nice mechanical keyboards - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DiTBho
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2023, 07:25:09 pm
content: FromakkogearThealice plusone is *VERY* nice!

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2023, 01:01:08 am
content: I've made my own.Not sure I like those angled ergonomic keyboards, but why not.I'm personally more looking for a new mouse. So far I haven't seen anything that would justify changing what I have.

author: mapleLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2023, 07:55:38 pm
content: Are there bigger ones?I had a Norgate years ago, I have never been able to repeat that keysnap on any keyboard I have ever used.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2023, 08:19:42 pm
content: No number pad and no F keys, that's a non-starter for me. And for the price you can still find a decent IBM Model M.

author: DiTBho
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2023, 08:48:32 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on April 15, 2023, 08:19:42 pmsure, brand new IBM Model M = 250 euro shipped

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2023, 09:38:11 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on April 15, 2023, 08:19:42 pmNo F keys is annoying.But the numeric pad, you can absolutely do without it. I also thought it was non-negotiable until I switched to a "TKL" keyboard, which allows the mouse to be much closer to the center of the keyboard and thus much more comfortable to use. If you don't use a mouse (which would be odd these days), then sure it doesn't matter.Using the top row for typing digits is really not a problem at all for most tasks. On AZERTY keyboards, I need to press SHIFT to get digits, but even that I don't mind much at all.I have a separate numeric keypad for the occasional tasks of typing a lot of numbers, like in a spreadsheet. But I use it rarely.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2023, 10:08:49 pm
content: I don't like num pads on laptops because if awkwardly offsets the main part of the keyboard, but when on a desktop I find I use it quite a bit. For example entering component values when laying out a circuit. Back when I was gaming I used it a lot as a directional pad too.

author: mapleLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 12:00:53 am
content: Quote from: DiTBho on April 15, 2023, 08:48:32 pmYou can't put a price on bucking springs.

author: mapleLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 12:09:58 am
content: I would like to have a nice heavy clicky keyboard again, but wow these are in demand.Northgate Omni Key/102https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=Northgate+OMNIKEY

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 12:59:32 am
content: Quotesame here,sort of .If anyone can recommend a replacement for the original microsoft trackball im all ears,all the current models either have the ball offset ,the balls not captive or are wireless.

author: DiTBho
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 08:13:59 am
content: Quote from: mapleLC on April 16, 2023, 12:00:53 amHe said for the price you can still find a decent second hand IBM Model M, but last time I checked NOS IBM Model M, it was 250 euro + S/H in the luckiest case.So, I am not sure it's really an option

author: mapleLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 08:19:05 am
content: Quote from: DiTBho on April 16, 2023, 08:13:59 amIts more of a joke, that's too much money for a keyboard.That price does tell me the market still wants these kinds of keyboards. I don't know why they focus so much on the sleek bullshit you can't type on.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 11:07:11 am
content: Cherry makes some nice old style keyboards (G80-3000 series, MX keys). A lot of gaming keyboard vendors use Cherry's MX keys. And if you prefer wired trackballs you could try Elecom. They have a few models in different variations (wired, wireless, for left handed). I got one of the EG-X series, the ball needs some wear-in, the additional key for low resolution is great for CAE, but possibly not suited for large hands.

author: DiTBho
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 11:28:01 am
content: Quote from: mapleLC on April 16, 2023, 08:19:05 amehehe, in my option that's the perfect comment for the non-JP HHKB(1)(shocking price, and there are MANY on eBay and Amazon)(1) I mention this because the arrow keys are missing

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 12:53:41 pm
content: QuoteUnfortunately they suffer from free balls

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 04:35:34 pm
content: My Elecom EG-X series trackball has a captive ball. For cleaning it needs to be pushed out via a hole in the bottom.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 04:45:34 pm
content: QuoteBut its only a friction fit,how does it stand up being dropped onto the floor?

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 06:09:14 pm
content: It requires some force, feels more like snap-in. If you like to perform drop tests then get one yourself.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 06:42:33 pm
content: QuoteThat sounds like it could be usable.Unlike the kensington i tried,if it wasnt 100% level the ball dropped out,spent more time searching under furniture for the ball than i did using the dam thing.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2023, 06:48:12 pm
content: If I use a clicky keyboard everyone tells me it is too noisy in meetings. Keyboards often have a mute button for the speaker, but rarely (ever?) have a mute button for the microphone. I think keyboards need to get with the times.