Keyboards
A short ramble about my keyboards.
I have 2 mechanical keyboards, a Keychron K6 and an Ergodash v1.2. I love these keyboards.
Keychron K6 Link to heading
My first mechanical keyboard, purchased because I needed an external keyboard for my desktop.
- Non-hotswap
- Gateron brown switches
- Added foam to the case
- O-rings on default keycaps
- (Attempted to) fix stabilizer wobble with tape
- (Attempted to) reduce stabilizer noise with dielectric grease
The effectiveness of any and all mods are unclear.
I love the 65% size of this keyboard, and I used it as my primary keyboard for speed typing for a few years.
Ergodash v1.2 Link to heading
My second mechanical keyboard, and the first kit I assembled myself. I used this experience to learn to solder and had a lot of fun!
Materials:
I got the keycap set on clearance after eyeing it for months. In total, this keyboard cost ~$135.
I continued with tactile switches because I liked the feeling on my K6. Soldering 140 optional hotswap sockets was an ambitious choice and I’d recommend soldering sockets before the diodes since the PCB won’t lay flat after diodes are in place.
Thumb cluster 2u key feels unstable, but I’m not sure how to stabilize it. I bought a stabilizer set before realizing there are no holes for stabilizers. The sockets for these keys are also a bit loose from repeatedly removing the switch, so I might replace the sockets.
I’m still looking for a good way to carry this keyboard around. Currently, I fold it up in a microfibre cloth and slide a ziploc bag around it. I’ve been recommended GoPro carrying cases, but I have to double check measurements and order one.
I LOVE this keyboard because I worked so hard on it.
I am also sometimes subjected to typing on a laptop keyboard.
Dvorak Link to heading
Switched to another layout on a whim, curious about any benefits over QWERTY. I don’t think the layout makes me faster, but it does feel marginally more comfortable. I keep keycaps in QWERTY layout because some sites/games use QWERTY even when my software layout is Dvorak.
Achievements Link to heading
- I like to use typeracer.com and monkeytype.com to relax before interviews
- All-time PB: 171.64wpm. Want to race me?
- Entered a typing contest at an internship and ranked 2nd overall in round robin play. Eliminated my first playoff bracket opponent, but my internship ended before the contest completed.