The IBM Model M this keyboard/numpad combo is styled after is from 1984, designed for high-wear office use. Home computer keyboards of the 90s were generally much worse, due to value engineering. The average household had a Compaq rubber dome 104-key with single-color ABS, stamped keycaps. Mac users had it better, as many Apple keyboards still used discrete Alps switches.
@@stephen_b Nope, I'm just a computer history enthusiast with a technical writing background. I'm the kind of writer/editor OpenAI steals from to generate their syntactically-correct, fact-free slop.
I recognized the 8bitdo keyboard from the intro and got really hyped about the video. Then you said lofree and I freaked out 😅 Both of those have been on my wish list for a while. I don't have an apple watch but I really liked the dock! Love your videos, this might be my favorite! Keep up the good work! (sorry if my English aren't that good)
I actually thought about it but I realized I really like everything wireless on the desk. Also this video was not sponsored by 8BitDo, I actually pre ordered this keyboard a few months ago because I thought it looked cool lol.
Popped into my recommended feed... and I get why. I do love that mouse, and am considering it for my beige sleeper PC build (with CRT battlestation, because, yeah, retrogeek) that is deep in progress currently. I have nothing that I would consider using with that system that isn't either disappointing or black (even my damn trackball mouse is black). That is EXACTLY what I was looking for - so, um, thanks. And if I didn't have a num-pad for that system I would so embrace it. I love the Model M touch and feel - but my holy grail is the Apple Extended II from the very early 90s; the adapters are weird - and were very expensive for a bit - but it has a very pleasing clickity-clackity that doesn't keep everyone awake across the house... Cool stuff, I'll keep checking in with your channel.
This is the vibe I am going for with my setup. I got this keyboard and number pad a few weeks ago, and I will likely buy some of these other items for my setup. The number not working as a macro pad is mad frustrating, however. I am trying to decide if I would replace my mx master for that mouse to complete the look.
I use the Lofree at my job (with one of the Epomaker keyboards with the little monitor-style screens on it), and you are correct, the mouse is too small to be truly comfortable. The style is great, the buttons are nice enough, but it causes my hand to cramp as the day goes on. If they ever introduce a larger one, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I also have that 8BitDo keyboard in the Commodore style at my home desk. It's really pleasant to use, as is the NumPad.
Shoot let me know if you wanna borrow my model F keyboard remake. Different from the Model M since there’s no membrane, it’s direct paddle on circuit board action 😫👌
I considered getting the number pad / calculator. They are very useful for CAD software, but the fact that this does not have a "send" function to send the result to the computer is a deal breaker for me.
Looks very nice indeed! Except I don’t really spot a CRT (OK given that CRT TVs and PVM/BVMs are now very expensive and don’t fit on many modern desks.
Totally off topic for the video content. But. I have been wondering: are you related to John Moe (from the podcast Wits)? From your excellent scripts and great setup for filming I feel like it’s talent that runs in the family. Your voice too, very similar. I listened to his podcast Wits from day one and it is still one of my favorites.
Yeah I agree with you on the size issue. I mention it in the video, but the mouse has some great features, but the product is far from perfect due to ergonomics and some software quirks on the circuit board within the mouse. Hopefully they follow it up with a more feature rich model.
I have a really specific question (its not but, honestly you'd know) .. (dont have to answer btw) i was using 2 desks to make an L shape, one a cheap drafting table, and the other, a 350 pound goliath from the 90s that is stronger than a bus. That desk had my PC on it, but i got a large glass L shaped desk... glass... meaning PC can't... be on it (hefty fugger') ... but its just tall enough that under the desk (on a platform) it wouldn't fit.... i'm at a damn loss... idk what my question even is at this point damn. "Interior crocodile alligator, i am an office decorator." -Faye⚓
"gimick" is a silly word... it's a useful feature that's nice to have but typically wouldn't make or break a product's value. Will everyone find it useful? No, but not everyone will find my trackball useful either... but with my desk space and wrist problems, I do.
LED refers to the backlighting, and LCD refers to the panel that produces color. Basically any and all modern displays that aren't an OLED are both an LED and an LCD. There was a time when LEDs were new to the scene for LCD backlighting, so having LED backlighting was something worth advertising.
Yeah. I was counting on the macro functionality of the 8bitdo numpad, too. I have 3 colorways. And no a single macro. :( I had to get another numpads for macroing. That's a sh@me. Though the keyboard is cool, anyways.
nothing screams retro tech like a mouse wearing a keyboard as a skinsuit
Okay, I would totally mount the big buttons under my desk to switch between audio sources or desk light configs.
Dang I did not think of that.. that actually sounds useful 🤔
I use the super buttons as foot pedals for streaming! it was just about the only practical use I found for them.
All that is left is to fit an OLED monitor into a CRT like frame.
Check Scott Yu-Jan’s iPhone standby mode dock!
The IBM Model M this keyboard/numpad combo is styled after is from 1984, designed for high-wear office use. Home computer keyboards of the 90s were generally much worse, due to value engineering. The average household had a Compaq rubber dome 104-key with single-color ABS, stamped keycaps. Mac users had it better, as many Apple keyboards still used discrete Alps switches.
Thanks, ChatGPT!
@@stephen_b Nope, I'm just a computer history enthusiast with a technical writing background. I'm the kind of writer/editor OpenAI steals from to generate their syntactically-correct, fact-free slop.
@@Jergling haha I was joking but that's cool. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
I recognized the 8bitdo keyboard from the intro and got really hyped about the video. Then you said lofree and I freaked out 😅 Both of those have been on my wish list for a while. I don't have an apple watch but I really liked the dock! Love your videos, this might be my favorite! Keep up the good work!
(sorry if my English aren't that good)
I just got rhe C63 version of the keyboard, and I swapped the switches out for Epomaker Zebras... Amazing!
You can just buy a new Model M. They are still made. Granted it's unlikely they would sponsor you them for free.
I actually thought about it but I realized I really like everything wireless on the desk. Also this video was not sponsored by 8BitDo, I actually pre ordered this keyboard a few months ago because I thought it looked cool lol.
@@WorkFromHype Fair enough. Your right I was assuming based on the timing. They seem to be giving away a gazillion of them at the moment.
Popped into my recommended feed... and I get why.
I do love that mouse, and am considering it for my beige sleeper PC build (with CRT battlestation, because, yeah, retrogeek) that is deep in progress currently. I have nothing that I would consider using with that system that isn't either disappointing or black (even my damn trackball mouse is black). That is EXACTLY what I was looking for - so, um, thanks.
And if I didn't have a num-pad for that system I would so embrace it. I love the Model M touch and feel - but my holy grail is the Apple Extended II from the very early 90s; the adapters are weird - and were very expensive for a bit - but it has a very pleasing clickity-clackity that doesn't keep everyone awake across the house...
Cool stuff, I'll keep checking in with your channel.
That clock is sleek!
I love 8bitdo
This is the vibe I am going for with my setup. I got this keyboard and number pad a few weeks ago, and I will likely buy some of these other items for my setup. The number not working as a macro pad is mad frustrating, however. I am trying to decide if I would replace my mx master for that mouse to complete the look.
I use the Lofree at my job (with one of the Epomaker keyboards with the little monitor-style screens on it), and you are correct, the mouse is too small to be truly comfortable. The style is great, the buttons are nice enough, but it causes my hand to cramp as the day goes on.
If they ever introduce a larger one, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
I also have that 8BitDo keyboard in the Commodore style at my home desk. It's really pleasant to use, as is the NumPad.
Shoot let me know if you wanna borrow my model F keyboard remake. Different from the Model M since there’s no membrane, it’s direct paddle on circuit board action 😫👌
I love my Model F. Absolutely unique from the Model M, although that'd be for an '80s video rather than '90s.
excellent video, thank you
I considered getting the number pad / calculator. They are very useful for CAD software, but the fact that this does not have a "send" function to send the result to the computer is a deal breaker for me.
This is fantastic! I think I might have to pick up that keyboard!
Are those large A / B buttons sturdy enough to be used as foot switches? I feel like that would be a useful addition to my gaming setup.
Looks very nice indeed! Except I don’t really spot a CRT (OK given that CRT TVs and PVM/BVMs are now very expensive and don’t fit on many modern desks.
Yesss i love this
I hated beige in the 90's because it was so common, and I really wanted black color. Now, PCs are usually all black, and I kinda miss the beige again.
nice stuff!
now do a 2000s setup with modern tech
Thisguy's desk is worht more than my house 🤣 this looks great! as a '95 guy, I approve it!
Missing some headphones or speakers! Awesome video
That mouse upside down in the thumbnail though...
Saw your 3 slot mat on the web site. Do you have the exact measurements?
Totally off topic for the video content. But. I have been wondering: are you related to John Moe (from the podcast Wits)? From your excellent scripts and great setup for filming I feel like it’s talent that runs in the family. Your voice too, very similar. I listened to his podcast Wits from day one and it is still one of my favorites.
You know what you should do? 3d print a bege monitor frame to look like a CRT.
I like how this doesnt really resemble a 90s setup even in aesthetic
This. The irony is that you can probably still get authentic 2000's stuff today.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that.
That Lofree Mouse is not that good TBH and its small, like travel sized mouse small. Not recommended for gaming or people with large hands
Yeah I agree with you on the size issue. I mention it in the video, but the mouse has some great features, but the product is far from perfect due to ergonomics and some software quirks on the circuit board within the mouse. Hopefully they follow it up with a more feature rich model.
I have a really specific question (its not but, honestly you'd know) .. (dont have to answer btw) i was using 2 desks to make an L shape, one a cheap drafting table, and the other, a 350 pound goliath from the 90s that is stronger than a bus. That desk had my PC on it, but i got a large glass L shaped desk... glass... meaning PC can't... be on it (hefty fugger') ... but its just tall enough that under the desk (on a platform) it wouldn't fit.... i'm at a damn loss... idk what my question even is at this point damn.
"Interior crocodile alligator, i am an office decorator." -Faye⚓
I absolutely like the 8bit keyboard regarding style etc.. But - they don't have ISO layout, so it does not really work for me :(
How's the mouse versus mx master 3?
go for crt for 90's
>It's 90s because it's beige and grey
The desk clock and the numpad were the best.
6:35 666 😵
Ah yes, the retro setup to play Space Marine 2.
Looks more 80’s. Late 90’s was more white and gray.
"gimick" is a silly word... it's a useful feature that's nice to have but typically wouldn't make or break a product's value. Will everyone find it useful? No, but not everyone will find my trackball useful either... but with my desk space and wrist problems, I do.
Steelseries had a display on one of their lines of mice and no one liked it so no one did it anymore. (or that's my understanding)
I wish that mouse isn’t that expensive
the clock does not have an "LCD display". it is clearly an LED display and says so on the amazon page. words mean things!
LED refers to the backlighting, and LCD refers to the panel that produces color. Basically any and all modern displays that aren't an OLED are both an LED and an LCD. There was a time when LEDs were new to the scene for LCD backlighting, so having LED backlighting was something worth advertising.
Where’s the crt ?
In the other room with my N64 hooked up lol. I couldn't give up my OLED monitor, I've become too attached to it.
@@WorkFromHype Modern tech should go back to beige instead of everything black for desktop
Nah, if you want truly replica of model m with modern twist (removable switches), get the vortex model m series.
80085? 😂
Awesome setup and review. but the mouse looks so uncomfortable and I can't imagine working with it for more than 1 hour.. Horrible ergonomics.
RGB or nothing.
Yeah.
I was counting
on the macro functionality
of the 8bitdo numpad, too.
I have 3 colorways.
And no a single macro. :(
I had to get another numpads
for macroing.
That's a sh@me.
Though the keyboard is cool,
anyways.
Number pad is on the wrong side...
Lol a model m without a num pad and that mouse is way too chunky.
This is a bad video with bad ideas