Computer Keyboard

[HardDrive]

Just brought home another daskeyboard. MX brown switches. My favorite switches by a long margin. Never really gotten into clicky switches like MX reds.

[edgemar]

I got a DAS keyboard with cherry mx brown a few months ago. I'm never going back.

[jyl]

The Microsoft ergo keyboard has been fine since I removed and reinstalled the sticky keys, but anyway I bought and am awaiting a vintage IBM Model M - made on my birthday in 1986, a very early one, square metal badge, no indicator lights, I’ll use an AT to USB adapter.

I realized that all this stuff is tax deductible for me, so what the heck.

[sugarwood]

Well done! PM me if you need help finding the right adapter

[jyl]

Update - I got the vintage Model M, which looks like new - it was covered with a keyboard protector its whole life, I think - and found a SDL-to-USB cable that has the Soarers converter built in. Apparently I can use the Soarers firmware to create custom remapping, macros, etc. I haven't had time to fiddle with that, and am enjoying the keyboard too much to really want to do anything but type. The keyfeel is amazingly nice.

[masraum]

Very nice! Pics?

[masraum]

Originally Posted by jyl

Update - I got the vintage Model M, which looks like new - it was covered with a keyboard protector its whole life, I think - and found a SDL-to-USB cable that has the Soarers converter built in. Apparently I can use the Soarers firmware to create custom remapping, macros, etc. I haven't had time to fiddle with that, and am enjoying the keyboard too much to really want to do anything but type. The keyfeel is amazingly nice.

Now you need a 5.25" floppy drive!

[flatbutt]

Are there are compatibility issues between brand of PC and keyboards? I have dead keys on mine.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Are there are compatibility issues between brand of PC and keyboards? I have dead keys on mine.

Assuming the keyboard is designed for windows and the PC is running Windows, there shouldn't be any incompatibilities. It's possible that some manufacturers have added extra keys for special purposes that won't work without installing the manufacturers drivers to support those keys. But your avg keyboard should just plug in and work.

The only time that I would expect weirdness or dead keys would be if you had a MAC specific keyboard plugged into a Windows PC or vice versa. (potentially similar issue with Windows keyboard with "special" keys plugged into PC running Linux). The kinds of keys that might be problematic would be the "windows key" or media keys (fast forward, pause, play, volume, etc...) or keys that enable/disable/change settings like wifi, screen brightness, etc....

I would expect the alphanumeric keys, symbol keys and ever function keys to work.

[jyl]

Originally Posted by masraum

Very nice! Pics?

The keys are smooth, light, long travel, distinct felt/heard click, then rebounds quickly. The keyboard must weigh 6 lb, solid with a lot of steel inside. First version square metal IBM badge. No backlight, media keys, other frills. Noisy enough that I mute Zoom calls if I’m typing during the call.

I m am going to figure out how to program
- Windows key
- vol up, down, mute
- a few Excel keystroke combinations

I wish it were gray, but the gray Model M's cost $300 and the black ones are similarly priced. This one is too nice to mess with but if I find a cheaper one, I might get it and paint the case. You can get replacement and even custom keycaps.

[masraum]

Wow, very cool blast from the past. It's a keyboard and just a keyboard. I like the visual simplicity of it compared to most keyboards these days.

Something very much like that is what I taught myself to type on a Dvorak keyboard. I found it in a closet, heavy, metal, all keys the same shape/profile. I cut off the cable flush with the back, and practiced what I remembered the typing class exercises while at a job that required no computer use. That was probably 18-19 years ago. It's surprising (but also not) that those are around and still working.

[jyl]

Apropos of nothing: I found out that a junior lawyer I worked with a little at my law firm in the 1990s is now Second Husband (husband of VP Harris). Small world. I doubt he’d remember me. Dang I feel old now.

[jyl]

As part of my geeky keyboard thing, I learned that not having “media keys” on my keyboard is irritating, and that not having a Windows key is a little inconvenient. Naturally, my 1986 IBM Model M has none of those. It doesn’t even have a Caps Lock “light”.

What to do? I guess I could use PowerToys or similar to program some key combo with the missing features. It would be useful to have some macros programmed in as well.

There are also dedicated “macropads” that seem to be all the rage for people doing specialized things with their PCs. The Elgato Streampad looks delectable (Google it). But maybe that’s just more desktop clutter.

[sugarwood]

https://gist.github.com/jtkouz/a7b7314c26b9e654b99d61924c237203

[Alan A]

I used a MS natural one for years. Helped with the carpal tunnel. Took a week to get used to - I used to cross the middle when I typed.

Now I'm on a MacBook using the built in keyboard - which is ok but I still prefer the hand position of the microsoft one.

[jyl]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

https://gist.github.com/jtkouz/a7b7314c26b9e654b99d61924c237203

Thank you!

[jyl]

Originally Posted by Alan A

I used a MS natural one for years. Helped with the carpal tunnel. Took a week to get used to - I used to cross the middle when I typed.

Now I'm on a MacBook using the built in keyboard - which is ok but I still prefer the hand position of the microsoft one.

Funny you mention the laptop keyboard. I’m also going to find a really good external keyboard for my Thinkpad. That’s the machine I take on vacations, which for me are always work-in-the-morning then play-in-the-afternoon trips, at least on weekdays. Its keyboard is shockingly awful. Much worse than my MacBook Pro keyboard, which is already pretty blah.

[Tervuren]

I've hit a point in life I like a quiet keyboard.


Razer Red Optical Switch is my favourite out of many switches I own.
With a precise touch keyboard use is whisper quiet.
For gaming, the short activation point cuts the brain to action time. - Amazing feel.
I haven't replaced all my keyboarrds with the new switch, but I do have two for my most used stations.