I really do not like these compressed baby keyboards that are missing essential keys.
My perfect keyboard would be something like a 150% with standard full layout but then adding in a bunch of programmable macro keys, I want more than F12! I want F1 through F36. Also a built in coffee grinder, water heater, and there should be a fan under the keys to keep my hands cool. Okay, ignore those last three.
What’s “essential” varies a lot between users. As a mobile dev I’ve been using 60% and 65% boards almost exclusively since 2015 and haven’t missed the removed keys much at all.
Really though, to me the problem with full-size keyboards isn’t the number of keys but their positioning. The traditional full sized layout was designed prior to mice being common, which immediately becomes evident when you try to center the alpha cluster of such boards with how doing so pushes the mousing area uncomfortably far off to the right. So-called “southpaw” boards fix this by putting the home/end/arrows column and numpad on the left side of the board instead, but sadly this layout hasn’t broken into the mainstream and is only available in comparatively expensive small-batch enthusiast boards.
This is why for now I use 60%/65%/75% with a separate numpad on the left, which largely replicates the advantages of a southpaw board with added flexibility (the numpad can be put away when not needed).
I have a keyboard that's "missing" essential keys, but I have a special key that I can press with my thumb that changes that every single key does (it's called a Layer). So I never need to move my wrist to press the arrow keys: just hold the thumb button and press hjkl. Page up is layer+t, page down is layer+g. And so on. It's great, my wrists thank me. I can even program a macro that will trigger an OS shortcut that will send a packet to my Smart Coffee Grinder or tell Alexa to call 911. Or have the F479001600 key you mentioned.
There are a bunch of keyboards with this functionality. I personally use a Dygma Raise.
I've been wondering for a while now why these fractional keyboards are so popular. It's some sort of trendy faux-minimalism that I've never been able to wrap my head around.
That niche is usually filled with something like a Stream Deck alongside your keyboard, though personally, I'd recommend MIDI controllers.
You get a lot of extra buttons very cheaply, using an open, easily-readable protocol. Get a label maker to put some labels on top of the buttons, and you're good to go!
In my experience it's a much easier option when compared to trying to say to your computer "key A has two functions, depending on which keyboard I press it on".
You joke about the fan but I'd love a keyboard heater for winters. I keep it cold in here to save $ but I have a hard time keeping my hands comfortable.
> My perfect keyboard would be something like a 150% with standard full layout but then adding in a bunch of programmable macro keys, I want more than F12! I want F1 through F36.
Not 36 but I've got one of these IBM Model M clickety clik keyboard with 24 function keys:
But that said: I switched to a 60% HHKB more than a decade ago and I don't regret it. I prefer to use modifiers and less keys than more keys and longer hands / fingers travel.
The whole point is that you can access all the "essential" keys with modifiers like Fn.
I find it so natural to Page Up/Dn using Fn+Up/Dn that when I'm on a keyboard with dedicated Page Up/Dn keys it just seems like this bizarre waste of space.
Plus the keyboard is so big I have to keep moving my hands all over the place! A 75% keyboard keeps everything within distance of the home row, as it should be. Faraway keys are just inefficient and not ergonomic.
There's no need for F36 when you can just use Shift+F12 or Ctrl+F12 or Fn+F12 or whatever you want.
Also, a compact keyboard keeps your mouse closer which is good for ergonomics as well.
Yes, but, not to the right, let it grow to the left!
I would like extra keys, but at the same time I hate that my mouse is that far to the right, and all because of the num keys that I NEVER use.
That said, my Logitech MX Keys is the perfect keyboard, if they were ever to release TKL (80%) or some variation or even 75% layout - I would pay top buck for that!
I bought the Keychron V6 a couple weeks ago, and I'm loving it. It only has 4 extra keys, but it's nice to have a single button that builds and flashes a device, rather than a multi-key combo.
Also runs QMK/Via, which means I can reprogram those buttons on device, rather than having to make the apps correspond to the keyboard.
The smaller keyboards are very popular for gaming because they are more ergonomic and free up more room on the desk.
However, if someone is in the market for a gaming keyboard right now, I would only recommend Wooting as at this point in time there is no HE keyboard with latency has low as Wooting.
I mostly don't mind them, except for the ones with shortened right-shift key. Those I have to contort my right pinky finger uncomfortably to use Shift, which I use much more frequently than the arrow keys (since I use Vim keybinds for literally everything possible).
I've never really understood why people pay more for the kind of gimped keyboard. They're sleeker, sure, but even if you almost never use the special keys they're missing, it will still be annoying the .1% of the time you need that key. I guess at that point you just grab another keyboard, but if you have to have a spare full sized keyboard anyway, why not just use that?
I use a $30 mechanical keyboard I bought from a six-letter brand on Amazon four years ago and I've been much happier than when I tried one of those "optimized" compressed keyboards.
Personally, I found the perfect keyboard in Ergodox [0][1]. Ortholinear, split, programmable (and open-source) keyboard with hot-swappable switches.
I've had my Ergodox EZ [2] for ~7 years now. The biggest problem that happened was that some of the switches started malfunctioning - fixing which was a matter of literally 5 minutes.
I don't think I would want to go back to non-split, non-ortholinear keyboards nowadays. 00Key looks cool though, that's for sure! :)
Thanks for this! My current mechanical keyboard is great, but doesn't have an ergonomic layout. I tried a different split mechanical keyboard once and it was way too small for my hands, and didn't have built-in tenting, so it ended up being horrible for me. This appears to be a much better option & I'm going to check it out now.
And for those reading this thread, if you need a mouse, I've been extremely satisfied with Evoluent's vertical mouse[0]. Unlike most mouse manufacturers, they're very serious about selling what customers actually need - durable hardware, multiple sizes options for every model, just enough extra buttons, and a wired/wireless option for each model. Can't possibly recommend them enough - I went through 3 other vertical mice and absolutely hated all of them (all of them too small, and shockingly Anker's is very low quality; but really I don't trust any with a cheap BT connector).
After using the Ergodox since around 2020 it is hard to see going back to a non-split keyboard. It helps that I also swapped to a trackball at the same time and I find the ergo of having a trackball between a split keyboard to be excellent.
Also, having the backspace key as the "home" key for my left thumb has greatly increased my typing speed....I make a lot of mistakes.
I backed ergodox-ez on indiegogo in 2016. I moved to the moonlander mostly for the built in wrist pads. support has been amazing. I just got a replacement for a cracked piece of plastic that I can repair myself. https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/teardown
The thing I like most is the split and I have customized the layout to my working style. I really should learn to use layers or try some of the "hacks" https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/printables.
Good example of form over function. This is nice if you want to impress your YouTube fan followers or get a few likes for when you post on Reddit or other social media.
Split keyboards should be your go to if you are spending considerable time on your computer. A lot of back issues, shoulder pains and RSI issues just disappeared after making the switch.
I could never get used to ergonomic keyboards. I actually spend a considerable amount of my day typing single handed across the entire QWERTY so I don't have to remove my hand from the mouse. I developed the habit working on far too many apps with bad/missing keyboard shortcuts or broken tab ordering.
For me I wanted a smaller keyboard, but one that still included the numpad and ended up with this custom build:
This is cool but I wish I could just have a 75% portable Bluetooth keyboard. I can't justify buying a foldable phone with a million screens but would love a Psion like keyboard with 4 and a half almost full size rows that I can slide out from below my phone with no folding and just use directly without getting in the way of my rear camera. Has anyone seen anything like that? I am really happy with laptop scissor switch rubber dome keyboard profiles, I loved the Psion but I just want a Bluetooth keyboard. Sorry it's not directly related!
Best I can offer is a Blackberry-style non-sliding mono-slabic configuration or is it conflagration? I'm not affiliated in any way nor do I vouch for this just sharing info. https://www.clicks.tech/
I still wonder why there isn't a DIY option that builds in a touchpad or a usable trackball. It's great for bed / home theatre PC (HTPC) use, and some of us are just used to it
There are existing keyboards out there, like the logitech K-something for HTPCs, or then niche (and expensive) options that you need to call HP or Lenovo to order, but I'm very close to just buying the bottom of the framework laptop and building one myself, although the touchpad on the Framework is medium good, at best (as are most touchpads that aren't from big A)
The perfect keyboard for me has been the Kinesis Freestyle Pro. Split keyboard with all the keys you would want plus 10 macro keys on the left side you can map to anything. There is absolutely no way I could go back to using any other keyboard after using this for a few years now. Shoulder and wrist pain completely gone.
I really want a portable full size keyboard: IE, a full size keyboard that comes with a protective case so it's easier to put in a bag. Perhaps the keyboard can break into two pieces so it's easier to fit in a smaller bag?
If OP is reading, instead of placing 80 individual resistors you can use SIP network arrays to reduce the part count (they come in bussed or isolated). $.45 each.
[+] [-] mmh0000|1 year ago|reply
My perfect keyboard would be something like a 150% with standard full layout but then adding in a bunch of programmable macro keys, I want more than F12! I want F1 through F36. Also a built in coffee grinder, water heater, and there should be a fan under the keys to keep my hands cool. Okay, ignore those last three.
[+] [-] jwells89|1 year ago|reply
Really though, to me the problem with full-size keyboards isn’t the number of keys but their positioning. The traditional full sized layout was designed prior to mice being common, which immediately becomes evident when you try to center the alpha cluster of such boards with how doing so pushes the mousing area uncomfortably far off to the right. So-called “southpaw” boards fix this by putting the home/end/arrows column and numpad on the left side of the board instead, but sadly this layout hasn’t broken into the mainstream and is only available in comparatively expensive small-batch enthusiast boards.
This is why for now I use 60%/65%/75% with a separate numpad on the left, which largely replicates the advantages of a southpaw board with added flexibility (the numpad can be put away when not needed).
[+] [-] dyingkneepad|1 year ago|reply
There are a bunch of keyboards with this functionality. I personally use a Dygma Raise.
[+] [-] VyseofArcadia|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] input_sh|1 year ago|reply
You get a lot of extra buttons very cheaply, using an open, easily-readable protocol. Get a label maker to put some labels on top of the buttons, and you're good to go!
In my experience it's a much easier option when compared to trying to say to your computer "key A has two functions, depending on which keyboard I press it on".
[+] [-] 2OEH8eoCRo0|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] TacticalCoder|1 year ago|reply
Not 36 but I've got one of these IBM Model M clickety clik keyboard with 24 function keys:
https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/9i1aef/24_functio...
But that said: I switched to a 60% HHKB more than a decade ago and I don't regret it. I prefer to use modifiers and less keys than more keys and longer hands / fingers travel.
Maybe you'd like this Wey Tech MK06:
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=15102
[+] [-] crazygringo|1 year ago|reply
The whole point is that you can access all the "essential" keys with modifiers like Fn.
I find it so natural to Page Up/Dn using Fn+Up/Dn that when I'm on a keyboard with dedicated Page Up/Dn keys it just seems like this bizarre waste of space.
Plus the keyboard is so big I have to keep moving my hands all over the place! A 75% keyboard keeps everything within distance of the home row, as it should be. Faraway keys are just inefficient and not ergonomic.
There's no need for F36 when you can just use Shift+F12 or Ctrl+F12 or Fn+F12 or whatever you want.
Also, a compact keyboard keeps your mouse closer which is good for ergonomics as well.
[+] [-] unknown|1 year ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] fanf2|1 year ago|reply
Or a 122 key Model M https://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Prod...
[+] [-] kodisha|1 year ago|reply
I would like extra keys, but at the same time I hate that my mouse is that far to the right, and all because of the num keys that I NEVER use.
That said, my Logitech MX Keys is the perfect keyboard, if they were ever to release TKL (80%) or some variation or even 75% layout - I would pay top buck for that!
Anyone here working at Logitech? :)
[+] [-] trothamel|1 year ago|reply
Also runs QMK/Via, which means I can reprogram those buttons on device, rather than having to make the apps correspond to the keyboard.
[+] [-] kerhackernews|1 year ago|reply
However, if someone is in the market for a gaming keyboard right now, I would only recommend Wooting as at this point in time there is no HE keyboard with latency has low as Wooting.
[+] [-] SkyMarshal|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] shlubbert|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] tombert|1 year ago|reply
I use a $30 mechanical keyboard I bought from a six-letter brand on Amazon four years ago and I've been much happier than when I tried one of those "optimized" compressed keyboards.
[+] [-] CodeWriter23|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] BossingAround|1 year ago|reply
I've had my Ergodox EZ [2] for ~7 years now. The biggest problem that happened was that some of the switches started malfunctioning - fixing which was a matter of literally 5 minutes.
I don't think I would want to go back to non-split, non-ortholinear keyboards nowadays. 00Key looks cool though, that's for sure! :)
[0] https://github.com/Ergodox-io
[1] https://www.ergodox.io/
[2] https://ergodox-ez.com/
[+] [-] zubairshaik|1 year ago|reply
Same for me but even further, after using the Glove80[0] I don't want to go back to non-colstag, non-keywell keyboards.
[0] https://www.moergo.com/pages/glove80-ergonomic-keyboard-desi...
[+] [-] digging|1 year ago|reply
And for those reading this thread, if you need a mouse, I've been extremely satisfied with Evoluent's vertical mouse[0]. Unlike most mouse manufacturers, they're very serious about selling what customers actually need - durable hardware, multiple sizes options for every model, just enough extra buttons, and a wired/wireless option for each model. Can't possibly recommend them enough - I went through 3 other vertical mice and absolutely hated all of them (all of them too small, and shockingly Anker's is very low quality; but really I don't trust any with a cheap BT connector).
[0] https://evoluent.com
[+] [-] WesleyLivesay|1 year ago|reply
After using the Ergodox since around 2020 it is hard to see going back to a non-split keyboard. It helps that I also swapped to a trackball at the same time and I find the ergo of having a trackball between a split keyboard to be excellent.
Also, having the backspace key as the "home" key for my left thumb has greatly increased my typing speed....I make a lot of mistakes.
[+] [-] lawn|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] sbeckeriv|1 year ago|reply
The thing I like most is the split and I have customized the layout to my working style. I really should learn to use layers or try some of the "hacks" https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/printables.
[+] [-] signalloss|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] mixmastamyk|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] evnix|1 year ago|reply
Split keyboards should be your go to if you are spending considerable time on your computer. A lot of back issues, shoulder pains and RSI issues just disappeared after making the switch.
[+] [-] TheCapn|1 year ago|reply
For me I wanted a smaller keyboard, but one that still included the numpad and ended up with this custom build:
https://i.imgur.com/H2sddCI.jpg
I use a fullsize board at work, but at home I prefer the slightly smaller footprint that I got in that design.
[+] [-] luke-stanley|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] criddell|1 year ago|reply
https://www.keyboard.university/100-courses/keyboard-sizes-l...
[+] [-] CodeWriter23|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] densh|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] aeurielesn|1 year ago|reply
One thing though, custom firmwares aren't popular on this hobby. Right now, QMK/VIA support are pretty much a must on the community.
[+] [-] kelvie|1 year ago|reply
There are existing keyboards out there, like the logitech K-something for HTPCs, or then niche (and expensive) options that you need to call HP or Lenovo to order, but I'm very close to just buying the bottom of the framework laptop and building one myself, although the touchpad on the Framework is medium good, at best (as are most touchpads that aren't from big A)
[+] [-] iimblack|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] luqtas|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] apfsx|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] gwbas1c|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] gamepsys|1 year ago|reply
[+] [-] ddalcino|1 year ago|reply
Do you have a .GIF for that rotating rainbow effect, or a sound test?
[+] [-] imglorp|1 year ago|reply
Eg: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/resistor-networks...