Well, it's been a while, but I've got yet-another screen. This time
it's a 32" to replace an aging 24" monitor. Why? Why not. Because it
was there. Because 24" just isn't cutting it as my eyes age. Because I
felt like buying something.

Because, yes, I actually paid for this one -rather than acquiring it
from my usual 'source' - but, to be sure, I didn't pay very much. I
picked this one up for a fiver from the (almost-but-not-quite) local
thrift store. It was a spur of the moment purchase - I was really
there just to source a new keyboard since my old one had unexpectedly
died - but the bargain was too good to resist. It has a nice bright
picture and not too offensive look, even if it is a brand I've never
heard of ("Insignia", apparently a Mexican manufacturer. You can find
the oddest things in thrift stores).

Had to shuffle other existing monitors about to make room for this new
one (the oldest got moved into the Closet Of Forgotten Electronics)
but everything worked out well. No more squinting for me.

I was actually more excited with my acquisition of the 'new' keyboard
(a cheapo Logitech thing. No expensive mechanical switches for me; I'm
fine with membrane keyboards). Happily, I found the exact same model
as the one that died, so my fingers don't have to acquaint themselves
with a new layout. Gave the 'board a /thorough/ washing and plugged it
in. It was a much needed replacement; the WSAD sigils on the old one
had completely worn away. ;-)

But I'm absolutely sure that tomorrow I'll find spare keyboards and
monitors galore sitting alongside the curb, making even this minor
expenditure superfluous. That's always the way it goes. Anyway, if
that happens, it'll give me an excuse to write another one of these
silly posts...

>Well, it's been a while, but I've got yet-another screen. This time
>it's a 32" to replace an aging 24" monitor.

Finally. My next move will be from 32" 1440p VA to 38-40" curved OLED,
when I see a great one appear.

rms

On 25/01/2023 18:01, rms wrote:
>> Well, it's been a while, but I've got yet-another screen. This time
>> it's a 32" to replace an aging 24" monitor.
>
>   Finally.  My next move will be from 32" 1440p VA to 38-40" curved
> OLED, when I see a great one appear.
>

Sounds very nice but personally I just can't justify the additional cost
for what I'd get out of it especially as it means I'd have to upgrade my
budget GPU.

Curved screens, not so sure about them as I've only seen them for TV's
and to my eye it just seems strange.

Am 25.01.23 um 17:32 schrieb Spalls Hurgenson:
> I was actually more excited with my acquisition of the 'new' keyboard
> (a cheapo Logitech thing. No expensive mechanical switches for me; I'm
> fine with membrane keyboards). Happily, I found the exact same model
> as the one that died, so my fingers don't have to acquaint themselves
> with a new layout. Gave the 'board a/thorough/ washing and plugged it
> in. It was a much needed replacement; the WSAD sigils on the old one
> had completely worn away. 😉
The problem with mechanical keyboards is, some of them are really
flimsy. I use only mechas because I once got rsi from a rubberdome kbd
and since then I am very sensitive to typing.
I am a heavy typer and am now on my third keyboard in 4 years, the first
one was a corsair where the shoddy keycaps broke on me 2 weeks before
warranty end, the switches (cherry) were fine though. Amazon refundet
it, so I got the full money back, then I made the mistake to buy a brand
with custom switches. After 2 years the switches started to fail or stick.
Now I am on a ducky with cherry switches again, ducky uses extremely
durable keycaps (doubleshot) and I am back on cherry switches. Lets hope
this one will last forever. Ducky is well known for its durability, many
gamer keyboards are not, they got a ton of bling but save a few pennies
either on the caps or on the switches themselves.

On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:41:56 +0100, "Werner P." <werpu@gmx.at> wrote:

>The problem with mechanical keyboards is, some of them are really
>flimsy. I use only mechas because I once got rsi from a rubberdome kbd
>and since then I am very sensitive to typing.

Another issue with mechanical keyboards is keyboard chatter. (Google
it.) I use mechanical keyboards but I am not exactly sold on them.

On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:20:59 -0500, Mike S. <Mike_S@nowhere.com>
wrote:

>On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:41:56 +0100, "Werner P." <werpu@gmx.at> wrote:
>
>>The problem with mechanical keyboards is, some of them are really
>>flimsy. I use only mechas because I once got rsi from a rubberdome kbd
>>and since then I am very sensitive to typing.
>
>Another issue with mechanical keyboards is keyboard chatter. (Google
>it.) I use mechanical keyboards but I am not exactly sold on them.

I'm not a fan of mechanicals. I know people swear by the tactile feel
of the thing and complain about the mushiness of rubber-dome 'boards,
but I actually prefer the latter. Part of that is the aforementioned
noise; mechanicals tend to be loud. But more, it's just that extra
effort required to depress each key that bothers me. I'm a lazy,
low-energy typist and the light-depression required to down-press the
a rubber-domes is as much effort as I want to put into getting my
words on-screen. ;-)

That said, there are rubber dome and there is rubber dome. Some RD
boards are too awful even for my unsophisticated fingers. Size and
shape of keyboard plays a big part in my choice too; I like light,
narrow, slim-line boards (especially since it usually sits on my lap
instead of on a desk). Key-travel is important too (sadly, a lot of RD
keyboards have the tiniest of key-travels making them all but useless
to me). And don't get me started on key-layout (it better have a
full-length backspace key)!

But my cheapo Logitechs - and before that, my cheapo Kensington -
always were good enough for me. All the more since I tend to need a
new keyboard every five years or thereabouts, so spending a lot on a
premium board seems wasteful.

On 1/27/2023 7:46 AM, Spalls Hurgenson wrote:
> On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:20:59 -0500, Mike S. <Mike_S@nowhere.com>
> wrote:
>
>> On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:41:56 +0100, "Werner P." <werpu@gmx.at> wrote:
>>
>>> The problem with mechanical keyboards is, some of them are really
>>> flimsy. I use only mechas because I once got rsi from a rubberdome kbd
>>> and since then I am very sensitive to typing.
>>
>> Another issue with mechanical keyboards is keyboard chatter. (Google
>> it.) I use mechanical keyboards but I am not exactly sold on them.
>
> I'm not a fan of mechanicals. I know people swear by the tactile feel
> of the thing and complain about the mushiness of rubber-dome 'boards,
> but I actually prefer the latter. Part of that is the aforementioned
> noise; mechanicals tend to be loud. But more, it's just that extra
> effort required to depress each key that bothers me. I'm a lazy,
> low-energy typist and the light-depression required to down-press the
> a rubber-domes is as much effort as I want to put into getting my
> words on-screen. ;-)
>
> That said, there are rubber dome and there is rubber dome. Some RD
> boards are too awful even for my unsophisticated fingers. Size and
> shape of keyboard plays a big part in my choice too; I like light,
> narrow, slim-line boards (especially since it usually sits on my lap
> instead of on a desk). Key-travel is important too (sadly, a lot of RD
> keyboards have the tiniest of key-travels making them all but useless
> to me). And don't get me started on key-layout (it better have a
> full-length backspace key)!
>
> But my cheapo Logitechs - and before that, my cheapo Kensington -
> always were good enough for me. All the more since I tend to need a
> new keyboard every five years or thereabouts, so spending a lot on a
> premium board seems wasteful.
>
I always have trouble using employer supplied non-mechanical keyboards.
I suspect in part because I've been typing using mechanicals for so many
decades I need the tactile feedback and in part because employers always
supply the cheapest keyboards they can find. So I usually go spend $10
on a low end Logitech mechanical which lasts for longer than I usually
end up working for that employer. And the ones I buy for home use last
for, umm, I don't know how many years. Longer than non-mechanicals do.

--
I've done good in this world. Now I'm tired and just want to be a cranky
dirty old man.

On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 08:43:38 -0800, Dimensional Traveler
<dtravel@sonic.net> wrote:

>On 1/27/2023 7:46 AM, Spalls Hurgenson wrote:
>> On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:20:59 -0500, Mike S. <Mike_S@nowhere.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:41:56 +0100, "Werner P." <werpu@gmx.at> wrote:
>>>
>>>> The problem with mechanical keyboards is, some of them are really
>>>> flimsy. I use only mechas because I once got rsi from a rubberdome kbd
>>>> and since then I am very sensitive to typing.
>>>
>>> Another issue with mechanical keyboards is keyboard chatter. (Google
>>> it.) I use mechanical keyboards but I am not exactly sold on them.
>>
>> I'm not a fan of mechanicals. I know people swear by the tactile feel
>> of the thing and complain about the mushiness of rubber-dome 'boards,
>> but I actually prefer the latter. Part of that is the aforementioned
>> noise; mechanicals tend to be loud. But more, it's just that extra
>> effort required to depress each key that bothers me. I'm a lazy,
>> low-energy typist and the light-depression required to down-press the
>> a rubber-domes is as much effort as I want to put into getting my
>> words on-screen. ;-)
>>
>> That said, there are rubber dome and there is rubber dome. Some RD
>> boards are too awful even for my unsophisticated fingers. Size and
>> shape of keyboard plays a big part in my choice too; I like light,
>> narrow, slim-line boards (especially since it usually sits on my lap
>> instead of on a desk). Key-travel is important too (sadly, a lot of RD
>> keyboards have the tiniest of key-travels making them all but useless
>> to me). And don't get me started on key-layout (it better have a
>> full-length backspace key)!
>>
>> But my cheapo Logitechs - and before that, my cheapo Kensington -
>> always were good enough for me. All the more since I tend to need a
>> new keyboard every five years or thereabouts, so spending a lot on a
>> premium board seems wasteful.
>>
>I always have trouble using employer supplied non-mechanical keyboards.
>I suspect in part because I've been typing using mechanicals for so many
>decades I need the tactile feedback and in part because employers always
>supply the cheapest keyboards they can find. So I usually go spend $10
>on a low end Logitech mechanical which lasts for longer than I usually
>end up working for that employer. And the ones I buy for home use last
>for, umm, I don't know how many years. Longer than non-mechanicals do.

I'm not arguing against people using mechanicals. If they're what you
need, go for it. I'm just arguing against the idea that they're better
for everyone. Some people like rubber dome. Hell, I've a relative who
swears by those awful keyboards the Mac used to sell.

Mostly, though, this post is to point out it's rarely the KEYBOARD
part of my board that ends up failing. I seem to have really bad luck
with keyboard cables (again, probably something to do with the fact
that I put them on my lap rather than leaving it on the desk all the
time; there's a lot more strain on the wiring my way).

(Plus, there's the other problem that the sigils on the keycaps wear
away too quickly too - another result of buying cheap - but since I
touch-type that's not really a problem and in fact perhaps speaks to
the longevity of the rubber-dome mechanism that it keeps going long
after my fingers have worn down the keys ;-)

These issues are all, of course, repairable, but when I can pick up a
'new' keyboard (or three) for a couple quid down at the local thrift
store (where there's never a lack of new merchandise) it's harder for
me to justify the time and expense of fixing a damaged board.

On 27/01/2023 15:46, Spalls Hurgenson wrote:
> On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:20:59 -0500, Mike S. <Mike_S@nowhere.com>
> wrote:
>
>> On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:41:56 +0100, "Werner P." <werpu@gmx.at> wrote:
>>
>>> The problem with mechanical keyboards is, some of them are really
>>> flimsy. I use only mechas because I once got rsi from a rubberdome kbd
>>> and since then I am very sensitive to typing.
>>
>> Another issue with mechanical keyboards is keyboard chatter. (Google
>> it.) I use mechanical keyboards but I am not exactly sold on them.
>
> I'm not a fan of mechanicals. I know people swear by the tactile feel
> of the thing and complain about the mushiness of rubber-dome 'boards,
> but I actually prefer the latter. Part of that is the aforementioned
> noise; mechanicals tend to be loud. But more, it's just that extra
> effort required to depress each key that bothers me. I'm a lazy,
> low-energy typist and the light-depression required to down-press the
> a rubber-domes is as much effort as I want to put into getting my
> words on-screen. ;-)
>
> That said, there are rubber dome and there is rubber dome. Some RD
> boards are too awful even for my unsophisticated fingers. Size and
> shape of keyboard plays a big part in my choice too; I like light,
> narrow, slim-line boards (especially since it usually sits on my lap
> instead of on a desk). Key-travel is important too (sadly, a lot of RD
> keyboards have the tiniest of key-travels making them all but useless
> to me). And don't get me started on key-layout (it better have a
> full-length backspace key)!
>
> But my cheapo Logitechs - and before that, my cheapo Kensington -
> always were good enough for me. All the more since I tend to need a
> new keyboard every five years or thereabouts, so spending a lot on a
> premium board seems wasteful.
>

I've been using a Microsoft cheapo for probably fifteen years and never
had and problems with it but I must give it a good clean sometime!

On 27/01/2023 11:41, Werner P. wrote:
> Am 25.01.23 um 17:32 schrieb Spalls Hurgenson:
>> I was actually more excited with my acquisition of the 'new' keyboard
>> (a cheapo Logitech thing. No expensive mechanical switches for me; I'm
>> fine with membrane keyboards). Happily, I found the exact same model
>> as the one that died, so my fingers don't have to acquaint themselves
>> with a new layout. Gave the 'board a/thorough/  washing and plugged it
>> in. It was a much needed replacement; the WSAD sigils on the old one
>> had completely worn away. 😉
> The problem with mechanical keyboards is, some of them are really
> flimsy. I use only mechas because I once got rsi from a rubberdome kbd
> and since then I am very sensitive to typing.
> I am a heavy typer and am now on my third keyboard in 4 years, the first
> one was a corsair where the shoddy keycaps broke on me 2 weeks before
> warranty end, the switches (cherry) were fine though. Amazon refundet
> it, so I got the full money back, then I made the mistake to buy a brand
> with custom switches. After 2 years the switches started to fail or stick.
> Now I am on a ducky with cherry switches again, ducky uses extremely
> durable keycaps (doubleshot) and I am back on cherry switches. Lets hope
> this one will last forever. Ducky is well known for its durability, many
> gamer keyboards are not, they got a ton of bling but save a few pennies
> either on the caps or on the switches themselves.
>

I hope the current keyboard lasts a long time at those prices!

On Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:41:56 +0100, "Werner P." <werpu@gmx.at> wrote:

>Am 25.01.23 um 17:32 schrieb Spalls Hurgenson:
>> I was actually more excited with my acquisition of the 'new' keyboard
>> (a cheapo Logitech thing. No expensive mechanical switches for me; I'm
>> fine with membrane keyboards). Happily, I found the exact same model
>> as the one that died, so my fingers don't have to acquaint themselves
>> with a new layout. Gave the 'board a/thorough/ washing and plugged it
>> in. It was a much needed replacement; the WSAD sigils on the old one
>> had completely worn away. ?
>The problem with mechanical keyboards is, some of them are really
>flimsy. I use only mechas because I once got rsi from a rubberdome kbd
>and since then I am very sensitive to typing.
>I am a heavy typer and am now on my third keyboard in 4 years, the first
>one was a corsair where the shoddy keycaps broke on me 2 weeks before
>warranty end, the switches (cherry) were fine though. Amazon refundet
>it, so I got the full money back, then I made the mistake to buy a brand
>with custom switches. After 2 years the switches started to fail or stick.
>Now I am on a ducky with cherry switches again, ducky uses extremely
>durable keycaps (doubleshot) and I am back on cherry switches. Lets hope
>this one will last forever. Ducky is well known for its durability, many
>gamer keyboards are not, they got a ton of bling but save a few pennies
>either on the caps or on the switches themselves.
>

I use the Logitech 915 TKL. Sucks that it has proprietary switches
but I haven't found anything else that really ticks the right boxes
for gaming.

Mine has the linear (non clicky) switches. Part of the magic of it is
the low profile keys (short travel) and linear switches (no actuation
resistance.. also quiet). If you play action games online, it really
can give you a slight competitive advantage. It's one of those things
you don't really notice until you've been using it a while then go
back to other keyboards and you realize how much the actuation/travel
gets in the way of playing well.

They're rediculously expensive, but hopefully cheap clones will appear
before I need to replace it. Maybe they'll release a cheaper wired
version, because I run mine wired all the time anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgQGphqckyg&ab_channel=JSyntax

>I use the Logitech 915 TKL. Sucks that it has proprietary switches
>but I haven't found anything else that really ticks the right boxes
>for gaming.
>
>Mine has the linear (non clicky) switches. Part of the magic of it is
>the low profile keys (short travel) and linear switches (no actuation
>resistance.. also quiet). If you play action games online, it really
>can give you a slight competitive advantage. It's one of those things
>you don't really notice until you've been using it a while then go
>back to other keyboards and you realize how much the actuation/travel
>gets in the way of playing well.
>
>They're rediculously expensive, but hopefully cheap clones will appear
>before I need to replace it. Maybe they'll release a cheaper wired
>version, because I run mine wired all the time anyway.
>
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgQGphqckyg&ab_channel=JSyntax

I should also mention, I don't agree with much of what that reviewer
said.. I just posted one of the first videos I found of that
particular model for reference.

For example he mentioned issues with ergonomics of the low profile
design... I sort of relate to that but I always customize everything
anyway. I have a small piece of neoprene under the lower part of the
keyboard that elevates it so that it slopes down bottom to top (just a
preference) and I do use a low-profile wrist pad (he didn't seem to
know they exist). I rarely use ctrl or shift in games, as I use
custom keybinds.. so its a YMMV thing.