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What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - Printable Version

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What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - vividpixel - 06-22-2024

When one spends a lot of time clacking away on keyboards, they tend to have a preference for a certain feel and sound.

What's your preferred keyboard? I don't despise membrane keyboards, but I don't ever want to go back! It's been fun customizing the look, feel, and sound. If the keyboard gets boring, or your work environment changes, you can re-customize it.

[ Exclamation I promise nothing is a paid advertisement in this post. It's rambly and contains non-affiliate links in case anything is of interest. For the love of BASIC, if replying, please don't quote the whole thing! ]

I've got two main keyboards, recently having swapped the key switches between them:
  • Wired Keychron V3 QMK with audio knob
    Switches: Kailh BOX White (tactile, clicky)
    Key caps: Drop + Matt3o MT3 3277 Custom Keycap Set

    These retro domed key caps and the clickiness seem to be a great combo. The click of the switches doesn't reverberate in this keyboard like in the 8bitdo, which combined with the key profile, did something subtle to the sound. Sharp and ticky. I still wouldn't be comfortable using these switches in a shared office, but that's the tradeoff of a satisfyingly clicky switch.
    [Image: NwRxFe0LQpubwoUpJKem_MT3-3277_9301-copy-...b=444&q=70]

  • Wireless 8bitdo Retro Mechanical, NES-themed
    Switches: Keychron K Pro Brown (tactile, non-clicky)
    Key caps: Stock (flat profile)

    With the brown tactile switches inside this housing, along with those flat key caps, there's a nice but not overpowered thock. The 8bitdo keyboard is a loud one with the stock white switches, and I think it was overkill with this housing and the caps. The sound of the caps themselves reaching the end of their travel is a lovely thock. Combined with the tactile bump of the new Keychron brown switches, it's satisfying feedback, while also being a keyboard you can type gently and quietly on when necessary. I also feel it's a little more theme-appropriate as the buttons on an NES controller are membrane and quiet.

    [Image: 61m5pXHc+6L._AC_SL1500_.jpg]


I am quite pleased with the latest models of the 8bitdo keyboard, though: a Commodore 64 model, and an IBM Model M:

[Image: 61zQatjqsPL._AC_SL1500_.jpg]
[Image: 61ObmcWZudL._AC_SL1500_.jpg]

People complain they can't use these on MacOS or Linux as the key mapping software is just for Windows. But as long as you have any access to a Windows OS, just install the configuration software, swap some keys around, and save it as a new profile which gets stored directly on the keyboard. Push one button and now it's in Mac mode, and can toggle back to Windows just as easily. Doesn't seem like a big deal to me unless people are annoyed by the improper labels on the keys.

What I would love to be able to do, is to use The C64 Maxi with QB64 PE:
[Image: 2.jpg]

RE: What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - OldMoses - 06-22-2024

My last two main programming machines have been Lenovo laptops, I'm presently running a Thinkbook, so that's pretty much the layout that I've become accustomed to. I like the look and feel of retro keyboards, but my only caveat is that I have to have a number pad on the right. Mainly because I have a QB64 program that I wrote for storing and processing grain harvest data and it's helpful for entering truck load data quickly. I also like to play with Blender on occasion, and the number pad makes orientations easier. It limits my choices when getting laptops, but it's usually a make or break deal with me. No number pad, no sale.

RE: What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - vividpixel - 06-23-2024

I've used a lot of X1 ThinkPads, and if there's any company that can make a satisfying laptop keyboard, it's Lenovo. I used to really prefer having the 10-key available at my desk and on a 15" ThinkPad. Since switching to "TKL" or Ten Key-Less keyboards, I've grown to like the shorter distance for my hand to travel to and from the mouse, and keeping the desk less cramped. 

My personal laptop is a MacBook Air 13.6" which is too small for any more keyboard. It already lacks a handful of dedicated keys that I wish it had (Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, forward-Delete). I've adapted well at this point to using the Function key combinations but I certainly don't prefer it. The small size and great battery makes up for these shortcomings.

Those 8bitdo keyboards do have a matching number pad sold separately, so that can snug up right against the keyboard. Some kind of way to attach it to the keyboard securely would have been neat.

RE: What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - SMcNeill - 06-23-2024

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G510s-Gaming-Keyboard-Screen/dp/B00BCEK2LU -- There's my keyboard.  I hope it never breaks; it's the best I've ever encountered!

RE: What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - SMcNeill - 06-23-2024

   

RE: What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - marbac74 - 06-23-2024

(06-22-2024, 03:36 PM)vividpixel Wrote: When one spends a lot of time clacking away on keyboards, they tend to have a preference for a certain feel and sound.

What's your preferred keyboard? I don't despise membrane keyboards, but I don't ever want to go back! It's been fun customizing the look, feel, and sound. If the keyboard gets boring, or your work environment changes, you can re-customize it.
I was wondering what was the use of those two A and B keys which are found in some of the keyboards you showed... Huh for sure someone in here has an answer for that  Smile (BTW I use a MacBook with its predefined hardware, but some of those are definitely worth trying)

RE: What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - TerryRitchie - 06-23-2024

The buckling spring 1986 Model M keyboard. Accept no substitutes. I have a few of them along with a few Model Fs for my PC and XT systems. Best damn keyboards ever made. If you can get your hands on an early Model M get it. They are quite pricey, especially if you want one that has been bolt modded. Typical prices for a bolt-modded Model M on eBay range from $300 to $600, but so worth every single penny.

RE: What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - Gets - 06-23-2024

Quote:I was wondering what was the use of those two A and B keys which are found in some of the keyboards you showed...
The NES themed one came with giant programmable A and B buttons, so it looks like they just added some to the keyboards as well.  They're also creating more addons which could be interesting for a modular gaming setup.


I don't have any preferences outside of wanting a number pad, but I guess people are just buying those separately now.

RE: What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - SpriggsySpriggs - 06-24-2024

I use a keyboard I got off Temu. It's my favorite keyboard. It has an orange and grey retro style to it. The keys are wonderful to type on. Only cost me like $50.
   

RE: What keyboard do you use for QB64 PE? - SpriggsySpriggs - 06-24-2024

(06-23-2024, 09:18 PM)Gets Wrote:
Quote:I was wondering what was the use of those two A and B keys which are found in some of the keyboards you showed...
The NES themed one came with giant programmable A and B buttons, so it looks like they just added some to the keyboards as well.  They're also creating more addons which could be interesting for a modular gaming setup.


I don't have any preferences outside of wanting a number pad, but I guess people are just buying those separately now.

My numpad is separate. It looks like 8BitDo also does their numpads separately. It ain't too terrible. Except you have to use another USB port. So there is a small downside to it.