Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah

It's one of those rare days that Christmas and Hanukkah (at least the start of) fall very closely together.  It's a wonderful season for all people to celebrate the blessing of family and friends.  May you be merry, happy and truly enjoy peace through out the Holiday season and beyond.

Art by Vectorfresh

More about Topre Realforce RGB availability

I just found out that Massdrop now has one drop going for Topre Real Force RGB Keyboard.  So, looks like Topre is producing more than a few keyboards just to see what the market is thinking.  Although this has not reached CoolerMaster NovaTouch availability level, I take it as a good sign that there are sufficient interest out there.

Since this keyboard is relatively different from a typical Topre Realforce, I think it speaks to Topre's confidence that this may perhaps become a cult hit like the HHKB.  I will be watching this development very closely because I do think that Topre has a one of the more interesting products out there right now.  This is one Topre Realforce that has a rather broad market appeal.  As with any Topre Realforce product tho, the price is almost always a show stopper.  At $260 US dollar/unit, this thing better be good.  :P

What is Hall Effect keyboard switch anyway?

Hall Effect illustration (Wikipedia)

Some of the keyboard related blogs recently mentioned Hall effect key switches.  It was not a term that I have heard for a while and have forgotten what it does.  After a little research, memories come flooding back.  Good and bad...  Anyway, Hall effect sensors or switches work because of a pretty cool physical phenomenon.

Basically the position of magnet (due to magnetic field) can affect a transducer voltage.  So, if the magnetic strength is known, then one can determine the distance of the magnet from the transducer by the output voltage.  Therefore, putting the two and two together, this sensor would make a very good analog keyboard switch.  Also, there are very few moving parts that may fatigue and break, thus Hall effect sensors are also very reliable devices.  So, it shouldn't be a big surprise in the sudden interest in this type of switch lately given the latest rage in analog keyboard.  The simplest resistance mechanics to a key press is a spring, therefore this technology seems well suited for a linear keyboard switch.  It's a pretty good match to what the gaming market desires.  There are some rumblings that keyboard manufacturers are going to bring some Hall effect keyboards to the market that caters to the booming gaming market.  However, it doesn't stop anyone from adding clicky emulations to the key switch.  So, perhaps some enterprising company will figure out how to do so.

Although the idea has been around for a long time, the recent interest in analog gaming sensors has resurrected interest in this kind of device.  However, Hall effect devices are more complex compared to a simple mechanical key switch.  So, in a cut-throat market, price would be a very important factor as well.  So, we will see how well the gaming market adapt to this type of switch or it is just needless complications.  I think there's room for analog keyboards for specific gaming niche.  We will have to figure out a purpose for these wonderful devices outside of that for something this cool to become mainstream.

More Topre Realforce RGB Premium on the way to North America

Wow, that was fast.  The stock mechnicalkeyboards.com had for preorder are already sold out at this point.  Perhaps they will restock in the near future.  I guess Black Friday business was rather brisk.  However, fear not if you missed it.  EliteKeyboards.com is now accepting preorder for the same keyboard.  It should be available around the end of November.

12/02/2016 Update: Yes, mechnicalkeyboards.com has received another shipment.

So it begins.... Christmas shopping season already underway

As the traditional Black Friday expands its domain over a week, probably going morph into over a month, there are plenty of deals for mechanical keyboards all around.  So, if someone just want to take a peek and see what the big deal is all about, this is a good time to get into the game.

Because someone else already does a much better job catching great deals than I do, I will leave it to the experts over at those deal aggregation web sites.  However, it is indeed a good time to score a good deal here and there.  So, have fun and enjoy that new keyboard(s) experience!

Asus announces Claymore keyboard that splits into two

Asus recently introduced yet another gaming mechanical keyboard called ROG Claymore.  This one has all the usual bells and whistles using the ever popular Cherrry MX RGB switches.  However, one thing that is interesting about this keyboard is that it can split into two units.  The main unit is a typical TKL called the core while the number pad is the other entity.  One thing that is interesting Asus mentioned is that the number pad can be used on the left side of the keyboard.  I don't know if the keypad is still usable detached or it has to be attached for it to function.  I can't really tell from the press release.  However, it reasonable to assume that the number pad has to be attached based on the what Asus left unsaid.

Too bad that this keyboard didn't split in the way I would have like it, emulating the Microsoft Natural keyboard line had.  Maybe the next iteration.  We will see.

Topre Realforce RGB Premium now available for pre-order

This is happening a little sooner than I thought, but it's a good thing.  Just like last year's special Ducky Channel Realforce editions, somehow mechanicalkeyboards.com will be able to secure some for the North America market.  The online retailer is now taking pre-order.  The target ship date is end of November.

Indeed, this keyboard is a quite a departure from the classical Topre that we know well.  Previously, Topre has partnered with other OEMs and distributors to feel out new markets, but with this one, I think they are going for it by themselves.  I hope it works out since the gaming market is a bit crowded at the moment.

Microsoft announces Surface Ergonomic Keyboard

I have tested the sculpted ergonomic keyboard just a while ago.  I found the keyboard rather pleasant and worthy successor to the illustrious line of natural ergonomic keyboards.  However, the intermittent wireless connection issue pretty much ruined it for me.  Ah, the Microsoft designed ergonomic keyboards are like old flames that never really dies out, even though I have not been using one of them for a while.  So, when there's news about a successor, I can't wait to find out more.

Like most tech companies, Microsoft likely did see something good and something bad in its products.  Later on, the firm will put out a new iteration to fix issues found and hopefully not introduce new ones.  So, this week, Microsoft announced a new iteration of the their famed ergonomic keyboard, the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard.  Upon first glance, one can easily see the Sculpted Ergonomic Keyboard design DNA.  However, instead of the bat wing like design, the two keyboard halves are now fused as a single piece.  Speaking of fusion, the numeric pad is also fused making this pretty much as standard ANSI 104 keyboard.  That's a good thing.  Microsoft also introduced a minimalist type Surface Keyboard that may appeal to other folks.  My love affair has always been with ergonomic keyboard designs, however.  Another key change is the wireless protocol is now Bluetooth 4.0 rather than something funky Microsoft cooked up in the lab.  I am hoping that this will help with the wireless connection issues that I had.  There are also other changes such as a new palm rest material, color changes and minor touches.  I am assuming that this will have a scissor switch design like its predecessor.  I don't believe there will be significant changes to how it types,  Oh, one more thing, the magnetic tilt bar is nowhere to be found.  So, fans for the forward keyboard tilt will have to come up with some home-brewed hacks.

The elephant in the room is price.  Microsoft has increased the price quite a bit to $130.  That number definitely puts it within shouting distance of a Topre Type Heaven on a Black Friday special and many other high end Cherry MX mechanical keyboards.  Microsoft probably figured that the Surface brand represent a significant premium quality difference and superior experience.  There's only one way to find out if this keyboard warrant such distinction.  :)

More RGB LED lighting goodness?

Well, hindsight is always 20/20, and I should have seen this coming a mile away, but didn’t.  Many mechanical keyboard market observers have already noted the craze that is RGB LED lighting.  One company after another trying to outdo each other.  Well, what else can we use these beautiful lights for?  Metadot is going for a more utilitarian approach by coming up with different uses for the lighting.  Or, we can go the other extreme, lighting to the extreme just because.

Well, I guess that might be what Cooler Master’s MasterkeysPro L RGB – Crystal Edition is all about.  This is a keyboard for the RGB LED lighting loving folks.  The keyboard case is translucent and it features new placement design to allow the LEDs more room to shine brighter, pardon the pun.  The keyboard itself has no legends or other markings on the user side.  So, in some way, it’s like a Das Keyboard Ultimate, except it is in clear casing.  Cooler Master thoughtfully used a translucent plastic rather than transparent one to more evenly distribute the lights and to cut down on reflections and glare.  Other things like faster keyboard micro controller, programmable API for controlling the lights, Cherry MX brown or blue switches and other goodies people now come to expect from a high end keyboard with lots of cool factors.

I am likely not in this particular market segment anymore, but I can see the appeal, however.  I still remember when Nintendo or some other gadget manufacturers outfitted their latest toy with a transparent case, it was always something special.

Long Term Use Review- Topre Realforce 87UW55 (SE08T0)

At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Topre switches.  At the very beginning, I found it to be wonderful, then frustrating.  Further down the line, I found the combination that I can finally start to settle down toward appreciating its differences and finally, really embrace this key switch.

The keyboard that helped me turned the corner?  Topre’s Realforce 87UW55.  I was pretty sour after my frustrating experience with the variable keyboard the 104UB (XF11T0).  That keyboard drove me up the wall because I simply can’t find a rhythm.  I finally decided to give Topre switch one more chance to redeem itself and settled on the 87UW with uniform weighted keys.  Boy, did that make a difference.  I guess years of typing has betrayed me because I had a very difficult time adapting to the variable key weights.  I am sure that some people will appreciate that type of design; but for an old dog like me who was trained on a typewriter, it was rough outing to say the least.

However, enough about the past.  How does this keyboard stand on its own merit?  I personally come to really like this keyboard because I find the uniform key weight distribution comforting.  55g is a bit on the heavy side for some, but I am used to keys that push back a bit more.  It gives a more of a stable feeling during typing and working as each key stroke felt more assured and certain.  For things that I use it for, 55g is just fine.  The difference between 45g is 55g is subtle, but noticeable, however.  Key weights are more of a preference between these two.  I found 30g to be way too light, however.  The TKL design is fine for that I use it for in a tight space.  I don’t find that I miss the numeric pad much.  However, if someone is in need of Excel or other numeric input heavy applications, then numeric pad is a must.  I did find that sometimes the Num Lock is engaged after reboot or login and messes with password typing here and there.  The blue LEDs are bright.  Sometimes, too bright when looked on directly.  I think this is a problem with blue LEDs in general.

Comparing to Leopold ‘s FC660C, the 87UW is more stately and stable.  It has less of that perky personality and more muted in its presence.  Never the less, one will not mistakenly identify this keyboard as something else when someone starts to type.  The sound it makes is almost hypotonic, imbued with power, like a race horse trotting around the track, as one reviewer said.  Perhaps a bit over the top, but I can’t find any faults with that assessment.  Thus, that might be why a lot of people are willing to pay a premium for a Topre made keyboard.  Instead of focusing on the tactile feel, I think this is a good chance to evaluate the keyboard from an auditory aspect.  Suffice to say that Realforce did not disappoint.  The noise level is just a bit higher than run of the mill rubber dome based keyboard and I personally do think that it sounds rather pleasant.  So, it’s perfectly suitable in an office sitting or someone who share computing space with others.  The sound feedback is good, not too chatty and perhaps rather regal.  It’s not as drill sergeant like with the buckling spring, but instead, the keyboard rumbles just a bit so that one can almost feel a presence of a serene, but strong current.  For some, that's pretty irresistible.  I do find that typing on this keyboard is indeed a bit of a Zen like experience and it flows well.  As with any Topre switch related keyboard reviews, I won’t belabor about the Topre switch feel itself.  Suffice to say that some love it and some really don’t think it’s worth the money.  I am in the camp that loves it, but also appreciate the pragmatic side of things.  The price is such a joy killer sometimes….

The 87UW55 or its sibling 87UB55 (SE18T0) is almost the same except the color scheme.  87UB55 has the dark theme with almost impossible to read key legend in the dark.  It has a more of a “badass” factor, but perhaps a bit too much form over function from my point of view.  Since I am more of a typist and command line geek, I tend to stay with keyboard fashion design that helps me make fewer mistakes.  I am probably not cool enough to use the dark/black version anyway.

In conclusion, the 87UW55 is an incredible standard layout keyboard that can make many skeptics a believer.  The only got-cha is the price.  Therefore, it’s more of luxury item than essential stuff, but for someone who uses keyboard quite a bit, it’s well worth the investment.

Grade: A

More gaming oriented key switch and cap designs

One of the trends lately has been shortening the key stroke distance from the traditional 4mm to 3mm or so.  Another is shortening the height of the key cap itself.  Now, changing the key cap height doesn’t do anything mechanically since it is a rigid body.  However, they can affect the look, static key heights and perhaps reduce the key wobble because of a very so slightly lower center of gravity.  It’s probably more of an aesthetic and style choice.  Besides, it does save a bit of plastic.  In the cut-throat electronic business, that may mean something for the bottom line.

Tesoro’s new Gram Spectrum keyboard captures these trends quite well.  It features an “agile” mechanical switch, which is basically Kailh’s response to Cherry’s Rapidfire line.  This particular switch has a 3.5mm travel distance and supposedly features a clicky feel.  So, it’s a bit of a departure from the typical linear spring type favored by the gaming community.  The other thing is the “slim” key cap.  This key cap sort is the half-height version of the regular, standard issue Cherry MX kind.

Adding these elements together, Tesoro produced a keyboard with a different look and certainly a different feel because of some interesting key switch design choice.  Furthermore, looks like Tesoro will introduce an IR sensor switch based keyboard.  Now, let’s see how the market is responding to this after a bit.

So, what about some good ol’ wireless (Bluetooth) mechanical keyboards?

I mentioned in a few posts before about Razer making wireless keyboard specifically for the iPad product line and other tablets.  I also mentioned that there are some Bluetooth wireless mechanical keyboards as well if someone rather use a more classical keyboard device.  That piqued some interests

So, there are basically two options.  One is to purchase a USB to Bluetooth wireless converter.  At one end is USB port that the keyboard of choice is plugged in.  And, there is no other end, because it is wireless.  It converts whatever keyboard that is attached to a Bluetooth one.  Pretty cool tech, but it’s a bit bulky and power source can often be an issue.  Some keyboards draw a lot of power provided by USB port.  Thus, even at measly 2.5W max clip, it can drain most portable batteries dry quickly.  One can browse around eBay and find such device to purchase if the use scenario makes sense.

The other option is to buy a wireless mechanical keyboard.  Here, the options are more limited.  One of the bigger player in this space is good ol’ Filco.  So, if you are Cherry MX keyboard switch fan, you are in luck.  Filco is one of the most respected mechanical keyboard brands out there as it’s basically DIATEC Corporation, based in Japan.  They offer quite a few wireless keyboards configuration using Bluetooth protocol as well.  Besides the standard 104 keys Majestouch Convertible 2 and the 87 keys TKL variants, they also offer one called Minila, stands for minimum layout.  The Minila Air is the one with wireless connectivity.  Minila is a 67 custom keyboard layout design, much like a non-standard laptop layout.  However, like Leopold’s FC660 series, it uses full size keys.  So, no strange half-height stuff.  That’s a big plus in my book….  These keyboards are also designed to run wired if needed.  So, it is a much more versatile keyboard than what meets the eye.  The only drawback?  Price and availability.  Filco’s products are not easy to find and the stock comes and go.  Because of the added complexity, it doesn’t come cheap either.  So, expect some price premium over regular boards as well. However, one can search mechanicalkeyboards.com and amazon.com in US to see if anything of interest is in stock.

Now, if someone would come up with a Topre switch wireless keyboard…..

Logi or Logitech (whatever they are called these days) quietly introduced G910 Orion Spectrum

Maybe I missed the fanfare, but from my perspective, Logitech quietly introduced G910 Orion Spectrum along with some other product updates.  Now, Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum mechanical keyboard is the same one we have seen with G910 Orion Spark.  What's the difference then?  Well, the only thing that I can tell is that G910 Orion Spectrum does not have the 3 sided key cap that Orion Spark has.  In another word, G910 now uses the same key cap set as G810.  The funky caps pushed aside in favor of a more traditional key cap style.

Although this move comes rather expected, I guess the new key cap experiment didn't work out as well as Logitech had hoped.  The gaming community seemed to liked the new key cap design, however, the general population and specially the typists and programmers threw a fit.  The 3 sided key cap is designed to hold the fingers in place.  This makes a great deal of sense for a gamer, as they don't move the fingers from key to key much.  The fingers tend to say on the same keys.  However, this is problematic for typists and programmers since, well, their fingers dance all over the board during a normal use session.  So, the classical cylindrical design is back.  Beforehand, Logitech offered the "normal" key cap set for sale as an add-on package.  I suppose they decided to save potential buyers some trouble and offer the regular caps instead.  Also, they get to relaunch a product.  Marketing for the win.  Maybe they will reverse it and offer the 3 sided caps as a gamer's special after a while.  I wouldn't be surprised....

In any case, it's now a buyer's market.  If you are looking to see what the G910 Orion Spark is all about, it's now discounted.  If you can't put up with the 3 sided key caps, loved the G810, but wished for more.  Well, Logitech has that base covered too.

Musings about optical (IR) sensor based key switches

Circuit design from Tech Resources

Optical sensor on switch is not a new concept and certainly there are optical sensor based key switches that has been around for quite a while as well.  However, with dominance of spring centric keyboard switches such as buckling spring design or the entire Cherry MX line and its clones, optical keyboard switches are rare birds indeed.  On the other hand, analog switches are now coming back in fashion as the new bleeding edge in gaming sphere.  It is no coincide that mechanical switches are popular these days.  The simplicity, reliability, manufacturing ease and cost are factors that contribute to this.  Adding optical sensors and emitters put more complexity.  However, the benefits are starting to make a good case for an optical based switch.

Mechanical switches are, well, mechanical based.  When two separate metal pieces come in contact, an electrical connection is made and thus generating a signal.  Optical switch depends on an emitter, which is often the case, an infrared light source and a sensor.  When an object obstructs the light path or changes the reflectivity depending on the design, then the sensor knows that a key is pressed.  Now, some clever engineers already realized that if the object that is obstructing the light path is a gradient, then the sensor can capture a diminishing light emission as a function of distance.  Add some computing power, the senor can also calculate velocity and so on.  An optical based system might generate a clear on/off signal as well since physical connectivity is not always a sure and entirely consistent thing.  Because the sensor is entirely optical, the physical interaction of the key switch can entirely be up to the designer’s imagination.  Therefore, it is possible to design some complicated interactive switch that does not depend on any mechanical contact to trigger the switch.

For strictly typing keyboard, these added complexities have little benefit since typing just need to know if a key is pressed or not.  However, as a gaming device or navigational system for say a VR or AR device, then the possibility use cases make much more sense.  Thus, there is a sudden interest in these switches.  Perhaps sometimes later this year, we will see a mass marketed optical sensor based keyboard.  There are already a few prototypes and Kick Starters efforts floating around.  Let’s see what innovations these folks can bring to the table.

Hybrid rubber dome/mechanical keyboard from Razer- Meet Ornata

One of the things I emphasized is that rubber dome keyboards aren't inherently bad.  Some are great keyboards.  Many members of the famed Microsoft Natural Keyboard family line are rubber dome based.  However, with the return of the mechanical switch popularity and advances in scissor switch designs, the rubber dome keyboard seems to have lost the coolness factor.

If one really like that rubber dome feel, there are 2 paths before.  One is to invest into a Topre type keyboard which is unique, but not quite rubber dome like.  Or one can stick with a good ol' rubber dome board from MS or Dell.  What if neither is a reasonable?  Fear not, now, Razer is introducing a hybrid model, which is a rubber dome switch with simulated mechanical clicky feel.  It might be copying the clicky feel of a Cherry MX blue.  Based on the images published on the web, the Razer Ornata's key switch is most certainly using the rubber dome based technology.  The nib makes contact when someone bottoms out.  A half way press will not register, unlike a Cherry MX or a Topre type.  The mechanical click feel is emulated with a metal catch that is attached to the side of the silo on the plate.  As the plunger descends, the little fingers would activate the metal catch and create the click feel.  Razer is nice enough to provide an animated GIF to illustrate this new hybrid switch.

Rounding out the keyboard is the standard Razer fare such as software controlled LED lighting and other features such as detachable palm rest.  Another trends that I have begun to notice is the half height key caps that look more like a Chiclets key cap than a traditional Cherry MX or IBM Model M kind.  Mechanically, it doesn't make any difference, but perhaps it's for aesthetic reasons as well as conveying to the user that the key travel might be shorter than expected.  That would be subtle, but cool visual cue for a keyboard manufacturers to distinguish the key travel differences among its product lines.  Let's see if this trend catches on.  I think it would, because of the moves toward shorter travels.

Maybe it's marketed as a half-way device between rubber dome based keyboard and fully mechanical keyboard to help the users who prefer the rubber dome way of things, but have a case of click envy.

Virtual keyboard strikes again

I thought Apple would be the first one to try put out a virtual keyboard on a Macbook or the like given its penchant to make everything as thin as possible.  However, Lenovo has beaten Apple to the punch.  The new Yoga Book has a laptop clamshell design rather than a traditional slate design.  Instead of where the keyboard goes, it is a touch sensitive pad that is a digitizer and a doubles as a virtual keyboard.  It is not another touch sensitive display, however.  So, someone can trace drawings and it would transfer to the screen on top.  It's just like having one of those Wacom tablets attached a regular laptop or desktop.  From the images published, seems that the keyboard legends are simply baked into the pad itself and not reconfigurable.  Just lights get switched on or off as the pad changes its functions.  I think Apple might go with a reconfigurable design, judging from rumors of prototypes floating around.  Supposedly, the new Yoga Book comes in either Chromebook flavor or Windows flavor, with Chromebook version coming first.  Oh, it's also a 10" form factor.  Smaller than I thought.  So, the keys might be not be 100% sized either.  This is an interesting experiment that is worth watching closely.  Now, let' see if some clever marketers are going to jump onto the virtual 0mm travel as a competitive gaming advantage....

PAX gaming accessories sale on amazon.com

I usually don't post sales, but since it's a large sale that applies to many items, I figure I will give it a try in case someone missed it.  Anyway, amazon.com is holding a PAX gaming accessories sale.  So, many mechanical gaming keyboards, mice and other related items are on sale.  The promotion code is "PAXWEST20"; enter at check out to get your 20% off.  See link for details.  Code information is posted on techbargains.com.

Metadot Das Keyboard Professional 4 long term use review

The Das Keyboard Pro 4 is one my first mechanical keyboards that I have purchased.  Thus, I have somewhat of a favorable bias toward it.  Therefore, that’s why I waited for a while till I have experienced other devices before starting my long term review.  Hopefully now that I have a longer sample size, I can comment about the keyboard with a more objective view.

In reality, the Das Keyboard Pro 4 is a great keyboard for typist and coders.  Although some may not like its aesthetic design, I find that it has that Darth Vader vibe that is somewhat appealing with almost a retro grade feel.  I am always a sucker for knobs and shuttle jogs, so having one like that on a keyboard is almost like moth drawn to a flame.  Functionality aside, this keyboard is a purely mechanical keyboard and almost nothing else.  It has no lighting, no fancy macro functions and other blings.  It’s just a keyboard with some multimedia keys and knobs.  So, if someone is looking for full featured, macro functions with 200 infused keys tapped out in 100 milliseconds, RGB lighting galore, this is not the keyboard.  On the other hand, if it’s a typing keyboard with a strong aesthetic design sense, this keyboard is worth another look.

The ABS key caps are well made with UV printed legend.  It has a bit of a hollow, crisp sound that is different from a thick PBT thump.  Using either the Cherry MX blue or the MX brown, the keyboard accelerates and dances to the typist’s whim.  It’s one of those keyboards that invites the user to come back and type some more.  The Das Keyboard comes across as stern and disciplined.  So, yes, the coder, professional design philosophy does come through.

I have written enough about the switches, so I won’t repeat them in case I start to bore people.  However, the Cherry MX switches do perform well on the Das 4 pro platform.  So, the switch type is really by personal preference and use scenario.  The extra USB hub comes in handy once in a while, but I have no use of the ruler/keyboard height booster.  The rule is an interesting idea, but I just happen to have no reasonable scenario where I would be flipping my keyboard over to get it out.  Also, because of its design, material used and where it is stowed, the ruler actually bows a little, further diminishing its utility.  The multimedia buttons are not mechanical based.  I don’t use them often, but it’s nice that it is there.  The volume knob is fun to play with and is fine grained enough to be useful.  However, it sometimes gets in the way because of its footprint.  Overall, I still rather have it than not because it’s more intuitive for me than two switches.

In conclusion, the Das Keyboard Professional 4 is an excellent keyboard and it’s a great show case for a pure mechanical keyboard design concept with design flairs and restrained multimedia functionality.  Metadot recently announced the spiritual successor to the Pro 4; the 5Q incorporating some very interesting ideas, but it no longer stays in the confine of a strict mechanical keyboard boundary.  Version 4 has acquitted itself very well and I think will stand the test of time.

Grade: A-

Quiet summer time

I suppose it's that time of the year where family are on vacation, children trying to enjoy the last bit of summer and getting ready to go back to school  (For those in the northern hemisphere at least).  The world's attention is mostly on Summer Olympics at Rio for weeks now, I guess it's pretty quiet in the keyboard front at this moment.

So, with that in mind, I hope everyone is enjoying a fabulous summer  and a lovely winter season (for those in the south hemisphere).  In any case, I hope to have some more exciting things to share and to interact with you soon.  Have fun and enjoy the Olympics!

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite image gallery

Another backlog item that I should posted sometimes ago.  Continuing my oldies, but goodies theme, here's Microsoft's Natural Keyboard Elite image gallery.  Yes, the key caps have yellowed because of UV exposure and age.  Enjoy!

Front view

Left view

Right view

Close-up of the infamous arrow keys cluster

Key cap view

Yup, it's rubber dome key switch 

Key cap back side view

Back side view

Keyboard foot retracted

Keyboard foot extended

PS/2 keyboard interface

Need a mechanical keyboard for iPad? There’s a Razer keyboard for that

Perhaps slowly deprecating the Mac computers to favor big iPads and with Apple fervent push toward enterprise acceptance, there’s little doubt that a keyboard is required for that to happen.  Apple themselves produced one to go with the big iPad Pro.  Along with Microsoft ceding the mobile market and bring Office to iOS, there’s increased validity about using an iPad Pro for productivity and pivot the product line away from a purely consumer device.  So, what if someone wants a mechanical keyboard for that brand new iPad Pro?  Razer to the rescue.

Tech Report noted Razer has announced a mechanical keyboard designed to accompany the large iPad Pro, aptly named Razer mechanical keyboard case for iPad Pro (12.9").  Of course, I am geeking out on the mechanical switch design and specification.  To accommodate iPad’s profile, Razer has designed a new keyboard switch, named Ultra-Low Profile Switch.  The switch itself is colored green, thus meaning it’s a clicky type switch according to Razer’s nomenclature.  The video seems to demonstrate that point as well.  It’s force-distance curve seems to scale like that of a clicky switch as well with activation and reset points further apart.

The switch itself is a modified scissor switch with a cone or probably a plunger to facilitate a smoother force-distance relationship rather than a typical on/off switch feel that many scissor switches exhibit.  Since the switch has a relative short 2mm travel, Razer elected to go with a high resistance, 70g key weight.  So, someone who are used to touch typing or using a virtual keyboard might not like that; however, the design decision here is probably to make sure that the keys are not accidentally activated when gliding from one key to the next since the travel distance is so short.

The keyboard itself is a Bluetooth device and has an estimated battery life around 10 hours or so.  The cost is on par with high end desktop mechanical keyboards around $170 or so.  Maybe Razer didn’t license Smart Connector interface to save a few pennies.  However, I suspect Razer will roll this out to other mobile device if the market accepts it.  Also, if one really wants, this might be a useful platform for someone who wants to use it for laptop or desktop environment.  So, it’s not a bad decision per se.

Anyway, let's see if there's a demand for a good portable mechanical keyboard that is tailored for the iPads and like devices.  Otherwise, a good Bluetooth mechanical keyboard like Filco's Minila Air or Majestouch Convertibles might be better suited.

Leopold FC660C Long Term Use Review

Leopold is one of the few keyboard builders that features Topre switch based keyboards.  Like Ducky Channel, the product line is mostly built by Topre rather than in its own factory.  However, it gets a little murky with Leopold since the keyboard may be built in China, South Korea or Japan.  Rumor has it that Varmilo manufactures many of Leopold’s products.  In any case, Leopold acts as the quality assurance agent.  So, honestly it really doesn’t matter who the OEM really is, as long as the product is as good as it can be.

Now, the FC660C is a 60% keyboard that is not quite standard.  It has those extra arrow keys and two additional INS and DEL keys on the right side.  Therefore, it does not have a conventional 60% keyboard layout like KBParadise’s V60 or Vortex’s Pok3r.  These keyboards use fancy Fn remap functions to completely change the key stroke meanings and macro capability.  I am not smart enough to manage something that complex.  So, I tend to stick with something simpler like the FC660C where Fn+1 simply mean F1 key.  It also has DIP switches to change the default behaviors of various keys in case someone wants to swap key positions such as control or shift.  Due to a non-standard layout, it might not be as transparent moving from a FC660C to another TKL and vice versa.  However, its layout is fairly close to a typical laptop keyboard layout.  So, it’s not bad per se, but more as something to be aware of.  Again, I tend to leave these things alone since I deal with many different keyboards, workstations and laptops.  Thus, I try to keep things as standard as possible.  In this case, the FC660C fits right in.  I wish it would have PgDn and PgUp as well, but then that would pretty much be like an 87 keys TKL.  So kind of defeats the purpose.  Once in a while, I have to stop and think when I need to press a function key or need to use Page Down or Page Up.  However, these instances are more or less infrequent.  So, it’s not that much different from using a laptop keyboard.

With Topre switches anchoring the keyboard technology, one can expect a great typing experience.  I can attest to that, since I like the uniform weighting rather than the variable type.  For some reason, the keys are rated 45g, but I feel like keys takes a bit more force to press than my 104UG.  It’s more like a 55g or more.  Also, it’s the brightest sounding and chattiest Topre keyboard that I have around.  Not that it’s a bad thing, tho, it is louder than I have expected.  Now, it’s nowhere near buckling spring or Cherry MX blue for that matter, but still a bit unexpected.  The sound has a more squeaky pitch, perhaps an octaves or so higher than one from a regular Realforce.  Topre switch is something to be experienced as I said earlier.  However, it can be a bit odd if someone who is not familiar with its behavior and can be mistaken for a really good rubber dome keyboard.  Nothing wrong with rubber dome keyboards per se, as they are sold in the millions and there are many great rubber dome keyboards made every day.  However, someone can easily overlook the subtle Topre switch Zen-like beauty if one is not paying attention.  So, it’s what the buyer values.  I struggled with Topre switches for a while and finally come to really enjoy using it.  Leopold’s FC660C is an excellent ambassador for Topre switches.

Since this keyboard features PBT key caps, obviously it doesn’t have any LED lighting or stuff like that.  It’s a retro/old school keyboard that the keys cap feels assured, carries some weight.  So, it’s less likely that someone would accidentally tap on something.  The key cap surface are comfortable and fingers glide gracefully from one key to another.  No wonder it’s a favorite among some professional Starcraft gamers.  The only thing that I am not a fan of is the mini-USB interface location.  I fully understand why Leopold chose to put it there.  However, for my typical setup, it gets in the way and bends downward slightly generating unwanted torque on the connector.  If the keyboard would hide the connector interface somewhere out of the way and use some cable routers and channels to manage the cable travel, I think I will sleep just a little easier.  Since the keyboard is designed for folks on the go, I can see the design choices made to better serve them.

Now, remember, it’s a Topre switch based keyboard.  So one can expect the full Topre experience, along with a price tag to match.  Even though it is a 60% keyboard, it costs just about as much as a regular 87 keys TKL from Topre itself if not more.  So, one must be prepared to pay the price of admission to the Topre kingdom.  It’s just how it is…

In conclusion, FC660C is a joy to use, easily portable around and Topre switches make a great keyboard typing experience.  It makes me want to bring this keyboard around where ever I go so I get a chance to use it rather than what’s already out there.  Minor, but pesky USB connector annoyance and pricing issue aside, there is much to like about the keyboard in general.

Grade: A-

Matias Secured Pro Keyboard Image Gallery

Somehow this one didn't make it till now.  So, without further due, here is Matias' Secure Pro Keyboard.  This is basically Matias's Laptop Pro keyboard where the wireless signal is AES encrypted.  It does not use Bluetooth.  So, it can be used in a secured environment....  Oh, don't lose that USB transceiver!

Front view with the USB transceiver

Left view

Right view

Switch and key cap view

Key cap view

Back side of the key cap

Matias quiet click switch (light gray color)

Back side view

Keyboard foot retracted

Keyboard foot extended

USB ports on the top side of the keyboard

Power button on the right (white color)

USB transceiver

More thoughts about Das Keyboard 5Q keyboard switch

As previously noted, Das Keyboard 5Q’s biggest thing is programmable RGB lighting for each key that can be controlled by an external program via an API.  However, cool notifications and lighting control won’t do you any good if the keyboard itself is not interesting.  These days, the newer Das Keyboard entries no longer use Cherry MX, but instead going with another vendor since the 4C.  However, with the 5Q, Metadot is taking this separation a bit further.  Remember that they have release a brand new key switch for the gaming keyboard?  It’s basically a Cherry MX Red clone with a short activation distance.  With the 5Q, they have gone further.  Much further.

From the information gleamed on the site, looks like the switch is a completely new design, manufactured by Omron.  That name should ring a bell.  Yes, it’s the crew that make Logtiech’s Romer-G key switches.  So, from a first glance, the 5Q’s new gamma zulu is surprisingly similar to Romer-G’s design.  Both share many similar characteristics.  So, it’s possible that Omron provided a reference design and then each company selected features to make a switch type distinctly their own.  In any case, Metadot chose to identify their new switch to Cherry MX brown as a close comparison.  However, the switch is rated at 100 million actuation.  So, it’s about twice of that for a Cherry MX's rating.  Either way, I would be impressed if someone reached that many key presses.  Suffice to say that Metadot is confident of its durability.  Given Metadot’s history coming from software developers, I am not surprised that a solid, reliable key switch is a must have feature.

Short actuation distance is now in vogue.  The new standard is now around 1.5mm.  Anyway, this gamma zulu switch is no exception.  45g force is still the norm, but there’s some moment elsewhere to increase the key weight upward toward 70g or more.  That’s probably too much for most folks; but for heavy hitting typist, they are just getting started.  However, in that regard, gamma zulu stayed put.  It has a 1.5mm actuation distance, 3.5mm total travel and about 45g key weight, very similar to Romer-G.  Like Romer-G, it has a central LED lighting pipe that allows better lighting.  Since one main feature about this keyboard is the LEDs, I suppose it’s one of the reasons why Metadot went with Omron rather than Cherry.  One of the bigger MX weaknesses is the LED positioning.  Since the LED pipe is in the middle, Cherry MX key caps need not apply.  I am wondering if one can transplant Logitech’s Orion key caps to the 5Q and vice versa.  In any case, the LED lighting is crucial given that programmable LED lighting is the linchpin of the product.  It must work well.  So, the new Omron design solves a major problem for Metadot.

So Metadot has double down on this new keyboard design, trying to please both the gaming crowd and the coder/typist niche.  Let’s see if it works out.  I think Metadot is onto something, but they will need software development support and build momentum going forward.  I am keeping a close eye on this one.  Should be pretty interesting to watch.

Thoughts about Das Keyboard 5Q

After moving toward the gamer’s market with a relatively me-too product, Metadot is trying again to set the bar.  To fund product development, Metadot turned to KickStarter instead.  So, early backers who opened their wallets wide would be the first to reap the benefits.  As with any early adapters, there’s a risk and price to be paid.  Since Metadot is fairly established entity, this is less risky than some other ventures out there. Never the less, backers be aware.  Like investing in stock market, there are risks involved.  Again, backers be aware.

Now, with that out of the way, my focus is about the keyboard itself foremost.  As a spiritual descendant of the Das Keyboard 4 Pro line, the 5Q inherited a lot of the design and aesthetic elements.  Adding to the keyboard is a palm rest that can be detached for those who won’t need it.  Another big change is of course, the obligatory RGB LED lighting these days.  However, that’s only a little part of the story.

One big idea that Metadot is pitching for the 5Q is the ability to use the RGB lighting on the keys to serve as indicators.  Basically the keyboard lighting for each individual keys double as a notification system.  For example, when the D key turns bright red, it might mean that there’s a deal that you have been watching is on sale.  To enable this type of connectivity, Metadot is opening the keyboard lighting control APIs to the world so that developers can build custom apps for the keyboard to do something neat like that.  Basically, Metadot is going back to its roots as a developer’s tool to innovate.  According to Metadot’s word, it’s turning the keyboard into a dashboard.  The idea is rather interesting.  Basically the keyboard now serves as a notification screen like a smartphone, except the user don’t to have to go check on another device.  There is a companion application on the PC desktop to actually display the notification when the user wants to know what’s going on.

I can’t wait to see what other interesting applications that the development community will come up with.  Perhaps there’s going to be some interesting killer-apps that other keyboard vendors will ape.  Let’s see if that’ happens.  If this concept takes off, I am wondering if Metadot would just build an indicator array device independent of the keyboard.  Just a thought.

Anyway, I will give the key switch itself some more thought.  Stay tuned!

IBM KPD8923 Keyboard image gallery

Here is a bit of a blast from the past.  Back when IBM still made servers and PCs, they also sold rubber dome keyboards with integrated TrackPoint.  I got my little paws on an old, well used unit with some missing parts.  Never the less, it was useful for places that didn't have room for a mouse as TrackPoint is built-in.  Enjoy!

front view

Right view

Left view

TrackPoint with 2 buttons

Key cap view

Key cap view, backside

Rubber dome switch

Looks like a PS/2 plug for mouse

PS/2 plugs for keyboard and mouse (TrackPoint in this case)

Backside view (missing a keyboard foot)

Keyboard foot retracted

Keyboard foot extended