Mechanical Love in a Digital World: Using a German-Engineered Gaming Keyboard for Writing

Free Republic ^ | 6/12/2016 | PoconoPundit

[poconopundit]

I just bought a new keyboard for my Windows computer.  I'm delighted with it enough to write a short review of it here.  And hopefully through your comments maybe we'll learn how FReepers are using keyboards.

Now to begin, I should explain that I'm rather fussy about my keyboards:

• Consistency is Crucial -- Since I write for a living, I want to use the exact same keyboard model so my muscle memory is not surprised by a new keyboard layout.  So I settled on the Microsoft Media Pro format. And when some of the key faces get worn so I can no longer read them, I buy the exact same keyboard off EBay. Been doing that for a couple decades now.
  

  
  

• Constant Companion -- When I go on a business trip, I usually pack my keyboard with me, so when I get to the hotel, I can hook it up to my laptop.  Never quite satisfied with the laptop's keyboard.  Lately I've been working in my local library because it's a beautifully air conditioned space for a hot Georgia spring.  When I go, I pack my keyboard, laptop, and LCD screen in a carrying case so I'll have a fully loaded workstation at the library.

• Numlock is Off -- Another point: I never use the right side numeric pad for entering numbers.  I keep the NUMLOCK OFF so my right hand can navigate a page using the PageUp, PageDown and Arrow keys without having to put my hand on the mouse.

But looking for something better than the MS Media Pro keyboard, I ended up buying the Strafe Mechanical Keyboard from a company called Corsair Components.  The keyboard is marketed primarily to gamers, but I found it quite nice for my writing purposes.  The keyboard's virtues for me are:

• Solid Keyboard Action -- Though hard to describe in words, when you press the keys, it feels like you are striking something solid and reliable.  That virtue seems to come from two things: the sturdy aluminum frame and the superior MX switch technology under each key (developed by the German firm Cherry).

  
  

• Less Typing Errors -- Most consumer keyboards on the market today are activated below by a rubber membrane which makes for a quieter and less-expensive-to-manufacture keyboard.  But the Corsair seems to better at prevent typing errors.  Why is that? Well, comparing the Corsair to the Ivation rubber membrane keyboard I tried and abandoned, you find that Corsair's keys are curved and have a 12% smaller surface area enabling more accurate key depression.  That design seems to make a difference in reduced typing errors.  Then again, I may be biased and only believe I'm typing more accurately with the Corsair.

• Moderate Price -- I spent $85 on eBay to buy the keyboard through a BestBuy store.  Previously I had never spent more than $25 for a keyboard, but considering daily use over many years, even a 20% gain in efficiency and pleasure from a superior keyboard is a great investment, I feel. 

• Individual Key Lighting -- The letters and symbols on the keys are lighted (in red) from below, meaning I'll never have to worry about a key's paint wearing off.  You can also control the intensity of light for each individual key, and in that way highlight keys for some purpose.  You can even program sequential light waves and other special effects.  Cool, I suppose, but I shut that feature off because it were a distraction -- or maybe a magnet for somebody to steal the keyboard.

• Programmatic Control of Keys -- While I've only begun to explore this option, you can also set up keyboard profiles for an individual program you are running.  For example, you could program the function keys to run different macros such as typing the paragraph <p> html tag.  So this may be useful.

• Keys Designed for Removal and Keyboard Cleaning -- Replacing the keys on a keyboard sounds like major surgery, but with the Corsair design, replacing keys is promoted as a feature.  Gamers like the ability to change the keys to conform to their favorite game.  Now changing keys is not something I personally need, but when it comes time to do a periodic full cleaning of the under-surface, it will be much easier.  The keyboard actually comes with a tool to remove the keys.

You know, we live in a world where old-style mechanical switches are going away.  And yet, the cheaper digital switches on household appliances like microwaves are not necessarily better or more human friendly.  So I laud the return of a more solid, reliable switching on keyboards and other gadgets.

One final observation.  In my work, I have run across several fine technology companies based in Germany, and it seems the brains behind this fine keyboard also come from Deutschland.  So I'd like to give a shout out to my German colleagues.

Well Done!  Appreciate your quest for excellence!  You remind me of Mr. Trump, who has inherited some German culture and heritage, I hear :- )

[poconopundit]

FRiends.  A story off the political path that I hope you'll find interesting.  It's about a device many of us spend several hours of the day using.  Cheers.

[Jamestown1630]

I like the light-up keys. I work at the computer in the dark sometimes.

[Navy Patriot]

Thanks Pocono, I’ll check it out!

[Vision Thing]

Glad you were able to replace your logtime keyboard with something better. Good investment for your writing career. And it makes typing all that html on FR all the more pleasant! :)

[sparklite2]

Same here. As a gamer, I need a keyboard with back-lit keys, as gaming is done in the dark. My interface preference in Logitech.

[sparklite2]

Alternatively, get a browser such as SeaMonkey that includes an HTML editor. It’s way easier than typing in HTML code.

[disndat]

I work at the computer in the dark sometimes.

Judging by the replies one encounters on the interweb there are brazilians of people out there that use a computer who are in the dark.

And even with technological advances like lighted keys, they still just don't get it.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I will have to check this out.

One question, does it have a key pad and what side is it on?

I do a lot of number entry with the keypad.

[poconopundit]

Hi Harmless. Yes, it does have a numeric keypad on the righthand side.

[Jamestown1630]

LOL!

I mean I’m a nightowl, and play after husband and cats have gone to bed and all the lights are out.

(But I’m pretty in-the-dark when it comes to computers, too ;-)

-JT

[poconopundit]

Great sparklite2,

Never heard of SeaMonkey, but I'll check it out.

Have you used SeaMonkey to write posts on FR? Curious, because the user side of FR uses old HTML code like <font> and doesn't allow in-line styling using CSS.

[Jeff Chandler]

Very nice. For myself, though, I prefer the Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800:

Brightly backlit keys with illuminated characters for easy typing, even in the dark
PerfectStroke key system makes every keystroke more comfortable, fluid and quiet
No batteries needed: recharge quickly with the included universal micro-USB cable
Powerful 2.4 GHz wireless connection with one tiny Unifying receiver that stays in your computer
Works with Windows-based PCs, including Windows 10 or later
Easily pair with other Logitech devices through a single Unifying USB receiver. Look for orange "unifying" icon for compatible devices

[jonrick46]

You wrote about the easy ability to clean the keyboard. What about the ability to clean up the crumbs from pastry or the spills from coffee? Is there access to the keyboard to clean up an occasional mess?

[Jamestown1630]

How does that work? (I’m HTML-challenged.)

-JT

[sparklite2]

My profile page is pasted from the SeaMonkey HTML editor. I think you’d call it old style. I don’t use the editor to create FR posts unless I’m adding images, various fonts, links, blockquoting, etc. But I use the browser as my primary browser === it is Mozilla based.
http://www.seamonkey-project.org/

[sparklite2]

Download and install the SeaMonkey suite ...

http://www.seamonkey-project.org/

... then freepmail me and I’ll show you how to use the editor.

[Ellendra]

Ditto, I was just about to say the same thing.

[PIF]

He paid $85 but Amazon sells the Corsair STRAFE Cherry MX Red Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for $82.

Realy expensive is the Corsair Gaming K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE Mechanical Keyboard, Backlit RGB LED, Cherry MX Speed RGB for only $170

[poconopundit]

I saw a video on YouTube about going behind the keys and doing a thorough clean. Haven't done it yet, but the key mechanism seems friendly to cleaning.

I always place my coffee on the left side of my desk so I can never bump it reaching for mouse.