Strangely there were switches in the past that I didn't like but after trying many types of switches coming back to them they were much better than I remembered. It usually takes me a day to get accustom to new switches. Layouts are a whole nother thing though..
It would be nice to know more people locally into keyboards. I'd love to try different boards but I'd have to buy them. I've been wanting to try Greens, Clears, and Matias switches but there's no way I can afford to buy them. Browns at least work for me in general. Way better than the rubber-domes I've used for years.
I really do like the blacks in this numpad though, just worried about having an ENTIRE board with them. I have a Dell AT101 in the mail with Black Alps, so at least that's something different to try.
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Isn't it weird to have blacks on numberpad and something else on the other ?
Honestly, the more I test this numpad out, it doesn't seem all that different in force required than the browns. Perhaps due to the tactile bump in the browns? Also, I'm led to believe the blacks in my numpad are an earlier and smoother variety. I think I feel a main difference when just holding down a button. Like, it might be more fatiguing in that regard moreso than just regular typing. I would need to test further, but I don't think the regular typing different would be too stark; maybe gaming and graphic design program useage would be more tiring?
It's pretty nice to also hold it in both hands and type with my thumbs. It seems like there is synergy with it and my keyboard(s) with browns.
Anyway, all this aside. I'm used to the numpad within 30 minutes. I would wonder, even if you get more accustomed to blacks in a full keyboard, could it not simply cause more stress over the years? At what point is using a stiffer switch, and causing more work for yourself, going to catch up to you? The older I get, the more aches and pains I feel so the less unneeded stress I want to put on my body. RSI can be pretty serious and years of computer usage related stress adds up.
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Now I'm wondering whether I'm setting myself up for RSI in the future for using blacks?
As long as your typing environment is reasonably ergonomic, and if you don't have any pre-existing medical problem, you should be fine.
The typing environment... this is a big issue that I've struggled with and one reason I'm hesitant to try using heavier switches unless there is a reason I would need to.
It leads me to this: Keyboards with numpads are not ergonomic when used with a mouse. You either have to constantly adjust your seat or position your arms in awkward positions.
I've worked so many years at a computer, and it's almost making me mad that keyboard manufacturers and workplaces seem oblivious to this. I just put some Leopold caps on my Ducky Shine 4 and it types WONDERFULLY. But the numpad and me having to compensate for it is about to drive me crazy. I really don't want to end up with chronic issues that need surgery, because I can't afford that.
Basically, I mention being hesitant of using stiffer switches just because if you are already dealing with having to work on a computer all day, it could be beneficial to not force more strain on yourself than you are already going to have. Rubber-domes, for instance, mainly benefit the manufacturers and workplaces because they are cheap, not because they are the best for ergonomics.
I think a better way to work out your fingers for pure strength is to do actual exercises like pull ups, pushups, climbing, hand grippers, etc. Repetitive dull tasks cause more strain than fitness.
I just want to mention this because I've been doing this for years and it's catching up to me. I'd like to save people some grief later. You can get by with this more in you're younger or just using a computer a little bit and it may not seem like a big deal. I just notice it's like people don't want to be considered weak, or it sounds "cool" to use really stiff switches or type really hard. Like it's more manly to type hard on stiff switches. I don't care about being "tough", I want to be "comfortable".
