The Old Switcheroo

I’m in the process of refining some elements of my life. In other words, the plan is to work smarter, not harder. I spend a massive amount of time sitting in front of a keyboard, so I’ve decided to update the Mad Lab a bit. This information will be of use to you writer types out there who don’t want to do all the grunt work that I’ve done in these matters.

Some of the things I’ll be getting, in short order, is a new computer (I’m essentially making the switch from PC to Apple for the first time outside of a school environment), a new keyboard, and a new chair.

Today, we’ll discuss the keyboard I’ve landed upon. And that keyboard is the Kinesis Advantage. Presently, I’m using a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard, so I’m no stranger to unusual keyboards, but I wanted something that’d get along well with the new iMac on order. The choices are radically reduced. The consensus seemed to settle on the Kinesis Advantage. (The Pro model is virtually identical, yet offers more memory for storing macros.)

This will be the first mechanical keyboard I’ve used in a long time. I didn’t think I’d ever used one, but computers in the Stone Ages used them, which means I did too. This keyboard is supposed to have a learning curve, is supposed to be surprisingly comfortable, and customizable, and even can use foot switches (well, how about that?) to do some of the heavy lifting. I like that it works on both PC and Mac with a simple press of a button. (No muss, no fuss.)

I want to simplify the extraneous elements of my life, so I can focus on writing and design without peripheral noise. This is a means to an end.

The only dilemma I presently face regarding the keyboard is whether to go for a linear or tactile switch. I suppose I need to make my decision soon, as I’ll be placing my order on the morrow. I’m sure I’ll be thrilled with whatever I end up getting, but I’d like to get the best one for my purposes. I’ve been a touch typist for over thirty years (teaching myself on my father’s old manual typewriter), so I’m sure I’ll adapt (as I always have) to whatever I end up getting. Case in point, I do a lot of these reports on the wireless Apple keyboard I got for my iPad, and I love it. I just don’t know whether I could hang with typing on it all day long, so I want to keep my options open.

For any of you with mechanical keyboard experience, let me know which you prefer (linear or tactile) and why.

Until next time, I bid you, dear reader, adieu!