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

SteelSeries Sensei RAW mouse impression, part 2

So far so good.  My impression of the mouse has been quite positive.  Since I don't use this mouse for gaming, but for general computing needs, I didn't need any of the fancy DPI change, but it's nice to be able to switch to a lower DPI setting for detailed work such as fine tuning and positioning graphics and things like that.  Who knew a gaming mouse feature would be useful for working on Photoshop? I also appreciate the ability to configure the mouse profile and it sticks when I take it to another machine and no need to fuss with drivers.

The mouse glides smoothly and laser tracking works quite well.  I haven't experience any strange jumps, skips or sudden acceleration.   And it's pretty light.  I would say it's about the same weight as the MS IntelliMouse Optical.  Coming from the Logitech side of the fence, most mice are light weight by comparison.  Ambidextrous buttons positioning does wonders for the buttons on right side of the mouse since I am using this left handed.  As expected, the buttons on the left side are not easy to activate because of the funny positioning of the pinkie fingers when my hand is in its normal position.  If I need those buttons, I will have to re-position my hand to gain access.  The braided mouse cord is a little rough and stiff.  So, once a while, it will catch or tangle with other wires that happens to be around.  A simple jerk motion will resolve it, but the cord seem to need some space to whip around.  The buttons are pretty light touch and clicky as it should.  They operate pretty smoothly as well.  The scroll wheel is rubberized as well, has clean discrete steps and so far does its job.

It's a pretty good mouse overall thus far.  Given my reason for getting it, which is a little bit outside of its comfort zone, it performed rather admirably.

SteelSeries Sensei RAW mouse impression

This mouse has  similar shape to the classic MS IntelliMouse Optical.  So, it's fairly large and familiar.  Out of the box, the buttons are configured for right handed user.  So, I need to switch the buttons over to the left handed user profile.  The primary button switch is handled by the default Windows control panel.  So, there's no need for me swap button 1 and button 2.  Button 3 and 4 are the ones I need to move from the left side of the mouse to the right side.

To do so, I need to download the SteelSeries Engine 3 utility to do so.  The software is fairly typical fare of a gaming related stuff with dark and high contrast themes.  Took me a bit to figure out how to use it, but after I program the buttons and other stuff, I saved the configuration to the mouse's onboard memory.  Then, I  moved it to another computer to see if the profile has set in without any configuration on my part.

Yup.  So, the mouse remembers the button arrangements and the light level.  It's a little silly for me in an office setting, I just keep the illumination to about half level.  I also tuned down the DPI setting a bit since I am not gaming, there's no need for me to bounce from one end of the screen to the other side with a small flick.  In fact, I need more precision at work.  There is no additional software to install.  The mouse appears to be a MS compatible mouse.  So, perfect for a locked-down work machine that I cannot do much configuration beyond swapping the mouse buttons.  The mouse is tracking smoothly and just works without much effort on my part.  Good.

The rubber coating changes appearance after some use.  I think some spots look slick where my palm and fingers are.  It doesn't bother me, but for some neat freaks, this could be a deal breaker.  Then again, if I just put my whole hand all over, then one won't notice right?  Hehehehe...  Now, that's a plan.

Ambidextrous mouse search landed in...

I have been researching for a left-handed mouse or a ambidextrous mouse for use at work to relieve muscle strain on my right hand.  It was more difficult than I thought.  Somehow, I ended up deciding to try a Steel Series Sensei Raw Mouse.  This is a large mouse shaped like the old MS IntelliMouse Optical Mouse.   Yes, this is a gaming mouse with button customization.  Aside from the familiar shape, the ability to change button functions won me over since I need to map and assign buttons on the right side for web navigation.  Besides, I caught one on sale.  That's probably the only way I can afford these fancy gaming mice these days.  The refurb price is even better tho, often available from ncixus.com or amazon.com.

So, let's see how this one goes at work after I program the buttons to do back and forward on the right side of the mouse rather than on the left side.  I discovered they are usually described as button 3 and 4 rather than the functions they serve.  Interesting....

Not easy to find a left-handed or ambidextrous mouse

I am right handed, but I regularly use mouse on my left hand to avoid RSI and to reduce strain on my right hand.  As it were, I am also in the market for a left-handed or ambidextrous mouse due to desk arrangement at work.  No problem right?

It's not easy I must say.  As mentioned MS or Logitech whiffed this round.  Most of the ergonomically designed mice are right handed.  Yes, there are some specialty mice that are made left-handed, but they are more expansive than a regular right handed mouse or an ambidextrous mouse.  Far more.  My left-handed work mouse has some very simple requirements, a basic 2 buttons mouse with scroll wheel and has the thumb buttons for web navigation such as backward and forward.  Simple enough right?  Wrong again.  Most ambidextrous mouse do not have the extra thumb buttons.  If they do, they are most likely for right handed use.  So, if I get those, I have to use my pinky finger to activate the buttons.  My left pinky is not exactly well positioned for such task.  Not yet at least.... If I am that desperate, I am always break out my trusty Logitech M705.   Guess what tho...  Some higher end gaming mice do.  OK, I guess I am off to see the wizard then.  This is definitely a path I did not expect to take....

Go-to brands for peripherals such as keyboard and mouse

For a long time, my go-to brands for peripherals such as mouse or keyboard have been Microsoft Hardware and Logitech.  I have been using a MS brand mouse for so long, I still remember the soap-bar mouse.  The introduction of the optical mouse was just sensational.  The first Natural Keyboard was just another icing on the cake.  Logitech is another company that I had a long history with since high school.  I always loved their sometimes off beat and somewhat radical designs.  My keyboard and mice/trackball combinations have almost always been one of theirs for decades.  So, it's no surprise that when I first looking to replace my old Natural Ergo 4K or now my Trackball Explorer, I looked at what MS or Logitech had first.  However, I have heard mechanical keyboards calling me this time and I began to explore other options.  I don't mind taking a look at other vendors, hence I have been testing and trying out various kinds of mechanical keyboards.  Looks like I will do the same with mouse this round.  My first priority is to find a good left-handed or ambidextrous mouse for my work machine.  I will likely limp along with the Trackball Explorer until it finally gives up functioning or until I cannot stand the random scrolling anymore, which ever is sooner....  Then, I will be looking for a right handed ergonomic mouse.

So, left-handed mouse....  The current crop of Logitech and MS mice are fine.  I was tempted again by MS' sculpted ergonomic mouse since its keyboard counterpart is rather impressive.  But, I am looking for a left-handed mouse right now.  Doh!  Again, same deal with Logitech.  I would love to try out the MX Master or its predecessor.  However, again, left-handed mouse.  I will make a note of it when I look for a right handed mouse, but not yet.  So, now the possibility are endless.  Let's try amazon.com and put in left-handed mouse and see what I get.  Here we go.....

Getting off topic for a moment…. Mechanical keyboard are cool, anything interesting in the mouse front?

After more than a decade of faithful service, my dear Microsoft Trackball Explorer (MS TE) is exhibiting signs of old age and functional deterioration just like its buddy, the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.  I have been using a trackball device for a long time.  Before the MS Trackball Explorer was the Logitech Trackman FX, which also lasted a long time before the left click button finally stopped working.  The scroll wheel on the MS Trackball Explorer is now scrolling screens at random at neck breaking velocity.  Some extensive cleaning sessions helped, but only temporarily restore its sanity.

So, now, I am on a quest for a replacement trackball or mouse as well after settling down on mechanical keyboards.  I am thinking about switching back to a mouse.  I have no problem using a mouse at all.  I just like trackballs more.  So far none of trackball designs jump out at me because I prefer the off center design.  I am also definitely more of the fingers guy rather than a thumb guy when it comes to trackballs.  The MS TE design is just about perfect for someone like me.  However, there's no design like that in the market today.  I guess trackballs are not popular and thus MS let go of such fabulous design and stop making more of them long before this one’s expiration date.  Their latest mouse driver software won’t support it anymore.  I had to revert to an older version to get it to work with Windows 8.1.  Signs of times, but I cling to this until finally, it’s time to err… Let it go I guess.  Sigh...