from Hacker News

Ask HN: What are some good keyboards?

by rickrollin on 3/4/22, 1:52 AM with 97 comments

• by TrispusAttucks on 3/4/22, 2:45 AM

  If you just want a great keyboard and don't want to learn a new layout or form factor and don't want to build your own I present the best mechanical keyboard.

  [1] FILCO Majestouch Ninja - Cherry MX Browns

  Make it yours with a nice pack of keycaps.[2]

  If you're not sure which Cherry MX switches to get read more about them here [3] and search for comparisons. I hate reds. I love blues. My wife's ears hate my blues. Now I use browns.

  I have owned many many keyboards and built a couple too and I honestly believe that FILCO is the best consumer mechanical board or at the very least my favorite :)

  [1] https://www.amazon.com/FILCO-Majestouch-Ninja-Cherry-Keyboar...

  [2] https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cherry+mx+keycaps

  [3] https://www.cherrymx.de/en/blog/cherry-mx-switches-at-a-glan...

  EDIT: You notice I picked a TKL (10 key less) unless your an accountant or mathematician num pads are highly overrated and take up valuable desk real estate.

  EDIT: Check our https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/ for inspiration ... but beware ... it can turn into a bit of an addiction.

  Good Luck!

• by Mondialisation on 3/4/22, 3:19 AM

  Short answer:

  If you wanna play games, consider a mechanical keyboard, else consider a flat laptop-like keyboard.

  Long answer:

  I used to believe that mechanical keyboards have to be better because most people praise them and they are more expensive, but it really is a matter of preference and use case. I bought myself a corsair mechanical keyboard and I really didn't like it besides for playing specific games. A laptop keyboard always felt the best to me. They are flat, so your wrist is always in a correct position while with mechanical keyboards i'd find myself having to bend my wrist backwards despite having a small pad. They are extremely responsive, you get instant feedback from the keys, and I mean instant because it takes less effort and distance to trigger each key. As a result they also make typing faster in my experience. So unless you're in for gaming or have a good pad, i'd say you really don't need it.

• by kalessin on 3/4/22, 2:35 AM

  I strongly recommend split hands, ortholinear layout and thumb clusters too, as well as a programmable firmware so you can setup your own layers.

• by iradik on 3/4/22, 2:35 AM

  I love the HHKB Pro 2 Type-S (topre) https://youtu.be/CmvB7FOgyxk not for everyone. I like torpe switches. Reminds me of the old apple iie keyboard (alps switch); probably my favorite keyboard ever https://youtu.be/zwgas6McpoQ

• by roldie on 3/4/22, 3:20 AM

  I highly recommend Xah Lee's site (recommended on a previous HN keyboard thread). [0]

  I personally have the X-Bows, and like it quite a bit as a starter ergo keyboard. [1][2]

  I've also backed the Glove80 on Kickstarter (after learning about it on HN!) as a deeper dive into ergo. [3][4]

  [0] http://xahlee.info/kbd/keyboarding.html

  [1] http://xahlee.info/kbd/xbows_keyboard_review.html

  [2] https://x-bows.com/collections/keyboards

  [3] http://xahlee.info/kbd/glove80_keyboard.html

  [4] https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/moergo/glove80-the-incr...

• by rootusrootus on 3/4/22, 2:49 AM

  I've been using a CODE keyboard [0] for the last five years or so. Been pretty happy overall, the only complaint I could have is that some of the paint is wearing off on well used keys.

  It is a traditional layout, no split, nothing like that. But I have personally found that I only get sore wrists and fingers when I let the room temperature get too low, so I keep it warm and my keyboard choice seems to have no effect.

  [0] https://codekeyboards.com/

• by geuis on 3/4/22, 3:14 AM

  https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/mx-keys-wi...

  This is a problem I was struggling with until recently.

  Specifically, I prefer low profile keyboards like the Apple magic keyboards. The problem I was having is that I wanted a low profile keyboard and mouse that I could easily switch between my Mac laptop and windows desktop.

  I looked for a kvm for months that would address my specific needs for mouse/keyboard and 2 monitor setup (1440p gaming displayport / 4K uhd usb-c).

  I finally found the Logitech MX keys and mouse combo. It's low profile and feels good for me. Plus it specifically has built in device switching. For monitor switching I just manually change the inputs as needed.

• by LichenStone on 3/4/22, 2:21 AM

  I've had my Leopold FC660C for I think 5 years now, it was very expensive but completely worth it IMHO. Capacitive sensing is just so much better than electrical contacts, due to the programmed in hysteresis, chattering just isn't a thing with Topre. I put the Hasu controller in it too and made my own custom layout with QMK.

  If I was looking at getting a new keyboard I would also consider hall effect and optical key switch design keyboards.

• by SamReidHughes on 3/4/22, 2:58 AM

  I'm about 11 years into a variable-weighted white-gray Topre Realforce, and I don't think about keyboards anymore. I'd get either a variable-weighted or 45g Topre.

  I can recommend the Kinesis Advantage too, but I later sold mine -- weight lifting did an even better job of eliminating ergonomic problems, as did piano practice once before, and I think it's generally a better strategy to not need ergonomic devices.

• by sk1pper on 3/4/22, 4:00 AM

  Logitech K380. I can type faster on that thing than any mechanical keyboard. It feels like the old gen MacBook Pro keyboards to me, but more crisp. (The gen before they started doing weird Touch Bar stuff.) It has 3 bluetooth channels so I switch between my work laptop, personal laptop, and desktop with it. Works great between macOS and Windows, too. And I’ve had it for a year and haven’t had to change the batteries yet.

  Mechanical keyboards are cool but turns out they aren’t for everybody. I spent a lot of money on them and ultimately discovered I don’t really like any of them. They’re clunky to type on for me. I tried Cherry red, blue, brown, and also Topre, and I still just like my dumb $30 keyboard more.

• by learn_more on 3/4/22, 3:15 AM

  Apple Magic Keyboard. Glue 4 cut-in-half ear plugs to the bottom as feet/shock absorbers.

  The minimal key travel is very efficient for fast typing and the added feet absorb shock when you bottom out if you bang hard.

  I've been doing this for about 10 years -- works great.

• by Someone1234 on 3/4/22, 2:46 AM

  I'd recommend:

  - Chiclet Keyboard

  - Inexpensive

  - Wired

  - Full QUERTY layout (inc. number pad).

  - Maybe a dedicated calculator button.

  - No LEDs/special features/special software.

  Advantage including:

  - Lower compression depth/lower pressure per key press.

  - Lower noise.

  - Lower cost.

  - Increased reliability.

  - Plug and play.

  Amazon Basics and Dell both make good keyboards in this category but Amazon Basics' keyboard no longer has the dedicated Calculator button. I buy these keyboards on purpose and legitimately don't understand people who WANT a Model-M clone, I typed on those for years, terrible keyboards. Just loud, attract grime, and cause hand fatigue.

  PS - Although the trendy tide could be turning with MX LOW PROFILE gaining some interest.

  edit: Maybe check out the CHERRY Stream Keyboard for $30 on Amazon (US).

• by organsnyder on 3/4/22, 3:13 AM

  I've really enjoyed using my Ultimate Hacking Keyboard. It's helped me get over a lot of wrist pain, and I love how customizable it is (every key can be customized to send any scancode, macro, mouse, etc.). I also have the touchpad and extra key modules.

  Not cheap, but I use it for ~8 hours every workday.

  https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/

• by lcall on 3/4/22, 8:39 PM

  For me, the angle matters, but also the softness of the touch. For this reason I have loved the Kinesis Freestyle 2. I really tried hard for some weeks, and much customization, to like the Kinesis Advantage, which is programmable, but the keys were just too stiff for my hands' comfort.

  Maybe someday I'll have to try more of the other kinds, that people discuss. Time/$/priorities...

  Edit: I've tried multiple MS split keyboards but they were also a bit stiff. The nearest other I've liked was a Belkin that I found somehow at work, but I forget which model.

  (Ps: if someone seriously wants to try my Advantage enough to make it super-easy for me to mail it to them, it's just sitting here in the box...)

• by throwaway34241 on 3/4/22, 2:20 AM

  If you’re in the market for an ergo keyboard, I’ve used and liked the Kinesis Freestyle for years now. It’s a fully split keyboard with a staggered layout - I use it in a tented setup, and the ergonomics have been good while it’s similar enough to regular keyboards to not make switching back and forth too difficult.

  I’ve tried the mechanical (red switch) version, but actually prefer their membrane version because it’s quieter and I like the tactile feedback better (I haven’t tried the brown/blue switch models though).

• by jnxx on 3/4/22, 5:58 PM

  I am using a Matias Tactile Pro, which is similar to that old mechanical IBM keyboard with an layout with a lot of symbols (which might be nice if you do math and data science). It is heavy, big, and super loud but I really like the sound, and it feels just good. I have good experiences with it, using it since about eight years. Has also two USB ports which is useful for charging stuff and gadgets.

  I have to warn about the Matias Quiet versions though - they are not durable and keys are failing quickly. Unbelievable the difference in quality.

  Many people make a fuss about ergonomic keyboard layouts. I just do not understand why. My recommendation is this:

  1. Chose a layout which is useful for your language(s) and programming - best layouts for this are often from multi-lingual countries like UK International (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QWERTY#United_Kingdom_(Extende...), or Canadian, or such. (Some national layouts like German are horrible because keys like '{' or '}' cannot be reached in an ergonomic way. It might therefore be better to put rarely-used regional characters on dead-keys, which is exactly what UK International, for example, does.)

  2. Learn to touch-type on that one layout, and stick to it.

  Anything else is very unlikely to ever give any return in time you invest. Especially when you are coding - the key that is used most often for code is empirically the "Delete" key, and that's for a reason.

• by seFausto on 3/4/22, 3:34 AM

  I've spent a lot of time finding the perfect keyboard. I started with a Das Keyboard Model S with CherryMx Blue [1], then got the Code Keyboard with CherryMx Brown [2]. I stuck with this keyboard for years. Then I found Ten-Keyless keyboards, and this is where I got very picky. I wanted: - RGB Backlight - Dedicated Media Keys(or Knob) - TKL

  After some time I found Drevo BladeMaster with CherryMx Silent Red, this was it, small, RGB backlight, media Knob. The software is kinda janky, but I was really happy with this... Then I realized I had another requirement: I prefer 75% keyboard, this is a TKL, but smaller, with the "delete, page up, page down.." keys closer to the rest of the keyboard, and still have all the Function keys. I had to sacrifice the dedicated media keys for the size, but I'm extremely happy with my Keychron K2 with Gateron Red

  [1] https://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional/

  [2] https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/code-v3-104-key-mechanical-key...

  [3] https://www.drevo.net/product/keyboard/blademaster-pro

  [4] https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k2-wireless-mecha...

• by srazzaque on 3/4/22, 2:51 AM

  Warning: you're about to jump down a massive rabbit hole!

  If you want a standard keyboard, DAS and WASD offer some good options.

  If Ergonomics are important and you don't mind the learning curve, go for split. The Ergodox EZ is a great option here. I have 2, one for my work desk and one for home, been using them for a few years now and haven't looked back.

  Whatever you do, go with a mechanical keyboard. Purely subjective, but you really can't beat the tactility of it.

• by vladdoster on 3/4/22, 3:32 AM

  If you need a keyboard NOW, take a severe look at the Kinesis Advantage 2. It has a learning curve, but it's a small price to pay to have a very comfortable typing experience AND incredible customizability it offers (e.g., macros & hardware-defined key re-mapping). However, don't bother downloading the software as it's not great.

  BUT, if you can wait a few months... they have a modern version slated to release this summer.

  https://kinesis-ergo.com/keyboards/advantage360/

  IMO it fixes most if not all issues I have with it.

    - Wireless via Bluetooth
    - Ditching USB-A for USB-C
    - Split keyboard while retaining its finger ergonomics
    - Update styling, which will (hopefully) be much easier to 
      transport and less of an eye-sore
    - Ability to change 'tenting' which should increase 
      ergonomics

  If you end up getting either one, you won't be disappointed. I went from needing to take off work due to wrist pain to no pain at all regardless of time. It was well worth the $350.

• by ridiculous_fish on 3/4/22, 2:35 AM

  What sort of keyboard are you looking for, for what use? It might help by sharing your favorite keyboard, and what you like about it.

  Some of the features to consider (by no means exhaustive):

  1. Width: 60%, TKL, or full-size

  2. Height: Normal or low-profile

  3. Key layout: Ergonomic, ortho, staggered

  4. OS-friendly layout: Mac or Windows

  5. Switches: clicky, tactile, linear

  6. Misc: RGB, programmable keys, wireless

  Personally I like 60% low-profile clicky keyboards. I use a Keychron K7 at home and MX Keys Mini at work.

• by iroddis on 3/4/22, 2:47 AM

  I have a few Vortex Pok3rs (60% with brown, red, and clear cherry switches) and love them.

  It’s not as important now, but one thing I really like about them is how portable they are. If I have to travel to work at a client site or visit an office, a Pok3r is trivial to bring along.

  Once you’re really used to a semi-exotic keyboard, it’s really frustrating when they’re not available.

• by amanzi on 3/4/22, 4:00 AM

  I'm firmly in the Logitech camp - I have a bunch of dongles that pair to multiple mice and keyboards across a number of devices. My favourite Logitech keyboard is the K580 (https://www.logitech.com/en-nz/products/keyboards/k580-multi...) which is small and thin, can connect to two devices, and supports both Bluetooth and dongle connections. I use this with the MX Master 3 mouse, which also supports both Bluetooth and dongles. I do have a couple of nice mechanical keyboards too, but I find that most mechanical keyboards sit way too high off the desk so require an additional wrist rest to be comfy.

• by d4rkp4ttern on 3/5/22, 4:16 AM

  All of these fancy mech keyboards miss one key problem - the mouse still needs to be clicked and therein lies the source of numerous strains and injuries. I’ve tried several mech keyboards and my last one was a KeyChron 3, but recently I got tired of issues with my ultra wide monitor and returned to working on my 16” MacBook Pro and realized what a relief it is not have to deal with a mouse, because the built in trackpad feels so great, and I find myself looking not as much for keyboard shortcuts.

  Anyway I wonder if there’s a set up that combines the benefits of a mech keyboard with a trackpad conveniently placed right below and feel as “natural” as when using a MacBook Pro (or similar laptop with built in trackpad).

• by osullivj on 3/4/22, 12:22 PM

  Corvair K63: I have three - one in the office, one at home and one at my other half's house. I grew up with IBM Model M as the ideal keyboard, and the K63 is the closest I've found. Cherry MX switches, and super robust, with that clickety clackety feel.

• by qiqitori on 3/4/22, 6:13 AM

  Just yesterday I bought the Maestro FL listed here: https://archisite.co.jp/products/archiss/maestro/

  I recommend you go to a shop that has a bunch of keyboards and try them all out. Then you should be able to figure out what kind of switches you like and which ones you don't like. I bought my keyboard with "Cherry Red" switches. The switches are "linear" and don't make a clicky sound, i.e. they are perfect :) Feels like some 80s/90s keyboards. The final version of the Apple II is very close I think.

• by smoyer on 3/4/22, 2:02 AM

  I use Ergodox Infinity keyboard and I'd suggest: separate left and right hand boards, columnar or ortholinear layout, thumb clusters, mechanical keys and profiled keycaps.

  Maybe a good question to start with is "how much are you planning to spend"?

• by sharmi on 3/4/22, 6:18 AM

  I use Mistel Barocco 770 with brown Cherry MX. It is a split keyboard

  My only experience before this is a pre-owned Cherry MX Blue. I am quite comfortable with the feedback I am getting from Mistel.

  Regarding comfort, I enjoy it more than my Thinkpad t470s keyboard.

  I also find that I no longer have the occasional mild pain I have in my wrists and forearms.

  There is also a bluetooth version though I have not used that model.

  https://www.amazon.com/Mistel-Mechanical-Keyboard-Ergonomic-...

• by db1 on 3/4/22, 3:00 AM

  Been using my ErgodoxEZ for the last 6 years. Fantastic keyboard, great ergonomics, rock solid build quality. Pricy but very worth imo.

  If I were buying today, I'd buy a Moonlander, the newer version of the Ergodox.

• by PolygonSheep on 3/5/22, 12:50 AM

  Unicomp Model M. When IBM discontinued production of buckling spring keyboards the employees at the plant in Kentucky bought the factory, the tooling, and the rights to the (now expired) patents and kept on making the Model M the same as in 1985. It's a bit like how they kept making the original air cooled VW Beetle in Mexico years after everyone else moved on.

  They're nearly not as well known as they should be because they don't do any marketing at all. And at $104 they're not expensive by premium keyboard standards.

• by johnm on 3/4/22, 3:17 AM

  For people already heading towards (or already down :-) ) the split ergo road, the IC is open for round 3 of the Corne-ish Zen keyboard (3x6+3 or 3x5+3, wireless, zmk firmware, chocs): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCpc0rmRWP4NqA0ee0...

• by cjbprime on 3/4/22, 3:11 AM

  Keychron seems to be the current best value, just choose a model based on whether you like low profile laptop-style keys or taller desktop keyboard keys.

• by mattweinberg on 3/4/22, 2:25 AM

  You might get some suggestions for the Kinesis Advantage 2. It's a great keyboard, but keep in mind it's very different from other keyboards and could take a couple weeks to get used to before you're back up to your full productivity. I think the best approach for the Advantage is to just stick with it and fight the urge to even temporarily switch back to a regular keyboard.

• by swah on 3/4/22, 7:52 PM

  I recommend a TKL from Aliexpress. Gateron Yellows are fine switches.

  (For example - recently I tested a Keydous NJ80 - didn't get used to the layout - but loved the quality. Most mech keyboards are great unless you try the really high end stuff first... I'd say you get what you pay for and around 80-100 USD you can get a good enough keyboard)

• by xlaacid on 3/4/22, 12:43 PM

  IF you're not gaming, I really like the Logitech MX keys. Its super low profile, you can attach 3 devices to it (Computer, tablet, phone for me). And its wireless. Some people hate the low profile keys, so try one out if you can. Pair it with your favorite wireless mouse-. Also, I use it on Linux, important for me.

• by lostmsu on 3/4/22, 3:24 AM

  I am using Chonchow for $16 from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BFD9NQH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b...

  It is a tenkeyless backlit keyboard.

• by mat0 on 3/4/22, 2:12 AM

  I have this one with my MacBook pro and it works really good https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Aluminum-Bluetooth-Keyboard-3...

• by BoorishBears on 3/4/22, 3:02 AM

  Toore is highly overrated, build quality is not there with most common implementations (looking st you HHKB)

  Get a Keychron hot swappable, buy some Boba U4/U4T (U4 is silent, U4T is thocky) and install them. and for under $120 and 0 soldering you have a world class typing experience

• by spoonjim on 3/4/22, 2:44 AM

  Kinesics Freestyle if you need configurability, Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic if you don’t

• by hifikuno on 3/4/22, 2:19 AM

  Like smoyer said, I strongly suggest split hands. Way more ergonomical. I have two Mistel MD770's, one or work and one for home. I really like the keyboards but I think as long you get something that splits you'll be fine.

• by jedwhite on 3/4/22, 2:55 AM

  I have NEVER been more excited to spend 22 hours a day coding than on this keyboard: Code V3 87-Key Illuminated Mechanical Keyboard - White LED Backlighting, Black Case (Cherry MX Green)

  Good luck in your hunting (and in my case pecking)

• by avereveard on 3/4/22, 3:06 AM

  There's a lot of expensive suggestions, but one great work keyboard is the Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000, it's becoming hard to find at is original price, but you can find a good used one for 20 bucks

• by user68858788 on 3/4/22, 5:07 PM

  I’m another supporter of split keyboards. I used to get terrible shoulder pain before switching. I’m using the kinesis gaming keyboard, which has been great aside from some minor firmware wonkiness.

• by jmu1234567890 on 3/4/22, 4:09 AM

  Has anyone tried to extract the Touch ID module from a magic keyboard so that it can be used with another keyboard? I can’t imagine not having Touch ID when laptop closed.

• by frankensteins on 3/4/22, 2:56 AM

  I've been using Logitech K760 for a long time. Haven't felt the need to update a new one yet. Unfortunately, the keyboard is discontinued.

• by zacharykatsnel on 3/5/22, 5:37 AM

  The Niz electro-capacitive keyboard is great.

• by sethammons on 3/4/22, 4:29 AM

  I am a fan of the cloudnine mechanical split ergo. It is as close as you can get to the Microsoft ergo 4000

• by pingsl on 3/4/22, 2:39 AM

  I am using logi K580.

  It can connect 2 devices and support both Bluetooth and Unifying.

  Most important it has numpad with a compact size.

• by lowdose on 3/4/22, 2:29 AM

  Logitech MX for mac it is awesome, it’s like the mx mouse. Wireless for weeks without charging.

• by nunez on 3/4/22, 3:38 AM

  Huge fan of my Kinesis Freestyle Mechanical. You can split it and customize it to no tomorrow.

• by troutmskreplica on 3/4/22, 2:07 AM

  Huge fan of the Keychron K2.

  Also like the K3, but not nearly as much.

  I have the medium-clicky keys on the K2.

• by 2OEH8eoCRo0 on 3/4/22, 3:01 AM

  I have a mechanical Keychron C1 wired, no backlight. $50

• by epalm on 3/4/22, 2:45 AM

  > the one that I use is bad

  What’s bad about it?

• by drudoo on 3/4/22, 7:28 PM

  It really depends on what you want to use it for. I have multiple different keyboards for different tasks.

  Mechanical keyboards is a huge rabbit hole (reddit.com/r/mechanicalKeyboards).

  I split my keyboards up in three categories: writing, programming, gaming.

  For gaming i like to have a smaller keyboard with easy reach for all the essential keys. Here i often use a split keyboard or a 60% keyboard.

  For programming i dont like too small keyboards (less than 60% is frustrating) and i don't enjoy programming using split keyboards.

  For writing i often use 40% or split keyboards.

  Currently at my home office i use an Alice-style keyboard from Switch Couture [1]. Here i have silent linear switches (Rosélios [2]). I like the alice-style for my general work, as i both write a lot of emails and do a bit of programming. From time to time i switch to one of my split keyboards, if i have a lot of writing to do. I currently don't have a favorite split board, but i use both Kyria [3] and Lily58 [4]. The stagger is a bit different and i'm not sure which i like more. I have an unbuild Corne [5] that i'm gonna try soon.

  I don't often go to the office, but when i do, i take a small 40% board with me. It's a simple AMJ40 [6] that doesn't take up much space. At the office, most days go with in-person meetings anyway, so not much typing is done.

  When i'm off work, i usually switch to either a Space65 or Think6.5 V2. Both are 65% from Graystudio [7]. The Space65 uses Holy Panda switches, which are louder tactile switches on an aluminium plate, whereas the Think6.5 V2 uses Gateron Milky Yellows on a FR4 plate, which are much more quiet. If i decide to do some gaming, i usually pull out one half of my Kyria and switch to one of my gaming layers. I have layers for WoW, Diablo, LoL, HotS etc.

  I have other boards too, but they rarely see use, as these 6 boards seems to cover my needs.

  As i said to start with, this is a rabbit hole. I've spend $3000 on keyboards in 2020, as i needed a covid hobby. I stopped buying new boards and accessories in the start of 2021, as the spending and FOMO got out of hand. Had to go cold turkey.

  [1] https://switchcouture.com/products/switch-couture-acrylic-al...

  [2] https://zealpc.net/products/sakurio-roselio

  [3] https://splitkb.com/

  [4] https://keyhive.xyz/shop/lily58

  [5] https://keyhive.xyz/shop/corne-v3

  [6] https://flashquark.com/product/amj40-40-mechanical-keyboard-...

  [7] https://graystudio.club/