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Kybd/mse?
- Thread starter calaverasgrande
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I'm quite the opposite. I'm so used t the chiclet style that I loath using the mechanical keyboards. I just feel like I can type faster and more accurately with the chiclet style.
Rubber dome keyboards (cheap, big keys) have 4mm travel to actuation and you have to bottom-out the key.
Scissor-type switches like the Apple keyboards have 2mm travel to actuation and you have to bottom-out the key.
Mechanical keyboards have 4mm travel but actuate at the halfway point, so they are just as responsive as slim notebook keys, but you don't have to bottom out the key, so they are far gentler on your fingers.
Mechanical keyboards typically have sculpted keys which are also nicer on your fingers, and improve typing accuracy compared to the completely flat chiclet keys.
Apple's keyboards are actually getting worse too - there's less travel and less spring in the keys of my Retina MacBook Pro than the non-retina machine it replaced, and less travel & spring in those keys than my original MacBook.
There are also a lot of different types of mechanical keyswitch. Just because you don't like one, does not mean you won't like another.
In my opinion, Topre keyswitches are the best because they are a rubber dome over a spring, with a capacitive switch. This means they still actuate at 2mm, but if you do bottom-out on the key, there's some cushioning from the rubber.
The HHKB keyboards use Topre switches on a PCB rather than a metal plate, which allows a slight amount of flex when you bottom out, further reducing the strain on your fingers.
The alternative these days are generally Cherry MX switches, which are much cheaper, and come in a variety of different types.
Black/Red are linear switches with no tactile bump at 2mm to let you know the key has been pressed. Black requires more force than Red which is a very "light" keyswitch. These are popular types with gamers.
Brown has a tactile bump at 2mm so you know when you have pressed the key. These are probably my favorite Cherry switches, and are popular with people that do a lot of typing.
Blue has a tactile bump and an audible click at 2mm. I don't like these switches at all because they are noisy, and the reset point is in a different position from the actuation point, so it's possible to actuate the key and have it "stick" on if you don't lift your finger enough for it to reset.
There are other variants as well, but these are the common ones.
To be fair, it's not just about 'pretty'. It also has implications for shipping and inventory storage.
Most workstations are on the floor, right? This concept is different and doesn't want you to have it on the floor, right? The place where I work, my workstation is not that easily accessible and seeing that we have everything on linux, not all drivers are configured for everything so as a result, the front audio jack on the old mac pro didn't work for me and I had to still use the one on the back. When the system froze I would still have to go under the desk a bit and restart it.
Now, the new one will be on the desk most likely behind the screen or next to it. Reach over with an arm will be easier or the same then looking for it under the desk on the floor.
You are just looking for flaws that are not there. Its just different.
And keyboard and mouse? Mac mini doesn't come with it either and thinking about it, yes it would be nice to have it extra but its not something that its a must. In fact, if you setup those as your rendering machines then you won't need keyboard and mouse either. Only for the setup.
In fact, when I got my 12 core 2 years ago I never used the mouse and its still brand new stored in the box. I already had mouse and way better than what they give you. In fact, maya needs 3 button mouse so using magic mouse for that is useless and waste of space and money. And keyboard? If you need workstation like that then you already have a keyboard.
In fact, why don't you start complaining that the nMP doesn't come with a screen for that price? That could be similar.
I'm in the camp with the would-be Mac keyboard thieves. I have two keyboards going on my workbench, both from Apple. I've read some of the arguments about how other style boards are "better" but in the end I like these just fine and am very happy with them--even if the keys can get grungy.
+1. I hate Apple mice. I tried a "Magic Mouse" out of curiosity but frankly in a 3D modeling/animation environment where all three mouse buttons are significant all the time trying to "click" the appropriate zone on that smooth surface was more of a pain than it was worth. I use solid, reliable Logitech wireless mice, and a Wacom tablet when that's appropriate. If I'm killing time on the web or in email I do have a "Magic Trackpad" that for those ordinary tasks does work quite well and I'm happy with it.
Back to the topic from the OP, again, I have all the devices I want and need, and am just as happy I was able to buy the nMP without being forced to accept more of them.
An option would be a Das Keyboard Professional S for Mac. They're black and have mechanical switches. I was lucky to get a refurbished one via Amazon for $80 a tad over 3 months ago.
I'm happy with the apple wired extended keyboard, though I do miss my cherry switches.
Mice I tolerate the Magic Mouse but on the 3,1 it's logitech mx all the way. My Magic Trackpad is gathering dust!
Mice I tolerate the Magic Mouse but on the 3,1 it's logitech mx all the way. My Magic Trackpad is gathering dust!
It's true that Apple makes a nice keyboard, but again, that's why I already have one. I don't need another one. Whether or not we're talking about third party devices, it's the same basic problem. I already have the exact input devices I like.
Well that's you, but I'm sure everyone else buying a nMP has never owned a computer before. What are they to do?
Well that's you, but I'm sure everyone else buying a nMP has never owned a computer before. What are they to do?
In all seriousness, I'm pretty sure those people can include a mouse and keyboard when they order.
In all seriousness, I'm pretty sure those people can include a mouse and keyboard when they order.
But they've never owned a computer before. How would they know they need them????
This will all end in tears I tell you!
Because it would be a complete waste of plastic, materials, shipping and cost to have a huge number of keyboards and mice sitting in cupboards unused.
Easy. You can buy a brand-new buckling spring Model M with the Apple keyboard layout right here. Unicomp bought all of IBM's Model M tooling and they're still cranking the keyboards out.
Well that's you, but I'm sure everyone else buying a nMP has never owned a computer before. What are they to do?
I assume you have never actually ordered anything from the online store? You know you can select the keyboard and mouse and/or trackpad. It's quite simple.
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Because the option to include it comes up when you click buy. The specifications make it clear that there is no keyboard or mouse. I would also assume that most people ordering a computer have a bit more common sense than you're displaying.
You and AppleOranges should start a talk show. It would be fascinating to watch.
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The size of the box and internal packaging differences to include a keyboard might be $.02. The quantity that Apple can purchase at would mean these minor changes would mean literally nothing to the bottom. So it's not a cost factor.
Design and shape? Could be, but I don't think Apple is as blind and daft as most people claim them to be when it comes to simplicity and design. Based on the size of the box internals, there is a rather large styrofoam insert to keep the nMP centered. The wireless keyboard is exactly 11" long, and molding the styrofoam to also include a place to rest the keyboard would have cost them nothing. So, I don't think it has anything to do with the cost of packaging, or size.
I think its simply because no one would ever use the included keyboards. The last 3 macs that I bought, the keyboards are only good for me when I go to sell them, because I can make a listing that says "brand new keyboard/mouse", because they will never get used by me.
So rather than waste materials, take up warehousing space and supply chain resources, when few professionals will likely be using these peripherals, it's a heck of a lot easier for everyone to not include them.
And, it also becomes one extra combination for BTO users to cramp up their supply chain.
Design and shape? Could be, but I don't think Apple is as blind and daft as most people claim them to be when it comes to simplicity and design. Based on the size of the box internals, there is a rather large styrofoam insert to keep the nMP centered. The wireless keyboard is exactly 11" long, and molding the styrofoam to also include a place to rest the keyboard would have cost them nothing. So, I don't think it has anything to do with the cost of packaging, or size.
I think its simply because no one would ever use the included keyboards. The last 3 macs that I bought, the keyboards are only good for me when I go to sell them, because I can make a listing that says "brand new keyboard/mouse", because they will never get used by me.
So rather than waste materials, take up warehousing space and supply chain resources, when few professionals will likely be using these peripherals, it's a heck of a lot easier for everyone to not include them.
And, it also becomes one extra combination for BTO users to cramp up their supply chain.
Special people need special responses.
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keyboard/mouse/trackpad are bto options
maybe since they're saying "this is the computer for the next decade" (or whatever), they're planning on killing the mouse/keyboard as we know it within that span.
hopefully at least.. those things suck to use..
hopefully at least.. those things suck to use..
So getting less and making excuses about how "right" Apple is in doing this seems apropos of many a Macrumors thread. Glad to see nothing has changed. Who cares if you use it or not? If it is your 1st Mac purchase you should get a mouse and a keyboard in the box. How difficult is it to paint keys black? Use the MacBook Pro molds. Done. Is this lack of peripherals the "Texas" tax?