Go2Social

So, this is my new #keyboard with my white on black double-shot PBT keycaps, and spring swapped Akko Sponge switches (hand lubed, 56gf)... Aand it is proof that the custom built PC Keyboard hobby is dead (to me at least).

This keyboard is replacing the $300 Feker I have been using for the past several years. The primary difference between this keyboard (the Kinst KN85) and the Feker is the row of function keys at the top. I hadn't originally worried about this as it seemed there were fewer use cases for the function keys. But, over time, I would find that wasn't completely true. So, I had been (and mostly given up on) looking for a compact keyboard with function keys restored, and the navigation cluster in this type of arrangement.

This keyboard popped up on Amazon the other day when I was trying to remember which switches I done a spring swap modification on.

The suprising thing about the KN85: it was only $50. The only other keyboard I had seen with this layout (minus the function row) in this price range was a really bad Havit keyboard that has really wild price swings (anywhere from $35, up to $80), along with a host of negatives about it.

So, after a day or two torturing myself, thinking I didn't want to get sucked back into custom keyboard builds again, I decided to order the KN85, because it couldn't be worse than the Havit, and if it was trash I'd just donate it to charity.

So, what makes this keyboard so good?

• Gasket mounting
• Foam everywhere (there's at least three layers of foam in this keyboard)
• It is wireless (both Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz USB dongle), and wired.
• It comes wth the USB dongle, and there is a storage slot for the dongle on the bottom of the keyboard.
• South facing LED backlighting (not that I care about backlighting, or if it's north or south facing)
• Hot swap switch sockets
• Decent switches included (pre-lubed, POM, linear, 30-35gf)
• Lubed stabilizers -- zero rattling (although not the best stabs)
• Keycaps are double shot PBT, but are somewhat mediocre (and, despite being double shot, I beleive the legends are sublimated), legends are crisp and clean
• Great sound of this keyboard out of the box
• Supports both PC and MAC (physical switch on bottom of keyboard)
• And, unbelievably: programmable with VIA.
• USB C wired, with routing channels and plenty of clearance
• 4000mA/H battery (lasts anywhere from a couple of days with LEDs on, 2-3 weeks with LEDs off).

The downsides? Only two I can think of:

• Plastic case. I would have paid 2x or 3x the price for a nice die-cast aluminum case
• Only available in off-white. I would have killed for a gunmetal grey, or even black.

You might think that this being an unknown brand is another downside.... And it could be, but my Feker keyboard(s) were an unknown brand when I bought them... It was a year before I found out that they were big enough to be sponsoring eSports events.

Oh, I forgot something else: for those that still need a number pad... They have a matching number pad for $27. So, even with that, you are still under $100. And mods, if you need any, will only set you back another $30-$80.

So, this is why I think the custom keyboard hobby is dead: a $50 keyboard is now a value keyboard that can be easily customized, and has more features than many keyboards on the market for twice the price.

For example, the closest Keychron to this one is the K8... It's a normal TKL layout, not as compact as the Kinst. There are two varants, one with white LED backlight, and the other with color LEDs. Neither have hot-swap sockets. They don't have a wireless USB dongle. And it doesn't appear to configurable/programmable. The color LED version is $90, and the white LED version is $80.

Good bye custom keyboard hobby....it was (kinda) nice while it lasted.
#keyboard #keyboardnavigation #keypads #keyboards #customkeyboard #customkeyboards

Something I've never done with my Boox device before: OCRing a PDF file... So I'm giving it a real challenge the first time I am trying it.... Project 2025. I feel dirty just saying those words -- but I need to read it. I need to udnerstand how deeply disturbing all of the current shit that is going on is going to get in the long term.

#trumpmuskcoup #uspol2025 #uspolitiics #project2025 #ocr #ereading #ereaders

So many of us are surrounded by knowledge, yet starving for wisdom.

@lawfare Also, why no RSS feed on your site? And you don't link your Mastodon account? Please, please add these items....

@lawfare Hey - you have the wrong website address in your profile. Might want to update it -- especially as the address listed appears to have an expired cert.

How I accidentally ignored the DST Event

What happened when I forgot about this spring’s #DST #time change, despite wearing a #wrist #watch.

https://www.unattributed.cc/how-i-accidentally-ignored-the-dst-event/

#watches #watchesofmastodon #wristwatch #watchesofpixelfed #watchesofbluesky

New post: How I Accidentally Ignored The DST Event https://www.unattributed.cc/how-i-accidentally-ignored-the-dst-event/
How I Accidentally Ignored The DST EventWhat happened when I forgot about this spring's DST time change, despite wearing a wrist watch.

Here is a lengthy piece about the latest #enshittification of the #Amazon #Kindle. I've seen articles and YouTube videos speculating about the reason for the removal of the #download option. Most of the reasons just didn't track for me. So I did some digging, and I think I found the real reason for the change. (As always it comes down to money...but not in the way you might think.)

I also wanted to talk (possibly a bit too much) about what this all has meant for me. You might find some of that discussion interesting. There is still plenty more to say, so I will probably write another article about the things that I didn't cover in this article.

Please give the article a #read, and let me know your thoughts on the Amazon Kindle situation, or the situation with #eReaders in general.

https://www.unattributed.cc/the-newest-kindle-enshittification/

#ebooking #ebooks #ebook #readitnow #readers #readersofinsta #readersofpixelfed #readersofig #readersclub #readingisfun #reading

New post: The Newest Kindle Enshittification https://www.unattributed.cc/the-newest-kindle-enshittification/
The Newest Kindle EnshittificationIntroduction Unfortunately, as you read this you will have a very narrow window to take any action(s) that you might want to in light of Amazon removing the ability for Kindle users to download their legally purchased eBooks. The feature is going away on February 26th, 2025, while this article will be published on the […]

Ooooh - I think I found out why #Amzon is messing with the #download feature of the #Kindle. The answer is: a lawsuit that is scheduled for 2026. This is a lawsuit that has been going on for a while, and the FTC are involved... Basically this centers around Amazon settings terms for #eBook purchases that is damaging to consumers. This lawsuit was scaled back last year, but apparenlty it's still going.

My bet is Amazon thinks they can stave off any major harm to their business by converting the Kindle business into a subscription-only model (ala Kindle Unlimited). I won't be surprised if we see this by the end of this year -- before the start of the court case.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/amazon-must-face-narrowed-lawsuit-over-ebook-prices-us-judge-says-2024-03-04/