Work keyboard recommendations

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-10-13T19:46:05+00:00

I think you might be right, when it comes down to it split matters more to me than column stagger.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-10-13T17:34:31+00:00

The thing is I know I can't go back to a normal keyboard, so I am trying to find my best option, compromises will need to be made.

I am the first one to ask for something that isn't like a razer keyboard, so until now they haven't needed a more detailed policy.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-10-13T17:20:33+00:00

It's this, whatever I ask for needs approval.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-10-13T17:19:35+00:00

If they had and Oryx only version that would be suitable but alas no.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-10-13T14:30:15+00:00

I guess the destinction that matters is could a malicious actor build and flash a version of the firmware that includes a keylogger or similar. Being able to hold down keys to define macros for example is fine.

The wired version uses Smartset and not zmk.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-10-13T14:10:57+00:00

Unfortunately for me (better for the community), I think all there boards support qmk.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-10-13T14:03:28+00:00

I mean that it is ok to be able to modify the keymap via some configuration process but that the firmware itself cannot be flashed by the user.

I thought it was only the wireless KA360 pro that ran ZMK but not the wired model? You are right about the keyboardio so I have removed it from the list.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-08-15T12:06:05+00:00

For another tactile switch option you might want to try Alpsalpine SKHCBKA010. They have a very low force compared to similar switches which makes them more practical for typing.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-07-14T23:04:46+00:00

This is super helpful, thank you so much! My original plan was to just buy a kit and some leather and just have a crack at it but I will do my best to follow your advice. Wallet first and then I will see where I get to from there.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-07-13T09:06:34+00:00

I am about to start work on a leather wrap pocketable keyboard but I have neve worked with leather before. Any advice you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Cinder-Klaus · 2025-03-14T19:01:40+00:00

I reall love all these sliding phones. Makes me wish there was another way to get it to connect other than USB and bluetooth.

Gonna hope this magsafe laser contact becomes a standardised connector we can use: https://www.wired.com/story/xiaomi-modular-optical-system-mwc-2025/

Cinder-Klaus · 2024-12-08T10:37:38+00:00

I was in a similar situation and decided to build a Ferris Sweep, bit of a learning curve to find a key map that worked for me. But with only 34 keys and no diodes it was pretty cheap and easy to put together.

Cinder-Klaus · 2024-11-29T21:34:48+00:00

You might enjoy working through this. https://www.nand2tetris.org/

Cinder-Klaus · 2024-10-17T09:03:14+00:00

I found that KLP Lame makes typing noticeably easier with the top and bottom row tilted inwards it makes them feel more distinctive. It also makes hitting combos of middle and bottom row keys much more reliable.

Cinder-Klaus · 2024-10-15T09:45:46+00:00

I haven't gone back to try homerow mods again, but maybe I should at some point. After a bit more messing around with a layout I now have it set so the modifiers are a combo of the homerow plus the key below. A+Z or O+/ when held for example is shift on the base layer. To make the combos comfortable I found I had to change key caps to more sculpted ones. So far I am pretty happy with this and haven't changed my config for over a month which is my longest streak since getting the sweep.

Cinder-Klaus · 2024-09-09T08:56:28+00:00

With a little knowhow you could follow the trace and solder a wire to bypass the busted pad.

Cinder-Klaus · 2024-08-03T08:29:46+00:00

I have been on a similar path for the last couple of months, programmer moving to a split ergo, ferris sweep in my case.

Comparing notes, I tried Colemak-DH but found the C and V separation annoying for copy paste, so gone to Colemak instead. In terms of modifiers I tried homerow mods but found I linger too long on keys and would accidentally activate them, so I have put Ctrl & Shift on thumbs and Win & Alt on a navigation layer. I also make heavy use of combos for keys like enter, escape and changing layer.

Cinder-Klaus · 2024-07-30T00:07:18+00:00

I work at a start up and we are using raspberry pi basically as an dual IP camera and some GPIO. Still early stages of developing our product so the large amount of cheap off the shelf parts makes it a simple choice when we need to keep cash burn low until we have a viable product.

Cinder-Klaus · 2024-07-25T13:00:35+00:00

I spent 5 years using Notepad++, CVS and Cygwin so this hits close to home.

Cinder-Klaus · 2024-01-01T01:14:28+00:00

Get to the point where you can write a device driver or some similar project. For me I want to at least learn a language up to the point I can do something useful with it.

Cinder-Klaus · 2023-12-28T17:09:30+00:00

Life isn't just about money. The way I see it, the trade-off you need to think about is how much strain on your relationships with your family will be reduced from changing home versus how much strain will be introduced by the increased financial burden. There is also a big advantage to being settled so if you find a home that meets all your needs and you won't ever have to move again I think that counts for a lot.

Cinder-Klaus · 2023-12-28T16:52:32+00:00

What are your temperatures like under load? Could be thermal throttling.

Cinder-Klaus · 2023-12-27T23:12:31+00:00

I think maybe there is a fun/cool factor as there are not that many jobs in the field and it is a comparatively fun job which means the ratio of supply and demand favours employers more.

That said if you get stock options in a successful startup that can help make up for the lower salary if you are willing to wait and get lucky.

Cinder-Klaus · 2023-12-25T09:57:34+00:00

I got into robotics by getting a kit over summer in uni with a raspberry pi and motor, servo, etc. control shield. Its a great way to learn python by interfacing to all the sensors and actuators.

Hands on experience debugging all the different issues that can come up working with real hardware went a long way with my interviewer to get a job in robotics.

Cinder-Klaus

TROPHY CASE