Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
I can't think of any serious devices that have used mini-USB in years. I don't think I own any such devices anymore and have long ago gotten rid of those cables. Whereas I have a crapton of mini-USB cables and have started getting USB-C now as well due to my phone. Either of those cables are plentiful for myself and I'd assume most users. I don't want to have to carry a single-use cable for a kb and if something happened to it or was lost/forgotten, I doubt I would even be able to borrow one from a friend nowadays. Really any devices I purchase going forward I'd rather have future proof and come with USB-C as that is the way both the PC and Mac ecosystems are going. Unfortunately there are very slim pickings when it comes to ergo MK, even more so at 60%.
As someone who recently got into MK, the standardization on mini-USB baffles me. Is there even a good reason they have refused to adopt micro-USB? At least the Poker's newest iteration uses a USB-C cable now. Bad example I know, the Poker is barely used in the MK community and not well-respected or frequently recommended or anything. But hey, what can I say.
Bluetooth would be even better, but I realize that comes with additional complexity as well as having to have a battery pack, but the Anne Pro has done it pretty well and cheaply I think. And they even managed to use a micro-USB port for charging and corded use. Heretics!
How about you "please elaborate" on how micro-USB is superior other than nostalgia and some elitist MK bullsh!t.
The standardisation on mini usb is because connector type has no effect on 99% of people. It's like refusing to buy a house because the the doors use the wrong variety of wood, despite being painted over.
You make a lot of valid points, and I don't know if its absence necessarily justifies rejecting a keyboard, but i can understand it, more so than the decision to include mini in a 2017 premium product, which is mystifying.
A keyboard, especially one this expensive, better last for years and years and I don't want to be stuck carrying a mini USB cable around all that time, thanks. Bringing up cost of C versus mini when the board costs $180 is just silly too. I doubt it would add more than a dollar or so to the cost. I don't remember it significantly increasing the cost of the new Poker, yet it managed to include C.
This probably won't help those with the advanced dementia, but for those interested folks:
mini-USB https://sgcdn.startech.com/005329/media/products/gallery_large/UMUSBOTG8IN.B.jpg
micro-USB https://sgcdn.startech.com/005329/media/products/gallery_large/UMUSBOTG8IN.C.jpg
Your argument boils down to "get off my lawn"/"it's inconvenient for me" which, IMO, aren't terribly good reasons to continue sticking with an old, out-dated standard. Perhaps these should come with PS/2, serial, or even good ol' AT connectors instead? =)