What Mouse and Keyboard Are You Using Right Now?

I got the Vortex Poker 3 / POK3R RGB Limited Edition with Cherry reds for Christmas. I like the very small size as I trlend to hit larger kbs with my mouse when playing fps games.

The LE version has this massively beefed out Aluminum case that weighs a good 3 lbs and could easily serve as a bludgeon or maybe body armor in a pinch.

Mouse is the Roccat Tryon. 20181225_170520.jpg
 
For keyboard a Corsair K70 LUX RGB with Cherry reds and the mouse is a Corsair M65 RGB Elite.
 
Corsair K95 Platinum with MX Cherry Browns, Razor Blackwidow with Cherry Reds, two Logitech G700s', Logitech G502 and a Logitech Touch pad 650 for multi touch use. all this on my main rig.
 
Just now:
Main / gaming PC:
Roccat Horde Aimo
Logitech G903

Laptop:
Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 V2.0

HTPC:
Logitech K400
 
Ducky One with white LED's and MX Green Switches, and a Logitech G502 (First version with fixed blue light)

chosen one.jpg


I just got this keyboard delivered last night. I'm trying very hard to like it, but I don't think I do.

Some background. I've been using buckling spring keyboards, either original IBM Model M's or Unicomps for decades. Recently I decided it was time to leave the 80's and try something new.

I wanted:
  • A Modern Sleek Industrial Design
  • Backlighting (I'm a night owl, and my touch typing is not perfect when it comes to special characters)
  • A Newer USB controller. The one Unicomp uses takes so long to initialize I often miss the BIOS splash screen if I want to enter BIOS, and sometimes it just flakes out, and I have to get down on the floor behind the PC and unplug and replug it to get the keyboard to work.
  • NKRO
I went with MX greens because the buckling springs I love are both very clicky and very heavy, so I figured the greens would be the best match. I went with Ducky because I recently picked up a One 2 with MX Browns for my Fiance and I was very impressed with the build quality, fit and finish and keycaps.


What I like:
  • Fit and Finish is very good. I've never seen anything better than a Ducky in this regard.
  • Backlighting is nice, and it has very many different effects, which are cool (but I doubt I'll actually use them, because they seem like they would be distracting)
  • The double shot PBT keycaps are the best OEM keycaps I've ever felt.
  • The looks: Appearance wise it is exactly what I am looking for. Modern, sharp, simple, but not crazy gaming inspired.
  • It's a full layout: I don't get the appeal of the Tenkeyless or 60% boards that have been so trendy for the last 5 years or so.
  • Its the best Cherry MX board I've typed on.

What I don't:
  • It's still a Cherry MX board. It comes nowhere near typing on a Model M.
  • Light bleed: I wish the backlighting would shine through the keycaps only. The light leaks out from under the keys and reflects in my glossy screen.
  • Application Key: By default the FN Key takes the place of the Application key. You can move it with dip switches on the bottom, but the keyboard doesn't come with an application key you can pop in if you do.

I'm going to give this some time to try to get used to it, but I don't think I'll ever be happy with any Cherry MX board. Alps or Topre don't seem promising either.

I really wish Unicomp would get their act together and design a modern board with NKRO, a new USB controller, modern industrial design and backlighting around buckling spring switches. Maybe even Model F style switches.

As far as I see things:

IBM Beamspring > IBM Model F > IBM Model M >> All Cherry MX, Alps and Topre > Rubber Dome & Scissor Switches.
 
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Deathadder Elite going on one year+

Logitech G910 just cleaned it for the 2nd time had it for about 4 years I have the regular keycaps on it and have one backup I bought used on ebay.

K70 is my backup but it's shift key or the stablizers are lose from sprinting in games.
 
Havit HV-KB395L and a Logitech G502 Proteus Core replacing a Logitech K740 and G500.
 
Finally had a little time to finish my Sweet16 macro pad. Finding things to insert in the re-legendable keyaps is harder than I thought it would be.

20190213_152249.jpg

Along with the Corsair K95, it makes for a total of 34 macro keys, and yet it still doesn't feel like enough in some MMOs.
 
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viivo said:
Finally had a little time to finish my Sweet16 macro pad. Finding things to insert in the re-legendable keyaps is harder than I thought it would be.

View attachment 141552

Along with the Corsair K95, it makes for a total of 34 macro keys, and yet it still doesn't feel like enough in some MMOs.
Click to expand...


I'm surprised MMO players are cool with macro keys at all. Having a pre-programmed rapid succession of commands almost seems a bit like cheating,

But what do I know. I haven't played an MMO since, well, hmm... Do test based MUD's count? In that case, the mid 90s?
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
I'm surprised MMO players are cool with macro keys at all. Having a pre-programmed rapid succession of commands almost seems a bit like cheating,

But what do I know. I haven't played an MMO since, well, hmm... Do test based MUD's count? In that case, the mid 90s?
Click to expand...

I don't actually use programmed macros. Every key is bound to only one action. I basically just use them to bind and consolidate single keys in one place for easier use, instead of having to reach across the F or number rows.
 
Can anyone explain to me the appeal of Tenkeyless or 60% boards?

I've never quite understood why so many people like them. I pretty much considered IBM's Enhanced Layout from the mid 80's (with windows/menu keys added - of course - to be the perfect layout.

What do you guys who prefer them gain from the smaller form factors?
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
Can anyone explain to me the appeal of Tenkeyless or 60% boards?

I've never quite understood why so many people like them. I pretty much considered IBM's Enhanced Layout from the mid 80's (with windows/menu keys added - of course - to be the perfect layout.

What do you guys who prefer them gain from the smaller form factors?
Click to expand...

I don't understand it either. The most popular reason seems to be portability, but I doubt all these people are carting around a keyboard so often that it just has to be slightly smaller than a full-size. It's just part of the strange obsessive hobby that exploded when mechanical switches made it back into the mainstream. Just look at the mech keyboards reddit for two big scoops of crazy.
 
Some people don't use the numpad. I once worked with an older person who had a great disdain for them, and would attempt to berate anyone seen using it - but he was old and remembers when they only hired women to do keypunch entry and secretarial work and considered the numpad a 'woman's accessory' - the rest of us didn't give a shit how he felt about the numpad, because most of us find it very useful and efficient when entering numbers...

I personally like the idea of a smaller keyboard footprint but I like the numpad too much to do without. If you're stuck in a small office with tiny desks I could see the appeal.

As for the OP I'm currently using a Corsair K70 with red switches, and a Logitech GPro mouse. I'm a sucker for anything with the PWM3366 in it tho, so who knows what mouse I might be using next week/month - hell I'm even considering the G900 or 903 and I'm one who HATES wireless mice
 
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Zarathustra[H] said:
Can anyone explain to me the appeal of Tenkeyless or 60% boards?

I've never quite understood why so many people like them. I pretty much considered IBM's Enhanced Layout from the mid 80's (with windows/menu keys added - of course - to be the perfect layout.

What do you guys who prefer them gain from the smaller form factors?
Click to expand...

viivo said:
I don't understand it either. The most popular reason seems to be portability, but I doubt all these people are carting around a keyboard so often that it just has to be slightly smaller than a full-size. It's just part of the strange obsessive hobby that exploded when mechanical switches made it back into the mainstream. Just look at the mech keyboards reddit for two big scoops of crazy.
Click to expand...
I prefer tenkeyless because it's more comfortable to use with a mouse, especially while gaming. I have a separate number pad when needed. See my pic above.
 
Commander Shepard said:
I prefer tenkeyless because it's more comfortable to use with a mouse, especially while gaming. I have a separate number pad when needed. See my pic above.
Click to expand...


I've heard this said before. I don't quite understand it though. What about using a full size board with a mouse do you find uncomfortable?
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
Can anyone explain to me the appeal of Tenkeyless or 60% boards?

I've never quite understood why so many people like them. I pretty much considered IBM's Enhanced Layout from the mid 80's (with windows/menu keys added - of course - to be the perfect layout.

What do you guys who prefer them gain from the smaller form factors?
Click to expand...


I like my TKL because it moves the mouse closer to the typing position most of the time I don't need the number pad.. if it comes up I have a WASD full sized keyboard I can switch to or a Rosewill. But almost never bust them out.. puts less strain on my wrist having the mouse closer .. A TKL is an advantage while gaming certainly also.

Filco MT2 TKL (mx-reds, vortex pbt doubleshot caps, dampers)
filcoTKL_2.jpg
 
Rocking this starting this afternoon. Have not been able to force myself to like mech keyboards.

IMG_20190213_173959.jpg
 
maro said:
I can handle just about any rubber dome or mechanical switch... but a ergo kb is a [h]ard pass for me - perhaps in a few more years, when carpal tunnel and/or arthritis kicks in full throttle :p

P.S. - Where's the Ratpadz!!?
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I had some very bad issues with repetitive stress injury in my shoulder a few years ago, and these ergo/tilted forward keyboards fixed it for me, so I have stuck with those since then.

That is a Corsair MM1000 Qi Wireless Charging Mouse Pad. I was using it for review stuff and grew accustomed to it, and just left it there. Still like the Ratpadz better, but this one is bigger and I do like that. Also, we closed down Ratpadz a year or two ago. Hard to run a company with no repeat sales. :) And yeah, the Ratpadz is sitting over to my right.
 
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maro said:
perhaps in a few more years, when carpal tunnel and/or arthritis kicks in full throttle :p
Click to expand...

I live in fear of this moment. I've been typing more than most over the last 30 years. By all assessments I SHOULD have these kinds of issues, but nothing yet...


knock on wood.
 
Zarathustra[H]

Check this out... https://www.massdrop.com/buy/planck-mechanical-keyboard

edit: Darn it, have to be signed in to see that. So for those who aren't members, here's what it looks like:

Planck.JPG


I can't ever see myself using something like that, but I think it's neat that they make so many different sizes to accommodate varying tastes.

I go back and forth between full size and TKL boards, myself. I tend to prefer full size boards because I do use the NumPad, but TKL boards look neat on the desk and save space.

I have a variety of boards that I tend to rotate through. Sometimes I just get the desire to type on different switches for a while, or change up the form factor.

In fact, just the other day I stuck my Ducky Shine 4 with MX Clears (awesome switches!) back in the box and dug out the only board that I have with MX Green switches...the CM Storm QuickFire TK by Cooler Master.

Really a neat board because it attempted to put the practical functionality of the NumPad into a TKL-esque form factor.

upload_2019-2-13_20-10-57.png


You toggle back and form using the NumLock key. When NumLock is off, the NumPad serves dual duty as Ins/Del/Home/End/PgUp/PgDown and the arrow keys. When NumLock is on, you get your NumPad back. Kind of the best of both worlds. I really like this keyboard.
 
atarione said:
I like my TKL because it moves the mouse closer to the typing position most of the time I don't need the number pad.. if it comes up I have a WASD full sized keyboard I can switch to or a Rosewill. But almost never bust them out.. puts less strain on my wrist having the mouse closer .. A TKL is an advantage while gaming certainly also.

Filco MT2 TKL (mx-reds, vortex pbt doubleshot caps, dampers)
View attachment 141580
Click to expand...

Hmm. I've never felt my mouse was too far to the right during normal typing and work, but that's likely just a matter of preference.

I think the main reason I have never experienced these issues in games is because I use very unusual and old keybindings.

I can't remember where they first came from. I want to say Doom 2 or Quake 1 defaults or something like that, but it is what I first started doing Mouse+Keyboard gaming on, and I've just kind of stuck with it ever since.



Navigation happens with the arrow keys. Up is forward, back is backwards, left and right strafe accordingly.

Mouse1 is fire, Mouse2 is jump. (oh and the mouse Y axis is inverted too)

Then I've just added in key functions around that area of the board. Enter is use. right ctrl is crouch, right shift is walk/run modifier. Del (above arrow keys) is reload, end is drop, pgdn is aim/zoom. Numpad ins typically throws grenades, and the numpad numbers typically fast switch to various weapons.

This can seem odd and awkward to many, but I have rather large hands, so reaching is never an issue.

When WASD controls first started coming around, (in what, the late 90s?) I remember trying them, but not liking them. I was thrown off by the fact that the forward button was offset to the left compared to the backwards button, and I missed not having any dead space around the directional keys to rest my fingers.

And I've just kind of stuck with this ever since. Every single game I play, I change 100% of all keybindings. At least the ones I use.
 
Zarathustra[H] said:
Can anyone explain to me the appeal of Tenkeyless or 60% boards?

I've never quite understood why so many people like them. I pretty much considered IBM's Enhanced Layout from the mid 80's (with windows/menu keys added - of course - to be the perfect layout.

What do you guys who prefer them gain from the smaller form factors?
Click to expand...

I never use the number pad. I like having my mouse closer to the keyboard, more comfortable. Takes up less space on my desk. I mean I need all the space I can get with all the junk on my desk.
 
I use a logitech G13 gamepad (which I love) with a G502 proteus mouse. I really wish they would do a remake of the g13 with mechanical switches. I have used it for so long and dread the day it goes out.
 
Comixbooks said:
Corsair K70 low profile cherry switches thing is God along with my Razer elite mouse.
Click to expand...

I'm curious what you like about the low profile switches.

One of the distinctions between a good switch and a poor one - to me - has always been that good switches have longer travel for better feel. I guess this is why I have always hated scissor switches, like those on the god awful mac keyboards.
 
Logitech G502 Hero mouse and G-Skill Ripjaws KM780 keyboard.

The keyboard is fantastic, great colours, durable LEDS, great patterns, it saves its config onboard and processes patterns onboard so works the same booting other OS's, but is "awfully" noisy for brown switches.
A friends corsair with the same switches is less than 1/2 as loud!
And they stopped updating the software over a year ago, they seem to have ended their keyboard adventure.

The mouse is the best mouse I have tried and I've had some decent recent hardware.
It has the best tracking of any mouse.
I use it on a cloth sofa so it has to track well.
The only thing I would ask for is a little higher depth tracking to cope with deep folds in the cloth.
But no complaints, it tracks way better than anything before.
When it encounters a rare problem it doesnt take a second or so to recover, it is practically instant.
This last point is one of the most important, the mouse is always tracking no matter what.
 
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