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Maybe you just haven't tried mechanical keyboards? Or perhaps you haven't tried a good one? I think once you start using split keyboard - it's hard to go back t

Maybe you just haven't tried mechanical keyboards? Or perhaps you haven't tried a good one? I think once you start using split keyboard - it's hard to go back to using regular boards, same thing for when you start using mechanical keyboard. But once you start using mechanical, split keyboard (Kinesis Advantage, Ergodox, etc.) - you never willingly go back to using regular keyboards.

oefrha 7y ago
I grew up on mechanical keyboards. Not split, but I’ve used some fairly expensive ones (not talking about >$1k apparently) and I’m not a fan. You just have to accept that unlike retina displays, people will have drastically different preferences for keyboards. Also, one undeniable fact is that other people in the office/household usually aren’t amused about loud keyboards.
- iLemming 7y ago
  > other people in the office/household usually aren’t amused about loud keyboards My partner and kids don't like many things about my job of a software developer, but they've learned to live with that. There are many, more difficult jobs in the world. And my family probably happy with the fact that I don't have a job that entails leaving them at 3AM with a fear that I may not come back alive. Besides, at this point, split, mechanical keyboard for me is not a gimmick - I literally cannot type for longer than several minutes on a regular keyboard, my wrists hurt badly. I honestly think - Kinesis Advantage might have saved my career, my only regret that I haven't made the switch before I had my RSI, which was so severe that left me no option but to try it.
killjoywashere 7y ago
This seems like vi vs all other editors then. I should stick with vim because I will always find myself on some other system where vi is the lowest common denominator. I should stick with a straight, flat keyboard because I will always end up with a straight, flat keyboard. Having temporary joy created only by making all other moments comparatively unpleasant seems like a bad trade.
- iLemming 7y ago
  "Lowest common denominator" argument in our industry is a false dichotomy. One should try different things and choose whatever makes them happy. Fortunately, our field is so deep, there's always stuff to choose from. If you don't like Vim/Emacs/VSCode/Atom/etc. - fine, use something else; If you don't like Javascript - there are multiple ways to transpire/compile into it, choose the one you like; don't like OOP - try FP; etc. Doing something because most people doing it, using tech-stacks simply because they are popular, choosing QWERTY layout and not trying other options, etc. - hinders self-growth of an individual and stymies innovation in general.
anonsivalley652 7y ago
I don't think they hate mechanical keyboards per se, but the noise pollution that they've associated with keyboards that have Cherry MX Blue switches, or an IBM Model F or M, or Northgate Omnikey Ultra. It was fine back in the day in the computer lab in high-school or wherever else that it's not bothering people, but not fine to bring in a clicky keyboard, full tower PC and a 37" monitor to a coffeeshop where 50 students are studying for finals, or in an open office environment where every little motion and noise has the potential to distract everyone else.

oefrha 7y ago

I grew up on mechanical keyboards. Not split, but I’ve used some fairly expensive ones (not talking about >$1k apparently) and I’m not a fan. You just have to accept that unlike retina displays, people will have drastically different preferences for keyboards. Also, one undeniable fact is that other people in the office/household usually aren’t amused about loud keyboards.

iLemming 7y ago
> other people in the office/household usually aren’t amused about loud keyboards My partner and kids don't like many things about my job of a software developer, but they've learned to live with that. There are many, more difficult jobs in the world. And my family probably happy with the fact that I don't have a job that entails leaving them at 3AM with a fear that I may not come back alive. Besides, at this point, split, mechanical keyboard for me is not a gimmick - I literally cannot type for longer than several minutes on a regular keyboard, my wrists hurt badly. I honestly think - Kinesis Advantage might have saved my career, my only regret that I haven't made the switch before I had my RSI, which was so severe that left me no option but to try it.

killjoywashere 7y ago

This seems like vi vs all other editors then. I should stick with vim because I will always find myself on some other system where vi is the lowest common denominator. I should stick with a straight, flat keyboard because I will always end up with a straight, flat keyboard. Having temporary joy created only by making all other moments comparatively unpleasant seems like a bad trade.

iLemming 7y ago
"Lowest common denominator" argument in our industry is a false dichotomy. One should try different things and choose whatever makes them happy. Fortunately, our field is so deep, there's always stuff to choose from. If you don't like Vim/Emacs/VSCode/Atom/etc. - fine, use something else; If you don't like Javascript - there are multiple ways to transpire/compile into it, choose the one you like; don't like OOP - try FP; etc. Doing something because most people doing it, using tech-stacks simply because they are popular, choosing QWERTY layout and not trying other options, etc. - hinders self-growth of an individual and stymies innovation in general.

anonsivalley652 7y ago

I don't think they hate mechanical keyboards per se, but the noise pollution that they've associated with keyboards that have Cherry MX Blue switches, or an IBM Model F or M, or Northgate Omnikey Ultra. It was fine back in the day in the computer lab in high-school or wherever else that it's not bothering people, but not fine to bring in a clicky keyboard, full tower PC and a 37" monitor to a coffeeshop where 50 students are studying for finals, or in an open office environment where every little motion and noise has the potential to distract everyone else.