solution?

[FrostyToast]

This


EDIT: You have to stop using the keyboard while eating, although I just watch videos while I am eating.

[noisyturtle]

I still use the plastic top my Filco came with

Going 5 years strong

[demik]

are you a toddler?

[Lunatique]

This

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EDIT: You have to stop using the keyboard while eating, although I just watch videos while I am eating.

Nonononono. You misunderstood. I'm talking about keyboard protector that you can actually type on.  :confused:  I'll edit my original post to clarify.

[Lunatique]

are you a toddler?

No, but I sometimes eat like one, hence this thread. 

[FrostyToast]

This

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EDIT: You have to stop using the keyboard while eating, although I just watch videos while I am eating.

Nonononono. You misunderstood. I'm talking about keyboard protector that you can actually type on.  :confused:  I'll edit my original post to clarify.

I've got a great keyboard protector for when you eat!
A sink, some soap, and a towel.  :thumb:
(pants if you're in a rush)

[tp4tissue]

just take a big piece of paper towel and lay it over the keyboard..

as long as you can touch type.. you can type through that paper towel..

You only need it while ur eating.. so you don't have to throw it out.. you can fold it neatly and reuse it a few times..

[Puddsy]

Just clean it frequently.

Or just be like me and never clean it anyway. I'm gross.

[Lunatique]

just take a big piece of paper towel and lay it over the keyboard..

as long as you can touch type.. you can type through that paper towel..

You only need it while ur eating.. so you don't have to throw it out.. you can fold it neatly and reuse it a few times..

That sounded good in theory, but in practice, not so much (just tried it). The paper towel is too thick and gets in the way of typing too much. The silicon keyboard protector is far superior in comparison (it's very soft and flexible), and it at least allows enough visibility to see the keys when you need to type a less-frequently used symbol (my touch-typing covers all alphabets, punctuation, navigation cluster, modifier keys, but only some numbers and symbols, so I can't do the entire keyboard).

[tp4tissue]

just take a big piece of paper towel and lay it over the keyboard..

as long as you can touch type.. you can type through that paper towel..

You only need it while ur eating.. so you don't have to throw it out.. you can fold it neatly and reuse it a few times..

That sounded good in theory, but in practice, not so much (just tried it). The paper towel is too thick and gets in the way of typing too much. The silicon keyboard protector is far superior in comparison (it's very soft and flexible), and it at least allows enough visibility to see the keys when you need to type a less-frequently used symbol (my touch-typing covers all alphabets, punctuation, navigation cluster, modifier keys, but only some numbers and symbols, so I can't do the entire keyboard).

So it's a problem with your skill level then..  not my method..

Man up br0.. 

gotta practice

[Lunatique]

just take a big piece of paper towel and lay it over the keyboard..

as long as you can touch type.. you can type through that paper towel..

You only need it while ur eating.. so you don't have to throw it out.. you can fold it neatly and reuse it a few times..

That sounded good in theory, but in practice, not so much (just tried it). The paper towel is too thick and gets in the way of typing too much. The silicon keyboard protector is far superior in comparison (it's very soft and flexible), and it at least allows enough visibility to see the keys when you need to type a less-frequently used symbol (my touch-typing covers all alphabets, punctuation, navigation cluster, modifier keys, but only some numbers and symbols, so I can't do the entire keyboard).

So it's a problem with your skill level then..  not my method..

Man up br0.. 

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gotta practice

Even someone with the most advanced level of type-fu will have problems typing through a paper towel, since the towel is to thick and does not flex enough for adequate response. I can see toilet paper and facial tissues being flexible enough though. In fact, it might even feel quite nice to type on some aloe/vitamin E/shea butter facial tissues.  :D

I have to wonder, how many people who touch-type can actually do the entire keyboard 100%, including all rarely used symbols? I don't program so I have no need to memorize the rarely-used symbols. I write novels, so as long as all alphabets and punctuation are covered, I'm good.

[BlackWidowMan777]

Hi Lunatique,

I have successfully used the following method to keep my keyboards pristine even when eating! It also has the benefit of cleaning the keyboard and improves your accuracy at the same time:

1. slip some sheer pantyhose over the keyboard! You may have to cut a bit at the back to relieve the tension for full-size keyboards. As long as the spacebar works then you have the tension right. This methods keeps particles like crumbs and hairs out of the keyboard.

2. place two sheets of wet-ones wipes on top of the pantyhose and there you go!

[berserkfan]

Just clean it frequently.

Or just be like me and never clean it anyway. I'm gross.

If i recall rightly, you were trying to sell a keyboard that you'd spilled orange juice on 4 times about a month ago?

[kmiller8]

[Mandolin]

This:

[FrostyToast]

This:

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I don't think that a watermelon would really protect your keyboard.  :))
(also, he did say that saran wrap didn't work IIRC)

[Mandolin]

This:

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I don't think that a watermelon would really protect your keyboard.  :))
(also, he did say that saran wrap didn't work IIRC)

I didn't know the name in english, thanks :).

If it doesn't work, then he must have some serious problem... I use that when I need to go messy painting or sculpting with my notebook nearby and it works, unless you're purposely throwing food over the kb.

A more permanent solution would be to make a custom cover/casing for any keyboard pouring viscous silicone over it, letting it cure (if it's of low viscosity, maybe you'd need a thixotropic agent. Cotton balls work). If he needed to eat FROM IT, it should be platinum cure/addition silicone, as it's rated safe to use with food. There are transparent ones, that would allow to see the keycaps being pressed.

[demik]

This:

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I don't think that a watermelon would really protect your keyboard.  :))
(also, he did say that saran wrap didn't work IIRC)

I didn't knew the name in english, thanks :).

actually it's plastic wrap. saran is the name of a company that also makes plastic wrap. sort of like  q tip's are cotton swabs, but q tip is the name brand of a particular cotton swab.

q tip is also a rapper from a tribe called quest. and funny story, he's the reason why T.I. has to go by T.I. and not T.I.P.( or is it Tip without the periods? I'm not sure), to not confuse both.

[FrostyToast]

Get a disposable keyboard.
Like a Black Widow.

actually it's plastic wrap. saran is the name of a company that also makes plastic wrap. sort of like  q tip's are cotton swabs, but q tip is the name brand of a particular cotton swab.

TIL.
Also, saran is just so much more universally known in the English world.

[demik]

Get a disposable keyboard.
Like a Black Widow.

actually it's plastic wrap. saran is the name of a company that also makes plastic wrap. sort of like  q tip's are cotton swabs, but q tip is the name brand of a particular cotton swab.

TIL.
Also, saran is just so much more universally known in the English world.

yeah, but if it becomes common the name brand can lose their patent/trademark (copyright? im terrible at picking the right one). That's why you'll never see Google tell you to "Google it".

[Lunatique]

Hi Lunatique,

I have successfully used the following method to keep my keyboards pristine even when eating! It also has the benefit of cleaning the keyboard and improves your accuracy at the same time:

1. slip some sheer pantyhose over the keyboard! You may have to cut a bit at the back to relieve the tension for full-size keyboards. As long as the spacebar works then you have the tension right. This methods keeps particles like crumbs and hairs out of the keyboard.

2. place two sheets of wet-ones wipes on top of the pantyhose and there you go!

That's freaking awesome! The pantyhose will be semi-transparent so there's still enough visibility, and will be more responsive than the silicon sheet styled protector. I don't get the part with wet wipes though--aren't they a bit too thick and will hinder typing?

This:

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The problem with the food wrap (including the commercially sold keyboard protectors in that style) type is that with prolonged use, the spots you apply the most force will end up getting ripped. I think it's because your nails will constantly strike that same spot and nails are kind of hard, and possibly sharp if you don't file your nails after cutting them.

[Lunatique]

Deleted (double-post)

[rowdy]

From the suggestions above, I think getting a kitchen and eating in there is the best idea

[BlackWidowMan777]

Hi Lunatique,

I have successfully used the following method to keep my keyboards pristine even when eating! It also has the benefit of cleaning the keyboard and improves your accuracy at the same time:

1. slip some sheer pantyhose over the keyboard! You may have to cut a bit at the back to relieve the tension for full-size keyboards. As long as the spacebar works then you have the tension right. This methods keeps particles like crumbs and hairs out of the keyboard.

2. place two sheets of wet-ones wipes on top of the pantyhose and there you go!

That's freaking awesome! The pantyhose will be semi-transparent so there's still enough visibility, and will be more responsive than the silicon sheet styled protector. I don't get the part with wet wipes though--aren't they a bit too thick and will hinder typing?

Yes, and the pantyhose adds a nice cushiony feel as well  .

What I meant was...place the the two wet wipes side by side, with one slightly overlapping the other. The pantyhose aids in keeping the wipes from sliding towards you.

Then when you're finished eating just chuck the wet wipes out. Small particles of dust will go through the pantyhose so once in a while use this:

http://www.godfreys.com.au/clean-up-mini-attachment-kit-1.

[trizkut]

yeah, but if it becomes common the name brand can lose their patent/trademark (copyright? im terrible at picking the right one). That's why you'll never see Google tell you to "Google it".

I think that's trademark.  I remember Adobe going nuts trying to get people to say "manipulated by Adobe™ Photoshop™" instead of "photoshopped"

http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressmaterials/pdfs/photoshop_guidelines_pr.pdf

[Lunatique]

Hi Lunatique,

I have successfully used the following method to keep my keyboards pristine even when eating! It also has the benefit of cleaning the keyboard and improves your accuracy at the same time:

1. slip some sheer pantyhose over the keyboard! You may have to cut a bit at the back to relieve the tension for full-size keyboards. As long as the spacebar works then you have the tension right. This methods keeps particles like crumbs and hairs out of the keyboard.

2. place two sheets of wet-ones wipes on top of the pantyhose and there you go!

That's freaking awesome! The pantyhose will be semi-transparent so there's still enough visibility, and will be more responsive than the silicon sheet styled protector. I don't get the part with wet wipes though--aren't they a bit too thick and will hinder typing?

Yes, and the pantyhose adds a nice cushiony feel as well  .

What I meant was...place the the two wet wipes side by side, with one slightly overlapping the other. The pantyhose aids in keeping the wipes from sliding towards you.

Then when you're finished eating just chuck the wet wipes out. Small particles of dust will go through the pantyhose so once in a while use this:

http://www.godfreys.com.au/clean-up-mini-attachment-kit-1.

Okay, so the wet wipes provide the main protection (from liquids), while the pantyhose provides traction. When the wet wipes are chucked out after the meal, the pantyhose will stop most crumbs and tiny amounts of liquid droplets?

What brand of wet wipes are you using? It must be very thin to allow you to type on them and still get enough responsiveness. My household uses Scotts moist wipes, and they're fairly thick.

Okay, I just put a sheet of Scotts moist wipe on the keyboard, and surprisingly, I can actually type on it. The responsiveness is a bit less than the silicon sheet protector though (thicker, less flexibility), so given the choice, silicon sheet is still the better.

The pantyhose might provide enough light protection though, since it's not too often that I have big liquid spills.

[BlackWidowMan777]

[quote author=Lunatique link=topic=66431.msg1555731#msg1555731

Okay, so the wet wipes provide the main protection (from liquids), while the pantyhose provides traction. When the wet wipes are chucked out after the meal, the pantyhose will stop most crumbs and tiny amounts of liquid droplets?

What brand of wet wipes are you using?

[/quote]

Exactly! The only problem with this is that you won't be able to show off your nice keysets. The advantage is that the pantyhose makes all keyboards look generic so you can keep your collecting clandestine!

I use Kleenex wet ones and find them thin enough:



edit: scotch/sticky tape will prevent the wipes from slipping.

[berserkfan]

TIL.
Also, saran is just so much more universally known in the English world.

Methinks you are referring to the North American english world. In many other countries it is plastic wrap, simply because we don't use Saran wrap. I think it isn't common in Singapore because I haven't seen it before, and I've bought plastic wrap several times.

[Findecanor]

Eat dinner in the Dining Room like a civilized person, for crying out loud ...

[Oobly]

Move the keyboard out the way while you eat... You shouldn't be eating and typing at the same time.

And Saran wrap is known as "cling film" the civilised world...

[taylordcraig]

This:

Show Image

I don't think that a watermelon would really protect your keyboard.  :))
(also, he did say that saran wrap didn't work IIRC)

I didn't knew the name in english, thanks :).

actually it's plastic wrap. saran is the name of a company that also makes plastic wrap. sort of like  q tip's are cotton swabs, but q tip is the name brand of a particular cotton swab.

q tip is also a rapper from a tribe called quest. and funny story, he's the reason why T.I. has to go by T.I. and not T.I.P.( or is it Tip without the periods? I'm not sure), to not confuse both.

Yeah, plastic wrap or food wrap.
There's a bunch more that I can't think of. Hoovers instead of vacuum over in England.
Love Quest.

[CPTBadAss]

skcheng suggested a possible solution. He uses those stretchy fabric book covers on his keyboards to keep dust off them. You could stretch one over the keyboard while you eat then remove and wash it when you're done. But I quite like Findecanor's suggestion:

Eat dinner in the Dining Room like a civilized person, for crying out loud ...

Or Oobly's:

Move the keyboard out the way while you eat...

[IPT]

get one of those keyboard condoms that ship with the leopold keyboards.

[CPTBadAss]

Wait a second, isn't this the perfect reason to have a TG3-82 keyboard? That splashguard will finally fulfill its destiny!!

[Lunatique]

Eat dinner in the Dining Room like a civilized person, for crying out loud ...

Not a chance in hell. I get so much more done when I eat in front of the computer. Three meals--that's average of roughly an hour total a day I get to be more productive. Our dining room table is only used as a work table. The only time it's used as an eating table is when we have guests. 

Move the keyboard out the way while you eat... You shouldn't be eating and typing at the same time.

I have a raised platform I place over the keyboard when I eat, and the food goes on a cafeteria styled tray that is placed on the platform. This allows me to type while the food is placed over the keyboard on the platform. Generally, the keyboard is more or less protected while I'm having a proper meal, but every once a while, I might spill something as I move the platform to/away from the keyboard while the tray of food is on it, or when I'm snacking between meals without the platform/tray over the keyboard.

Here's a photo of how that looks:

[Lunatique]

And in case you guys are curious, this is what the silicon and "shower cap/food wrap" styled keyboard protectors look like (you can buy them easily everywhere that sells computer supplies):

This is the silicon sheet placed over my left-handed keyboard from China (BTW, the ghetto looking hand-painted stuff on the keycaps--that's my doing. It's oil-based waterproof markers. That's before I knew there are custom keycaps and a whole world of mechanical keyboard customization):



This is how the silicon sheet looks over Logitech G110 with LED back-lit keys:


This is how the "shower cap/food wrap" style protector looks, on another left-handed keyboard, from A4Tech:


And this is with BlackWidowMan777's suggestion of using pantyhose (one layer only. I tried two layers and it's too tight and will press down the spacebar):


I don't know if I'll still use keyboard protectors of any kind once my new lineup of keyboards arrive (I have a Unicomp Endurapro on the way, and I plan on ordering the Novatouch, Matias Tactile Pro Mini, and a blue Cherry MX keyboard of some kind--not sure which one yet. Maybe the WASD V2, or the MAX Blackbird, or the Leopold FC660M), since it would be a shame to have a layer between the fingers and the lovely new ladies coming my way. 

I have to say, typing on the pantyhose feels the best out of all of them, by far (and no, I'm not talking about some kind of sexual thing related to pantyhose fetish--that's not my thing). It's simply the most responsive and comfortable feeling, although it offers less protection for big spills/drips. I might consider using the pantyhose on the new keyboards when they come.

[taylordcraig]

My desk is 3x5' and my monitors are wall mounted, problem solved. [fit sits safely to the right of my mouse pad, with room to spare] [tons of room on the left too ]
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69857764/

[Lunatique]

My desk is 3x5' and my monitors are wall mounted, problem solved. [fit sits safely to the right of my mouse pad, with room to spare] [tons of room on the left too ]
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69857764/

Mine is also 3x5'. It just has a lot of crap on it. I have so much stuff around my work area (pro audio gear), and I cannot move stuff around since the ideal monitoring position for audio in my studio is carefully measured and placed (due to acoustic response). You can see photos of my studio in the "music" section of my website (www.ethereality.info).

[minh278]

Just place a rubber dome like the cheap $5 ones in front of ur mech when you eat and when you are done push the rubber dome aside and begin using ur mech again

[FrostyToast]

Grab an L-Shaped desk and have your food to the side.

[Lunatique]

Just place a rubber dome like the cheap $5 ones in front of ur mech when you eat and when you are done push the rubber dome aside and begin using ur mech again

Or, use the silicon sheet only when eating. That's a bit more convenient and takes up less room.

Grab an L-Shaped desk and have your food to the side.

No room. If you look at the photos of my studio, you'll see how it's full of audio/music gear and lined with acoustic treatment. I can't move things around since there's only one ideal monitoring spot in any room, and I'm sitting in it (least amount of standing waves that cause nulls in the sub-bass frequencies).

[tp4tissue]

So you just HAZ pantyhose lying around? 

Perv...


also that cellphone pic...  Perv... omg.. hahahahhaha

[Lunatique]

So you just HAZ pantyhose lying around? 

Perv...


also that cellphone pic...  Perv... omg.. hahahahhaha

Um, no. I've been married for over 12 years. 

[taylordcraig]

Just place a rubber dome like the cheap $5 ones in front of ur mech when you eat and when you are done push the rubber dome aside and begin using ur mech again

was gonna say this

tp4 is a troll and I'm only a little better than paicrai
idk man
i think you've found the pinnacle of protectoin.
edit: I'm sorry we couldn't help 

[Lunatique]

So you just HAZ pantyhose lying around? 

Perv...


also that cellphone pic...  Perv... omg.. hahahahhaha

BTW, just to be perfectly clear, my last comment about being married implies that the pantyhose belongs to the mrs., who happens to also be the girl on the phone screen being refered to. She's my favorite model to photograph (you can check out my photography at my site).

Just place a rubber dome like the cheap $5 ones in front of ur mech when you eat and when you are done push the rubber dome aside and begin using ur mech again

was gonna say this

tp4 is a troll and I'm only a little better than paicrai
idk man
i think you've found the pinnacle of protectoin.
edit: I'm sorry we couldn't help 

I meant this as a somewhat light-hearted topic, and it's been fun. 

[taylordcraig]

Hah Yeah, I joined for kicks because it seemed like a weird topic.
I hope you can find a solution though.