Key Binding Why Hasn't This Been Added To The Menus?

[Alhanelem]

I can't stand modern keyboards. Once you have used an mechanical keyboard you'll never be able to tolerate membrane switch based keyboards ever again. They might cost more but they typically last 15 years or longer. (my IBM Model M was made in 1989 and I've been using it since the mid 90's)

"Modern keyboards?" Modern keyboards are mechanical. older and run-of-the-mill keyboards are membrane. Look for gaming grade keyboards and you will find some mechanical ones.

Razer has some amazing mechanical keyboards. the only reason I don't like them is no macro keys (though you can essentially program any key on the keyboard to do whatever you want). I love my G-keys and the LCD display (which I mainly use to view Ventrilo's status while playing a fullscreen game. If only someone iwll come along and make a mechanical keyboard with the same features as the G-15.)

Also, mechanical keyboards cost significantly more.

[Raksha]

"Modern keyboards?" Modern keyboards are mechanical. older and run-of-the-mill keyboards are membrane. Look for gaming grade keyboards and you will find some mechanical ones.

Razer has some amazing mechanical keyboards. the only reason I don't like them is no macro keys (though you can essentially program any key on the keyboard to do whatever you want). I love my G-keys and the LCD display (which I mainly use to view Ventrilo's status while playing a fullscreen game. If only someone iwll come along and make a mechanical keyboard with the same features as the G-15.)

Also, mechanical keyboards cost significantly more.

Most cheap keyboards that everyone owns are the membrane type.

Mechanical keyboards cost more because they are generally of better quality and significantly more durable.

[Alhanelem]

I agree totally. I'm just waiting for a mechanical keyboard with the features I want.

I'm a little concerned though, because I have the bad habit of eating around the computer on occasion- are these types of keyboards more or less tolerant of this?

[Atomic_Skull]

"Modern keyboards?" Modern keyboards are mechanical. older and run-of-the-mill keyboards are membrane. Look for gaming grade keyboards and you will find some mechanical ones.

95% of the keyboards currently on the market use rubber domes over a plastic membrane. Either they use the dome to provide resistance or combine it with a plastic scissor.

Razer has some amazing mechanical keyboards. the only reason I don't like them is no macro keys (though you can essentially program any key on the keyboard to do whatever you want). I love my G-keys and the LCD display (which I mainly use to view Ventrilo's status while playing a fullscreen game. If only someone iwll come along and make a mechanical keyboard with the same features as the G-15.

Almost all current mechanical keyboard use cherry switches. That's fine if you like cherry switches but I don't. I like the feel of a buckling spring switch better. The only keyboards that use buckling spring switches are the original IBM ones, the ones Lexmark made for IBM starting in 1993 (a bit inferior to the IBM manufactured ones) and the modern licensed copies from Unicomp. (again, not quite as good as the IBM manufactured ones) The difference between IBM manufactured ones and the Lexmark and Unicomp versions are lack of removable keycaps and a slightly thinner metal backplate as well as slightly thinner plastic used in the case. People also say that the Unicomp keyboards have slightly weaker springs.

Also, mechanical keyboards cost significantly more.

But they feel better and last far, far longer. My IBM Model M has been in constant use for 16 years now.

I'm a little concerned though, because I have the bad habit of eating around the computer on occasion- are these types of keyboards more or less tolerant of this?

I don't know about other mechanical keyboards but with Model M's are far more tolerant of crud falling into them and you can take them apart and clean them out when they collect too much gribble. They don't actually stop working, you just get sick of it being so filthy and decide it's time to clean it.

[Alhanelem]

95% of the keyboards currently on the market use rubber domes over a plastic membrane.

I know, what I mean is I don't consider those to be "modern" keyboards. But I guess I was mistaken about the mechanical variety being newer. I didn't realize they predated membrane keyboards.

[Soranika]

...you tech geeks. D:

[Atomic_Skull]

Was mistaken about the differences between the Lexmark and Unicomp Model M's and the IBM original. Lexmark version is identical to the IBM version except for the lack of key caps and added drainage channels. Unicomp version uses a slightly thinner metal backplate, a slightly thinner plastic case and slightly softer springs but is otherwise identical to the Lexmark version (they are made in the same plant on the same machines Lexmark made them on)

[Alhanelem]

yeah, it is kind of nerdy- but trust me. If you try using a mechanical keyboard, they "feel" much better. Pressing them feels more like a mouse clck or button press- the keys don't need to travel as far to activate.

Arcade gamers have the same finikiness when it comes to arcade sticks and buttons. Some will order individual components from various part suppliers and put their own sticks together

[Atomic_Skull]

The thing I like about buckling springs is that the click and the activation of the switch are identical. Unlike cherry switches where the click is above the activation of the switch. (all mechanical "clicky" switches are like this except buckling spring switches)

I wish other companies would start using these, the patent has to have run out by now.

Arcade gamers have the same finikiness when it comes to arcade sticks and buttons. Some will order individual components from various part suppliers and put their own sticks together

I've thought about mounting a Suzo-Happ 3" trackball and arcade sized buttons in my computer desk and using it as a mouse (they come with either USB/PS2 mouse or standard trackball potentiometer interfaces). Forget about commercial "trackball" mice they're cheap flimsy toys compared to a real arcade trackball.

[Atomic_Skull]

(blah double post)