Keyboards but not really for typing on

[beanflying]

I don't write multipage reports on all my PC's and I have no intention to start writing a Novel. That said I do use a full sized keyboard, mouse and 3Dconnexion Cad mouse on my main box.

On the others a quick email, a tweak to a design or drawing in CAD or Inkscape etc is the use case. My goto for several years has been the Logitech k400 and variants (I have three in use and I have destroyed one physically in an 'incident') and I added one of these below a few months ago for the Illuminated keyboard for use in dark rooms without having to hit the lights.

Touchpad is a little average but it speaks natively to droid, apple and PC via 2.4Gig.Also has Bluetooth. Keyboard is actually not horrid for typing on. Downside is it is not as robust as the K400 so not really 'workshop' grade.



The question is I guess is there any other good TOUGH or better workshop options instead of the K400 ignoring totally the recent LTT  video. Touchpad is not always my go to pointing device and for my Laser Cutter PC I run a Mouse with the K400 as it is faster for image work and I have a bench there to use it on.

[DiTBho]

I want one 

[beanflying]

The Monitor or keyboard?

If it is the monitor then it is seriously a great little performer. 10" IPS, Touchscreen, 1280x800, 64Hz and under $80USD delivered. Backside of it was the best part for an inset panel into a bit of gear as all the plugs are inset. So there is inserts for a PI or Vesa type mount or the next layer of plastic can be modded with 6 longer screws if needed for mounting. eBay auction: #155256464964 Just waiting on a short 90 degree HDMI cable and the USB's are fine to flex out of the way. There is a trashy version with RGB on the market too

[AndyBeez]

I agree, the K400s are nice but are really a sofa-keyboard for interacting with smart TVs. Which is where mine lives.

The best 'workshop' keyboards I know are still the classic wired USB PC keyboards with full travel keys. They are so cheap, no one cares if they get broken, cracked, covered in grease and get doused with a cuppa soup or two. Which is why these keyboards are still preferred for use in schools.

If you have deep pockets, you might want to look at gaming keyboards.
There are also large print on bright yellow keys which, although targeted at the visually impaired, go well in mechanic shops.

[50ShadesOfDirt]

Most everything I have has a built-in touchpad, and I do my best to ignore all the touchpads. Can't live w/o a mouse ... I'm running a small sensitive mouse in the dead space right next to the touchpad on a laptop.

Having said that, it might be possible to find the perfect "trackball" stationary mouse, and "strap it" (velcro/glue it?) right on top of the trackpad position of a nifty Logitech keyboard.

Haven't researched recently, but there used to be keyboards w/ integrated trackball's?

Hope this helps ...

[beanflying]

Tethered is really a no go for me as there is no benches or no one bench I use it at. Holding the keyboard in one hand while tapping or using perched on a tall stool with it on me knee is kind of normal or even putting it on a machine bed while I tweak something. Also when not in use storing them in a rack vertically is easier.

Agreed some things just need a mouse in modern GUI's to be used efficiently so some sort of trackball might be worth trying. Without breaking the budget anyone found a good one worth trying?

Edit: got potential I guess. The keyboard is smaller than the K400 but might make for a decent media keyboard alternate without getting stupid tiny like some

[DiTBho]

in my opinion, trackpoint is better than trackball.

[Ed.Kloonk]

Whilst I haven't got a round tuit...

I've been toying with the idea for years of having an old thinkpad (the gold standard) with some fancy wifi comms software might be the ticket. An old thinkpad, maybe even chop off it's head like it's a old corrupt French king.

Concoct some code that runs on everything and anything. A receiver driver on the target computer, obviously. Would need Nominal Animal to sort out the x,y mumbo jumbo. 

Problem is, as nice as the keyboards are, I'm lazy and just make the device ssh into what ever I'm doing. 

[beanflying]

Typing this on the new tiny Hotness. What is missing is my Right Shift Key  Trackball now I have dialled it back a bit in sensitivity isn't to horrid but some of the function based keys will take a little more getting used to if I need to do more than a few sentences on it. it has left and right triggers/mouse buttons if you hand hold it which are actually a good feature as a browsing device.

I certainly wouldn't want to go any smaller in key size but it sort of works at this size and will be fine to go with the light industrial job I am working on.

[Alex6]

in my opinion, trackpoint is better than trackball.

They seem convenient. However, trackballs are more comfortable to use for a longer period of time.