Compact ISO keyboard?

[Bjerrk]

Hi fellow Deskthoritarians,
I'm going abroad (US) for some months and sadly cannot bring my tiny little keyboard collection.

But of course I will need to type on something while I'm there. The thing is, I can't stand ANSI enter and I'd like to have my "non-US backslash" ISO key just right of LShift as well. Other than that I'm fairly flexible when it comes to keyboard layout. I do fine with e.g. the XT layout.

So, do you have any recommendations for something that's:

• Reasonably compact
• Has ISO enter and ISO key next to LShift
• Is not tremendously noisy. Moderately noisy is fine.
• Preferably something "vintage" or at least something one is likely to find second-hand. Something reasonably affordable as well.

Switch-wise, I'm interesting in anything you can come up with. From good domes (with sliders?) over Cherry ML to Hi-Tek Space Invaders. Bring it!

Thanks!

[Myoth]

HHKB JP

[Bjerrk]

Doesn't have the specified ISO features. But thanks.

[Muirium]

If you're willing to slum it with Cherry ML, you're all set!



The HHKB-JP is much, much nicer, and has that dorky ISO Return you like. But its non-standard stagger may have you staggering!

[Myoth]

Doesn't have the specified ISO features. But thanks.

• Reasonably compact

it's a 60%

• Has ISO enter and ISO key next to LShift

Has both keys

• Is not tremendously noisy. Moderately noisy is fine.

not any noisier than the average full-fledged rubberdome

• Preferably something "vintage" or at least something one is likely to find second-hand.

Easy to find second-hand

• Something reasonably affordable as well.

Maybe that's the point it least fills, but you can get them easily between 100 and 150€. I would say this is a reasonable price to put in a keyboard you'll use daily "for some months"

so yeah, I think you're mistaken. Consider an HHKB JP

[Bjerrk]

• Has ISO enter and ISO key next to LShift

Has both keys
[...]
so yeah, I think you're mistaken. Consider an HHKB JP

I know this is a typing forum, but a bit of reading goes a long way.

I'd like to have my "non-US backslash" ISO key just right of LShift

[Bjerrk]

As for the Cherry ML trackball keyboard: Yes! That's a viable contender!

[Findecanor]

The Cherry ML keyboard has keys smaller than standard though, and you'd want one in perfect condition or it will be scratchy. (I've got one with broken trackball that isn't, and it is not fun)

[Myoth]

• Has ISO enter and ISO key next to LShift

Has both keys
[...]
so yeah, I think you're mistaken. Consider an HHKB JP

I know this is a typing forum, but a bit of reading goes a long way.

I'd like to have my "non-US backslash" ISO key just right of LShift

fortunately, I know how to read, it is maybe you that doesn't know about the HHKB JP.

Screenshot_365.png (1.34 MiB) Viewed 2822 times

[Muirium]

To be fair: it has to have ONE reasonably sized Shift. Look at that dinky little guy all the way over on the right. An ISO Shift (1.25u) would give you 2.25 units of total Shifts on this layout: which would be shit.

There’s a lot more I don’t like about that board. Look at what’s under N and M, right on my Spacebar hotspot: not just another key but an edge between keys! Diabolical.

People act like the HHKB JP is the HHKB ISO. It’s really no such thing.

[Findecanor]

Is the HHKB JP able to remap any of the JIS keys to the ISO key on the keyboard? The \_ろ and ¥ keys have different USB usage codes.
Personally, I would also not be comfortable with the tiny Backspace or the small Space bar being in the middle. (If the space bar had been 1.25u to the right, it would have been acceptable for me)

Also, you would have to source it in Europe. I heard this morning that mail service from Japan is suspended now, because air mail used to fly over Russia.
It would be easier to source parts in Europe and build a 60% or 65% with ISO and Cherry MX-type switches (but I suppose some here would yell "ewww" at that idea )

[Polecat]

Ortek MCK-84, with your favorite flavor of Alps. Specifically the version with the reassignable blank key next to left shift.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=13826.0

edit: apparently that version is called MCK-84FX:

http://mousefan.telcontar.net/image/ortek.htm

[Bjerrk]

it is maybe you that doesn't know about the HHKB JP.

People act like the HHKB JP is the HHKB ISO. It’s really no such thing.

Is the HHKB JP able to remap any of the JIS keys to the ISO key on the keyboard? The \_ろ and ¥ keys have different USB usage codes.

So, yeah, let's move on from that HHKB JP

As previously indicated: I want ISO Enter and ISO Non-US Backslash in the usual positions.

Ortek MCK-84, with your favorite flavor of Alps. Specifically the version with the reassignable blank key next to left shift.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=13826.0

edit: apparently that version is called MCK-84FX:

http://mousefan.telcontar.net/image/ortek.htm

Yes! That's something I've been considering as well. Question is which Alps variant to go for - I'm partial to the clicky ones, but they're perhaps a tad noisy (I'll be using it at a university, not sure what the office layout is like so far). Browns sounds interesting, but it's not something I have handy.

[Muirium]

A tad.

Depends on your own comfort level with being “that guy” with the hipster ticky-tacky keyboard. Let’s investigate: do you carry a typewriter to the local bespoke beard café? And do you carry a well-wound, ticking pocket watch in your waistcoat? Inquiring minds!



Clicky!

[Bjerrk]

Depends on your own comfort level with being “that guy” with the hipster ticky-tacky keyboard. Let’s investigate: do you carry a typewriter to the local bespoke beard café? And do you carry a well-wound, ticking pocket watch in your waistcoat?

I haven't tried that there cafeh thing you mention.

Surely, a loud keyboard is principally a device to deter loitering in one's office.

Now, regarding compact keyboards: I have a BTC 5100c that I'm quite fond of, except for the annoyingly un-ISO return key:

[Muirium]

Now, regarding compact keyboards: I have a BTC 5100c that I'm quite fond of, except for the annoyingly un-ISO return key:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/BBcAAOSw ... -l1600.jpg

Funny how there were so many variations on that theme. I prefer my unbadged Monterey. Even despite its silly return.



Still meaning to Bluetooth it up. A bit clicky, tho.

[Bjerrk]

Aww, that thing is cute as a button!

(Or, in fact, cute as several buttons)

[Polecat]

Ortek MCK-84, with your favorite flavor of Alps. Specifically the version with the reassignable blank key next to left shift.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=13826.0

edit: apparently that version is called MCK-84FX:

http://mousefan.telcontar.net/image/ortek.htm

Yes! That's something I've been considering as well. Question is which Alps variant to go for - I'm partial to the clicky ones, but they're perhaps a tad noisy (I'll be using it at a university, not sure what the office layout is like so far). Browns sounds interesting, but it's not something I have handy.

If it follows other Ortek models the MCK-84SX would have (white) Alps SKCM switches, with the FX model having some sort of clones. Mine (white SKCM) seems to have a nicer sound and feel than the other compact Alps boards I've tried. I'm not sure if that's the switches, or the way the case and plate are made, but it's a really nice keyboard.

[mmm]

Have you come to a conclusion on what keyboard to bring to the US?

[Bjerrk]

In case anyone's interested, I ended up going with this little guy which mmm found for me! Thanks, man!

I linearized and damped the switches, making it ideal for office use.

20220606_132555_smaller.png (772.56 KiB) Viewed 1837 times

I ended up taking the long way round, but at least I didn't have to bring an adapter

20220330_114232_small.png (1.23 MiB) Viewed 1827 times