DerKeyboard

timetrap · 2008-12-31 02:39:25

Having seen DasKeyboard and baulked at its price ($129). I decided to create my own. Presenting the DerKeyboard.

I took a Dell SK-8115 keyboard, popped the keys off, and gave it the krylon touch.

Time to learn how to type.

Varreon · 2008-12-31 02:54:34

The DasKeyboard is mechanical, unlike most keyboards. Look at a diagram of the ibm model M, and you will understand why mechanical keyboards are so expensive.
Modern keyboards simply contain a conductive piece within a piece of rubber that is pushed along the board.

Your Derkeyboard looks cool regardless, might try it on one of mine. The 'empty' look is great.

ozar · 2008-12-31 03:05:30

Hey, I like the way there is no wasted space around the outer edges of your keyboard.

Too bad most modern keyboards feel so mushy when typed on. I have one of the $129 Das Keyboards, but actually prefer the older IBM Model M keyboards that can be found for between $20 and $130, depending on condition and age.

Have fun with your DerKeyboard.

timetrap · 2008-12-31 03:17:50

Varreon wrote:

The DasKeyboard is mechanical, unlike most keyboards. Look at a diagram of the ibm model M, and you will understand why mechanical keyboards are so expensive.

I would say that this is definitely NOT a buckling-spring keyboard.

ozar wrote:

Hey, I like the way there is no wasted space around the outer edges of your keyboard.

Me too :-)

Zeist · 2008-12-31 14:16:19

I had one of those at work for a week or so (standard appearance, not painted or anything) when I had my old workstation a few years back.

It annoyed me quite a bit that some of the keys towards the edges seemed to have a different way of going down and up when hit than all of the other keys if the fingers didn't hit the exact center of the key or if the fingers hit the key slightly diagonally.

Last edited by Zeist (2008-12-31 14:17:18)

elmer_42 · 2008-12-31 15:01:05

As has been said, one major draw of the Das is the mechanical switches. I've been trolling around local thrift stores, waiting for a Model M to snatch up and paint so I don't have to mar my main one.

Varreon · 2008-12-31 19:49:06

Somewhat off topic, but I'm really interested in the model M. Is it really worth the $100 some dollars that it costs?

ozar · 2008-12-31 19:59:00

Varreon wrote:

Somewhat off topic, but I'm really interested in the model M. Is it really worth the $100 some dollars that it costs?

I personally think that would be up to each user to decide.

Someone that doesn't like all the clickiness might not find it worth having at all, while a true model M lover might think they are worth it. I have four of them in perfect condition from the 1980's but didn't give more than $50 for any of them. Each needed a thorough cleaning, though. No Windows keys, and the best keyboard ever made, in my own opinion.

timetrap · 2009-01-01 03:48:37

For those of us that work all day on computers, a nice keyboard is a good investment. If you spend 8 hours (or more) every day. The cost of even an expensive keyboard will quickly fall to almost zero.

Echo · 2009-01-01 06:02:06

Keytronics makes a keyboard w/the look of a Model M, but, not mechanical keys. Still a good keyboard for the money, IMO.

Timetrap, I like the look, very clean.

Super Jamie · 2009-01-01 22:34:35

Having tried painting keyboards before, I can tell you you're in for a bit of unsightly grubby fingerdirt mess in a few months. Nice idea tho.

Reasons · 2009-01-06 21:18:08

I have the daskeyboard and I can tell you there are few keyboards I´ve ever used that can come close to comparing. The biggest draw for me was the ´weighted´ keys so that the further out you go, the easier the key is to press. Something I didn´t think I would notice but it defiently is helpful. I only wish I could dampen the sound a bit. It´s not too loud, I just prefer things silent.

Arch Linux

#1 2008-12-31 02:39:25

DerKeyboard

#2 2008-12-31 02:54:34

Re: DerKeyboard

#3 2008-12-31 03:05:30

Re: DerKeyboard

#4 2008-12-31 03:17:50

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#5 2008-12-31 14:16:19

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#6 2008-12-31 15:01:05

Re: DerKeyboard

#7 2008-12-31 19:49:06

Re: DerKeyboard

#8 2008-12-31 19:59:00

Re: DerKeyboard

#9 2009-01-01 03:48:37

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#10 2009-01-01 06:02:06

Re: DerKeyboard

#11 2009-01-01 22:34:35

Re: DerKeyboard

#12 2009-01-06 21:18:08

Re: DerKeyboard

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