Sunday afternoon. 9th day of the lunar new year or more commonly known as Chinese New Year, here in Malaysia. It is the Hokkien New Year, celebrated by…yes, the Hokkiens. They seemed to have set off every firecracker and fireworks in the country, beginning from a couple of hours just before midnight. This did not affect my sleep. When I was sleepy, I just went to sleep, which was around 2.45am.

It’s 12 minutes pass noon. I did several experiments before – all of which came out with the same results which means that the sun is directly over Subang Jaya, or at least in the USJ area; only at 1.00pm. This means that the sun is 90deg to the ground only at 1.00pm; and not 12.00pm. Do the shadow test, where when the sun is rising from the east, it causes a shadow of an object, building, etc. At 12.00pm, there will still be a shadow in the west. Only at 1.00pm; when the sun is directly overhead; there is no shadow.

Our day begun when Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; and I, went for the 8.30am mass at St. Thomas More church in Subang Jaya. Mass was refreshing and rejuvenating. We then, headed to New Apollos restaurant for breakfast after mass. Jeannie ordered a Loh Mai Kai (1); I ordered two Tau Sa pau (2). For drinks, we both ordered Kopi peng (3); mine was the “kaw” (4) ‘version’. I usually like my coffee thick or strong; not diluted.

I am beginning to believe that sugar prices have dropped tremendously because some of the food that I have eaten recently seemed to have had a ton of sugar added in for good measure. The tau sar pau today was no exception. For me, I feel that I could do with 95% – 98% less sugar.

I have been looking for ways to “upgrade” my productivity over the past few weeks. I have read that one way is by using a mechanical keyboard. It does improve productivity. I researched quite a great deal (basic research) on why the choice should be mechanical keyboards instead of the membrane, silent, soft-touch ones; we see almost everywhere.

I noticed that most of the big department stores all use mechanical keyboards. I asked employees how they felt using this type of keyboard. Most of them said they could type with confidence and it is more comfortable. I asked many people who do use these mechanical keyboards. Gamers use them for feel, speed and accuracy.

I have not used mechanical keyboards for the longest time (an American phrase?) I consider them old-fashion. I replaced them with membrane type keyboards, the latest and mainstay of which I have been using for nearly two years is the Logitech MX Keys. It is an excellent keyboard all round, well built, but pricey. The MX Keys is like driving a vehicle with automatic transmission – smooth, not much travel between action and result. Love it. However, I was looking for something more. I am writing / typing more and needed a keyboard that would over-deliver. Maybe, I am in the mood for a change because I have had the MX Keys for almost 2 years.

The battery life on the MX Keys won’t disappoint. Everything about this keyboard is inviting. I wanted more. Should I go back to the old fashion type of keyboard (mechanical: loud, noisy clikity-clack, bigger, heavier, less than looking slick)?

I tested mechanical keyboards from several brands whenever I could at the IT stores. Whenever I asked people for their experience on using these type of keyboards, many would answer what they read or hear about the keyboards, “There is a good tactile feel”. What on earth is that? I mean, really…what on earth is that? I researched that phrase. (5) To me, I like the deeper travel when I press each key as I tend to tap the keys with a bit more emphasis when I type fast and, and even harder when I put down an exciting idea or point.

After much deliberation; I purchased the MX Mechanical. I have been using it for several days now. Still tend to make a few typo errors. However, I think I will overcome it when I get more familiar with this keyboard.

Should you get this keyboard? It costs a pretty penny. If you are into a lot of typing, and not in a “silent retreat” or “library”, environment; meaning where certain amount of noise is tolerated; then go for it. Think of this as a sports car of keyboards. Sportscars tend top be noisy but make up for the noise pollution with performance. Finally, the choice of keyboard will ultimately be up to each user – The one that works for use is the one to get.

Now, I have not talked about a whole plethora of customization that can be done with this keyboard. Examples are key swaps, hot-wiring. My purpose for these essay is to reach out to the everyday folk who may want more for their daily use than what they have now. Perhaps, I may put up an article when or once I tinker with the many options available.

For now, it is time for a mugga (for coffee), as in cuppa is for tea.

NOTES:
1. Loh Mai Kai: Also spelt as “Lo mai gai” literally “glutinous rice chicken”, is a classic dim sum dish usually served during yum cha. Wikipedia
2. Tau Sar Pau is red bean paste bun, is a popular sweet and soft favourite bun that goes well with coffee or tea.
3. Kopi peng is a combination of Malay (kopi) and Chinese (Peng) for “iced coffee”.
4. Kaw is a Hokkien word which means “thick”.
5. Linear switches don’t have much resistance, and can be pressed in one smooth motion. Tactile switches have a bump that you’ll hit halfway through pressing, which makes them slightly louder and give a physical response as you type. And clicky switches have that same bump, but make a much louder noise.
Business Insider, 8th September, 2023
Linear switches feel smooth when you press them, from top to bottom. Tactile switches have a noticeable bump partway through the keypress, which lets you know that you’ve activated the key. Clicky switches feel similar to tactile switches but add a click sound to match the tactile bump.
nytimes.com, 5th December, 2023