by exebook on 4/30/21, 4:49 PM with 116 comments
So what is your keyboard and what you like and hate about it? As for me I settled on Keychron K1 because even though it is mechanical it is as close to membrane as possible, super thin and silent. Also it has the IBM M1 but without a numeric layout which I personally prefer.
by bstar77 on 4/30/21, 5:13 PM
I had no idea what I was buying when I spent $4 for 2 disgustingly dirty keyboards back when I was 15. I've taken good care of both of them for nearly 30 years and they both still look new.
I've tried some more recent high-end mechanical keyboards, but I ended up giving them to my son. I just like the feel of the Model M more and I can type significantly more accurately with it. My Model M has no issues working with a ps/2 to usb adapter, so one is my daily driver and the other I connect to my KVM for my older PCs. I don't have any connection issues or latencies and they are fine for gaming. I do miss some of the media controls, but I mostly resolved that by using an external audio device.
I'm not really a purest with this stuff, I have lots of newer keyboards including current apple hardware, but I go back to this keyboard for my PCs because I really enjoy using it. I'm not against swapping it out, I've just not been compelled to yet.
by beforeolives on 4/30/21, 5:13 PM
Things I like
- the footprint is small but it still has arrow keys
- nice and simple design - many mechanical keyboards look too much like toys for my liking, the Keychron design is a bit more neutral
- satisfying to type on
- affordable, mac-friendly, wireless
---
The keyboard - https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k6-wireless-mecha...
I followed this video for the mod (with slightly heavier switches) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCyKyA9JEPc
by D13Fd on 4/30/21, 5:33 PM
I tweaked the code a bit to customize a few things, but the main draw is actually the USB vs. Bluetooth functionality. I use two computers simultaneously (nowadays, a Mac and a PC) and ever since the advent of USB in the 1990's I've been looking for a KVM or USB switch that can instantly switch a single keyboard back and forth between two computers. I never found one--all of them have some delay or some other issue.
But the M60 is perfect in that regard. It connects to the Mac via Bluetooth, and to the PC via USB. A single keypress instantly switches it back and forth between the two. It keeps both connections live, and just swaps back and forth. It can also store separately keyboard configurations for each, so I set it up to swap the Alt/Command keys on the Windows/USB side.
It's not perfect in other ways. There are a few bugs with the Python code base, and the maintainer has been slow to update it. Also, it's a bit weird to have a keyboard that has to reboot if you cut the power. But it's reliable and has served me well for months now, and there is nothing else like it.
by godot on 4/30/21, 5:25 PM
I've decided that having low profile keys on a mechanical keyboard is the most important factor to me. It's more comfortable than regular height key caps. Aside from the Keychron K1, I also use a HAVIT one (full size, not TKL) for another desktop computer of mine, which I also enjoy.
For a period of time, I was obsessed with finding the perfect layout for use with a mac. The layout I found the closest to perfect was something like the Qisan Magicforce 68. I'm really used to using Home/End extensively to move to beginning of line and end of line while coding (I've been a Windows user all my life up until the last few years), while I didn't need the F-row and wanted to minimze my keyboard size.
Nowadays I've realized that I don't mind the keyboard size as much, so I'm happy to settle with a basic (and much more common) TKL layout, which is just a regular keyboard without the keypad.
by curiousfab on 4/30/21, 5:13 PM
I literally picked it from a box of trash I walked by a few years ago because my old keyboard was broken. I never had a keyboard I didn't like. Maybe I am an outlier or are the people who are so extremely concerned about their keyboards actually a small but very vocal minority?
by yoz-y on 4/30/21, 5:22 PM
For the durgod, the + is that it has a USB-C connector. For both i wish that the connector was deeper so that the channel to guide the cable on a side would be usable without an angled cable (which they don't provide).
I also like that both are no-hassle. They don't have any fancy features and are relatively inexpensive (wrt other mechanical keyboards).
by nikivi on 4/30/21, 5:11 PM
by notslow on 4/30/21, 5:07 PM
by sokoloff on 4/30/21, 5:12 PM
Love the ergonomic hand positioning/dished layout, the switch feel (Cherry browns, I think), the thumb switches for space, enter, backspace, delete, and command, and the full programmability of the keys. I used to use foot pedals when I coded in Emacs all day; I didn't bother setting them back up when I moved into my home office during pandemic as I spend more time in Excel than Emacs nowadays.
The only thing I don't like about it is when it's time to play Minecraft with the kids, the spacebar is impossible to reach with your left hand while keeping on the shift/WASD keys, so I switch out to an RF Logitech for serious play with the kids. I suppose I could add that it does slow my typing and reduce accuracy somewhat on a traditional keyboard (such as on a laptop or in a conference room), so I sometimes feel slightly frustrated when I'm forced to use one of those [or look like a clown who can't even type while doing so]. That's zero factor since widespread WFH and I don't think is a reason to avoid it, but it's a small thing.
by castillar76 on 4/30/21, 5:41 PM
What I love: it's portable, and includes its own wrap-around case with magnetic clip at the bottom that folds up to make a stand for your mobile/iPad. It also has little cut-out bits on the bottom that slot perfectly into the keyboards on the 2016+ MacBook Pro (the butterfly-keyboard models) because the inventor wanted a better keyboard for his laptop. So once you slip it onto the laptop it clicks into place on the top and then it includes a short USB-C cable to plug it into the side port. It also does 3-device Bluetooth with a keyboard shortcut to switch profiles, so you can tap away on your laptop with it and then hit a key combo and type on your iPad. The switches are nice: clicky, but not so penetratingly loud that you couldn't work with it in a public place. For the times that I'm having to do long-form writing or a lengthy stretch of paper-grading on my laptop, it's a terrific purchase, and it makes typing out stuff on the iPad MUCH nicer than trying to tap on the screen.
The downsides: It's a near-exact copy of the MacBook Pro keyboard layout, so you're missing a lot of keys from a larger-sized keyboard. Since it closely matches the laptop layout I can put my brain in laptop mode and deal with it, but it's annoying to be missing things like F-keys. Also the right shift is in a weird spot because of the way they jammed the arrow keys into the layout, so that took a little getting used to. It's also not terrifically light since the aluminum frame is really solid: it's not awful, but it's also not nearly as feather-light as the Magic Keyboard I had been using with my iPad. Also, while the switches are good, the way they've constructed the stabilizers for the larger keys is a little weird and it makes things like the space-bar a little squishier than I like. And the keycaps are technically hot-swap, but I can't imagine finding a set from anyone but Nuphy that would fit this thing.
by eyelidlessness on 4/30/21, 5:31 PM
They’ve improved one of my main complaints by making the keys not entirely flat. Which potentially could help mitigate my other major complaint: there isn’t enough space between the columns, I often mistakenly hit insert when I mean to hit backspace, and even more often miss when trying to use the arrow keys.
A minor complaint is, like many keyboards offering both Mac/PC layouts, the number pad is still not quite familiar.
All of that said, it’s probably the best keyboard I’ve owned since I gave up on trying to keep an Apple Extended working. I’ve been through too many Matias keyboards and they’re nice but too unreliable. And I won’t even bother trying to remember the half dozen other brands I’ve tried, they’ve all been disappointing particularly on a Mac.
by KarlTheCool on 4/30/21, 5:38 PM
It's the YMDK Split 64: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000074426801.html
I wanted a split for ergo while working and an easier time gaming since I play with my keyboard 90 degrees. Not many options in the split market, but hot swappable is a killer feature considering the price difference between switches and a new keyboard. The small right shift was a pain since it's the one I use the most but I got used to it. Other than that the firmware is programmable so you can do whatever you want.
I have it paired up Kailh speed copper switches. They feel like laptop switches where there's no travel before the bump. You're just immediately pressing the bump.
by wfleming on 4/30/21, 5:28 PM
Likes: It's the best, most reliable 60% keyboard I've found, and that's the size I strongly prefer. It's very compact, it's comfortable, and the layout of keys that are often weird on 60% layouts (e.g. arrows, tilde) are sensible.
I've tried a number of other 60% models and they all either had lousy layout decisions or just weren't very reliable (I had two KBParadise V60s have certain keys start to fail in < 1 yr). Both my HHKBs are going strong after several years.
Dislikes: Topre switches are... fine. Way better than most membrane keyboards, but I would prefer proper mechanical Cherry or Gateron switches. (If you like the mechanical feel but not noise, you may very well like Topres, FWIW.)
You probably saw the other recent thread about mechanical keyboards at https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26989563 - a lot of the comments there match my experience. There's cool stuff in the mechanical keyboard community, but there's also a lot of unreasonable pricing and small-batch manufacturing with less-than-reliable quality/consistency. I sort of pigeonholed myself by developing a strong preference for a 60% layout - there are a lot more options out there for larger keyboards. But once I decided that it was 60% or bust, HHKB became the natural choice. It's the only keyboard of this general form factor I've found that is basically a commodity, meaning 1) I'm confident of what I'm getting when I buy it, 2) the price is reasonable and 3) I'm also confident the company will still be around and making a similar product in 5-10 years if I need to buy another one.
by brundolf on 4/30/21, 5:20 PM
I had a Das keyboard before this for ~6 years, and it was great, but I just didn't love it like I love this one.
Things I love:
- The body is weighty aluminum. It feels really solid and looks fantastic.
- The keys are made of very high-quality plastic (Doubleshot PBT) and feel noticeably more premium even than the ones on my Das, almost like they're made of metal.
- Each key has an independent LED, and the border around the outside is made up of 38 more independent LEDs, all of which can be configured
- Key switches (not just caps) can be swapped out without any soldering. This is a very unique feature; I don't really take advantage of it personally, but if it's something you care about it's great to have.
- There is no background software that ever has to be installed on your computer for configuration or otherwise. There are some prebuilt configurations you can toggle with the keys alone, and then for detailed layers/keymapping/LED mapping, you use their web portal to generate and download a whole new ROM and then you flash it directly onto the keyboard. The process is pretty straightforward, and this means it works across OSes and you never have to worry about what else a local daemon might be doing on your computer. You can even program it yourself by hand using QMK, if you're feeling adventurous.
This is a 65% keyboard, so if you need the dedicated function keys and/or Insert/Home/etc, there's an 80% (ten-key-less) version called the CTRL which has everything except the numpad (and all the same wonderful traits above)
by alexserver on 4/30/21, 7:12 PM
by ziml77 on 4/30/21, 5:37 PM
I'm a fan of the TKL layout because I never used the numpad. I wouldn't go smaller because I have muscle memory for using the navigation keys and I use the F keys often. Browns give me a slight feedback when pressing they key and aren't too noisy or heavy. The MT3 profile feels the nicest of any I've tried. It has different heights for each row and a nice curve on top for your fingers to sit in.
For the board itself, it's got a nice metal chassis, though I still don't love the look of the floating keys. The configurator is handy, but I really wish changes could be done on-the-fly instead of requiring a reflash. I'm not into the flashy RGB stuff, but I do have the lighting enabled on the board. It's okay and I like the presence of the accent strip around the bottom but I wish it was more uniform. The light goes through a diffuser but there's still hot spots where the LEDs are.
Being able to hot swap the switches is a nice feature, but I think the mounting plate tolerances are too wide. I've swapped the switches out a few times and managed to fold the fragile pins completely over. I can't feel if that's happening because each slot requires different pressure to get the switch in (some require enough force that they're mildly painful!)
So I'm not sure I would recommend this exact board, but if I were to buy yet another mechanical keyboard it wouldn't be too different from this one.
EDIT: Forgot to add that the stabilizers that come with it are very rattly. I got better ones, but the plastic that mounts in place is very slightly larger than the holes. I had to force it in and let the edge of the aluminum shave off the plastic. I think this size difference makes them a bit tighter than they're supposed to be which was actually a problem for one type of switch I tried that didn't push back with enough force to overcome the friction of the tactile bump and the friction of the stabilizer bar.
by SavantIdiot on 4/30/21, 5:24 PM
Likes: Nice smooth keys, adjustable in multiple axes. Been using this GT board since the late 90's. It has no "bumper" for resting your wrists, which I like a lot because I also use an ergo chair that keeps my wrists elevated off the desk.
Dislikes: wish it had a usb hub so I could plug in my mouse and gaming pad. I also wish Mac & Win woudl stop fighting and use one ALT key. Enough with the mac and windows specialty keys. We only need SHIFT, CTRL and ALT. /endrant/
https://shop.goldtouch.com/products/goldtouch-v2-adjustable-...
by Ashanmaril on 4/30/21, 5:36 PM
For work they provided me an Apple magic keyboard, and as much as those mechanical keyboard guys like to hype their fancy keyboards up... I actually think I like the Apple keyboard more. I can type faster and more comfortably with it. I did a typing test on both keyboards the other day and was getting around 80-90wpm on the mechanical keyboard, but with the Apple keyboard I could consistently get closer to 100. I think it's something about the low key travel, I can key my inputs in much faster.
by jkaptur on 4/30/21, 5:15 PM
I can never go back to a keyboard without something as flexible as QMK. I wrote a bit about why I love it so much: https://jkaptur.com/layout/.
by smivan on 4/30/21, 8:01 PM
It runs QMK (https://docs.qmk.fm/#/) and is very customizable.
More links:
- https://blog.ivansmirnov.name/what-is-an-ergodox/ - https://people.ergodox-ez.com/ivan-smirnov/
by taylodl on 4/30/21, 7:22 PM
by wilsonnb3 on 4/30/21, 5:15 PM
Pros: has function, arrow, home/end keys while still being compact. Very quiet. Solid build quality. Fully remappable without requiring software.
Cons: doesn’t make awesome clicky sounds
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Leopold fc750r w/cherry mx blue switches
Pros: CLICKY, more space than the compact race 3, comes in a lovely classic PC beige color
Cons: too loud for a room with other people in it
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Vortex pok3r w/cherry mx silent red
Pros: very compact, quiet
Cons: missing too many keys for me to use for anything except gaming.
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Apple wireless magic keyboard
Pros: quiet, wireless, rechargeable
Cons: no full size arrow keys, pairing with multiple computers is a pain in the ass
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Surface designer compact keyboard:
Pros: wireless, easily pairs with multiple computers, long battery life
Cons: No full-size arrow keys
by kawfey on 4/30/21, 5:31 PM
My poor wrists.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-keyboard-smartcard-usb/...
by amanciero on 4/30/21, 6:23 PM
by anotherevan on 5/1/21, 12:58 AM
I’ve tried the Sculpt keyboard, and just not as good for me. I’ve got one in the drawer as a backup, but I just don’t like the feel of it - especially the spongy escape key (Vim user).
The X-Bows Knight[2] looks interesting to me. The largely standard layout but with the extra thumb buttons appeals. The lack of tenting does not. Tempted to try it out. Want to reduce pinky usage and more thumb keys seems like the way to go.
[1] https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/p/natural-ergonomic-keyboard...
[2] https://x-bows.com/products/x-bows-knight-ergonomic-mechanic...
by alkonaut on 4/30/21, 5:13 PM
The particular keyboard I use is a gaming model from Cougar. Scissor switches and N-key rollover was hard requirements. Unfortunately this meant I couldn’t get a Swedish layout like I wanted, but gaming + scissor is a rare enough combination that I still got it (and bought 3 at the same time so I wouldn’t end up like last time).
by valbaca on 4/30/21, 8:44 PM
Despite the "gaming" in the name, it's not a """Gaming keyboard"""
Here's what I like about it:
- Wired: I use a wireless mouse but always want a hardwire connection for my keyboard as it's the one thing I need to work exactly 100% of the time
- Quiet & Mechanical: I like having mechanical quality keyboards but find the typical noise of most mechanical keyboards to be far too disrupting
- TenKeyless but otherwise full-sized: I don't need or ever use a number pad. I'd much rather have my mouse closer to the home row. I like having a full set of F1-12 keys and the standard Home/End/Arrow Key cluster
- Classic look: I find the RGB/backlit aesthetic to be gaudy and tacky. I like dark greys. This keyboard matches perfectly with my Logitech MX Master 2S next to it.
- Solid build
Most importantly, it's a keyboard that's let me forget about it. It Just Works.
by mgarfias on 4/30/21, 6:05 PM
I love how its not tall like most mechanical keyboards, and the feel is pretty decent. its not at all loud either.
Its pretty awesome all around, but I do have a weird issue with my `D` key doubling up.
by bob1029 on 4/30/21, 5:15 PM
https://fujitsuscannerstore.com/cg01000-291001/
You will find these to be very expensive and not to everyones taste. If you have been using a mechanical keyboard with lots of force required to depress keys, this one is going to feel like its not there at all. It is also extremely quiet. You can be typing fairly aggressively and no one would be able to tell 1 cube over.
I feel like this keyboard is for those who have the patience to reform certain typing habits. My first few days with it were a dumpster fire because my hands were so used to slamming the shit out of Cherry MX Blue switches. Once I became adjusted to it, I felt like the keyboard on my late 2013 macbook pro is too stiff by contrast.
Overall, my ability to code for long duration without hurting has improved dramatically with this keyboard. 80g+ of force will wear you the fuck out if you are pushing those things thousands of times a day.
by api on 4/30/21, 5:13 PM
I've never heard anyone go into this, but I wonder if these low-travel keyboards are better for things like repetitive motion injury potential. No idea.
I also have a Das Keyboard that I like but I stopped using it because it's the clacky type and it's too loud on calls.
by eyeownyde on 4/30/21, 5:28 PM
hhkb pro 2 I love the way typing feels Have no qualms https://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-Hacking-Keyboard-Professional...
by dlevine on 4/30/21, 8:10 PM
It's a 60% keyboard that I built by harvesting the switches (dampened cream ALPS) and Keycaps (PBT Dye Sub) from an Apple Extended Keyboard II, and then using Hasu's PCB and a custom laser cut plate and wooden case.
It's comfortable to type on (those old ALPS switches are much better than the modern switches), quiet, the keycaps are mac specific, and it looks great. I find no real downsides to a 60% layout, especially since it's programmable so I can map the keys however I want.
I went through a ton of different keyboards (everything from a Model M to an ortholinear to an Ergodox to a Topre board), and haven't found anything that I like better. So much so that I built 2 of them (for home and work) and then sold most of my other boards.
by SAI_Peregrinus on 4/30/21, 5:26 PM
At home: Corsair K70, with CherryMX Brown switches.
I like CherryMX brown switches. They're a good balance of actuation force, slight click, but still rather quiet and with a decently long travel (so I'm less likely to bottom out the keys).
I like the K70 more because the open frame makes cleaning between the keys easier.
I like that the Das has a 2-port hub built in without using a second USB A slot like the K70 does.
I utterly hate keyboards without numpads, both have numpads.
I've used Unicomp model Ms (they bought the license from IBM), they're quite nice too but a bit louder and harder to actuate than I want. Likewise with CherryMX blue switches.
I've also used a Corsair keyboard with CherryMX red switches, those don't really have any detent and extremely low actuation force, so they're too easy to accidentally actuate when resting my hand on the keyboard.
I've never used a laptop keyboard I liked. Short travel distance is frustrating.
by celrod on 4/30/21, 5:11 PM
Likes: The dished profile of the keys, which more naturally reflects the arch your finger tips travel, reducing the overall need for movement. While common among split keyboards, I also really like the thumb keys. I use emacs, so it's nice to have easy and comfortable access to all the modifiers.
Dislikes: Actually being split would be nice.
by castillar76 on 4/30/21, 5:30 PM
I bought it with Gateron Reds (linear) and then swapped the core keys (alphanumerics, keypad) to Kailh Box Whites because I really like the clickiness. Weirdly, having the outer keys on a linear switch is pretty comfortable, probably because those are often hit with weaker fingers or odd angles, so having a light linear reduces finger fatigue. I absolutely love the clickiness, and the sound with the aluminum frame and the default keycaps is really solid. Once I got the default switches out (the tolerance in the aluminum frame is pretty tight, so getting the default switches out requires a really firm tug!), swapping switches on a whim is pretty easy, so I'm looking forward to playing with some other switches as we go.
On the down side, the absolutely uniform layout of the keys definitely throws my fingers for a loop. I'm used to TKL-style keyboards where the arrow keys or special modifiers up top are easy to find by touch because they're surrounded by a gap. That's no longer the case, so I had to get creative. At the moment, the solution is to use SA-profile keycaps on those keys, which are much taller than the default keycaps. It doesn't look wonderful, but it's pretty effective: I can now find the arrow keys pretty consistently without looking down, and I can find the middle of the numeric keypad thanks to the scooped 5 key in the center. I also miss having programmable macro keys, but I worked around it by using Karabiner to convert the NumLock key (which does nothing on Mac OS) to a Hyper key so that I can use that for key combos across the keyboard. And as an extra, a picked up a little six-key keypad (usually intended for Osu) that also has hot-swap switches, and I've been fiddling with programming that for extra macros like muting/unmuting in Zoom & Webex.
by perrylaj on 4/30/21, 5:21 PM
Other complaint would be that self-serviceability of the switches is pretty poor (I broke a kb trying to replace a bad switch and doing a lazy job desoldering, destroying a pad, and having a hard time finding a suitable trace to try and run a wire to). Sounds like serviceability is something they are rectifying in a new iteration that should be getting released sometime this year. I'll be picking up one of the new ones when they are available. On balance, has been the best overall KB experience I've had.
by bydo on 4/30/21, 6:33 PM
I hate nearly everything about it. The Touchbar remains an absolute gimmick. I thought I'd get used to the key travel, but nope. Something about the keys being super low makes me typo way more often than on any other keyboard I've ever used. The up/down arrow keys being half-height makes them harder to touch type and serves no purpose other than making it look somewhat more symmetrical.
And it's just straight-up missing the escape key, which seems like just an additional insult–it has a key on the other side of the keyboard, for Touch ID, so that makes it less symmetrical (they finally fixed that in the newest 16", which doesn't do me any good).
Touch ID is nice, if weirdly slow, when it works.
by lycopodiopsida on 5/1/21, 7:21 AM
KA2:
+ Keywells and ergonomics
+ Pads and palm rests are very comfortable
+ Ortolinear
+ Thumb cluster is very good
- The general feeling and sound of a plastic bucket
- Only available with Cherry-Switches
- The firmware is bad and very limited
Model01:
+ Wood finish and ergonomics
+ Sculptured keycaps
+ Split and ortholinear
+ Thumb cluster and palm button(!)
+ Firmware is very easy to use (Kaleidoscope)
+ Switches are very comfortable (Matias QuetClick)
- Switches will fill sooner than later since they have reliability issues.
by kelt on 5/2/21, 2:00 PM
It took me about 2 months to get up to speed with muscle memory. Something I hated during that period of time and it has been a rough 6 months or so now, I am loving it(perhaps I spent the money. At times I have to switch to the Macbook's keyboard, not much issue adjusting back and it would seem I typo more on a regular keyboard now compared when on ortholinear.
It doesn't take up much space on the desk a plus for me, however, my only wish is that it has wireless.
by daveslash on 4/30/21, 5:12 PM
I love that it's wireless. I love that the mouse has 4 buttons. And the keyboard itself just feels good to type on -- the keys have the perfect amount of resistance and mechanical feel without over doing it (in my opinion). I hate that if you break the dongle, there's no way to replace the dongle or re-pair.
by breischl on 4/30/21, 5:28 PM
The MX Browns are still pretty loud and "clacky" for use when on a call or video conference. If I make and effort to type softly I can get away with it, but full speed typing is pretty loud.
TBH I'm not that much of a keyboard nut though. For me personally the experience doesn't justify the price, though this keyboard may last long enough that the amortized cost makes it worthwhile.
by elcano on 5/1/21, 2:24 PM
I could use VIA or the QMK web configurator, but none of them are comparable to the flexibility of programming the keyboard locally using C Language. I can program layers for games, video editing and every emoji under the sun. I even have modes for Windows, OSX and Linux. However, my major use case is occasionally typing international characters without switching my keyboard layout. The major problem is that the English-International keyboard layout destroys the flow of a programmer when entering the single and double quotes used in strings. This was driving me nuts, specially when remotely working on other's people computers (got used to always type space after quote). The other reason is that I use mainly one keyboard, but connect it to several computers/OSes. Some of them, like the main work computer is pretty locked down. So it is much easier to have this keyboard configured how I want than customize the mapping in each computer. https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/
What I don't find ideal is the lack of F1-F12 keys. The work around is using a Function key and using the 1,2,3..= keys for that purpose. The creators of this keyboard wanted to do a reproduction of the original one. But some people would like to see an spiritual child of the Model F and a Model M. The Modem F technology in the Model M layout. Maybe somebody will take this project in the future. All patents have expired, so everything is possible.
I would like to buy another QMK programable mechanical keyboard. Ideally a 75% or 80% size, mostly for installing linear switches for gaming. Considered the QMMK Pro, but they have not delivered their QMK promise (cannot control the RGB). I also want to stay away from the chattering issues with the Drop Control. Any recommendations in the 75-80% size outside of those two is appreciated. Yeah, I'm waiting for the System 76 Keyboard release. Hopefully they behave like adults and deliver all what they promised (in contrast to Glorious).
by piinbinary on 4/30/21, 5:12 PM
Like: Clicky feel, the frame is super solid, I like the color theme, good macro support, the TKL form-factor is great (it's easier to have the homerow centered in front of me, for less wrist strain), the keys feel nice (not slippery, even after years of use).
Dislike: Blue switches are a little too loud when on zoom calls (I probably should have gone with browns), there's no backlighting in the version I got, it does not act as a USB hub, and sometimes it makes a slight ringing noise if I hit the spacebar really hard.
by rcarmo on 4/30/21, 10:30 PM
I am looking for a 40% Planck ortholinear with low profile keys and Bluetooth, but such a beast apparently does not exist yet.
by imwally on 4/30/21, 5:18 PM
by hprotagonist on 4/30/21, 5:18 PM
by slimbods on 5/1/21, 7:04 AM
by rlkf on 4/30/21, 5:21 PM
It is a little noisy, and I have problems configuring the buttons as a mouse while keeping the trackpad as a trackpad, but the finger travelling is good, and the layout feels very much like the old, renowned MS Natural keyboards.
by hknapp on 4/30/21, 5:24 PM
It looks professional in the work place, feels nice to type on, is compact despite having 104 keys, and has last two years without wear and tear.
It was almost $100 though and exhibits some deck flex and feels somewhat cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/CHERRY-G80-1800-Compact-Keyboard-Swit...
by pwg on 4/30/21, 5:04 PM
But other than a lucky ebay listing, you won't easily find one for sale.
Like: proper mechanical key-switches with proper travel for touch typing.
Dislike: nothing (which should be evident given that the one I'm presently typing on was purchased sometime about Oct-Nov of 1991).
by crispyalmond on 4/30/21, 5:24 PM
by fnord77 on 4/30/21, 5:24 PM
My favorite for programming is the humble Logitech K750 solar keyboard. Everything about it is early perfect for my large, clumsy hands. Silent, low effort and (to me) the perfect keyfeel.
Otherwise, my favorite key switch is the Kaihl (sp?) Box White
by whateveracct on 4/30/21, 5:22 PM
by dsego on 4/30/21, 5:37 PM
by b1gtuna on 4/30/21, 5:28 PM
There is no such thing as the perfect keyboard, but HHKB Pro layout is something that stood its test of time (~10 years). And I don't see it getting replaced.
The Realforce may get benched, because I'm getting more used to wireless keyboards. So far it hasn't happened yet.
by Loic on 4/30/21, 5:29 PM
I really really like the alignment of the keys and the transparent skin on top of the complete keyboard making typing smooth, reducing noise and protecting it from dirty.
I like it so much that I bought a second one with a second skin as a backup in case of something happening to the first one.
by lemper on 5/4/21, 2:48 PM
by sz4kerto on 4/30/21, 5:23 PM
Like: perfect IBM trackpoint. DSA keycaps. Great layout (not wide, but all the necessary keys). Palm rest.
Dislike: took 3 months to deliver.
by jdlyga on 4/30/21, 5:22 PM
by haecceity on 4/30/21, 5:26 PM
by shashurup on 4/30/21, 6:53 PM
It is almost as if I designed it myself to fix well known problems like overloaded little fingers, navigation keys too far from home row etc.
However it looks like it was too many changes at time. Cherry red is good for typing text, however not that good for modifier keys. Ortholinear takes time to get used to. Now I have 5! modifiers and it seems like it is too much - it is not that easy to get used to.
Before buying Gergo I swapped Ctrl and Alt and the change went surprisingly smooth and were very rewarding - Crtl shortcuts are a lot easier now - I felt like I was ready for more radical changes, which I thought would be more rewarding, but it turned out I was not (
by glitchc on 4/30/21, 5:13 PM
Advantage: Feel and sound the best out of all of my keyboards (including an M1 and a Unicomp).
Disadvantage: No backlighting - bit painful to use at night sometimes.
by blakesterz on 4/30/21, 7:26 PM
by kpmcc on 4/30/21, 5:17 PM
by smnscu on 4/30/21, 5:21 PM
by DougN7 on 5/2/21, 10:35 PM
by calyth2018 on 4/30/21, 6:04 PM
Pro: split keyboard, stops me from pulling my back in and hurting. Keyboard snob friend with multiple keyboards gave it to me.
Con: membrane feeling keys.
Strongly recommend split keyboards.
by georgewsinger on 4/30/21, 7:56 PM
I love its ergonomics & aesthetics. I hate that I have to clip my nails more frequently in order to prevent my fingers from scraping the keys.
by paulpauper on 4/30/21, 5:21 PM
by alexvoda on 5/1/21, 11:21 PM
I like:
- Ortholinear layout
- QMK is an option (it is not by default)
- split layout with navigation keys in the center results in a more comfortable posture
- heavy aluminium case (7)
- solderless replaceable switches
- the idea of relegendable keycaps
- flat key profile
- detachable cable
- small size (length). It is the size of a 60% but it has all the keys of a 75% because there are no big keys
- the shape of the keys sortof like lenovo keys
What I dislike:
- keycaps need to be glued or else they come apart
- keycaps are made of bad plastic (it's like it gets coroded by sweat)
- the combination of this keyboard and these kaycaps (or maybe just because of the keycaps) means the space between keys is too small to reliably feel it.
- mini-USB connector
What I want to explore:
- a true split keyboard like the Nyquist (9) or Viterbi (10) or the Let's Split so I can place an Apple Magic Trackped in the center, between the two halves, and use it with both hands
- XDA and DSA keycaps
- slim key switches like Kailh Choc
- QMK with Bluetooth
- good relegendable keycaps (that don't suck)
- Microsoft Adaptive Keyboard (2) / ArtLebedev Optimus Popularis (3)
- true dampened blue switches. I love tactile (you feel a bump when it actuates) clicky (you hear a click when it actuates) silent (bottoming out and topping out are dampened soft and silent) switches
I also own the following:
- TeamWolf Void Ray - probably the first comercial RGB backlit keyboard with solderless replaceable switches (4)
- Input-Club K-Type - the original one (in partnership with MassDrop) with Halo switches. The original stabilizers are atrocious and I am not impressed by the Halo switches (5)
- Logitech DiNovo Edge - Arguably the most beautiful keyboard
(1) https://uniqey.net/en/accessories/18/qmx-clips-plate-mount-1....
(2) https://channel9.msdn.com/posts/Microsofts-Adaptive-Keyboard...
(3) https://www.artlebedev.com/optimus/popularis/
(4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VobT3j9gjaM
(5) https://input.club/k-type/
(6) https://kprepublic.com/products/xd75re-xd75am-xd75-xiudi-60-...
(7) https://kprepublic.com/products/anodized-aluminium-case-for-...
(8) https://zealpc.net/products/zealio
(9) https://keeb.io/products/nyquist-keyboard
(10) https://keeb.io/products/viterbi-keyboard-pcbs-5x7-70-split-...
by Black101 on 5/1/21, 1:57 AM
