Post A5o7B71BIEwzc9sbXE by hund@fosstodon.org
(DIR) More posts by hund@fosstodon.org
(DIR) Post #A5mXmOj8ciabkDxafA by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-03-31T21:48:54Z
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Day 19 of the #100DaysToOffload 2021 Series:Word has come down from on high that we're going to be returning to the office this summer. Probably. So, I guess that means I'm going to need some keyboard recommendations.https://mikestone.me/preparing-to-return-to-the-office/
(DIR) Post #A5mbcz6euWYFUgjEy8 by cyr@fosstodon.org
2021-03-31T22:32:12Z
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@mike I really like the Microsoft Sculpt (no mouse) paired with the Logitech MX Ergo advanced. When I'm done for the night I just lock them up, but both have worked really well so far. I would like to replace the keyboard with a mechanical (Ergo Dox or other) but there's nothing wrong with mine right now so that's a stretch goal.
(DIR) Post #A5mcXqggssrntDhI1Y by fightfortheuser@fosstodon.org
2021-03-31T22:42:10Z
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@mike have you given the 65% keyboards a chance? If not, I can wholeheartedly endorse the Ducky One 65% mechanical keyboards. Absolutely delightful to use. I have an RGB model with Cherry MX Silent keys.
(DIR) Post #A5mdwrTRCKsdWPzNse by dbart@fosstodon.org
2021-03-31T22:58:07Z
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@mike I'd personally go with the Mini M, a modern version of the IBM SSK https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/MINI_M
(DIR) Post #A5mhMT74h0fNMOQmXI by XxAlexXx@fosstodon.org
2021-03-31T23:36:38Z
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@mike Best option ever, get the old IBM keyboard with a littlebit of spraypaint. Those keyboard's tactile feedback is heavenly
(DIR) Post #A5mxNozmQ1LKmcgaiu by reaper@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T02:36:08Z
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@mike if it doesn't have to be a mechanical keyboard, Logitech Multidevice keyboards are something I use https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-920-007596-Multi-Device-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B0148NPH9I/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AYL1CISH48OC&dchild=1&keywords=logitech+k380&qid=1617244509&sprefix=logitech+k%2Caps%2C306&sr=8-1https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Multi-Device-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Black/dp/B00MUTWLW4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=logitech+k480&qid=1617244515&sr=8-1These are the 2 I've tested and personally use, though you might wanna add an arm rest to the cart as well
(DIR) Post #A5mzkn6ZoSyFUNwgNc by hund@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T03:02:42Z
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@mike You didn't mention a size. Numpad or no numpad? If you want an OEM keyboard, there's mainly just one brand I can recommend and that's Leopold. They're unfortunately only available with Cherry MX switches, but I guess you're okay with them. Just buy one with silent switches and preferably with double shot PBT keycaps.Unlike most other OEM boards, Leopard comes with dampening materials in their keyboards and their stabilizers didn't rattle like a bag of Lego when you type on it.
(DIR) Post #A5nAqPyVp1IozB3jFo by trhr@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T05:06:58Z
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@mike I'd recommend quitting your job and finding one that isn't making you return to the office.
(DIR) Post #A5nQtd8CxgtvvP9EOG by lasombra@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T08:06:48Z
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@mike I’m sorry to hear that Mike. I bought a Keychron K8 abs am extremely happy with it.
(DIR) Post #A5o6F6I9pqFuZB9s6i by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T15:50:05Z
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@cyr I've had a Microsoft keyboard before. I've liked Microsoft's hardware better than their software. Is the form factor going to be easy to put into a backpack with a laptop?
(DIR) Post #A5o6KHvG1JGS5Ov87M by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T15:51:05Z
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@fightfortheuser How do you like the Silent keys? I've heard "silent" part significantly changes the feeling of the keys.
(DIR) Post #A5o78s3rvlVceF4HvU by fightfortheuser@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T15:59:53Z
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@mike I very much like them because my wife doesn't complain about me typing away on them, lol. They are a different feel, no doubt. I can describe it as softer, more cushion. If you like the click-clackiness or something a bit stiffer, go for the regular Cherry MX Reds.
(DIR) Post #A5o7B71BIEwzc9sbXE by hund@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T03:08:33Z
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@mike Their PBT keycaps is 1.35 mm thick, if my memory serves me right. That will make them sounds less hollow and more discrete than you're average keyboard with thin ABS plastic keycaps.Double shot is also the most superior method for legends. You can never wear them out and the text is razor sharp.
(DIR) Post #A5o7B7STekmiyoeP56 by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T15:59:57Z
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@hund I'm not tied to a specific size. I want it to be super portable since I'm going to be packing it up every day. Number pad is expendable. The keyboard on my laptop doesn't have one and I haven't missed it. I was thinking probably one of the 60% would be fine, I'm just slightly worried about feeling cramped when I'm typing.
(DIR) Post #A5o7wrOweujv51lNWi by cyr@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T16:09:11Z
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@mike depends on what else you have in there, due to the curve of the keyboard it doesn't lie flat - it is around 15" long but curves inwards, so YMMV. The numpad on that model isnt connected, which is nice but is one more thing for the bag to eat. I used it with a shoulder/messanger bag without much issue. There is a newer "Surface" branded version, but havent checked that one out.
(DIR) Post #A5o8ryAs9KU0anPdho by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T16:19:35Z
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@fightfortheuser I like the click-clackiness, but I'm concerned about the noise in an office setting. I'm just hoping I can get something that still feels the same (or similar) that doesn't bang around like the blues I have on my keyboards at home.
(DIR) Post #A5o98cYHnIPMSGIuTg by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T16:22:35Z
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@cyr Well, I'm not known to travel light. Usually I'll have a laptop, maybe two, mouse, headphones, power adapters, a couple of charging cables for phones or other USB devices, etc. Now I'm going to throw a keyboard into the mix.
(DIR) Post #A5oAFfmqGWkMT72U1A by fightfortheuser@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T16:35:06Z
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@mike while I'm sure you know this, it is good to be aware of how hard/loud you type. If you are generally good about keeping things at a reasonable noise level typing away on a keyboard, the regular Cherry MX Red keys might still be a good fit. I tend to type loudly so the silent keys are a perfect fit for me. I should note the sound they do make too, they aren't entirely silent but the sound is more of a muffled "thunk" then a clearly heard "click" or "clack."
(DIR) Post #A5oAeDedzuXESQuQXw by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T16:39:30Z
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@fightfortheuser I would love to claim that I have that kind of self control, but my frustrations tend to come out on the keyboard even if they're not coming out in the actual text. I sent an email this morning that I'm surprised my laptop survived. It's not intentional, but if I don't think about it things get out of control fast.
(DIR) Post #A5oC6LdS1Ds9GvKNUm by cyr@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T16:55:47Z
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@mike ah well you'll be OK then, though if you look into mechanical boards you could save space if that's ever an issue (and find little bags/cases easier).
(DIR) Post #A5oGhOF3gqLdt4pwbQ by patcoll@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T17:46:50Z
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@mike @hund What are your feelings on arrow keys? Necessary?
(DIR) Post #A5oGrzYbo7MeVy2Kn2 by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T17:49:13Z
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@patcoll Probably. I realize there are alternative ways of accomplishing the same thing, but muscle memory is a pain in the neck to fight against.@hund
(DIR) Post #A5oHkujJSO7NTCEShs by fightfortheuser@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T17:59:11Z
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@mike
(DIR) Post #A5oHthxgIYROTa98Ge by fightfortheuser@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T18:00:12Z
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@mike I hear you. Well, take a gander at the video I sent. Just to give you an idea of how audible typing semi-fiercely on my keyboard is.
(DIR) Post #A5oKAqXLru4Ru48Afg by hund@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T18:24:12Z
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@mike @patcoll Then 65% is what you want. How about I build something for you? What's your budget?
(DIR) Post #A5oKC8nlRijYq8QPMO by patcoll@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T18:24:59Z
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@mike Hm, in that case I might look at 65%, a 60% with arrows, or a 75% if you need the function row.@hund
(DIR) Post #A5oOuqcEJ8jPHibRxI by fedops@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T19:19:03Z
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@mike @patcoll @hund I couldn't live without the arrow keys so also prefer 65% keyboards. Have been living with mine for about 18 months and love it.Just a word of warning: carefully select your switches. The clicky ones like Cherry MX Blues have started lots of office fights. 😀
(DIR) Post #A5oUO8RFcZAkjLFiN6 by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T20:20:41Z
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@fightfortheuser Thanks for doing that. I appreciate it.
(DIR) Post #A5oUhzTyd3n8kGzm1g by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T20:24:07Z
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@hund What kind of range are we talking about here? I was looking at a Ducky One, which is around $125 American, and that's perfectly fine. I'd expect to pay more for a custom build though (and I'd be happy to). How much does a build typically cost? @patcoll
(DIR) Post #A5oUtOxsE8nExjQ8HY by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T20:26:22Z
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@fedops Yea, that's definitely a concern for me. I have a blue keyboard at home, and my wife can hear me typing across the house. Especially when it's something I'm passionate about. I'm expecting the office is going to be trying to separate people physically more than they used to, but I'm not sure how much. In the before times, I could physically touch 3 other people without getting out of my chair. Didn't exactly have a lot of space to work with.@patcoll @hund
(DIR) Post #A5oVpsp3NIFAMPBHwu by fightfortheuser@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T20:36:58Z
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@mike you're welcome! 😁
(DIR) Post #A5oVtWNujuotvgDo1Y by unicornfarts@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T20:37:31Z
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@mike +1, also interested. @hund @patcoll
(DIR) Post #A5oWZg1HJ7uFyRjdei by fedops@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T20:44:47Z
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@mike I have two 75% boards, one a chinesium with Gateron blues and the other a Keychron K2 with Cherry MX reds. I have come to prefer the reds both because of the noise but also their smooth linear characteristic.A colleague and I both have the K2 and using them in the office has not been a problem. 75% is nice if you use the F keys (or the media key layer) a lot. Otherwise the 65% format is very similar; I don't find the bit of extra depth to be that big a deal. @patcoll @hund
(DIR) Post #A5oaOU95sNPdVfVb60 by JayT@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T21:27:59Z
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@mike If you can wait a little bit System76 is building a keyboard that they will release soon:https://system76.com/accessories/launchIt looks like it's going to be pretty interesting, with lots of customising available.
(DIR) Post #A5omtZNVfdNsAIq9lw by JodiFOSSter@fosstodon.org
2021-04-01T23:47:53Z
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@mike moonlander! i just got one and it's fire. plus, the people who made it got paid a living wage. https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/
(DIR) Post #A5pJfDi0jkCPONC8dU by hund@fosstodon.org
2021-04-02T05:55:10Z
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@mike @patcoll I would say about 250 USD.
(DIR) Post #A5pR7mlUgwXru8ONCy by kev@fosstodon.org
2021-04-02T07:18:25Z
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@mike FWIW I have a Ducky One and am really happy with it. Real quality bit of kit - having said that, it’s my first “quality” keyboard so I have no basis for comparison. It’s orders of magnitude better than any other keyboard I’ve ever have though.@hund @patcoll
(DIR) Post #A5pV4JiAehHukCRIP2 by asym@fosstodon.org
2021-04-02T08:02:57Z
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@mike @hund personally I've fallen in love with the HHKB layout. And as a bonus it's very light and compact so I have no trouble packing it with me when I go to the office for the day. Is a bit pricey though which is unfortunate 🥺
(DIR) Post #A5pW006FjFLciRD1Pc by Twelve@fosstodon.org
2021-04-02T08:13:25Z
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@kevI gotten myselv the ducky one 2 mini, and its fantastic to use. I was gonna ho with the one 2 sf, but kinda looked odd, and i wantwd it in white, so i went with the 60% and just got a mecanicall numpad from varmillo. Only one i could find. @mike @hund @patcoll
(DIR) Post #A5pv934IYj3jNmhpmC by patcoll@fosstodon.org
2021-04-02T12:55:14Z
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@mike The 60% with arrows build I’m planning is a budget build, because I want to try the layout. For parts from KBDFans, parts I have here, I’d say it will probably be all-in cost of 170-190. If I were building it for someone else, I’d include labor, which would probably bring the cost up to the range @hund is referring to.Pre-built boards will be cheaper of course. If you’re not sure, I might start there. Customs are fun tho 😀
(DIR) Post #A5qFxBeSv1SXZ8oAGe by ecliptik@fosstodon.org
2021-04-02T16:48:16Z
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@mike @patcoll @hund if you're a vim user, mapping hjkl to the arrow keys with a modifier (I use spacebar) works relatively well and gives a good analog with vim muscle memory.Doesn't really translate to gaming though if you can't re-map arrows to something wasd.
(DIR) Post #A5qQOjpcwfcuvwnybY by MurrayWindripper@fosstodon.org
2021-04-02T18:45:09Z
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@mike As you seem happy with a Razer mouse, have you considered one of their keyboards.They use optical switches which are claimed to be as good as a pure mechanical switch. This one for example - Razer Huntsman Mini.I have the same keys on a Tartarus Pro and they have a mechanical feel to them.I also use a Drevo Blademaster Pro with Cherry MX Brown Switches which is reasonably quiet.
(DIR) Post #A5qkr7OOwEMPCKse8W by mike@fosstodon.org
2021-04-02T22:34:36Z
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@hund I'd love to take you up on that, but it's probably more than I'm willing to spend at this point. I really appreciate the offer though.@patcoll
(DIR) Post #A5qy8Sw5OPXULAEqEy by patcoll@fosstodon.org
2021-04-03T01:03:26Z
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@mike I’d seriously consider a Keychron K2 or K6 too.@hund
(DIR) Post #A5tn7LO1SYrScCRpEe by antaeus@fosstodon.org
2021-04-04T09:43:54Z
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@mike I recently bought a Mountain Everest. It took some time for it to arrive and I swapped the Cherry MX Browns for Kailh Box Browns, which was easy.https://mountainggshop.com/products/everest-max