Keyboard
=========
I'm still searching the ideal keyboard for me. For some reasons the
full-sized keyboard is not what I want. Also I need Win key at the work.
Thus my favorite SGI is out of question (but I still use it as my only
keyboard at home - I have different needs there).
Once I used the Das Keyboard but its too clicky for me (and also too big).
Surprisingly, it uses cheap-looking glossy plastics so it also looks dirty
all the time.
Then I tried the Happy Hacking Keyboard. I got a used one for cheap and it
was one of the problems: some keys (the Space, the Ctrl) are no longer
reliable. The second problem was the lack of F1-F12 keys (there is a
modifier but it's use is too annoying for some keys combinations). So I
decided not to get a new one .
Then I tried the Lenovo Thinkpad Compact keyboard (it was near the same
layout as my work Thinkpad has). But I quickly learned than a keyboard with
low keys is nothing that I can use daily. For a notebook keyboard it is not
that bad but for a daily driver it's simply useless. The second problem was
in its F1-F12 keys. They have special functions by default (volume up/down
and so) and they need a modifier to work normally. For the Thinkpad it can
be changed in the BIOS (and it works for both integrated and the external
keyboard). But it does not work for a non-Lenovo machines...
So the current attempt is to use something called Vertex 75% keyboard [1]: a
minimal thing with an aluminum case, with Cherry MX gray switches, with
cursor keys AND with a proper F1-F12 line (including the Esc on its proper
place). The switches are not stiff enough (for me) but the whole thing is
better that anything mentioned above. The only sacrifice is the Insert key
(Fn+something). So I am curious how long is survives on my desk.
Reference(s):
[1] https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vortex-75-Grey-CNC-Case-PBT-DSA-Keycaps-Cherry-Mx-Brown-CNC-Aluminium-Ca/192434719973?ssPageName=S
TRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649