Pockettype keyboard review (microswitches)
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- čas přidán 12. 07. 2023
- Skip to 10:14 for a typing demonstration.
Get it here: mechboards.co.uk/products/poc...
Today we look at the Pockettype, an extremely horrible miniature keyboard. I hope you enjoy the video, all you sadists out there! :p
Intro by Kyle Carter
Outro by Facundo Cabanne
My keyboard reviews: bit.ly/1TbOtft
My switch teardowns: bit.ly/2C1QGHz
My TOP X videos: bit.ly/2FmpZfd
My XL typing demos: bit.ly/2OoAW3w
My tutorials and featurettes: bit.ly/2OrkLUh
My unboxing videos: bit.ly/2TSrr0m
I'm Thomas and I do videos and reviews on mechanical keyboards ranging from the most sickening modern RGB gaming keyboards to vintage hardware relics, or sometimes keycaps or keyswitches ranging from Cherry MX to Alps SKCM to IBM buckling springs and anything in between.
Follow me on Twitter for updates on my keyboard videos! / chyrosran22
The practice sentence was: "Hello my name is Thomas and I'm typing on a Pockettype keyboard right now. This tiny piece of shit is one of the worst things that ever happened to me. Fuck this crap." - Věda a technologie
Imagine what this review would have been like if the designer of the keyboard wasn't a friend!
I am not sure this was ever designed as a reasonable or functional bit of kit. It's designed to look cute. That's what 40% is. Form over function. Obviously that's going to be a polarizing thing, but this kind of repulsion by people who prefer function over form is to be expected.
@@rich1051414This board is silly but I disagree about 40% being entirely form over function. It's just a different approach. Plenty of people are just as productive on 40% boards as people using normal ones. You can personally dislike them but claiming they're purely aesthetic is disingenuous
@@mousasha- agreed, typed on a split 30% keyboard
@@obosob-6326 I'm using a 35% (QAZ) daily. Learning QMK and tailoring the keymap and way the board behaves exactly to my workflow is super nice. I'm honestly faster on it than I was on a normal board.
I think it's like people used to love getting insulted by Don Rickles. I'd imagine that lots of people would like to inspire such eruptions of vulgarity.
Tact switches are rated between 1000 and 10000 actuations, typically. Shockingly low. They use them in console controllers and there, they make rubber domes look like the reliable alternative.
they only use them for L+r3 and maybe start and select.
it's also used in some cheap remotes
@@JessicaFEREM Depends on manufacturer. L3+R3 universally use tact switches because the stickboxes are an assembly from ALPS or a clone of such. Other than that, what's typically seen is shoulder buttons, L1+L2 or bumpers, using them due to how simple and widely available 90° mounted tacts are; and more recently, a lot of rear buttons use tact switches, mostly because of how slim they are for a full package, and ease of mounting. Using tacts in face buttons isn't unheard of, they're actually quite common for clicky controllers as the 'better' option compared to metal dome switches, not to mention the reliability and repairability factors, there's even mods to convert the first party offerings to be clicky; though this is also starting to get phased out as more mechanical implementations start seeing the light of day. Perhaps you should look into a topic before spewing bad information about it.
True for cheaper controllers. My F310 has these for the shoulder buttons, but surprise surprise, 9 years later, they still miraculously work. Though... they do not feel very good xD.
This is completely wrong. It depends on the manufacturer and the series. C&K Switches for example have the KSC4 TE SERIES with endurance switches that goes up to 10,000,000 cycles.
That typing demonstration... I don't even have words
I love how the clock is loudly ticking in the background during the typing demonstration.
A cold reminder of our slow March towards death as we type on the world's most arduous keyboard.
I did NOT expect an a capella Hell March intro, got a good chuckle out of me
Incidentally, I suspect that this is sold as a novelty to help people practise soldering/assembling electronics, more than as an actual kit keyboard that anybody is expected to seriously use.
I wonder if he can ask the friend.
Plot-twist: Thomas is actually a giant & the Pockettype is a perfectly normal-sized keyboard
I mean he is Dutch…
is it suppose to be one of those thumb only keyboards?
OK, you win. Take the sub. The levels of pity I had watching you doing the typing test have not been reached since I saw the look on my daughter's face after she accidentally flushed her iPhone down the toilet. I lost it when you gave up with the apostrophe. I am truly heartless.
Yours look WAY better than mine. My god-awful soldering left it looking like it was made by a blind child with no hands.
I kind of love mine though, despite it being totally unusable for any real-world purpose. It's just a cool like thing to show people as part of your keyboard collection.
A few years ago I was inspired by the PocketType to gather some tactile switches, veroboard and a tiny 32u4 Arduino-clone and solder up a DIY version. It sits in a drawer under my TV so once or twice a year I can reboot/reconfigure my RetroPi arcade widget or something similar. I scribbled the letters on the keys using a sharpie. It's a hoot so long as you don't have to actually use it more than a few seconds once in a blue moon.
Enjoyed the review and the designer of the PocketType has made a lot of interesting but much more conventional keyboards with "proper" switches.
The typing demonstration somehow managed to convey the keys' stiffness. Like, wow, it takes surprisingly a lot of effort to press just one key.
Instead of using your fingers you could use regular pencils, the eraser side should be just about the size of the keys. I remembered reading a story of a secretary with really long nail who used pencils to type on a keyboard and she was somehow typing pretty fast.
And I love how a 1% "keyboard" took less time and effort to type a test sentence that whatever monstrosity this is. Labeling the keys yourself would probably help immensely.
Even at double speed, that typing demo is epic.
6:20 Love that shade, 108 is the minimum I can stand for prolonged used as I work on my keyboard and it's numpad a lot. And find even mere volume keys behind an Fn+ combo annoying. While much of the keyboard hobbyist scene likes it small, obnoxiously so most of the time, I need the speed granted by the space of enough keys to do the job without input layers.
The Hyper 7 has the advantage of having both a shitload of keys _and_ ten bucks keys for layers upon layers!
Layers can absolutely be fast, it's just a matter of learning them. But I think that caveat alone scares most people away from them.
I wrote legends on with a fine point marker and typed on it by holding it in both hands and using my thumbs. It worked surprisingly well that way!
Yeah i thought at this point it should be treated more like a tablet/phone on-screen keyboard
I would also go for thumb typing on something like this. Clearly not suited for traditional typing! I think the switch choice also lends itself to thumb typing as the thumb is more stout and generally better at pressing the stiff weight/feel.
Wasn't this supposed to be used with just thumbs? Like an old phone keyboard?
My thumb is almost the size of four of those buttons
What jumps out at me immediately is how better it would have been if they ditched the 'landscape' layout and went 'portrait' instead. And with fewer but bigger buttons, maybe choc switches.
This would have been a fun idea as a T9 keyboard (remember that tech from the early 2000s keypad phones?). I miss that.
Bringing that back as a portable pocket keyboard that connects to your phone via bluetooth would have been an immediate FUCK YEAH, TAKE MY MONEY
I'd imagine this being amazing as a switchboard for a macropad, y'know when you don't necessarily need full-sized keys for various functions. Though I will add that different shaped caps would help this immensely, something like a cone with a radiused tip would work extremely well. Personally when I'm blind pecking keys, essentially touch typing but hunting a key by feel (starting from F/J and moving from there), I do often use the corner of a keycap rather than the full surface, though I also don't use this for typing purposes but rather when I need a key for a function within a program, such as CAD or various vector/raster art programs; which is where I think a tipped keycap would make this board shine, as it has the higher density but suits the same use as when I'm blind pecking. With a stagger, honestly an isometric stagger could work here, I could probably even learn to type on this thing with tipped keycaps, assuming F and J have a distinctive indicator as I can easily touch type. Although I do think different switches would also help with the feel, I know tact switches have a variety of options but I'm not sure if any deviate from the immediate crisp actuation with short travel, I'm sure there's something out there somewhere but at what cost; though this would also be an interesting thought experiment for minimizing switch footprints, I could see a mini scissor working here given how simple that mechanism is.
You could use this in an escape room, they have to type a preset text under a certain time with a certain accuracy
This thing is adorable and predictably a terrible keyboard for practical purposes. No surprises on those tactile switches, those are usually used as things like power and reset switches which get pressed maybe every few minutes, rather than a few times per second. Most of the ones I've put tried on my tester register at 300cN of force or more to actuate :D
haven’t watched you in a while, glad to see you still have such a special way with words
What i can imagine this being useful for is for programmable hotkeys or when you need something small to control e.g. a projector. Nothing for actually typing on just to have some buttons that do something
Eh I'd rather just wire up some Kailh clickbar or choc switches for that.
I think a keypad or a remote control would be far superior.
I'd guess it uses a standard Planck layout. Very interesting indeed. 😂
The way to type with this size keyboard is too use it like a controller or like a old mobile Phone with a sliding keyboard.
But works better with wireless ones.
I'm thinking this pocket lint magnet of a cheap '70s sci-fi miniature scenery prop keyboard has just two main functions:
1. To look cool.
2. To deliberately troll both the keyboard enthusiast community and humans in general.
Beyond the above, I'm not sure if knowing that the maker of this keyboard has a borderline psychotic mean streak would have you liking her more as a friend or not.
I feel like this would be better used like a controller or old sidekick phone in the hand or a midi beat input device.
i think the bottom corner key not working might be a function of the diode that is soldered backwards (fourth from the right). you can see it clearly at 7:26
Good catch.
The bigger question is: Why does it have diodes? Like is it tenkeyless?
@@therealsunnyk I think they doubled the some of the uC lines by switching modes between pull up and pull down. With the diodes you prevent current being sunk from one source while allowing current from the uC being sunk to ground.
Just a guess though.
I'm 99% sure it worked originally though. I did a bunch of testing to see what's what when I got it.
@@therealsunnyk the keys are in a matrix, the diodes prevent ghosting when you press multiple keys at once by preventing current flowing through the closed switches onto the wrong sense lines of the matrix. Chyros has an explanation of how that all works in another video. Sure, you're unlikely to be doing much rollover with this, though, so the diodes are not exactly that important, but they're trivial and inexpensive to add so why not. It's mostly just an exercise in making a miniaturised keyboard and a regular sized planck-like would definitely need the diodes, so the miniature version should do too. As much for the aesthetic as anything else.
The only saving grace I can think of is, I don't think you can get a macro pad that cheap with as many keys on it any other way. Provided it can be programmed.
It takes the same kind of microcontroller as any custom keyboard, so it can be programmed through QMK just as much as any other board (and in fact you need to compile and flash the firmware before you can use it at all).
Now that I think about it has no one converted a blackberry keyboard/trackball into some kind of wireless thing for windows? I used to type super fast on those
The channel “That Project” just started work on something of the like! It’s pretty cool, it’s based on the blackberry and ESP32
That's what came to mind here as well.
You are truly an artist with words, thanks for another great video!
Thoroughly enjoying the continued trashing of imperial units.
Honestly, if I was building a handheld PC of some sort and needed a keyboard for inputting short commands, this would fit perfectly.
I wonder what the viability of this would be as a macropad. It feels like i'll fat finger like 4 different macros just trying to press 1 button.
Chyrosran: I'll try to be gentle this time because its made by a friend i appreciate
Also Chyrosran: *Swears like he hasnt for years*
"What a flagitious feast of flamingo feces... Link in the description below."
Lmao
Those keys look perfect for glueing upside-down tacks on top of them. That way it would add physical pain to the psychological one, and you could actually hit the keys more reliably...
Loved the intro! Laughed hard and enjoyed the nostalgia!
You know this is gonna be a lit video when it starts off with the W A N I N G
Love your vocab. Subscribed.
the start of the episode warning warmed the cockles of my heart.
When I saw the thumbnail, I thought it was April the first for a moment :D Good to see you Tom 🙂
Shouldn't you type with your thumbs on this keyboard like on a Blackberry or Motorola droid?
I think there's more fun ways to get Gamer's Thumb tbh xD .
Full size master race
I guess Thomas knows this is just display gadget / soldering practice kit and not keyboard intended for typing, but with such approach there would be no spicy entertaining video we always get here.
Yeah, I asked the designer beforehand and she confirmed my suspicion that it was, in fact, a joke keyboard. But you know, a review is a review! xD
@@Chyrosran22 still a joke product being sold for a price you can get a decent full-size chinese mkb with
10:15 onwards had me rolling in laughter at every keypress. Summarizes the whole product well.
I love tiny keyboards and I am sad they faded out of production.
Just picked up an awesome keyboard. A pristine deltaGold elite with genuine blue alps.
The switch plate is clean with like one keycap with dirt.
Best looking blue alps keyboard I’ve ever seen
Oof, that is a great find, congrats! :D
I've been excited for this video. I'm happy it's finally here. Aslo taht inrto is siltl prefect atr.
"Hello my name is R"
Definitely typing like one. :D
Came in for a keyboard review. Heard the March Of The Shiteboards, and HAD to stay. A thumbs up well earned.
Heh, ending the review with a string of poetic profanity, and then "Link in the description below" - I thought you'd switched languages for a second!
The swear WANING gets better and better every time.
6:20 what if I use an ergonomic full-size keyboard that has the numpad on the left?
I think it's important to differentiate tact buttons like the ones used in this keyboard, and proper microswitches like used in arcade buttons which there are actually good quality variants of.
He had such trouble typing the word "fuck"; I almost cried.
Will you review the new Beam Spring keyboard by Model F Labs? Been waiting for your review since the announcement.
I should be getting a round 2 one :D .
I'm surprised you didn't try to type on it with his thumbs kind of like you do on a smartphone or the xbox 360 chat pad.
that was the most brutal typing demo....ever
I wouldn't mind having a pocket keyboard like the ones on the Danger Hiptop.
I'd be keen on one if it didn't suck, but it seems like making them to an acceptable standard is difficult.
Have you considered reviewing the QK100?
hi, sorry if I was a bit rude in my last comment. I wanted to say not all customs use foam and most true enthusasts use broken in lightly lubed "hyperglide mx black". We stopped using heavy lube and we use really light lube which just changes the feel, We also stopped lubing our switches like gateron cjs beacuse they are factory polished and get scratchier when opening up. Im also tryna make my own orange alps-style mx switch using a separate modified copper leaf(originally the thing making the switch work) into a alps-like tactile leafs.
Can you please make a full video of your hell march
Loved the typing demo, almost gave me a laughing fit.
sorry
What's the force rating for these switches? I have a keyboard with Cherry Greens that I can type rather comfortably on, but you can just see and hear how stupidly stiff this is.
i type colemak on an ortholinear ergodash. I would love to try this one out and she if I could touch type in any way.
I can see a use case as an input board for a smart TV, but the lack of bluetooth, legends, and value really kills that.
I have a 10 euros keyboard of similar size, maybe a bit bigger (kidney-shapped), with rubber keys, but also Bluethoot, touchpad, and a replaceable lithium battery.
You are right, this thing isn't even useful for a tv.
That looks like a standard arduino pro micro compatible microcontroller, so lack of bluetooth was a choice whoever built this made. Legends could also be painted on if you wanted.
I can imagine this being handy for a TV setup, you'd only really be using it to type in the occasional password or search term anyway, and it'd beat using an onscreen keyboard.
You should try using this like the keyboard phones like blackberry etc. With your thumbs.
It looks pretty sharp so dunno if itd be comfy. But it would certwinly be easier.
ahaha that's perfect! Always looking for this "Waning" mention when your videos starting! :)
hahahahah the typing demo is fun for watching the frustration, but nice to listen to if you look at something else
This looks like a modern interpretation of a medieval torture device. Love it, ordered one just now 😂
"designed to be shit" i spat noodles at My monitor. Missed My Corsair K70 mk2 with the low profile Cherry reds though
This makes me nostalgic for the one-button keyboard.
new warning sign!
I love this review, thanks!
9:39 Thats a good idea!
Now to just write X on every single keyboard and the joke will be complete!
the 5 amogi on the pcb look cute so its probably not as bad as you're describing it to be
When almost half the video is the typing demo, that's when you know
Came for the keyboard reviews, stayed for the most creative insults😂
Another fine demonstration that we live in purgatory. Not great, not terrible either, just unlivable....
Nearly eight minutes before you finally discussed the insanity of the unlabeled keys. It's more of a sci-fi prop that perplexingly has a functional USB port
That keyboard sounded like bubble wrap being popped around Satan's shaft during an HJ or something, holyyyyyy shit that sounded dreadful
11:48 Yup!
banger as usual
Best thing you could use this keyboard for is an emoji keyboard, like the one tom scott made
and they say size doesn't matter...
one of these days you have to give the actual correct imperial units in a video and blow everybody's mind.
What about turning it into a macro pad?
Better be good with QMK then, it doesn't run VIA.
I think if they would print small black legends on the keycaps, it would be a bit better, because these blank keys are literally a big guessing game! 😶
So it's a keyboard specifically designed as a gift for someone you despise, if that someone is a keyboard enthusiast.
That's the only situation I can see it being useful.
When I grow up, I hope to be able to swear as creatively as Thomas......
It didn't hit home how bad it was till you started actually typing on it. That's hilarious.
That keyboard can get in the fuckin sea!
Don't hold back Thomas. How do you really feel about this keyboard?
Misspelling warning is one thing. But that kerning atrocity is enraging
I believe that this is meant to be a curiosity to be displayed on a desk or shelf. If someone asked what it was, the owner could say, "Believe it or not, it's a keyboard. No, YOU get out! 😂 It's a computer keyboard. It really works! Wanna try?" and then sit back and watch the show.
It's a great art piece
people already pay for 40% keyboards, paying for less keyboard is hot and trendy this will be the next big thing
Just looking on typing demo is painful...
ive never seen a man struggle more with typing three sentences in my life
I watched to the end. Hey you! Reading this, watch till the end!!
It’s almost the size of a novelty keychain, maybe it could be turned into one with a smaller and more rigid case and Bluetooth. Give it one of those solar panels like you see on calculators.
At that point, why not just market it as an upscale fidget toy?
@@XanthinZarda also an option