Current Setup

I’ve had a Poker II for almost 2 years now, and I’m very satisfied with it. But it’s far from the ultimate keyboard. There’s the dream of a keyboard that is beautiful and nice to type on.

I’ve got the standard keycaps (non-PBT), and they’re backlit by green LEDs. This looked great two years before, but now, I don’t really put the backlights on anymore, except it’s very dark and I’m too lazy to remember the special keys. Also, I’m using the german keyboard layout.

Size

I’m quite happy with the 60% size. Of course, there are other sizes, just as the normal sizes, with and without the tenkeys. There are also even smaller keyboards than 60% sized ones. But having used a 60% keyboard, even without arrow keys in the last two years, I got used to it and am also happy with it.

Color

As I already said, the black non-PBT keycaps are not quite the best. Ideal would be a set of PBT keycaps in two contrast colors. I’ve found this one a quite nice-looking set. If the price drops the next time, I’ll be sure to buy them.

Layout

So far, I’ve only used german keyboard layouts. They’re not really comfortable for programming. So I decided the american/english layouts would be better for that. But I would probably often forget that the y and z have changed places, so I’d switch them (also in the software, of course).

Labels

Also, I don’t think there would be the need for labels, at least on the letter keys. In perfection, the other keys/function keys would be front printed. If one would look on the top of the keyboard, there would be no letters. This is not only beautiful, but sadly also really difficult to buy.

Switches

I had the Cherry MX Browns, and I liked them. Maybe I would try out Blues or even Blacks, though.