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Ask HN: Why are you still using a crappy keyboard?

This question is addressed to people who type a lot, yet still use the (usually) crappy keyboard that came by default with their setup. Are you satisfied with your keyboard? Have you ever considered investing in a better keyboard? Why haven't you?

foota 9y ago
I'm using something like this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-usb-keyboard-black/3489041.p?skuId=3489041 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-usb-keyboard-black/3489... I'm actually quite happy with it. I think it looks nice and the keys seem to press fairly well (not getting stuck, doesn't miss key presses). I haven't upgraded mostly because I don't see much of a need for a different keyboard.
Zekio 9y ago
I recently switched away from a really old wireless Logitech keyboard to a mechanical keyboard, I would really recommend anyone who haven't tried typing on mechanical keyboard before, tries it because it just might change how they look at a keyboard
LarryMade2 9y ago
I use at least three separate computers regularly and probably eight on and off in the course of a year - not including the ones I work on helping others. I think being flexible in able to adapt to a variety keyboards is kinda cool myself. Especially when some are 30-40 year old ones.
CyberFonic 9y ago
Two data points: I continue using a 2009 MacBook Pro, because for me its keyboard has a better feel than the more recent notebooks. Except for high-end Lenovos, I find notebook keyboards (and trackpads) very poor quality compared to the old Apple keyboards. On my main desktop system I use an old Lexmark (aka IBM) clicky clacky keyboard from the PC/AT era. I have yet to wear it out. I tried using it in an open office setting but my co-workers complained about the noise. I grudgingly used a Logitech until I moved into a private office -- I just close the door.
switch007 9y ago
I found a ~$20 Logitech I can just about stand. I don't use a mechanical keyboard in the office out of respect for my colleagues. If I had a private office I certainly would!
Eridrus 9y ago
The only time I have been dissatisfied with a keyboard is when typing on other people's Macs and feeling an incredibly short travel distance. Most cheap keyboard have enough travel that I have no real issue with them. I have tried the many keyboards that keyboard aficionados around me have bought or built but have never really felt like they were actually better, rather than just pretentiously different.

foota 9y ago

I'm using something like this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-usb-keyboard-black/3489041.p?skuId=3489041 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-usb-keyboard-black/3489... I'm actually quite happy with it. I think it looks nice and the keys seem to press fairly well (not getting stuck, doesn't miss key presses). I haven't upgraded mostly because I don't see much of a need for a different keyboard.

Zekio 9y ago

I recently switched away from a really old wireless Logitech keyboard to a mechanical keyboard, I would really recommend anyone who haven't tried typing on mechanical keyboard before, tries it because it just might change how they look at a keyboard

LarryMade2 9y ago

I use at least three separate computers regularly and probably eight on and off in the course of a year - not including the ones I work on helping others. I think being flexible in able to adapt to a variety keyboards is kinda cool myself. Especially when some are 30-40 year old ones.

CyberFonic 9y ago

Two data points: I continue using a 2009 MacBook Pro, because for me its keyboard has a better feel than the more recent notebooks. Except for high-end Lenovos, I find notebook keyboards (and trackpads) very poor quality compared to the old Apple keyboards. On my main desktop system I use an old Lexmark (aka IBM) clicky clacky keyboard from the PC/AT era. I have yet to wear it out. I tried using it in an open office setting but my co-workers complained about the noise. I grudgingly used a Logitech until I moved into a private office -- I just close the door.

switch007 9y ago

I found a ~$20 Logitech I can just about stand. I don't use a mechanical keyboard in the office out of respect for my colleagues. If I had a private office I certainly would!

Eridrus 9y ago

The only time I have been dissatisfied with a keyboard is when typing on other people's Macs and feeling an incredibly short travel distance. Most cheap keyboard have enough travel that I have no real issue with them. I have tried the many keyboards that keyboard aficionados around me have bought or built but have never really felt like they were actually better, rather than just pretentiously different.