Compactness without loss of function
I write software and essays; and prior to this, I was using a TKL (by Razor). Using this keyboard was a big experiment for me because it is so much smaller than the TKL. The smaller footprint of this keyboard has been great for desk use, but it remained to be seen if it would deliver on everything I need from a keyboard for my workflow. I'm happy to report that yes, it does, and I am very pleased with it after a solid week of using it for work. First, the switches and keycaps are so much better than the ones on my TKL. I do use the arrow keys a lot in my workflow, which now have to be accessed via the Fn key layer, but I got used to that quickly. I've always used the Super (i.e., Windows) key combinations for window management in a tiling WM, but soon found out that I could not use Super in combination with any key on the Fn layer -- because Fn+Super DISABLES the Super key! (It's just a toggle so you can re-enable it.) Remapping some of the Super key combos for my WM solved this issue. (Rant: Having the ability to disable the Super key seems to be to be entirely a waste that serves no practical purpose. Other keyboards do this and I would like to see that removed from this keyboard.) Finally, at some point, it seemed as if the Fn key was stuck and I was perpetually in the Fn layer. It turns out that at some point in typing too fast I must have hit the Space bar while still having Fn depressed. Fn+Space will lock you into the Fn layer. This combo is a toggle too so that's how I got out. The LED backlighting is nice. It has only one color: green (which is precisely what I wanted). I'm not a gamer and don't like the various "dancing lights" modes they have, but you might. Fortunately for me, there is a "keep the LED light constantly on" mode. The light shines well through the lettering in the keycaps so they are easy to read in any lighting conditions (and there is a dimmer for the light intensity). I haven't done this yet, but this keyboard would definitely be a great road-dog keyboard. This is not a wireless keyboard so you'd have to deal with the cord. However, the manufacturer's site indicated they sell a wireless version of this same keyboard. So, if that's what would stop you, check the other offering out. The feel and response (and typing sound!) of this keyboard is an incredible joy. I consider it an amazing deal considering its quite low price! Read more
