7 ms·

Ask HN: What Keyboard do you use?

12 points by gamesbrainiac 11y ago

gamesbrainiac 11y ago
Using Logitech G310 Atlas Dawn. Good sturdy keyboard, but the key caps sucks. Keys are not wobbly, and actuation is very low. Nice matte finish on the keycaps though.
rootbear 11y ago
I use Das Keyboard professionals, the ones with labels on the keys. I have one on my Linux system and one for my Mac. I have nerve damage from cervical spine surgery that makes many of my fingers numb to varying degrees. My typing accuracy is much higher on a mechanical keyboard with both tactile and audio feedback. I also got work to buy me the version with Cherry Brown keys, which are a little more quiet.
- ericzawo 11y ago
  Seconding Das. It's my first Mechanical Keyboard and by no means a slouch, but understandably one of the more bland offerings out there. I Have MX Brown switches and really enjoy the tactile feeling. It's marketed as less "clicky" than Blues, and while true, it's still plenty clicky, enough to keep me second guessing if I type too loud on it sometimes to bother others. Also, this keyboard is 4 years old and still going quite strong. Definitely recommend.
brudgers 11y ago
1. Thinkpad X201. 2. Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000. Symmetrical Alt & Ctrl [or X- & M-] are a requirement. Xah Lee's Keyboard info is invaluable... http://xahlee.info/kbd/keyboarding.html http://xahlee.info/kbd/keyboarding.html
pwg 11y ago
Northgate OmniKey Ultra (http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com/101-ultra.jpg http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com/101-ultra.jpg)
hojberg 11y ago
I really please with my hhkb pro 2. The topre keys are perfect imo.
- atsaloli 11y ago
  I second that. https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400b https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hh... First time I felt really happy with a keyboard! I love that I don't have to reach far for my mouse when I need one, plus Control is in the right place.
escherize 11y ago
I'm practically fused to my Macbook Pro's keyboard and trackpad arrangement. I'm getting the new versions of the apple wireless keyboard and trackpads in a few days and I want to be able to toss them into a tray that holds them the same way that the macbook chasis does. I'm finished drafting a custom tray for it, and I'll be 3d-printing it this week! :)
- dchuk 11y ago
  Be aware that the new magic trackpad is very large, easily twice the size of what you're used on the actual macbook...
avitzurel 11y ago
At home I use HappyHacking 2 with a Magic Trackpad. At work I use Microsoft ergonomic (the new model) with a Magic Mouse. I used apple wireless for a very long time as well, ended up with fingers hurting after a long day of typing. I also tried truly ergonomic keyboard but could never get used to the keys layout
imakesnowflakes 11y ago
I bought a Cooler master mechanical keyboard for 10000 Rs (nearly $150), For comparison I could have got a wireless keyboard/mouse combo for below 2000 Rs. One of the reasons I bought it was that it was backlit. But now the LED's of a dozen keys have gone out. (This is after one replacement from the company due to the same issue, and I had to pay the shipping charges from my own pocket). Also, it has a very delicate usb port on the keyboard (Yes the cord is not permanently attached), so after a while you end up frequently reattaching the cord. I have now tied it to the keyboard body. If you ever find this keyboard online. Don't buy the backlit version. And don't buy then one with a usb port instead of cord being permanently attached.
miguelrochefort 11y ago
Kinesis Advantage http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/ http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/ I have yet to put my hands on a better input instrument. I'm considering the purchase of a second one.
- kspaans 11y ago
  I borrowed one once, not long enough to get over the learning curve, but long enough to appreciate how nice it was. :D
- mulchkin 11y ago
  Currently considering an Advantage but have read not-so-great things about the quality of its keys. How happy are you with the key quality? Supposedly there's a version 2 on the way...
  - miguelrochefort 11y ago
    The regular keys are top notch. I mean, they're Cherry MX switches (browns). The function keys at the top (Escape, F1, F2, ...), not so much. They're small rubber keys like those you would find on a remote control.
miguelrochefort 11y ago
Kinesis Advantage http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/ http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/ I have yet to put my hand on a better writing instrument. I'm considering the purchase of a second one.
jordsmi 11y ago
I have a WASD mechanical, but lately I have just been using my Apple Magic Keyboard. For awhile I hated it because it's so small and compact, but have really fallen in love with it recently.
- bowlich 11y ago
  I spent far too much time trying to come up with the perfect custom build for the WASD keyboard. Ended up getting a CODE keyboard which is also made by WASD just to stop myself from wasting more time on the decision making process.
archimedespi 11y ago
A shitty laptop keyboard way too often (hp dv7) and, when I have space to get it set up, a Apple Extended Keyboard II with a ADB converter that I built. I'm currently looking at the Das Keyboard or the CODE keyboard.
giaour 11y ago
Microsoft Sculpt. MS's ergonomic keyboards tend to be very well laid out, have excellent key travel, and be reasonably priced.
r-s 11y ago
Zenbook or Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Go through a 4000 every year or so, but they are cheap.
kspaans 11y ago
Built my own (from a kit), the Atreus: http://atreus.technomancy.us/ http://atreus.technomancy.us/ I like that it's small and portable and has forced me to learn to type with all 10 fingers rather than doing rapid-fire with indexes and middles on a regular layout. I've also used the TEK, which was equally awesome, just bigger.
- kspaans 11y ago
  I've previously used a Goldtouch split keyboard. It was very comfortable because you could adjust it to any split angle and tent angle you want. It's also relatively cheap, in case the pricetag of mechanical keyboards makes you hesitate.
TurboHaskal 11y ago
Mostly the MacBook Pro and Thinkpad X250 keyboards. At home I type with the Microsoft Sculpt which is the best keyboard I tried to date. I find mechanical keyboards uncomfortable. Tried MX browns/reds and hated them because of the low actuation force (resting my fingers on the keyboard means accidental key presses so I need to hover my fingers which can lead to injury), MX blues are an improvement but too noisy, MX blacks are very nice but tiring on the long run... So basically mechanical keyboards were nothing but an expensive fad for me.
drakonka 11y ago
At work: Tesoro Durandal (brown switches) At home on desktop: Blank Das silent (also brown switches) But most of the time outside of work I use my Macbook Air and its standard keyboard.
Raed667 11y ago
I use the keyboard that came embedded in the Lenovo ideaPad Z510. I never got the obsession with keyboards, I've been coding for 5 years and I always just use the one that comes with the laptop.
- kspaans 11y ago
  Bikeshedding about switches and layouts aside, I've always found that using a laptop directly for more than an hour or two to be unergonomic. Whenever possible I plug in a keyboard and raise the laptop so the screen is closer to my eye level.
- stepvhen 11y ago
  Mechanical switches are incredibly reliable and durable. After that its really just about how configurable you want your keyboard: switches, keycaps, layouts, layers, programming the firmware, etc. The hype is about 50/50 hardware and aesthetics.
squiguy7 11y ago
I use the Das Model S Keyboard for Mac [1]. After switching to a mechanical keyboard, I find it much more enjoyable to type on. [1]: http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-for-mac/ http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-for-mac/
ksherlock 11y ago
Wow, no love for the model m? Well, I'm using a Unicomp model m. That's why I'm an 11xer and you're not.
facorreia 11y ago
CM Storm QuickFire TK[1] I like that it is a very solid build, with a satisfying key press, backlit, and that it has a reduced width (so the mouse is not too far to the right), but at the same time has all the regular keys in the regular places (in the main keyboard section). [1] http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-TK-Mechanical/dp/B00A378L10/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1448299247&sr=1-1&keywords=CM+Storm+QuickFire+TK+brown http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-TK-Mechanical/dp/B0...
stepvhen 11y ago
Ordered by purchase date and, incidentally, size 1. Lexmark IBM Model M, 1993, Black modifiers from Unicomp, 100% 2. Noppoo Lolita Spyder, Kailh Browns, Granite Keycaps, TKL 3. Poker 3, Cherry MX White, and Granite keycaps, 60% 4. (on order) Planck (MIT layout), Cherry MX Tactile Grey, Black DSA Keycaps, 40% I plan on giving the Spyder to a friend for Christmas, replacing it with a Novatouch someday. Also looking to build a better numpad, as the last PCB i got was just terrible.
yaj 11y ago
I use Matias Ergo Pro, http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/ http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/ I also have a Poker and Filco Majestouch 2
crisopolis 11y ago
Work Laptop Lenovo L450 + Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 800 Mac Mini + Apple Wireless Keyboard Gaming Rig + RAZOR BlackWidow (2013)
ruraljuror 11y ago
Just ordered Rosewill RK-9000V2 (brown) as my first mechanical keyboard.
romanovcode 11y ago
CODE Mechanical Keyboard - https://codekeyboards.com/ https://codekeyboards.com/ I like the simplicity

12 points by gamesbrainiac 11y ago

Using Logitech G310 Atlas Dawn. Good sturdy keyboard, but the key caps sucks. Keys are not wobbly, and actuation is very low. Nice matte finish on the keycaps though.

rootbear 11y ago

I use Das Keyboard professionals, the ones with labels on the keys. I have one on my Linux system and one for my Mac. I have nerve damage from cervical spine surgery that makes many of my fingers numb to varying degrees. My typing accuracy is much higher on a mechanical keyboard with both tactile and audio feedback. I also got work to buy me the version with Cherry Brown keys, which are a little more quiet.

ericzawo 11y ago
Seconding Das. It's my first Mechanical Keyboard and by no means a slouch, but understandably one of the more bland offerings out there. I Have MX Brown switches and really enjoy the tactile feeling. It's marketed as less "clicky" than Blues, and while true, it's still plenty clicky, enough to keep me second guessing if I type too loud on it sometimes to bother others. Also, this keyboard is 4 years old and still going quite strong. Definitely recommend.

brudgers 11y ago

1. Thinkpad X201. 2. Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000. Symmetrical Alt & Ctrl [or X- & M-] are a requirement. Xah Lee's Keyboard info is invaluable... http://xahlee.info/kbd/keyboarding.html http://xahlee.info/kbd/keyboarding.html

pwg 11y ago

Northgate OmniKey Ultra (http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com/101-ultra.jpg http://www.northgate-keyboard-repair.com/101-ultra.jpg)

hojberg 11y ago

I really please with my hhkb pro 2. The topre keys are perfect imo.

atsaloli 11y ago
I second that. https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400b https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hh... First time I felt really happy with a keyboard! I love that I don't have to reach far for my mouse when I need one, plus Control is in the right place.

escherize 11y ago

I'm practically fused to my Macbook Pro's keyboard and trackpad arrangement. I'm getting the new versions of the apple wireless keyboard and trackpads in a few days and I want to be able to toss them into a tray that holds them the same way that the macbook chasis does. I'm finished drafting a custom tray for it, and I'll be 3d-printing it this week! :)

dchuk 11y ago
Be aware that the new magic trackpad is very large, easily twice the size of what you're used on the actual macbook...

avitzurel 11y ago

At home I use HappyHacking 2 with a Magic Trackpad. At work I use Microsoft ergonomic (the new model) with a Magic Mouse. I used apple wireless for a very long time as well, ended up with fingers hurting after a long day of typing. I also tried truly ergonomic keyboard but could never get used to the keys layout

imakesnowflakes 11y ago

I bought a Cooler master mechanical keyboard for 10000 Rs (nearly $150), For comparison I could have got a wireless keyboard/mouse combo for below 2000 Rs. One of the reasons I bought it was that it was backlit. But now the LED's of a dozen keys have gone out. (This is after one replacement from the company due to the same issue, and I had to pay the shipping charges from my own pocket). Also, it has a very delicate usb port on the keyboard (Yes the cord is not permanently attached), so after a while you end up frequently reattaching the cord. I have now tied it to the keyboard body. If you ever find this keyboard online. Don't buy the backlit version. And don't buy then one with a usb port instead of cord being permanently attached.

miguelrochefort 11y ago

Kinesis Advantage http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/ http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/ I have yet to put my hands on a better input instrument. I'm considering the purchase of a second one.

kspaans 11y ago
I borrowed one once, not long enough to get over the learning curve, but long enough to appreciate how nice it was. :D
mulchkin 11y ago
Currently considering an Advantage but have read not-so-great things about the quality of its keys. How happy are you with the key quality? Supposedly there's a version 2 on the way...
- miguelrochefort 11y ago
  The regular keys are top notch. I mean, they're Cherry MX switches (browns). The function keys at the top (Escape, F1, F2, ...), not so much. They're small rubber keys like those you would find on a remote control.

miguelrochefort 11y ago

Kinesis Advantage http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/ http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/ I have yet to put my hand on a better writing instrument. I'm considering the purchase of a second one.

jordsmi 11y ago

I have a WASD mechanical, but lately I have just been using my Apple Magic Keyboard. For awhile I hated it because it's so small and compact, but have really fallen in love with it recently.

bowlich 11y ago
I spent far too much time trying to come up with the perfect custom build for the WASD keyboard. Ended up getting a CODE keyboard which is also made by WASD just to stop myself from wasting more time on the decision making process.

archimedespi 11y ago

A shitty laptop keyboard way too often (hp dv7) and, when I have space to get it set up, a Apple Extended Keyboard II with a ADB converter that I built. I'm currently looking at the Das Keyboard or the CODE keyboard.

giaour 11y ago

Microsoft Sculpt. MS's ergonomic keyboards tend to be very well laid out, have excellent key travel, and be reasonably priced.

r-s 11y ago

Zenbook or Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Go through a 4000 every year or so, but they are cheap.

kspaans 11y ago

Built my own (from a kit), the Atreus: http://atreus.technomancy.us/ http://atreus.technomancy.us/ I like that it's small and portable and has forced me to learn to type with all 10 fingers rather than doing rapid-fire with indexes and middles on a regular layout. I've also used the TEK, which was equally awesome, just bigger.

kspaans 11y ago
I've previously used a Goldtouch split keyboard. It was very comfortable because you could adjust it to any split angle and tent angle you want. It's also relatively cheap, in case the pricetag of mechanical keyboards makes you hesitate.

TurboHaskal 11y ago

Mostly the MacBook Pro and Thinkpad X250 keyboards. At home I type with the Microsoft Sculpt which is the best keyboard I tried to date. I find mechanical keyboards uncomfortable. Tried MX browns/reds and hated them because of the low actuation force (resting my fingers on the keyboard means accidental key presses so I need to hover my fingers which can lead to injury), MX blues are an improvement but too noisy, MX blacks are very nice but tiring on the long run... So basically mechanical keyboards were nothing but an expensive fad for me.

drakonka 11y ago

At work: Tesoro Durandal (brown switches) At home on desktop: Blank Das silent (also brown switches) But most of the time outside of work I use my Macbook Air and its standard keyboard.

Raed667 11y ago

I use the keyboard that came embedded in the Lenovo ideaPad Z510. I never got the obsession with keyboards, I've been coding for 5 years and I always just use the one that comes with the laptop.

kspaans 11y ago
Bikeshedding about switches and layouts aside, I've always found that using a laptop directly for more than an hour or two to be unergonomic. Whenever possible I plug in a keyboard and raise the laptop so the screen is closer to my eye level.
stepvhen 11y ago
Mechanical switches are incredibly reliable and durable. After that its really just about how configurable you want your keyboard: switches, keycaps, layouts, layers, programming the firmware, etc. The hype is about 50/50 hardware and aesthetics.

squiguy7 11y ago

I use the Das Model S Keyboard for Mac [1]. After switching to a mechanical keyboard, I find it much more enjoyable to type on. [1]: http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-for-mac/ http://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional-for-mac/

ksherlock 11y ago

Wow, no love for the model m? Well, I'm using a Unicomp model m. That's why I'm an 11xer and you're not.

facorreia 11y ago

CM Storm QuickFire TK[1] I like that it is a very solid build, with a satisfying key press, backlit, and that it has a reduced width (so the mouse is not too far to the right), but at the same time has all the regular keys in the regular places (in the main keyboard section). [1] http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-TK-Mechanical/dp/B00A378L10/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1448299247&sr=1-1&keywords=CM+Storm+QuickFire+TK+brown http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-QuickFire-TK-Mechanical/dp/B0...

stepvhen 11y ago

Ordered by purchase date and, incidentally, size 1. Lexmark IBM Model M, 1993, Black modifiers from Unicomp, 100% 2. Noppoo Lolita Spyder, Kailh Browns, Granite Keycaps, TKL 3. Poker 3, Cherry MX White, and Granite keycaps, 60% 4. (on order) Planck (MIT layout), Cherry MX Tactile Grey, Black DSA Keycaps, 40% I plan on giving the Spyder to a friend for Christmas, replacing it with a Novatouch someday. Also looking to build a better numpad, as the last PCB i got was just terrible.

yaj 11y ago

I use Matias Ergo Pro, http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/ http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/ I also have a Poker and Filco Majestouch 2

crisopolis 11y ago

Work Laptop Lenovo L450 + Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 800 Mac Mini + Apple Wireless Keyboard Gaming Rig + RAZOR BlackWidow (2013)

ruraljuror 11y ago

Just ordered Rosewill RK-9000V2 (brown) as my first mechanical keyboard.

romanovcode 11y ago

CODE Mechanical Keyboard - https://codekeyboards.com/ https://codekeyboards.com/ I like the simplicity