What Mouse and Keyboard Are You Using Right Now?

logitech g502x plus lightspeed. I first started using this style of mouse with the logitech proteus spectrum and I like it. I don't love it. I do wish the thumb button location was a little different, you have to move your thumb off the "sniper" button in order to use the two other thumb buttons.
I HATE that if you use the onboard memory that it doesn't save your RGB preferences. I don't want RGB on a mouse. Why would I? It's absurd. The white version doesn't have RGB, but well, I wanted the black version.
I've really only found two mice that have a similar enough of a layout as far as buttons are concerned, but they both have problems. Corsair m65 wireless premiumorwhateever is a close fit, but the mouse wheel doesn't have left/right functionallity, it's missing two buttons on the top, and to make it worse if you actually want to use the weights, they scratch up your desk. I'm told by a friend the RGB behaves the way I would want it to, that a local saved profile keeps it OFF. Razer has one with also a similar layout but it has it's own reasons for why I don't like it.

Keyboard is corsair k70 rgb pro wired, and I use red o-rings. It's not a perfect keyboard, but it's one of the closest I've found that has all of the functions that I want. The keys are fine, although not very "stable" and the software is good, albeit not designed very well especially with the recent update they pushed out on it. It's one of the few that has multimedia playback buttons in a lay out that I want, and that the software it comes with supports a variable repeating hotkey function. (useful for an mmo I play) I also bought the low profile mk. 2 thinking I would like it, but I don't.
One of the other main points that I wanted with a keyboard was a removable usb cord but for the keyboard to NOT be wireless. This is one of the few that I would consider using that fits that. Funny thing is, the cable it comes with is incredibly short. It's fine if you are using it plugged in to your monitor...but well, I can't enter the UEFI when plugged into the monitor so I had to get an 18 inch extension cable in order to use it. Makes no sense really.
 
I got a standalone numpad but it's too fat to fit comfortably in my keyboard tray. Great price and it's easy enough to move on and off the desk though :).

Cirkustanz said:
logitech g502x plus lightspeed. I first started using this style of mouse with the logitech proteus spectrum and I like it. I don't love it. I do wish the thumb button location was a little different, you have to move your thumb off the "sniper" button in order to use the two other thumb buttons.
I HATE that if you use the onboard memory that it doesn't save your RGB preferences. I don't want RGB on a mouse. Why would I? It's absurd. The white version doesn't have RGB, but well, I wanted the black version.
I've really only found two mice that have a similar enough of a layout as far as buttons are concerned, but they both have problems. Corsair m65 wireless premiumorwhateever is a close fit, but the mouse wheel doesn't have left/right functionallity, it's missing two buttons on the top, and to make it worse if you actually want to use the weights, they scratch up your desk. I'm told by a friend the RGB behaves the way I would want it to, that a local saved profile keeps it OFF. Razer has one with also a similar layout but it has it's own reasons for why I don't like it.

Keyboard is corsair k70 rgb pro wired, and I use red o-rings. It's not a perfect keyboard, but it's one of the closest I've found that has all of the functions that I want. The keys are fine, although not very "stable" and the software is good, albeit not designed very well especially with the recent update they pushed out on it. It's one of the few that has multimedia playback buttons in a lay out that I want, and that the software it comes with supports a variable repeating hotkey function. (useful for an mmo I play) I also bought the low profile mk. 2 thinking I would like it, but I don't.
One of the other main points that I wanted with a keyboard was a removable usb cord but for the keyboard to NOT be wireless. This is one of the few that I would consider using that fits that. Funny thing is, the cable it comes with is incredibly short. It's fine if you are using it plugged in to your monitor...but well, I can't enter the UEFI when plugged into the monitor so I had to get an 18 inch extension cable in order to use it. Makes no sense really.
Click to expand...
I have a K95 RGB (18 macro key revision). It's nice enough but I don't think it's good enough to warrant the cost. The K70 looks like a better offering, especially now that Corsair has cut down the macro keys on the K95. It's a shame Corsair won't clean up iCUE because the macro suite is good if it's unchanged from CUE. A lot of companion software has become horribly inefficient so they probably don't have any pressure to optimize it.

My guess on the UEFI situation is that it isn't initializing the USB from the monitor until after the post screen.
 
Mad Maxx said:
I strongly suggest you disregard every nice thing I had to say about my NuPhy Air60. I already documented the wireless problems with Windows. The more I used it, or more to the point tried to use it, the less it worked. Even the wired connection failed me. Something's wrong with the USB port. I kept having to disconnect/reconnect the cable to get the keyboard working. It got to the point where the only proper place for this pathetic excuse for a keyboard was...

View attachment 581050

The only reason I'm not angry about this unpleasantness is the fact that NuPhy issued the refund when I first requested an RMA. Maybe they knew I had an unrepairable dud when they said I need not return the keyboard. Now, I'm actually reconsidering the Logitech Mechanical Mini. Despite its flaws, the Mech Mini's wireless, battery and typing functions worked smoothly. Maybe it'll go on sale during Prime Week. If I find a good price I'll post it here.
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That's a shame. It's an attractive keyboard with nice caps. I'd pull all the caps off and save them :p
 
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Prince Valiant said:
I have a K95 RGB (18 macro key revision). It's nice enough but I don't think it's good enough to warrant the cost. The K70 looks like a better offering, especially now that Corsair has cut down the macro keys on the K95. It's a shame Corsair won't clean up iCUE because the macro suite is good if it's unchanged from CUE. A lot of companion software has become horribly inefficient so they probably don't have any pressure to optimize it.
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Yeah, honestly I have been looking at keyboards so much lately it was driving me nuts. The main game I play, I honestly think I could really benefit from just four more buttons, and I definitely do NOT want them on the side. Ideally I would want four more buttons right above the 10key area. (right where the multimedia buttons are, but I still want those, so remapping them is not a solution)

Funny thing is, the Corsair k100 wireless layout is pretty much exactly what I am talking about...but well, it uses chiclet style keys which I just can't get down with.

About the not making sense thing...what I was referring to is that it doesn't make sense they would include such a short cable with the k70 rgb pro. I have never seen a cable so short be included with a keyboard. Another weird thing about corsair keyboard cables is the ones that are non-removable like on your k95...they have a separate usb cable for the usb passthrough port. You know, the thing nobody uses. So the extra cable just flops off to the side. The K70 RGB PRO doesn't require a second plug into the computer for the USB passthrough. Obviously I don't care because I don't use it...but never the less it is strange. I think the only use I would have for the usb passthrough on a keyboard is if I were to change my desk setup and pick up one of those powerplay mats. Currently I use a keyboard drawer and I don't have enough space on it to fit one.
 
My new toy (mouse) :)
Bloody W95 Max Naraka
The quality of the plastic is not as good as I want, but for that price (~30$) is perfect.
The software, metal boots, and sensor are fine, so it's not a bad mouse.
 
Cirkustanz said:
Yeah, honestly I have been looking at keyboards so much lately it was driving me nuts. The main game I play, I honestly think I could really benefit from just four more buttons, and I definitely do NOT want them on the side. Ideally I would want four more buttons right above the 10key area. (right where the multimedia buttons are, but I still want those, so remapping them is not a solution)

Funny thing is, the Corsair k100 wireless layout is pretty much exactly what I am talking about...but well, it uses chiclet style keys which I just can't get down with.

About the not making sense thing...what I was referring to is that it doesn't make sense they would include such a short cable with the k70 rgb pro. I have never seen a cable so short be included with a keyboard. Another weird thing about corsair keyboard cables is the ones that are non-removable like on your k95...they have a separate usb cable for the usb passthrough port. You know, the thing nobody uses. So the extra cable just flops off to the side. The K70 RGB PRO doesn't require a second plug into the computer for the USB passthrough. Obviously I don't care because I don't use it...but never the less it is strange. I think the only use I would have for the usb passthrough on a keyboard is if I were to change my desk setup and pick up one of those powerplay mats. Currently I use a keyboard drawer and I don't have enough space on it to fit one.
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If you can store mappings to profiles you could always make a profile for the game(s) and swap back to the default when you want regular media key functionality, presuming you don't want constant access to those. Dedicated keys are always nice though.

I could understand including a short cable as an optional extra for the "no clutter" users but I'd think that 6' would be standard. I'm guessing the additional USB is for power; I usually plug it in to keep the cord from sagging as much, but I've never actually used the port on the keyboard. My previous primary KB had 2 ports and 3.5mm jacks for audio passthrough which I also never used. I've never been keen on leaving a bunch of USB junk plugged in 24/7.
AVATARAT said:
My new toy (mouse) :)
Bloody W95 Max Naraka
The quality of the plastic is not as good as I want, but for that price (~30$) is perfect.
The software, metal boots, and sensor are fine, so it's not a bad mouse.
Click to expand...
How's the software overall and resource usage for it?
 
riev90 said:
Been using these vertexseries combo (keeb vx 9 pro, mouse gx107) for 4 weeks, and so far so good.

View attachment 556648

Bought 2nd for ~$34 shipping, so cheap, yet feels very comfortable when using.

The keyboard layout helps my work as I use excel daily as my main job. The outemu blue switch adds crispiness when typing at the desk's office 😂
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1690181620345.jpeg


This is going to be a sad day for me, as from my previous photo, I've been using this keyboard since w3 February, no issue no complaint, very perfect.
One of my friend is inquiring me about selling to replace his broken keyboard and honestly I need the every extra money needed to fund my next ddr5 build :LOL:
So long, it has been fun using you for the last 5 months.

Note: the mouse has been working flawlessly too but I don't plan to sell it for now.
 
I bought a Logitech MX1000 wireless mouse and keyboard back in 2011, I still use them on my metabox laptop. Never had any issues with them. Tho the windows software is kinda legacy now xD
 
So I bought this new Corsair K70 Pro for $130 on Prime day. My old K70 Pro was bought in 2015 or 2018, and used enough I had actually rubbed off one of the keycaps. Anyway, still worked perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9RLFYHW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Was looking at the new one with optical keys, and it has a Type C cable plug at the keyboard and the wrist rest detaches with magnets. So many times I would not clean my old keyboard as I had to crawl under the desk, unplug from back of the PC, rerun the cables and ties, etc. PITA.

Was getting a bit dusty, unplugged, took to the garage, blew it out, wiped down with duster pad. Good as new and nice and clean.

I am really getting to like this optical keys as well. Not a lighter touch than the red switches, but a lot shorter throw that I am getting used to. But I feel as though I type with better accuracy than I did with the reds.

The red is tremendously amplified in this picture.

ZZZ.jpg



Edit: As for the mouse. I bought five Logitech MX518's the last time they went on sale at Best Buy for $20. Have always loved these.

zzzz.jpg
 
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FrgMstr said:
So I bought this new Corsair K70 Pro for $130 on Prime day. My old K70 Pro was bought in 2015 or 2018, and used enough I had actually rubbed off one of the keycaps. Anyway, still worked perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9RLFYHW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Was looking at the new one with optical keys, and it has a Type C cable plug at the keyboard and the wrist rest detaches with magnets. So many times I would not clean my old keyboard as I had to crawl under the desk, unplug from back of the PC, rerun the cables and ties, etc. PITA.

Was getting a bit dusty, unplugged, took to the garage, blew it out, wiped down with duster pad. Good as new and nice and clean.

I am really getting to like this optical keys as well. Not a lighter touch than the red switches, but a lot shorter throw that I am getting used to. But I feel as though I type with better accuracy than I did with the reds.

The red is tremendously amplified in this picture.



Edit: As for the mouse. I bought five Logitech MX518's the last time they went on sale at Best Buy for $20. Have always loved these.
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Wrist rest looks to be improved from the previous versions.
Lateralus said:
Not using it, but just found out about this one a day or two ago:

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard

View attachment 587534

What would you guys map to the Super Buttons? :LOL:
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Sleep and mute all, probably.
 
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FrgMstr said:
So I bought this new Corsair K70 Pro for $130 on Prime day. My old K70 Pro was bought in 2015 or 2018, and used enough I had actually rubbed off one of the keycaps. Anyway, still worked perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9RLFYHW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Was looking at the new one with optical keys, and it has a Type C cable plug at the keyboard and the wrist rest detaches with magnets. So many times I would not clean my old keyboard as I had to crawl under the desk, unplug from back of the PC, rerun the cables and ties, etc. PITA.

Was getting a bit dusty, unplugged, took to the garage, blew it out, wiped down with duster pad. Good as new and nice and clean.

I am really getting to like this optical keys as well. Not a lighter touch than the red switches, but a lot shorter throw that I am getting used to. But I feel as though I type with better accuracy than I did with the reds.

The red is tremendously amplified in this picture.

View attachment 587360


Edit: As for the mouse. I bought five Logitech MX518's the last time they went on sale at Best Buy for $20. Have always loved these.

View attachment 587361
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I'm not familiar with Corsair's Keyboards. Do they not take standard keycaps?

Love the G500's I stocked up on several last time they were on sale. I still wish I had more G500's. Not going to make that mistake again. This time I stocked up.

Though they are a little light for me, so I modded mine to add some weight.
 
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Zarathustra[H] said:
I'm not familiar with Corsair's Keyboards. Do they not take standard keycaps?

Love the G500's I stocked up on several last time they were on sale. I still wish I had more G500's. Not going to make that mistake again. This time I stocked up.

Though they are a little light for me, so I modded mine to add some weight.
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I don't know about their optical switch, which I presume has an MX compatible stem, but their previous boards used Cherry MX switches. They still offer MX switches for the current boards.
 
I'm using a dygma raise keyboard, along with an apple magic trackpad 2 and a logitech g pro wireless
 
IMG_20230809_024834996.jpg


Logitech LOL keyboard pro just cleaned the Acrylic wrist rest is the best wrist wrest I used not as good as a Corsair. I have a Corsair low Cherry key profile that is like 5 years old not sure why they stopped making them. I bought two one broke from cleaning it out or spilled water in it. I wish Corsair would make a Keyboard with Stands in the front my not sure why they got rid of that feature but that is the best part of K70.

The big 199.00 Corsair looks nice but if it breaks you would be looking pretty stupid. There is a low profile Corsair but it's like 229.00 on Amazon looks like A laptop keypad not sure how you would clean it out.
 
My trusty Logitech G604 mouse that i've had for years. And a EVGA Z20 Mechanical keyboard that I got last month for 35 bucks. Really enjoying it, especially for the price I paid.
 
I was looking at the Filco MT3 and trying to convince myself it was worth upgrading from my MT2... but honestly it isn't I don't think. It is nice that they seem to have PBT doubleshot keycaps now, but I have pbt doubleshots on my filco already, and multimedia keys.. but I honestly never would use them anyway. Oh well this Filco I bought in 2015 and have used most of the time since, is still in really good shape and operationally perfect. Other than spending money I can't think of any great reason to upgrade the keyboard and I continue to enjoy my Steelseries Sensei Ten mouse I have had for a bit over a year now.
1692293246533.jpeg
 
Because I am dumb? or bored I decided I needed a new board?? and mouse.. So I wanted to try a hotswap keyboard and also a smaller form factor without spending very much money so this is my $60~ GMK67 with Outemu Silent Lemon V2 switches and a Womier PBT keycap set all from aliexpress. It is fine, switches are fine it is quieter than my filco not sure if everyone would like these switches they are fine for me, but the tactility is pretty minimal, if you told me they were linear I probably wouldn't doubt you.
I don't know about the 65% form factor I think if i build a more expensive Hotswap board it will be TKL.

The mouse I decided to try because it was $30~ on aliexpress and so I ordered it because it was one of few ambidextrous wireless mice I could find out there, amusingly my order got messed up (got refund)... still wanted mouse decided to buy it on ebay which was more like $50 but whatever... Anyways it is a Lenovo Legion M600 *note to anyone that may want an ambi wireless mouse, the new version of this mouse the M600S is not ambidextrous.. because everyone hates left handed people apparently?

I have only been using the mouse a bit today, I like it so far it is pretty big and probably sort of heavy for the apparent trend of 40gram mice .. but I have big hands and don't like super light mice so this is ok with me, pair fine with bluetooth on my pc so that is good.. the GMK67 also has been perfect so far with the bluetooth connection. I may have enough ambi mice stockpiled now to last the rest of my life? which is good because I am not sure when anyone is going to be bothered to make new ambi designs?

I also made a new cable for my filco so I could swap keyboards without having to fish cables out from behind my desk, which i hate doing and so I never use my other keyboards. Anyways it is slightly longer than people may generally want, but It is perfect as it goes to a usb extension cord under my microphone..so works nicely

cable3.jpgsense_m600.jpgm600_2.jpg
 

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Lateralus said:
Not using it, but just found out about this one a day or two ago:

8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard

View attachment 587534

What would you guys map to the Super Buttons? :LOL:
Click to expand...
I have yet to watch ETA Prime's video about it.

Anyway, I have a Logitech G604 for my laptop and Windows tablet, a Logitech K380 3 device keyboard and a Logitech m720 3 device mouse for my 2 android tablets and my HDMI video out phone.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
I've been curious about this keyboard for some time. I'm not into the RGB disco, but I presume you can always just set the backlighting to white and dim.

My biggest concern are the switches. I have a particular taste in switches. I like them heavy. I'd do Cherry Greens for clicky, or clears for non-clicky, but I don't know about those Kaihls.
Click to expand...
I'm the same. :D The box jades and box navys feel like they should be up to the task from the tester I've tried. I still need to order a set and swap them into the evga z15 I got cheap--then that might turn into my favorite board. :D
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
I had a 1994 era Lexmark manufactured Model M I was using at work die on me, but it wasn't the fault of the keyboard.

I came back after a long weekend and there had been a ceiling leak right over my desk :(

It was this one:

View attachment 575947

It was a sad day.
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Bummer. :( I would have had unicomp resurrect it from the parts. I plan to have them do that with a few Ms I got that were in pretty rough condition.
 
Saturn_V said:
Condolences on your loss. I use a vintage Model M at work too, and although my cubicle-mates hate it... I can't go without it.

BTW, there's an outfit that repairs/cleans/restores these vaunted keyboards. Not sure if they can handle spill damage. I'm on the verge of sending my primary in- but waffling on getting a USB Unicomp Model M instead. (no more PS2 ports)
Click to expand...
haha, I was the same when I worked at the LG national call center. And I was rapidly Alt-tabbing all day long manually comparing pdf files so it sounded like machine gun bursts all day long. People were wondering what the hell I was doing until I released the tool that changed their life...okay so it just made a part of their job so much faster and easier. :jimlad:

They can easily handle spills, but to be honest if it's still working, I would leave it alone. And I would definitely get a Unicomp to compare as well as have a spare/backup. I've got a travel M and even a case for it as well as an M at every workstation I have in every city I'm at in front of every 30" 2560x1600 monitor with the Logitech trackman wired--can you tell I have a standard setup? :D I even recently got an LG Gram 17" with the 2560x1600 screen since they were finally coming down in price used. The keyboard is pretty decent too for a laptop, and I have a travel logitech trackman (the blue ball one) since I had to park one of my other wireds at yet another new workstation setup.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
I've always been very concerned with colleagues level of keyboard noise tolerance.

Only reason I ever used a Model M in the office was because at the time I had my own office, with actual real walls and a closing door and everything!

We forget that decades ago this was the norm for all white collar workers, but over the years the cubicle farms and open offices have taken over. This company just happened to be in a really old building, so all the engineers had their own offices.

I don't do that anymore now that I work in a cubicle. My current daily driver at work is an OG Ducky One with clear (heavy, tactile bump, no click) switches, and loaded up with o-rings to limit the noise.

I miss having my own office though. Not going to lie. It was nice.

It's one of the many ways work has only gotten worse over the decades.




Good to know.

This happened back in ~2010.

Back then these 90's Lexmark Model M's were a dime in a dozen. If you wanted one, there were plenty to choose from in perfect condition for $20 on eBay.

Fixing it would have cost way more than it was worth, so it was scrapped.

If I had known then what I know today...
Click to expand...
Back in the day, there were typing pools where there was nothing but noise. And then the beamspring, model f, and model m came to emulate that. :D And then people decided they didn't like that. The people changed, not the keyboards! lol!

Yeah, a $20 investment back then would be nearly $200 today. So a 10x return in just 30-35 years. Where's the hedge fund that invested in Ms? lol
 
kurdt said:
Ha, yeah... I don't need backlit keys, media buttons, and all that. I just want a quality-built KB that can double as an improvised weapon in a pinch, lol.

I actually hadn't thought to look around on the secondary market, good to know: I'd like to have a spare if they're that cheap.
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Oh, they're nowhere near that cheap anymore. And unicomp will sell you a brand new one for less than a used one. There is a quality difference on the plastics but the typing feel is the same goodness. I have a unicomp 101 at one of my workstations and wouldn't even know it was a unicomp unless I looked at it.

Now don't get me wrong, there are slight differences in feel between almost every M and Unicomp that I have (which is a lot). But on the whole, your hands muscle memory adjusts almost instantly and probably undetectably as I didn't even realize this white label was slightly heavier than my unicomp until I started writing this, lol.
 
zandor said:
The down side with them & the reason I switched to a DasKeyboard with Cherry Blue switches is they don't have a Windows key.
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Unicomp's new new model M has the windows keys. Their older models also had them as that's what there is on my dad's computer setup.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
Figured I'd share.

I just spilled a can full of seltzer into my OG Ducky One last night.

I Immediately unplugged it, and disassembled it to clean it out / dry it up.

Very little of the 12 oz can dumped straight into the lower center of the keyboard actually made it inside the case.

I dried it thoroughly, and wetted it with 99% Isopropyl alcohol to displace the water and dry it out.

Once reassembling, it works perfectly.

Pretty impressed with the resiliency of this kyeboard. And while it was a total time suck, at least the old Ducky One got itself a well deserved cleaning. It was starting to look a little shaggy.
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So glad to hear you got to it in time! A lot of electronics can be saved from liquid damage if they're just dried out well enough.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
I wouldn't call them similar to anything Cherry in any regard.

They are much heavier than a blue (probably closer to a green) and the click is a completely different tone. More like a "clack" or a "thwack" with every keystroke.

The tactility is also much more pleasing to me.

If I could get a Model M but with a modern(ish) industrial design, double-shot backlit keycaps, in black, and modern features (windows keys, NKRO, and a good USB controller, I would never buy another keyboard again.

(That said, if they were made anywhere near the quality of the originals, I would never need to. I could just buy one and it would outlive me and everyone I know.)

I know Unicomp exists and sells Model M like keyboards today. They are the same people who originally contract manufactured them at Lexmark for IBM, but the employees bought out the plant and tooling when Lexmark shut down the line. They have added USB, and windows keys over the years, but they dropped the black version because quite frankly the original IBM black keyscaps were a terrible design, black plastic pad printed with white that would wear off.

The USB implementation is terrible though, taking forever to initialize, meaning that it is often near impossible to enter the bios because the keyboard isn't responsive at boot time. The tools (molds, etc.) they use to manufacture them are also worn out, giving them much worse fit and finish, and some of the places where they had to make changes (like removing the IBM logo) look really poorly put together.

If I were to come into a large amount of money, I'd try to license the rights to the buckling spring design, and design my own modern looking keyboard using those switches. It would be awesome.
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Soooo...you're going to hate me...lol...

Here's what you wanted:
https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/classic-f104-model-f-keyboard/
https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/ultra-compact-f104-model-f-keyboard/

The patent is expired on the buckling spring so this guy went ahead and started a project that netted him some cash, then he made another and another and now he's rolling in dough. He started out as just another enthusiast but was a bit of douche ime, and I think that still applies. Hence why I haven't tasted the koolaid yet. Also, the fact that his original batch keyboards are now available 50% of their original price and much shorter wait times...
 
So a while back after finding out about a company called Perixx that made trackballs for the Logitechs I own, I bought a bunch of their trackballs because they were closing them out and they were on sale. I got like 3x trackballs and an extra ball or two for well under $200 from what I remember.

Anyways, the Perixx trackballs seemed pretty good so I started to daily them. There's two different designs, so I started out with one. After about a month or so, I was noticing some pain in my thumb near the joint with the hand. So I switched to the other design--same problem. It didn't dawn on me that the slightest of design changes would affect my hand so much. It got to a point where my thumb was hurting all the time. One day as I was trying to figure out what was wrong with my thumb it dawned on me that the pain started after I switched to the Perixx trackballs on my main workstation. I switched back to a Logitech wired and within hours the pain was less. And within a week it was gone.

Looking back, I realize that it was the start of RSI, and I dodged a bullet. Just a little reminder that sometimes if something isn't broken, don't try to fix it. ;)
 
SamirD said:
Soooo...you're going to hate me...lol...

Here's what you wanted:
https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/classic-f104-model-f-keyboard/
https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/ultra-compact-f104-model-f-keyboard/

The patent is expired on the buckling spring so this guy went ahead and started a project that netted him some cash, then he made another and another and now he's rolling in dough. He started out as just another enthusiast but was a bit of douche ime, and I think that still applies. Hence why I haven't tasted the koolaid yet. Also, the fact that his original batch keyboards are now available 50% of their original price and much shorter wait times...
Click to expand...

I've heard of this guy before, back when he was just doing group buys on the Geekhack forums. I didn't realize he had turned it into a little bit of a business.

$350 is a bit steep, but kind of makes sense given how much mechanical assembly goes into these. They just aren't manufacturable by modern standards. And' it's not entirely out there when you factor in what the Model F actually cost in the early to mid 1980's and calculate inflation since.

I wish he'd spent a little time on some industrial design though. Would be nice to try to backlight them a little too. I have come to really like the subtle backlight in my Ducky. I can mostly touch-type, but the downside to learning to type at home is that I was self taught before I got any instruction on typing, so my touch typing will never be perfect. Occasionally I have to look, and in the dark, having a low level backlight is key for me these days.

He is like 90+ % of the way there for me. I may look into one at some point.
 
So, my black, with white backlights, OG Ducky One with Cherry MX Greens still works well, but the black plastic is worn shiny in some places, which makes me a little sad.

It is odd, since I feel like I recently got it, but I guess it's been almost 5 years since I bought it. Funny how time flies.

Anyway, I decided to do some googling for replacements. I went to MechanicalKeyboards.com, and since keyboards with green switches seem to be getting rarer and rarer, I just searched by switch type, and one of the first one I found looks exactly like my OG Ducky One. It is their own in-house brand, named the "MK Night Typist". I'm guessing it must have been made for them by Ducky using the tooling from the discontinued OG Ducky One.

The only differences appear to be a slightly warmer backlight color on the MK, and the use of a USB-C port instead of the old Micro USB port.

This is a great thing. I like the older more subtle look compared to their newer more flashy designs.

I was considering picking up two or three of them to have around just in case, but then when I selected the green switch variety it is out of stock :(

I'm guessing it's the type of "out of stock" that will never be refilled. Sad.

I've learned the hard way that when you find something you like, buy a few, because it won't be around forever, and you might miss it. I have like 5 Logitech MX518 (relaunch model) from when they went on sale. I'm thinking maybe it is worth stocking up on keyboards as well.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
So, my black, with white backlights, OG Ducky One with Cherry MX Greens still works well, but the black plastic is worn shiny in some places, which makes me a little sad.

It is odd, since I feel like I recently got it, but I guess it's been almost 5 years since I bought it. Funny how time flies.

Anyway, I decided to do some googling for replacements. I went to MechanicalKeyboards.com, and since keyboards with green switches seem to be getting rarer and rarer, I just searched by switch type, and one of the first one I found looks exactly like my OG Ducky One. It is their own in-house brand, named the "MK Night Typist". I'm guessing it must have been made for them by Ducky using the tooling from the discontinued OG Ducky One.

The only differences appear to be a slightly warmer backlight color on the MK, and the use of a USB-C port instead of the old Micro USB port.

This is a great thing. I like the older more subtle look compared to their newer more flashy designs.

I was considering picking up two or three of them to have around just in case, but then when I selected the green switch variety it is out of stock :(

I'm guessing it's the type of "out of stock" that will never be refilled. Sad.

I've learned the hard way that when you find something you like, buy a few, because it won't be around forever, and you might miss it. I have like 5 Logitech MX518 (relaunch model) from when they went on sale. I'm thinking maybe it is worth stocking up on keyboards as well.
Click to expand...

I might actually get a barebones Ducky 3. From the front it has a similar subtle black look that I am used to.

I could always just hotswap in green switches, and get an experience I like. I'm not sure if hotswappable switches feel any different than soldered ones.

Does anyone have any experience with them?

I could probably just use the keycaps from my OG Ducky One.

I'm not really excited about RGB, but it seems like you can use keyboard combinations to just adjust the coloring such that it is plain white. At least so I hope. I don't want to install any peripheral software. I hate that shit.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
I've heard of this guy before, back when he was just doing group buys on the Geekhack forums. I didn't realize he had turned it into a little bit of a business.

$350 is a bit steep, but kind of makes sense given how much mechanical assembly goes into these. They just aren't manufacturable by modern standards. And' it's not entirely out there when you factor in what the Model F actually cost in the early to mid 1980's and calculate inflation since.

I wish he'd spent a little time on some industrial design though. Would be nice to try to backlight them a little too. I have come to really like the subtle backlight in my Ducky. I can mostly touch-type, but the downside to learning to type at home is that I was self taught before I got any instruction on typing, so my touch typing will never be perfect. Occasionally I have to look, and in the dark, having a low level backlight is key for me these days.

He is like 90+ % of the way there for me. I may look into one at some point.
Click to expand...
Yeah, it's gone from making a buck off the community to making a living off the community. I think the 'adjusted for inflation' stuff is just rubbish since manufacturing in china is pennies on the dollar that offset inflation.

I was lucky enough that at the same time when we got our PS/2 30-286 with an M on it at our business/home and I was up to 20wpm hunt and peck with two fingers, I was also taking typing classes in high school on type writers and then the next year on the IBM XT and AT with the F-based XT and AT keyboards. The transition was a bit brutal to break out of old habits, but then not only did I become fast, but I was literally using Ms from day one. Fast forward over 30 yeras later and touch typing is so fluid that I simply think of the words and they appear on screen. Touch typing and my accounting classes are the two high school classes that have paid the most dividends in my life so far. Can't stress how much benefit touch typing is today in the modern world. Then you wouldn't need backlighting and you'd be faster to boot. :D

And with so many free online typing tutor games and sites, there's no reason not to try it out. I even had my dad playing them to speed up his typing skills. Keyhero is always my goto when checking out a new board as they are real passages from stuff so my mind starts reading and my hands just pump it out if my hands like the keyboard. On the M, I spike up to 140wpm, but am probably more or less at that level when there's not a test going on since there's no 'performance anxiety' for my hands.

On the occasion when I do have to look at the keyboard in the dark, my 30" screen is so bright and literally right behind the M so there's enough light from it to illuminate the legends.

I plan to pick one up when they get to the discounted price point like his first series has done. If I had use for any other layout other than 101 I'd consider those even at these price points considering a new Unicomp is nearly $150.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
So, my black, with white backlights, OG Ducky One with Cherry MX Greens still works well, but the black plastic is worn shiny in some places, which makes me a little sad.

It is odd, since I feel like I recently got it, but I guess it's been almost 5 years since I bought it. Funny how time flies.

Anyway, I decided to do some googling for replacements. I went to MechanicalKeyboards.com, and since keyboards with green switches seem to be getting rarer and rarer, I just searched by switch type, and one of the first one I found looks exactly like my OG Ducky One. It is their own in-house brand, named the "MK Night Typist". I'm guessing it must have been made for them by Ducky using the tooling from the discontinued OG Ducky One.

The only differences appear to be a slightly warmer backlight color on the MK, and the use of a USB-C port instead of the old Micro USB port.

This is a great thing. I like the older more subtle look compared to their newer more flashy designs.

I was considering picking up two or three of them to have around just in case, but then when I selected the green switch variety it is out of stock :(

I'm guessing it's the type of "out of stock" that will never be refilled. Sad.

I've learned the hard way that when you find something you like, buy a few, because it won't be around forever, and you might miss it. I have like 5 Logitech MX518 (relaunch model) from when they went on sale. I'm thinking maybe it is worth stocking up on keyboards as well.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't give up yet. I used to peruse their site looking for any green switch keyboards and they would come back in stock every so often. These days, with swapable switch keyboards, that's the new endgame and my evga z15 that I got on sale should be the endgame once I get the right switches for it.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
I might actually get a barebones Ducky 3. From the front it has a similar subtle black look that I am used to.

I could always just hotswap in green switches, and get an experience I like. I'm not sure if hotswappable switches feel any different than soldered ones.

Does anyone have any experience with them?

I could probably just use the keycaps from my OG Ducky One.

I'm not really excited about RGB, but it seems like you can use keyboard combinations to just adjust the coloring such that it is plain white. At least so I hope. I don't want to install any peripheral software. I hate that shit.
Click to expand...
Hot swap is the way to go imo. I can't tell a difference between my evga z15 and a cheapy aoc or some other off brand 'blue' switch board that my hands like enough to daily. I think it's more about the sum of the parts than the individual components that make up the feel because there's only 2x blue boards that my hands like enough to daily out of the many that I have.
 
SamirD said:
Hot swap is the way to go imo. I can't tell a difference between my evga z15 and a cheapy aoc or some other off brand 'blue' switch board that my hands like enough to daily. I think it's more about the sum of the parts than the individual components that make up the feel because there's only 2x blue boards that my hands like enough to daily out of the many that I have.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was thinking it might feel different, because maybe the hotswap switches aren't as solidly connected to the board as soldered ones.

You know, sortof how it feels different to type on two part Model M keycaps than it does to type on the one part ones, because that top cap is ever so slightly loose.
 
SamirD said:
Hot swap is the way to go imo. I can't tell a difference between my evga z15 and a cheapy aoc or some other off brand 'blue' switch board that my hands like enough to daily. I think it's more about the sum of the parts than the individual components that make up the feel because there's only 2x blue boards that my hands like enough to daily out of the many that I have.
Click to expand...

I just realized this opens up the best of both worlds.

For instance, while gaming I use the old school arrow-key layout. I never understood why I should switch to WASD, so I just never did.

With hotswaps, I could in theory stick greens in all of the keys I use for typing, and stick something like speed silvers on the arrow keys only. I'm not convinced something like speed silvers actually make a difference, but it might be fun to try.
 
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