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]

Cool, I check it out and it does appear compatible with FR's coding requirements. Great.

I may end up using the browser just for this capability alone. Otherwise it looks like it accesses Google.

Nice suggestion.

[Mad Dawgg]

"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."

I was in tears when my Logi G15 died on me. Since they don't make it anymore I settled for a G510s

[sparklite2]

It’s a good browser I’ve used for years.

[sparklite2]

I was in such dismay when Logitech discontinued their track-ball corded mouse, I even bought a Japanese unit that was nowhere near as good. My previous experience with the cordless version was that it was too fat and heavy. Imagine the joy when I discovered the M570! Been happily camping ever since.

[PAR35]

And when some of the key faces get worn so I can no longer read them, I buy the exact same keyboard off EBay.

I would suggest some typing courses. I haven't had to look at my keyboard for routine typing in decades. "F" and "J" should have a barely raised ridge at the bottom so you can find your home keys.

[TomGuy]

About 10 years ago, I washed my standard keyboard because of some sticky keys. It never did work right afterward.

I went to Walmart and bought a $10 Micro Innovations. It had the soft click I like. It has lasted through 2 previous desktop computers and has been attached to my current desktop for about 4 years now.

I don’t think they even make this model any more.

Previously, with my Win98 desktop, I had a keyboard with a trackball. When I went to XP, the keyboard worked but the trackball would not. They didn’t make a trackball driver for that model for the XP.

I prefer a trackball to a mouse, so I bought a Kensington Trackball years ago for $25. It still works great.

[PAR35]

Seamonkey is the old Mozilla full featured suite from which the Firefox browser branched off. I have an old version which I use when I want to insert photos in a FR post or do something unusual; I then cut the relevant portion of the code and paste it into my posting window in Firefox.

It’s one of the easier HTML editors to use.

[poconopundit]

Good for you. I never memorized the position of the number keys above the QWERTY so I’m not that efficient.

[poconopundit]

Interesting. I guess a lot of us love what's familiar and we don't want to give it up unless we have to.

I guess input devices (mice, trackballs, keyboards) are a pretty personal thing.

[aimhigh]

I’m waiting for a keyboard where the keys are designated by LED on the top of each key. That would make it able to switch between various languages and game controls.

[aimhigh]

I’m waiting for a keyboard where the keys are designated by LED on the top of each key. That would make it able to switch between various languages and game controls.

[TomGuy]

I do similar with an old version of MS FrontPage 98. It will not fully install on Win7, so I finagled the Editor to work. That was all I really wanted, anyway.

The Editor shows the code tab, the appearance tab and the browser results tab.

Most of the codes work on FR.

I use the FP Editor when I want to create tables or add color to certain terms, etc.

[Señor Zorro]

I use the same model of Corsair for work (I am a programmer) and find it more than worth the price of admission. I have come to the realization that most office-style hardware is mostly about keeping costs down (even when you’re past pure GI hardware). Gaming hardware, on the other hand, tends to sacrifice pricepoint in favor of hardware that is precise and comfortable to use for long periods.

Ironically, it seems like more office workers really ought to consider switching to gaming hardware.

[Lazamataz]

Ironically, it seems like more office workers really ought to consider switching to gaming hardware....

...and play Fallout 4 until they master Survival Mode.

[Lazamataz]

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

Me too. Porn is much more vivid in the dark.

[Jamestown1630]

Whatever floats yer boat, Laz

[Lazamataz]

Whatever makes my meatloaf.

[Jamestown1630]

I learned to touch-type back in the ‘sixties, and type very quickly. But it’s amazed me how the young folks can ‘hunt and peck’ so fast. The only difference is that they have to look at the keyboard and those of us who learned ‘real’ typing don’t have to.

I wonder sometimes if they get to the point where they don’t have to look, either, and just have ‘muscle memory’.

I still haven’t mastered typing on the cell phone, but I almost never use it...

-JT

[Fresh Wind]

I will never again willingly use a straight keyboard. I am typing this on one of these:

[poconopundit]

Thanks for the validation, Zorro. I’m learning what you found out long ago: the extra quality is worth it!