A Geek Goes Flying

Tokyo60 (HHKB layout) assembled. I decided to see what all the fuss was about concerning the Happy Hacking Keyboard ( discussion ), a UNIX-centric keyboard layout. $300 or so for a Topre switch board was a bit on the steep side, so instead I found ... A Coyote kit , “Used – Acceptable,” for $90 ($80 less than regular price) (wouldn’t have been my first choice for a colorway, but needs must, no?) The DROP dyesub keycaps (again, wouldn’t have been my first choice, but these were relatively cheap, already setup for a HHKB layout (albeit with “Super” instead of ♢  ⌘ for the main meta key), $46 A set of 70 DROP (by Kailh) Halo Clear switches that I thought I would like but haven’t had a chance to really put through their paces ($43). The kit arrived without the screws to mount the PCB to the case ( DROP support was less than helpful, but I found this post that sent me in the right direction, and I’m ordering some MonsterBolts - M2 x 4mm Phillips Pan Head, DIN 7985A, Alloy Steel, Bla...

NuPhy Halo 75 with Shine-Through Keycaps During the Black Friday weekend, I broke down and pre-ordered the NuPhy Halo 75 , with the free shine-through keycaps and Baby Kangaroo tactile switches . It was supposed to ship 12/9 but actually started its journey on the 30th and got here on the 11th. The Halo 75 is a larger version of the Halo 65 , which has gotten rave reviews . There’s not a lot I can say about this thing that others haven’t said already . This thing is a chonky beast. Easily the heaviest, most solid-feeling keyboard I have, and the sound - even with the lighter weight shine-through ABS keycaps, is delightfully thoccy, but light and crisp. I didn’t need another keyboard, but I’m glad I splurged. Besides the Baby Kangaroo (“BBK”) switches I ordered, the other options were Gateron Pro brown/red (BTDT), Night Breeze (linear), Baby Raccoon (linear), and Rose Glacier (tactile). The board came with a switch tester that also included a Gateron Pro blue switch (clicky, yawn). I ...