The Money Mustache Community

General Discussion => Share Your Badassity => Topic started by: MoneyCat on May 01, 2016, 11:27:15 AM

Title: Been using the same wireless keyboard so long I had to repaint the keys
Post by: MoneyCat on May 01, 2016, 11:27:15 AM
Years ago, I bought a USB wireless keyboard, so I could hook up my laptop to my TV by HDMI cable and use the laptop as a streaming media player. The keyboard cost about $20 at Target. I have gotten so much use out of this keyboard that I have worn the letters off most of the keys and now I have to repaint them. Meanwhile, I have saved thousands of dollars in entertainment costs (no cable TV, streaming sports packages, free video games etc). I wonder how long this keyboard will last before I have to replace it. 15 years? 20 years? It'll be interesting to find out.
Title: Re: Been using the same wireless keyboard so long I had to repaint the keys
Post by: Daley on May 01, 2016, 12:05:26 PM
Paint, nothing. These are far easier for the money and time (http://www.4keyboard.com/).

...זה גם יכול להפוך הקלדה בשפות אחרות קל יותר
...if that's your thing.

Most dome switch keyboards can theoretically last until the PCB traces begin to oxidize or the rubber rots. If you keep it clean and dry, it'll probably be fine for years. 95% of keyboards are dome switch, especially cheap ones.

That said, I hate typing on dome switch keyboards. Buckle springs forever!
Title: Re: Been using the same wireless keyboard so long I had to repaint the keys
Post by: seattlecyclone on May 01, 2016, 08:10:35 PM
I have an IBM model M that just celebrated its 30th birthday and is still going strong.
Title: Re: Been using the same wireless keyboard so long I had to repaint the keys
Post by: Daley on May 01, 2016, 09:30:11 PM
I have an IBM model M that just celebrated its 30th birthday and is still going strong.

Mine will be 29 in September, and has a blinking red LED of rage for its caps lock light. The spacebar's getting a little touch and go, though, and the board back is riveted. Can't bring myself to do the bolt mod yet.