(Part 2) Best computer keyboard & mice accessories according to redditors

Its a keyboard cover

Repping r/mechanicalkeyboards here. Built several custom keyboards over my life and have certifications in soldering.

DO NOT GLUE IT It will either gum up the switch, making it useless, or it will make the switch unbelievable scratchy. Seriously, do not listen to the people saying glue/epoxy. It will not work.

You're going to have to replace the switch. It's extremely easy and simple. Here's a guide. Just go on amazon and order your switch (Red Brown Blue).

1. Take the keyboard apart so you can get access to the PCB
   
   
2. Locate the broken switch.
   
   
3. Remove the solder on the pins of the switch
   
   
4. Flip the board back over and CAREFULLY, as to not scratch anything, press in the two plate-mount tabs on the sides using your fingernails or a plastic tool. The switch should come out with a little wiggling
   
   
5. Installation is the opposite of removal. Put new switch in, make sure the tabs click in.
   
   
6. Add solder to new switch (Video guide)
   
   
7. Reassemble the keyboard and test it out!

might this work?

I have a keyboard cover on my laptop that looks like this.
It's subtle enough that those that don't know I'm bi won't really know the difference, but also just enough so that I've gotten a couple of, "huh, that looks like the bi pride flag" comments!

Amazon link

http://www.amazon.com/TopCase%C2%AE-Keyboard-Silicone-Macbook-TOPCASE%C2%AE/dp/B0040VUHXA/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1371875201&sr=8-12&keywords=macbook+pro+keyboard+cover

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keyboard-Stickers-transparent-background-alternative/dp/B01BW91MA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495814696&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=french+keyboard+stickers&psc=1

Also note that the Apple store will not do this for you (at least they wouldn't when I worked there).

You could do something like this and just switch the keyboard in system settings.

I was just going to buy the IVSO or Poetic Bluetooth Keyboard FHD Case off of Amazon. They are only $20-$25. Anybody know of a reason why I shouldn't? Problems other than what is noted on Amazon reviews?

Poetic

IVSO

More like translucent actually. I bought this one for Rs. 300 2 years back - http://www.amazon.in/Saco-appleg6-03-Silicone-Keyboard-Protector/dp/B017YNZI20 .

> http://www.amazon.in/Saco-appleg6-03-Silicone-Keyboard-Protector/dp/B017YNZI20

Many thanks!

The reason you need a modifier key combo is that you don't want to flip the art when you are typing in values.

You might like the external keypads for Photoshop and Lightroom. The downside is that if you get good with them and are contracted for offsite work, you'll have to convince a potential employer that you have to have this hardware and software to complete your tasks.

Best to stick close to the defaults - overlays like these can help you learn them.

Personally, I took a red sharpie to my work keyboard and wrote 1-12 on the F-keys so I could see them better in the dimly-lit workplace.

One thing that I did when I first started learning Russian was typing on the keyboard, which helped me learn the words faster as I'm always on the keyboard. If you're like me and not fast with a Russian keyboard, I suggest you use Google Input Transliteration Tools. What this does is allows you to spell Russian words with an English keyboard by transliterating the English characters into Cyrillic characters.

For example: If I were to type "ya ot tebya bez uma."(I'm crazy about you.) then the computer would automatically change it into "Я от тебя без ума." You can try this out by going to Google Translate and typing in English characters. All you have to do is install that program, it will download the dictionaries from Google, and after that it is a keyboard that you switch to just like the Russian keyboard in Windows. This made it very easy for me to type Russian, and even though I like typing with an actual Russian layout, I will admit that this way is faster especially if you're already fast on an English keyboard. There is also a way to do this as an add-on for Chrome by pressing Ctrl + G, but I don't think using it is as easy and I think it only works in Chrome.
If you have any more questions, I can try to answer them.

And yes, I agree with Fuloran 100% that the hardest thing by far, especially as an English speaker where it's not a big thing, is verb conjugation.

Also, if you want good Russian stickers, I can recommend these and these. The first set of stickers have a transparent background so that the original letters from the keyboard show through. I use the transparent stickers on my mechanical gaming keyboard so that the backlighting can show through, and they don't slow me down at all. I use the second set of stickers, which have a black background, on my laptops/Chromebooks.

Think about how long it took you to be proficient in English and how you had to go to school to learn some of the grammer. One of the best things about Russian is there is quite a few English cognates and this makes it really easy to pick up some words.
One of the hardest things for me when I was first learning the alphabet was distinguishing a Cyrillic R from an English P because they look the same. Another one was a Cyrillic N from an English H. If you can get past these, the alphabet is easy. I would say that the unique letters(Д, Л, Ж ,Э, Ц, Ю, Ч, Ф) are definitely the easiest because you are learning them, not relearning or reassigning a sound. Some good ways that I learned was talking with other Russian speakers through a messaging client. If you play games with Russian communities(maybe join a Russian TF2 server) maybe try and add/talk to some people on there. I don't know if you play it, but there is a Russian League of Legends server, I play there and talk to people sometimes. You just have to use your resources. I think the best resource is a native Russian speaker because they can give you good, common pronunciation that will help you the most.

Удачи, приятель! :)

Here's a keyboard cover I'm looking at getting for my GT72 that looks like it'll be compatible with your GT72s as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Leze-Workstation-Dominator-Silicone-Protector/dp/B019DCBQOY?ie=UTF8&keywords=ge72%20laptop%20keyboard%20cover&qid=1461008424&ref_=sr_1_12&s=pc&sr=1-12

It comes in a variety of different color combinations as well.

i use this brand's rubberized hard case. i had one almost exactly like it by a different company (not speck, but another alternative to speck) and it lasted me over a year with minimal wear. i only replaced it because of minor cracks on the edges. (don't buy a speck case, though, because the two i've had are essentially identical to the speck cases, sans the speck logo. speck cases cost $50, these cost less than $20.)

i also use this ultra-thin keyboard cover and i really recommend it, though i've seen people complain about keyboard covers blocking ventilation from beneath the chiclet keys. i've never experienced anything negative as a result of using a keyboard cover and it doesn't change the feeling of typing the way a lot of thicker covers do.

between these two my rMBP looks brand new, even though it's nearly two years old! i also use the incase neoprene sleeve when i'm taking my macbook anywhere.

Hi, you could get a few of these to use as templates for test purposes:
https://www.amazon.com/TOP-CASE-Keyboard-Protector-Microsoft/dp/B01B3E7CFW/ref=sr_1_5/145-1554153-7166268?ie=UTF8&qid=1492643114&sr=8-5&keywords=keyboard+cover+surface+book

Make sure to check if your laser setup is rated for filtration/air evacuation for plastics that emit hazardous chemicals when heated. Never etched or cut TPU before so not sure. Check the MSDS.

 

You may be able to get CAD drawings if you apply to be a partner in the Designed for Surface program:
https://d4s-catalog.azurewebsites.net/

 

If this works out do post pics!! Sick of using stickers for Hebrew and Arabic - kills the feel of the optimized key weights and key texture.

Maybe you could buy a keyboard skin.

Here's one where the letters are on the skin, but I don't know if all skins have the letters on them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005QT6F0E/ref=mh_s9_acsd_top_b3I4L6x_c_x_3_w/132-9730229-8859148?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-11&pf_rd_r=VD94JSCRQKNXAEZJCTPJ&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_p=844e5f81-d156-5188-9e77-f2b851f78f48&pf_rd_i=3015407011

<warning, stream of conscious below>

So, decision FOR ME would be really tough: I use a magic trackpad on my mac, and I LOVE it. I previously used trackballs, but the trackpad is just... better. More accurate, I love the multiple finger gestures, it's easier on my hands (I spend 10-14 hours a day at my desk (programmer here)), and it's awesome for drawing - it's like a mini tablet.

So... I have to admit, personally I would tend to put my emphasis on a super high quality touchpad, even over my choice of finding a mechanical keyboard (I know! Blasphemy!).

I've used the Cherry trackpads - they're almost 20 year old tech, and they are really... so-so. Feel is poor, small, low resolution. They work, but barely.

So: If you're looking for a high quality trackpad combined with keyboard combined together in a nice looking package, I think you only have one option, and it's probably only going to be acceptable on a mac: a mac keyboard with a magic touchpad "encased" with this:

https://imgur.com/pf6TOpX (via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EWXHV0W)

While these will work with a PC, you're going to lose the multi-finger taps and gestures.

Ok... so, that all said... maybe you could do a homegrown solution? Get a tray (plank of wood?) that's wide enough to hold a compact mech keyboard plus a high quality trackpad adjacent to it. Put velcro on the bottom of both to affix them to the base. On the plus side, you can get a keyboard that you'll love, plus a high quality trackpad. For windows I recommend the glass logitech T650, discontinued but available on ebay).

the thing is I price wise there isn't a difference in pricing brown switches cost the same as Red or Blue yet every major brand pumps out a bunch of keyboard with the switches that'll let everyone on your party know that you have a mechanical keyboard

That sucks.

My ex-gf and I never really discussed Christmas but I went ahead and bought her a bunch of stuff on my very stretched budget. Tickets to a band I knew she wanted to see (Arcade something), some retro Soviet pins/medals for her "Proletariat" dress (it was a joke that this really sexy punk dress she had kind of looked like a Soviet peasant dress and she wanted stuff to put on it), and the first two seasons of Venture Bros.

I go to her house on Christmas Eve and give it all to her. She said, "Sorry, I didn't think to get you anything." We had been dating almost a year at that point.

So maybe not "Missed out" on, but it was kind of hurtful.

Anyway, again, sorry your Secret Santa turned out to be the Krumpus, but thanks for the contest.

I could really use these Finnish Language Keyboard Stickers.

I'm learning the language and have a quick toggle hotkey to convert the keyboard to Finnish, but the keys are just boring old 'Murican keys.

I don't have a screen protector on mine, but I do have a keyboard cover and case.

I've used these on my 1st gen i5 dGPU and now my SB2.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B3E7CFW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AW7UF2I

Here, try these.. Only $3 and simple to install. I have them on my office home and laptop keyboards.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019DCBQOY

The company is not good at English but it fits great and performs to what I expected for $10

Try Amazon - do you mean something like these ? https://www.amazon.com/Keyboard-Stickers-Computer-Keyboards-Letters/dp/B01BW91MA4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=AZERTY%2Bkeyboard%2Bstickers%2Bsurface&qid=1566917530&s=gateway&sr=8-1&th=1

why dont you get a keyboard skin. I got mine for my 9550 and the keys are like brand new with no dust.

Here is the mobile version of your link

Though I hardly ever used the visual guides, it’s great for when I snacking down on potato chips LOL

Adobe Photoshop Shortcuts Keyboard Skin Hot Keys PS Keyboard Cover for Macbook Air 13 & Macbook Pro 13 15 17, Retina (US / European ISO Keyboard) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R2NBAI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XFM0BbXGFY7S3

Just to clarify, I was referring to something like this. The one you linked is for an ASUS C300MA specifically, so it won't fit your Dell 13.

These seem to be similar to what you are described (plus, it looks like they come in multiple color options).

I know you specified stickers but I have found [this] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AVBHMPY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) keyboard cover to work great and it's less permanent. Just another option to consider.

First of all, get a thin keyboard cover. I use this which is the best one you can get(I tried 6 on Amazon) and keeps your keyboard safe and new. Also since you're planning to sell, it'd probably be wise to get a hard shell case incase of drops and stuffs. Also if you keep laptop in a laptop bag, get a thin cover so that dusts doesn't enter while it's in the bag.

I've been looking for days for a keyboard case and this is the most promising one that I've found: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008Q7DDLM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2V9EL9Q5UR2ZP&coliid=I1K2M2D3X4VCQ0

iPhone is definitely my window mount for my car. I've had it since January and have had exactly zero issues with it, in temps as low as -5 and high as 108. Woo!

For my MacBook, I really really really dig my uppercase keyboard protector since I tend to snack and surf. Keeps all the crummies out of my keyboard! :D

For my iPad, it's my zagg keyboard case

air air air

Go to the apple store, try 11" and 13". In your case, I'd say get 256 GB.

If you think you will need more storage, GO FOR 512. Yes, SSD storage is expensive, but the weight of the computer I am typing this on is so great for school...

also, regardless of which mac, get a keyboard cover and a sleeve - I would recommend 11" keyboard cover 13" keyboard cover 13" sleeve (no experience with 11" sleeves, sorry)

About 3 years ago, I spilled a glass full of champagne on my 2011 13" MBP keyboard. I field stripped that computer so fast you wouldn't believe it.

Fortunately, most of the damage was just in the keyboard. It was very sticky for a while, enough that I just used it with a keyboard/mouse/monitor plugged in externally. I did end up replacing the keyboard myself, which cost me about $50 in parts and a chunk of my sanity. There are a lot of screws involved, but boy, having that new keyboard was pretty sweet. Something along these lines:

http://www.amazon.com/Macbook-Pro-keyboard-assembly-A1278/dp/B0065UZMJ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396840308&sr=8-2&keywords=keyboard+replacement+for+macbook+pro

Honestly, you're not going to fix the sticky part without replacing the keyboard. These are not desktop keyboards or even typical laptop keyboards.

This is easily fixable with a silicon keyboard cover. https://www.amazon.com/Kuzy-Keyboard-Silicone-MacBook-Display/dp/B005QT6F0E/ref=sxts_k2p_hero1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2668835622&pd_rd_wg=fqRCT&pf_rd_r=6XRKB19MQE79QPNE50F7&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B005QT6F0E&pd_rd_w=x2YMY&pf_rd_i=macbook+air+keyboard+cover&pd_rd_r=JVM1MT1TMZBZRVJ1HGJ1&ie=UTF8&qid=1479363619&sr=1

Can you just order some replacement key stickers to essentially make the keyboard a fully English one?

Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/REPLACEMENT-ENGLISH-KEYBOARD-STICKERS-BACKGROUND/dp/B003DO9DE4

I did science and shit with a lighter and bottle opener.

I could really use these Finnish keyboard language stickers.

I just discovered how to switch languages on my keyboard for when I email family and friends over there, but I don't have the icons on my keyboard.

Edit: I forgot to say, thank you for the contest. My bad.

Since you have the laptop here are a few accessories I've used and like.
This is underwatt (xps wants 45) but still accepted (min 29 watt) It will charge more slowly compared to the standard chargers, the trade off is slow charge=less battery wear. So for an end of the day plug it in and leave it, its perfect.
Anker 30 watt charger

This is a newer company. Both the battery and wall charger I received were very well packaged, built, and form factored. It charges at full speed 45 watt, ideal for on the go.
dodocool 20100mAh 45W PD Portable Charger

I tested two of these magnetic usb C PD charging cables, this one is much better designed. It works as well as the new gen apple magsafe adapter and its reversible.
Breaksafe Cable

This works well with that /\ also surprisingly hard to find good usb c couplers or extensions.
USB-C Extension Cable

Finally this thing that i begrudgingly love. The XPS screen and keyboard like to smush against each other in my bag, marking the display. I've heard stories of scratching the panel. This protector has eliminated that, protects it from dust/liquid and its quieter to type on. The adhesive it comes with is garbage and the softer keys take a second to get used to.
TPU Clear Keyboard Protector

hey man, I use the magic keyboard and trackpad as well... tend to only use the magic mouse when needed. Check this out though:

https://www.amazon.com/Spinido-BESTAND-Trackpad-MJ2R2LL-Keyboard/dp/B01EWXHV0W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479820123&sr=8-1&keywords=magic+trackpad+holder

if you get an apple tv, it doubles as a keyboard and trackpad combo that you can move to the couch without fuss. totally worth the $ imo

It is possible to replace just the keyboard. It's fairly cheap, but it is time consuming and I wouldn't recommend that repair to the inexperienced. Better to try to find a small tech shop that will do it for you. If they have the part on hand they will (or at least should) test to make sure that it is actually a problem with the keyboard and not the logic board before they start really digging into the computer.

If you do want to risk it on your own what you will need is an a1278 keyboard like this one and a screw set for it too. and the necessary screwdrivers (a #00 Phillips, and a T8 if I recall properly. A small flat head is also useful) Now, that keyboard is the replacement part for the non-retina MBP but it is the same keyboard that is in MBPr units. The only difference is how they are attached to the topcase.

On the MPBr the keyboard is riveted in place. So what you have to do is strip the computer down to just the top case assembly and tear off the keyboard. It requires a fair amount of force to remove the keyboard so you have to be careful how you apply force as not to bend the top case.

From there you can put in the new keyboard. The rivets that went flying will leave perfectly lined up holes in the topcase that you can use the screws to hold the keyboard in place. The holes are not threaded, but the aluminum of the topcase is soft enough that the screws don't need treads.

Here is a link to a video some someone doing that repair on a 15" MBPr. It's not the best video but it should give you a good idea of what you would be getting into.