Author Topic: Keyboard for a Network engineer (Read 11874 times)

thekkyon · « **on:** Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:34:59 »

Hello;

People have been rolling their eyes out of their sockets in the office and i think it's time for my relationship with Model M to take a hint.
I don't think i need a keyboard that's as silent as possible, but, at least, slightly more bearable.

I've always wanted to try out Happy Hack 2 ( liked the switches from trying Realforce ) and be able to keep mouse nearer (some tools at work are browser based), but i also bang out a lot of IP addresses, so number pad is kind of handy. I tried using number row - i am much slower, but perhaps, this can be used to? I have to muck about with Excel spreadsheets as well, but i think i could get used to FN+Arrow

I wonder if anything other than a quieter full 104+ keyboard would make sense in my situation?

FLFisherman · « **Reply #1 on:** Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:36:15 »

You could always go for a smaller layout and a separate number pad for the number-heavy data entries. How much quieter do you want your next keyboard to be?

sth · « **Reply #2 on:** Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:38:06 »

i've gotten used to numbers on the numrow but i'm still not quite as fast as with a numpad.
the arrows are pretty easy to get used but might not be good if you have fairly large hands.

i'd say go for hhkb + extra numpad to place on the right side of your mouse

dgneo · « **Reply #3 on:** Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:39:04 »

Quote from: thekkyon on Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:34:59

Hello;

People have been rolling their eyes out of their sockets in the office and i think it's time for my relationship with Model M to take a hint.
I don't think i need a keyboard that's as silent as possible, but, at least, slightly more bearable.

I've always wanted to try out Happy Hack 2 ( liked the switches from trying Realforce ) and be able to keep mouse nearer (some tools at work are browser based), but i also bang out a lot of IP addresses, so number pad is kind of handy. I tried using number row - i am much slower, but perhaps, this can be used to? I have to muck about with Excel spreadsheets as well, but i think i could get used to FN+Arrow

I wonder if anything other than a quieter full 104+ keyboard would make sense in my situation?

HHKB + Realforce Numpad (23u) and you're good to go. Getting used to the HHKB layout doesn't take very long, and once you got it down, you'll never want to go back to the standard layout again.

jerue · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:42:15 »

would a Cherry G80-1800 fit your needs? It's compact, can be found in mx browns or linear switches, and has the numpad. It's a bit cheaper than a HHKB and Realforce 23u (although I can't deny they are both really awesome, and you get the numpad when you need it).

inanis · « **Reply #5 on:** Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:44:15 »

I'm going second an external numpad. I work in IT with networks as well, and I type out IP addresses on the regular. I use an HHKB + Leopold Number pad. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Well - I'd prefer a Realforce numpad, but functionally, this is as good as setup as I could ever ask for.

Get the HHKB. You won't be sorry.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #6 on:** Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:48:45 »

Quote from: jerue on Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:42:15

would a Cherry G80-1800 fit your needs? It's compact, can be found in mx browns or linear switches, and has the numpad. It's a bit cheaper than a HHKB and Realforce 23u (although I can't deny they are both really awesome, and you get the numpad when you need it).

I have similar requirements to the OP at work and I have a G80-1800 at work with Clears. It's perfect for me. A full layout but in a compact size.

thekkyon · « **Reply #7 on:** Wed, 03 February 2016, 09:52:09 »

Thanks for replies, that cherry compact looks really sweet, i might actually try that along with external numpad solution and see which is preferable.
Funny that Leopold was mentioned, after initially posting, i was looking at the FC 660C + numpad. I think now that, whether i'd go with that or HHKB, i could place numpad on the left side - potentially ideal setup with all bases covered;

Good information, i am really enjoying this website, thanks again!

jamster · « **Reply #8 on:** Wed, 03 February 2016, 10:00:59 »

How long have you been managing to use a Model M in a work environment?

thekkyon · « **Reply #9 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 04:47:14 »

A couple of months. Nobody actually requested i stop using it but i know it bothers some folks and loud typing makes me self concious, anyway. It looks like mass corporate dome handouts have one other positive beside being cheap, and that's lack of deafening noise.

Was not impressed with keyboard availability so far in the UK/EU, not with Cherry compact, not with Leopold FC660Cor HHKB2. It looks like i'll be paying import tax from Japan, in the end.

sth · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 04:49:20 »

Quote from: thekkyon on Thu, 04 February 2016, 04:47:14

A couple of months. Nobody actually requested i stop using it but i know it bothers some folks and loud typing makes me self concious, anyway. It looks like mass corporate dome handouts have one other positive beside being cheap, and that's lack of deafening noise.

Was not impressed with keyboard availability so far in the UK/EU, not with Cherry compact, not with Leopold FC660Cor HHKB2. It looks like i'll be paying import tax from Japan, in the end.

just get one used mayne

thekkyon · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 06:51:58 »

Thanks for the tip. I don't mind used, if in good shape; just too new to post WTB in the classifieds.

mrbishop · « **Reply #12 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 07:19:21 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:48:45

Quote from: jerue on Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:42:15
would a Cherry G80-1800 fit your needs? It's compact, can be found in mx browns or linear switches, and has the numpad. It's a bit cheaper than a HHKB and Realforce 23u (although I can't deny they are both really awesome, and you get the numpad when you need it).

I have similar requirements to the OP at work and I have a G80-1800 at work with Clears. It's perfect for me. A full layout but in a compact size.

I have an ADESSO MKB-125B at work with MX Blues. not that its quiet but its a compact 104. takes abit of getting used to i'd say. i still struggle with it from time to time. as for the OP, i'm a fan of the bump (brown/blue) so maybe browns with o-rings?

iLLucionist · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 07:45:14 »

Welcome to GH!

You could do either:
- Realforce 87U + Realforce numpad
- HHKB Pro 2 + Realforce numpad
- Realforce 104U

They are all relatively quiet and sturdy.

You can check pics and spec out at elitekeyboards.com

0100010 · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 08:08:45 »

The only true solution is to get all of your coworkers to start using Model Ms.

vanwinkey · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 12:46:52 »

IBM Model M or die!

iLLucionist · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 13:31:46 »

Quote from: vanwinkey on Thu, 04 February 2016, 12:46:52

IBM Model M or die!

I've just dieded

thekkyon · « **Reply #17 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 14:06:33 »

Office full of Model M, what a racket. I'd be fine though, because over IEMs i would have thesehttp://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BBCTQK6/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000VDX18E&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=18G78XR5SPHNTZSG4YT4

SamirD · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu, 04 February 2016, 21:56:08 »

So another option that's not been mentioned is the rubberdome M. It doesn't have the sharp click of the BS M, but still retains much of the feel. Also, consider a Topre board. I've been impressed with mine and it's definitely grown on me.

Dernubenfrieken · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 05 February 2016, 06:22:08 »

Quote from: jerue on Wed, 03 February 2016, 08:42:15

would a Cherry G80-1800 fit your needs? It's compact, can be found in mx browns or linear switches, and has the numpad. It's a bit cheaper than a HHKB and Realforce 23u (although I can't deny they are both really awesome, and you get the numpad when you need it).

When I heard "network engineer" I immediately thought of the Dolch PAC, so G-80 might be an oddly appropriate choice.

saxophone · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 05 February 2016, 06:59:49 »

Buy a Tesoro Tizona. They sell the keyboard and the numpad separately that can be connected together. The main keyboard part is being sold for dirt cheap at some of the EU retailers. Anything that isn't blue is less noisy. Even more if you install o-rings beneath the keys.

thekkyon · « **Reply #21 on:** Sat, 06 February 2016, 07:43:20 »

Thanks, everyone, for the advice, i ordered a hhkb from an amazon importer and some O rings from Hyper. Would have gone for Type S, but fancied a darker keyboard. Excited!
I will keep an eye out for a Cherry compact, it looks interesting and could be an option if i can't tame the HHKB, although Leopold 660C is more likely in this scenario.
Thanks for pointing towards Tesoro, i quite like their MMO mouse as it seems really wide. Most mice seem to narrow to me, maybe because of my weird grip with only thumb and pinky. They even have a keyboard with a trackball!

iLLucionist · « **Reply #22 on:** Sat, 06 February 2016, 07:46:58 »

Quote from: thekkyon on Sat, 06 February 2016, 07:43:20

Thanks, everyone, for the advice, i ordered a hhkb from an amazon importer and some O rings from Hyper. Would have gone for Type S, but fancied a darker keyboard. Excited!
I will keep an eye out for a Cherry compact, it looks interesting and could be an option if i can't tame the HHKB, although Leopold 660C is more likely in this scenario.
Thanks for pointing towards Tesoro, i quite like their MMO mouse as it seems really wide. Most mice seem to narrow to me, maybe because of my weird grip with only thumb and pinky. They even have a keyboard with a trackball!

HHKB is awesome! You won't regret it!

Bucake · « **Reply #23 on:** Sat, 06 February 2016, 08:08:55 »

wow, from model m to silenced 45g hhkb. big leap!
be sure to let us know what you think after 1+ week of use.

mrbishop · « **Reply #24 on:** Sat, 06 February 2016, 08:32:33 »

I may be getting a cherry compact ill let you know how I like it as I'm an avid blue/brown guy.

thekkyon · « **Reply #25 on:** Sat, 06 February 2016, 16:59:33 »

Quote from: Bucake on Sat, 06 February 2016, 08:08:55

wow, from model m to silenced 45g hhkb. big leap!
be sure to let us know what you think after 1+ week of use.

Eh, just trying to be more sociable, if i end up liking it, all the better!

Quote from: mrbishop on Sat, 06 February 2016, 08:32:33

I may be getting a cherry compact ill let you know how I like it as I'm an avid blue/brown guy.

Thanks, will be interesting to hear from you. Does not seem to be easily available in the UK, though.

I wonder if white RF numpad would clash with black keyboard..

OfTheWild · « **Reply #26 on:** Tue, 09 February 2016, 09:41:40 »

Yeah i could use some suggestions too;
I'm in a NOC/call center style environment but not shared workstations. Regardless, i'm probably not going to take apart my KVM every night to carry the board home with me on the bicycle or lock it up in a drawer... so for me i'm looking for inexpensive 104 sized with silent tactile key options. Leaving an HHKB or Realforce on my desk overnight might give me paranoia.

jerue · « **Reply #27 on:** Tue, 09 February 2016, 09:48:25 »

Quote from: thekkyon on Sat, 06 February 2016, 16:59:33

Thanks, will be interesting to hear from you. Does not seem to be easily available in the UK, though.

Unless I'm mistaken, newer compact boards can be ordered from Cherry directly or a distributor. Here's the 1800 (hopefully you can find a UK layout...)

Quote from: thekkyon on Sat, 06 February 2016, 16:59:33

I wonder if white RF numpad would clash with black keyboard..

Probably, but I am running a similar setup with the Realforce 87u and my cherry numpad, I don't mind it much.

Either way, nice choice with the HHKB pseudo Type-S and Realforce numpad.

mrbishop · « **Reply #28 on:** Tue, 09 February 2016, 09:50:02 »

i have an adesso MX blue one like that. the layout takes abit to get used to. i dont DISLIKE IT but... i end up having to look at the keys alot more than i'd like to because stuff is squished together

thekkyon · « **Reply #29 on:** Wed, 10 February 2016, 11:31:21 »

The more i learn about this HHKB, the more worried i am that i gave into a ( well justified ) hype and it might be wasted on me. Most typing i do at work is in putty/bash working on Cisco stuff and emails in Outlook. I have not programmed since Pascal and C back in Uni days in 1997. I wonder if i gave a wrong impression to folks here who recommended me HHKB and they assumed i was one of them VIM / EMAC wizards? Or, perhaps, it's perfectly usable otherwise? I guess, we'll find out in a week or so.

OfTheWild · « **Reply #30 on:** Wed, 10 February 2016, 13:06:18 »

Quote from: thekkyon on Wed, 10 February 2016, 11:31:21

The more i learn about this HHKB, the more worried i am that i gave into a ( well justified ) hype and it might be wasted on me. Most typing i do at work is in putty/bash working on Cisco stuff and emails in Outlook. I have not programmed since Pascal and C back in Uni days in 1997. I wonder if i gave a wrong impression to folks here who recommended me HHKB and they assumed i was one of them VIM / EMAC wizards? Or, perhaps, it's perfectly usable otherwise? I guess, we'll find out in a week or so.

same here. I dont think i will be able to do with out a full 104 at work - punching in ip's and phone numbers via the numpad is so much easier. The one thing i'd love though is to be able to configure a macro for things like usernames and passwords that i have to enter over and over again all day. but since i dont have admin rights to install software, i doubt i'll be able to do that. Unless theres a way to store it in the keyboard maybe? i wonder if the poker setup can do that.

iLLucionist · « **Reply #31 on:** Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:17:29 »

Quote from: thekkyon on Wed, 10 February 2016, 11:31:21

The more i learn about this HHKB, the more worried i am that i gave into a ( well justified ) hype and it might be wasted on me. Most typing i do at work is in putty/bash working on Cisco stuff and emails in Outlook. I have not programmed since Pascal and C back in Uni days in 1997. I wonder if i gave a wrong impression to folks here who recommended me HHKB and they assumed i was one of them VIM / EMAC wizards? Or, perhaps, it's perfectly usable otherwise? I guess, we'll find out in a week or so.

Of course, you could also go the RealForce 87u route, but that still doesn't have a numpad. But you could also buy a RealForce 104u, which has a numpad. You could also buy a separate RealForce numpad that has Topre switches. Either way topre switches feel great and are very quiet imho.

Macsmasher · « **Reply #32 on:** Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:30:00 »

I have a RF 23U and love it. I've also used the Filco numpad. It's no Realforce but it gets the job done. If budget is a concern, you won't be disappointed in the Filco.

I bought an Adesso numpad a couple of years ago and returned it. Hated the layout. Make sure you like the layout of the -, +, and = keys because they do vary by manufacturer.

skitty · « **Reply #33 on:** Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:44:08 »

Quote from: jerue on Tue, 09 February 2016, 09:48:25

Quote from: thekkyon on Sat, 06 February 2016, 16:59:33
Thanks, will be interesting to hear from you. Does not seem to be easily available in the UK, though.

Unless I'm mistaken, newer compact boards can be ordered from Cherry directly or a distributor. Here's the 1800 (hopefully you can find a UK layout...)

Any idea where I can buy one of those? I can't seem to find it online.

munch · « **Reply #34 on:** Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:53:30 »

Quote from: skitty on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:44:08

Quote from: jerue on Tue, 09 February 2016, 09:48:25
Quote from: thekkyon on Sat, 06 February 2016, 16:59:33
Thanks, will be interesting to hear from you. Does not seem to be easily available in the UK, though.

Unless I'm mistaken, newer compact boards can be ordered from Cherry directly or a distributor. Here's the 1800 (hopefully you can find a UK layout...)

Any idea where I can buy one of those? I can't seem to find it online.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cherry-G80-1800LPCDE-0-PC-Mac-Keyboard/dp/B001FRBYDY

skitty · « **Reply #35 on:** Fri, 12 February 2016, 21:40:09 »

Quote from: munch on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:53:30

Quote from: skitty on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:44:08
Quote from: jerue on Tue, 09 February 2016, 09:48:25
Quote from: thekkyon on Sat, 06 February 2016, 16:59:33
Thanks, will be interesting to hear from you. Does not seem to be easily available in the UK, though.

Unless I'm mistaken, newer compact boards can be ordered from Cherry directly or a distributor. Here's the 1800 (hopefully you can find a UK layout...)

Any idea where I can buy one of those? I can't seem to find it online.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cherry-G80-1800LPCDE-0-PC-Mac-Keyboard/dp/B001FRBYDY

Well now I feel stupid for looking everywhere but Amazon...

thekkyon · « **Reply #36 on:** Sat, 13 February 2016, 12:17:31 »

I reckon @ key relocation i should get used to, no problem, but that pipe | missing near left pinky will be awkward for a while!

mrbishop · « **Reply #37 on:** Mon, 15 February 2016, 10:07:40 »

My compact cherry 4100 will be in in the next week or so. Ill let you know how I like it.

mrbishop · « **Reply #38 on:** Tue, 23 February 2016, 16:15:00 »

Literally just got in. So far my impressions.

Feels good. Keys are stuffed than browns or blues. Has a good sound. Reminds me of a netbook keyboard. But I like it. Will do more typing on it later. Worth the 25$ easily in my opinion

If I can reprogram it that would make it a lot more valuable. Will tinker later.

Model: cherry G84-4100PTAUS /03

thekkyon · « **Reply #39 on:** Tue, 23 February 2016, 16:41:47 »

Thanks for letting us know. Which way do you find preferable for entering numbers, using number row or Fn + right hand?

It seems i picked a wrong supplier, in 18 days my HHKB only moved from one city in japan to another..

mrbishop · « **Reply #40 on:** Tue, 23 February 2016, 16:55:34 »

Quote from: thekkyon on Tue, 23 February 2016, 16:41:47

Thanks for letting us know. Which way do you find preferable for entering numbers, using number row or Fn + right hand?

It seems i picked a wrong supplier, in 18 days my HHKB only moved from one city in japan to another..

Oh I never use the fn num pad lol. Biggest gripe is no win key but my mouse has one so I guess I'll get over it. Would be cool if I could flash the firmware. Keys are in weird places but like I said. New layout growing pains.

neochaser5 · « **Reply #41 on:** Mon, 14 March 2016, 03:01:50 »

I too work with numbers (Ips and excel) a lot so I was wondering which full layout would you recommend that suits these conditions:

1. Must be full layout
2. Shouldn't take too much space
3. easy to use macro functionality

Thank you in advance guys.

xtrafrood · « **Reply #42 on:** Mon, 14 March 2016, 03:17:27 »

Sounds like a call for a Realforce 104! Wait for the Bat signal, circle around the parking lot. If you like what you see then park, and have a good time!

klennkellon · « **Reply #43 on:** Mon, 14 March 2016, 03:44:39 »

Matias Quiet Click switches are more tactile than MX Blue but as quiet as Topre, only full sized boards are Matias own keyboards which are kind of fugly (they have a retro 80's apple look)

xtrafrood · « **Reply #44 on:** Mon, 14 March 2016, 03:47:19 »

Quote from: klennkellon on Mon, 14 March 2016, 03:44:39

Matias Quiet Click switches are more tactile than MX Blue but as quiet as Topre, only full sized boards are Matias own keyboards which are kind of fugly (they have a retro 80's apple look)

You had to bring up Matias.. Jk, now for the ALPS posts..

klennkellon · « **Reply #45 on:** Mon, 14 March 2016, 04:31:25 »

Quote from: csmertx on Mon, 14 March 2016, 03:47:19

Quote from: klennkellon on Mon, 14 March 2016, 03:44:39
Matias Quiet Click switches are more tactile than MX Blue but as quiet as Topre, only full sized boards are Matias own keyboards which are kind of fugly (they have a retro 80's apple look)
You had to bring up Matias.. Jk, now for the ALPS posts..

This is what happens when you find a stranger in the ALPS.

dbucklin · « **Reply #46 on:** Mon, 14 March 2016, 05:27:43 »

If you can do without the nav cluster, you can consider boards like the Cooler Master TK. It's effectively a 60% plus a number pad.

neochaser5 · « **Reply #47 on:** Mon, 14 March 2016, 08:50:26 »

I actually have a cm storm rfi but its under RMA. So looking for an alternative.

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Author Topic: Keyboard for a Network engineer (Read 11874 times)