Mechanical/cool keyboards

[Mahogany]

Hi guys,

Does anyone here have a mechanical keyboard, particularly a HHKB (happy hacking keyboard) pro 2?

I've been looking into getting a mechanical keyboard for a while and have pretty much narrowed it down to the blank HHKB.

Also has anyone been able to import one? Can't seem to find any in the UK.

[vladcjelli]

Knock yourself out

http://www.usbtypewriter.com/

[bodhi]

Nope, never heard of them. I am currently typing this on an old IBM Model M keyboard from 1987 however, pretty mechanical in my book

Just a shame about the lack of Windows key, but I can get round that

[Esseesse]

I'm tempted to get myself a mechanical keyboard.

Something like the FILCO Majestouch Ninja Tenkeyless. http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/filco_majesto...

[mikef]

I use the Filco. Very good keyboard and you can order with different levels of key resistance.

[Esseesse]

Can you offer any idea of the benefits of different levels of resistance?

TBH I don't know what I'm missing, but it's the sort of thing I could see myself dropping £100 on just to give it a try.

Normally type on my MBP, I have a fairly regular wireless Logitec keyboard hooked up to my PC.

[Esseesse]

"The Cherry MX Brown is by all means a compromise, or a happy medium. It has an average amount of force required to actuate, between the Cherry MX Black and Red, but also has tactile feedback. This means that you can feel when the switch passes its actuation point due to a slight increase in resistance. The effect is subtle, but defined. It allows for a better typing experience as delicate touch-typers can feel for the actuation for increased speed and accuracy. Those used to normal membrane type keyboards will probably find that you will be bottoming out on the keys a lot until you get used to the new feel of the mechanical switch. This isn’t a problem, but it does increase noise and decrease your speed, if you are so concerned. The Cherry MX Brown doesn’t offer any audible feedback, unlike the popular MX Blue, which gives a ‘click’ when pressed, therefore it does not offer complete feedback, but sits somewhere in the middle of the Cherry MX offerings. This perhaps makes it best placed to be the ideal type of switch for a typical enthusiast user."

The Cherry MX Brown keys sound like a good bet if you don't know what you're looking for so much.

[mikef]

That sums it up. I ordered from http://www.keyboardco.com who carry a large range of Filco and other keyboards

Very solid, high quality piece of desk furniture

[Fer]

I am trying to find something different for my keyboard. I did fancy a chorded keyboard, but the microwriter might be a little old for my style. I am trying to get a response from CyKey, which is meant to be a modern version, but would like to try before I buy.

[Appleby]

Another Filco owner here. I have the ninja shown above but full keyboard rather than tenkeyless. Typing on anything else just feels wrong now!

[Arj256]

Been using one of these for a couple of years http://raptor-gaming.webnode.com/products/raptor-g...
And has been an excellent keyboard, the key lock facility is handy for games.

[Esseesse]

I've just bought an Apple Extended II on eBay for £10. Looking forward to giving it a go (yes I know I'll need the ADB/USB adaptor).

[ReaderScars]

This might be of interest to anyone wanting a stylish mech-type keyboard:

http://www.qwerkywriter.com/

[Esseesse]

If I was going to spend a load on a new mechanical keyboard, I'm pretty sure I'd go for the code keyboard.

http://codekeyboards.com

[jimmyjimjim]

How about http://www.daskeyboard.com/ or the Ergodox keyboard - https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ergodox

[Esseesse]

I have received my Apple Extended II. Keys certainly feel nicer than my cheap work HP keyboard. They are lighter to depress with a much more clear limits on either end of their travel.

Now I just need to find an ADB adapter, and take it apart so I can undo the 25-ish years of yellowing the plastic has suffered.

[onomatopoeia]

bodhi said:

Nope, never heard of them. I am currently typing this on an old IBM Model M keyboard from 1987 however, pretty mechanical in my book

• picks up keybard, looks at label on base*

Mine is from 1988. Makes a delightful clatter as I type.

[plasticpig]

bodhi said:

Nope, never heard of them. I am currently typing this on an old IBM Model M keyboard from 1987 however, pretty mechanical in my book

Just a shame about the lack of Windows key, but I can get round that

Bets keyboard ever made and you can still buy a brand new equivalent with windows key.

[RobinBanks]

plasticpig said:

Bets keyboard ever made and you can still buy a brand new equivalent with windows key.

Right. I'm getting myself that for Christmas.

[Fer]

Thought I would bump this subject. Whilst WFH I have caught the mechanical keyboard bug... I started with a Kinesis Advantage2, and have graduated onto an Egrodox EZ, which is great.

Anyone else into the more abstract keyboards?