KiiBoom Phantom 81: The Loudly Quiet Keyboard

KiiBoom isn’t exactly a name that rolls off the tongue. The company’s Phantom 81 is what their name is not: smooth, with glossy acrylic keys and custom lubricated switches.

The Social Media Seesaw is Why We Need the Fediverse

Last week, I praised Meta’s move from censoring information to using Community Notes to provide transparent, crowdsourced accountability. This swift reversal is encouraging, but its speed and decisiveness warn of the dangers of centralized social media like Facebook, X and even Bluesky.

The Fourth Generation Matias Tactile Pro Keyboard

The Apple Extended Keyboard's Torchbearer

Last week, I reviewed the Unicomp New Model M, the torchbearer for a line of keyboards that elicits reverent voices and knowing nods from those who have used one. Cross over to the fruity side of things and there was a similarly admired board, the Apple Extended Keyboard, and a modern continuation, Matias’s Tactile Pro.

The Legend Never Left: The Unicomp New Model M

Longtime keyboard enthusiasts will tell you there is one keyboard that stands above the others: the legendary IBM Model M. Dating to the 1980s, the board is large and loud, beloved for its feel and revered for its reliability. It is peculiar we don’t see more people using them, because here’s a secret: the Model M is still in production.

The Legend Never Left: The Unicomp New Model M

Longtime keyboard enthusiasts will tell you there is one keyboard that stands above the others: the legendary IBM Model M. Dating to the 1980s, the board is large and loud, beloved for its feel and revered for its reliability. It is peculiar we don’t see more people using them, because here’s a secret: the Model M is still in production.

Intriguing Cyber Monday Deals

There are an overwhelming avalanche of great deals (and not so great ones masked to look great) on any given Cyber Monday, but here are a few of Testy Tim’s standout favorites for 2024.

Homebridge Brings Things Together

I’ve been tinkering with the smart home for the better part of a decade now. The love-her-and-hate-her Amazon Alexa has ruled the roost with a rusty iron fist the whole time, the only device capable of bringing the different pieces I bought together. Homebridge is a free tool that is changing that for me.

Homebridge Brings Things Together

I’ve been tinkering with the smart home for the better part of a decade now. The love-her-and-hate-her Amazon Alexa has ruled the roost with a rusty iron fist the whole time, the only device capable of bringing the different pieces I bought together. Homebridge is a free tool that is changing that for me.

Those Were the Days (of Repairs)

I never intended to become Archie Bunker. But, he had a point: the old LeSalle ran great. Things of the past did, because they were easily repairable. In an age of disposable everything, working with something old is a reminder of that.

Those Were the Days (of Repairs)

I never intended to become Archie Bunker. But, he had a point: the old LeSalle ran great. Things of the past did, because they were easily repairable. In an age of disposable everything, working with something old is a reminder of that.