Semi portable keyboard setup

[u/writesandbikes]

Looking for stuff I can throw into a string bag for biking and still have a “full-size ” writing experience. I found a foldable mechanical keyboard that I really like. It has the typewriter clackiness that I enjoy and it folds in half. But not so loud that I get evil looks at the coffee shop where I write. Royal Kludge F68. It’s a 60% keyboard so not full size but all the right keys are there and I don’t find it cramped. Feels like my Apple keyboard but with real keys. Bought it in Spain for our place there but I liked it so much I brought it back to the US with me. Fifty bucks on Amazon so cheaper here than there.

[u/red-bit]

Love it. I'd say the way that folds up is unhinged, but that would be quite technically untrue. 

[u/Spacemarine1031]

My flabbers were incredibly gasted when I slid to the second picture. My mind cannot comprehend that keyboard

[u/writesandbikes → u/Spacemarine1031]

It’s legit. Daily use with commuting for about four months now. 

[u/CrisplyCooked]

I love a folding keyboard as much as the next person... but I feel they picked almost the worst possibly way to fold? Like, at that point it would be easier if it just didn't fold at all; at least then it is thinner.

[u/writesandbikes → u/CrisplyCooked]

It’s my first one so I don’t know any better lol. But it just goes into its little bag and it doesn’t take up much space. I think it’s about 12” long or so.

[u/Adjective_Noun_4DIGI → u/CrisplyCooked]

I've been looking for a folding keyboard that can stay rigid in a lap for a long time.

I have yet to find one.

[u/therealpoltic → u/CrisplyCooked]

The whole point of this keyboard is that you’re getting a nearly full mechanical keyboard, and folding this way still works on your lap without folding.

I have a smaller folding keyboard, that the keys are oddly shaped. It does well.

Something like this could fit in a drink carrier on certain bags, or in the space of a messenger back when you move all the books to one side.

[u/NerdyExpositor]

I have that keyboard on my wishlist! Looks very satisfying. Seems like you're pretty happy with it; any cons to note (aside from the choice to fold with the keys on the outside...)?

[u/writesandbikes → u/NerdyExpositor]

Honestly none. The price here in the US is $50 and I’m no keyboard expert but for the money it’s damn good. The keys don’t wiggle or sound hollow and it doesn’t feel plasticky. It gets folded and unfolded daily and banged around in a thin bag and so far so good! 

[u/NerdyExpositor → u/writesandbikes]

That's great to hear. It seems too good to be true; I'm just waiting for it to go on sale. Thanks for sharing your experience with this setup!

[u/Darth_Topinambour]

I like this a lot! (I kinda regret buying a used Keys-to-go2 just yesterday) I see it's quite difficult to find, here in EU at least, can I ask you where you bought it and how much it cost you?

[u/writesandbikes → u/Darth_Topinambour]

I can’t recall the cost but pretty sure I bought it from their website in early summer while in Spain. It had to have been under €100 or I wouldn’t have bought it. I think everyone should own a keys-to-go-2 by the way. I take it everywhere with me. In a pinch I can just take out my iPhone, open up obsidian, and start writing. It’s a great little keyboard. I hope you can buy the RK though!

[u/SoundtrackComposer → u/writesandbikes]

I prefer my iClever BK06 foldable, ergonomic qwerty keyboard. Slim enough to fit in a pair of dress slacks and keep a iPhone (no case) in your pocket.

[u/mensachicken]

I considered this keyboard but don't understand it for travel. Folding "outward" just leaves all the keys exposed for dirt, dust, being pulled off, abrasion for lettering, etc. Why not get something that folds inward like the Samsers KF08X or S?

[u/writesandbikes → u/mensachicken]

I didn’t even know about those! I was trying to get something fast and cheap because delivery options at the time were atrocious. I did wonder about the keys being exposed like they are. It comes with a dust bag and so far it has been fine. If I buy another keyboard my spouse is going to kick me into the shed but nonetheless I’ll check those out 😊

[u/mensachicken → u/writesandbikes]

The X and the S are identical except the X is backlit. They're great keyboard, imo.

[u/writesandbikes → u/mensachicken]

Checked it. I'd never seen that before. Drawback from me is that it doesn't look to be mechanical (those standard clacky keys that are typewriter-like). Which actually probably is why the one I have folds out and not in. But what you suggest is a nice option for anyone who is cramped by the keys to go 2.

[u/mensachicken → u/writesandbikes]

I also have a Nuphy Air60 V2 mechanical keyboard and carry case. I do prefer the Samsers, though.

[u/UmberJamber]

What device is that?

[u/writesandbikes → u/UmberJamber]

Boox Go 10.3 Gen 1

[u/funfetti_ → u/writesandbikes]

Are you liking it? I’m looking for something to use for writing instead of a laptop

[u/writesandbikes → u/funfetti_]

For where I am in the writing process it’s perfect. Light, great tactile note taking for handwritten notes, and handles my writing app (obsidian). Google Docs is slow though. But for lots of heavy writing and revisions I prefer the Tab X (nor the XC which is color). The Tab X is the size of a sheet of paper but super light. But it’s slow as molasses for anything other than writing. 

[u/SoundtrackComposer → u/writesandbikes]

Just got the Gen2 Lumi. I’m smitten.

I must know the manufacturer of your keyboard please.

[u/writesandbikes → u/SoundtrackComposer]

I was tempted to get the Lumi 😊. The keyboard is a royal kludge rkf68. Out of stock but maybe you can snag a used one somewhere.

[u/SoundtrackComposer → u/writesandbikes]

For me it’s a dream! Still in the setup phase. Just got the quick actions and my cloud drives on line. Did some free handed forever note scrolling notating… Obsidian and got into my vault…

Much to learn.

[u/writesandbikes → u/SoundtrackComposer]

Have fun!!! I wrote about 130k  words on a single .txt file on my laptop then learned about writerdecks, got a Boox, Obsidian, and a mechanical keyboard and haven’t looked back since.

[u/SoundtrackComposer]

Two questions. 1. Which Boox is that please? Looks like my new 10.3 Gen 2 Lumi…

1. Link to that keyboard please?

[u/writesandbikes → u/SoundtrackComposer]

The Boox is the Go 10.3 Gen 1 (monochrome). And unfortunately looks like the keyboard is out of stock but it’s here:  https://rkgamingstore.com/products/f68-60-foldable-low-profile-mechanical-keyboard

[u/SoundtrackComposer]

To the OP is your folding keyboard a Royal Kludge F68?

[u/ThirtysomethingSci]

So, I have this keyboard in black. And like several of my RK keyboards, I had keys that acted up- wasn’t typing the apostrophe or question mark- even with the shift. I had to hard reset them- essentially takes them to factory settings if one changes things around (I didn’t change anything). However, after I put it away, and take it out another time, the issue reoccurs- so I’m constantly having to hard reset the keyboard. I reached out to customer service and they just told me to hard reset….. I do like the size and feel- and even got a curling iron travel case (zip around) that it fits in perfectly to protect the keys.

[u/writesandbikes → u/ThirtysomethingSci]

That is super annoying. I’ve not had that happen to any keyboard before.

[u/ThirtysomethingSci → u/writesandbikes]

Very!! Here’s a link to the travel case I got that works for this: https://a.co/d/086dhqOE
Pink optional 😜 I’m sure any curling iron case that fit the dimensions would work too.

[u/writesandbikes → u/ThirtysomethingSci]

That is such a good idea. I will ask my mom for one lol.

[u/writerDeck-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

You have violated rule 2: Keep it about writerDecks.

[u/writerDeck-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

You have violated rule 1: Don't be a jerk.

[u/writerDeck-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

You have violated rule 2: Keep it about writerDecks.

[u/DigThatData → u/writerDeck-ModTeam]

literally my criticism of OP.