6 ms·

Can anyone recommend an entry level mechanical keyboard specifically for extended typing (as opposed to gaming)? Or, at least, specific features/qualities to s

Can anyone recommend an entry level mechanical keyboard specifically for extended typing (as opposed to gaming)? Or, at least, specific features/qualities to seek out.

rcpt 5y ago
Really like my pok3r. 5 years now and it was the forcing function I needed to commit to hjkl
nemomarx 5y ago
Gaming keyboards often use linear switches, which are faster and easier to hit - this is good for gaming but can be messy for long typing in my experience. This is why blue and brown switches, which slow you down a little more, are kind of better for writing to me? Otherwise a lot is going to depend on personal preference, how often you use a numpad or other things, but that's one thing to look for in extended typing.
seanc 5y ago
WASD is a pretty good place to start. They don't try to be fancy, just good. https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/ https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/
- TheRealDunkirk 5y ago
  Just reiterating. They set out to make a no-compromise, feature-complete board, and succeeded. I have 2 that I use every day, one on a Mac, and the other on a PC. Their dip-switch configurator to determine which system they're plugged into is, IMO, a perfect solution. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
- ARandumGuy 5y ago
  I'm really happy with my WASD, as my first proper mechanical keyboard. Very sturdy, looks nice, has a detachable cable, and you can order them with completely blank keycaps (something I've wanted for ages). The main downside is that setting up macros or alternate configurations is a pain. It involves a lot of very specific key presses, with only minimal feedback on the board itself. A proper software utility would be a wonderful feature.
mumblemumble 5y ago
Switch and Click is a fairly gamer-focused site, but they have some keyboard guides that might help you with deciding. Maybe start with: https://switchandclick.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-for-typing/ https://switchandclick.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-for-typ... That said, they tend to be biased toward more traditional key layouts. If you're looking for an "ergo" keyboard - split, columnar, whatever - there are fewer review sites that cater to that approach. Also fewer options, though. Especially if you're looking for a low price point.
bengale 5y ago
I have a keychron k2 that’s treating me well.
rp1 5y ago
The Filco Majestouch 2 is a great keyboard. This is an older model, and it existed before the mech keyboard craze took off. Mine was sitting in the closet collecting dust having long ago been replaced by "fancier" keyboards with esoteric switches and other random features. Using it for the first time after a long hiatus was an "aha" moment. The typing experience was so much nicer. Upon reflection, here is why: 1. Plastic case. Aluminum cases and metal back plates have become pretty popular, but they are sooo heavy. It's nice when the keyboard has some weight, but I think things have gone too far. 2. No LEDs. A lot of keyboards have LEDs. Backlighting the keys is one thing, but a lot of keyboards just do it for looks and it gets annoying after a while. 3. Cherry MX blues and browns are great switches. A lot of switches have come on the market over the last few years. I think their proliferation is driven by people wanting something new, but Cherry's blue and brown switches are still better than many other switches. 4. Timeless layout. There has been a drive to make keyboards smaller. I agree with this trend, up to a point. If the keyboard is missing keys you need, it's not a good choice for extended typing. Sure, you can remember the hotkeys for the missing characters, but it's still annoying. Also, there isn't really a standard 60% design, so all the manufacturers do it differently. A ten-keyless keyboard might be _slightly_ bigger than I would prefer, but it's got a layout that has withstood the test of time.
- Hikikomori 5y ago
  Used a majestouch for almost 10 years. Bought an Varmilo VA109M after looking at keyboards for a month or so, couldn't find one with topre keys and Nordic layout. Not regretting it at all so far, feels amazing, similar in features to the majestouch, both have brown switches.
- eertami 5y ago
  Just to add a fifth point: Lifespan. I'm typing this on a Majestouch that I've owned for more than 10 years. I've had to replace the keycaps twice now due to wear, but the keyboard still works perfectly and feels as new. It's certainly the oldest piece of technology in my office. I've typed on newer fancier keyboards (and have a 60% for travel), but the Majestouch is still my favourite.
  - 5y ago
bonestamp2 5y ago
If you have other people around, you'll almost definitely want a "silent" switch. I've been using cherry blue (loud clicky) switches for a decade and then when my family joined me at home for covid they all complained. I changed to a silent switch and it's been great. I would recommend the "CODE" keyboard. They make almost every variation you would need (including "silent red" version): https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/products/mechanical-keyboards/backlit-keyboards.html https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/products/mechanical-keyboards/... It's essentially a WASD brand keyboard with a nicer font on the keycaps and some different switch options. Pay close attention the key layout you want... especially the enter key. You might be mad if you buy the layout you're not used to.
- germinalphrase 5y ago
  Silent is very desirable. Is this defined by the switch type - or is it an additional (foam?) modification? Edit: I see that it is an o-ring modification.
  - bonestamp2 5y ago
    A silent switch is the biggest factor in my experience. You can add o-rings to other switches to help reduce the sound of "bottoming out" (when the bottom of the keycap touches the mounting plate or PCB depending on how the keyboard is constructed). But, I don't like the o-ring method because it's not as quiet and it also impacts the key travel, which doesn't always feel nice. Also, the o-ring only helps with the bottoming out sound, and some switches have an actuation point click that also makes sound and the o-ring doesn't change that. Additional foam, gaskets, etc can help with noise but it's pretty minimal compared to the switch itself.
  - DennisP 5y ago
    Also the Cherry Blues purposely add a click. The Browns and Reds are quieter, even without the o-ring.
anonymousiam 5y ago
Not sure what you mean by "entry level", but I've been using Unicomp keyboards for about 10 years (ever since my last Dell PS/2 keyboard died). It's loud, but worth the hundred bucks. https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/NEW_M https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/NEW_M
- chana_masala 5y ago
  Buckling springs - that's neat to find a modern keyboard offering that for a reasonable price!
- guenthert 5y ago
  Got the Mini-M last year, love it (but I'm not exactly a keyboard-aficionado nor a fast typist). Best keyboard (well only 'proper' one) I had since my Cherry branded keyboard in the early nineties. Slight annoyance though is that there seems to be a well-known firmware bug disabling the 'q' key every once in a blue moon (three or four times so far). Nothing a disconnect/reconnect can't solve, but it's annoying if your password has a 'q' ... And yes, too loud for the modern office. At home I got used to it and don't really mind anymore. Too heavy to carry around in the back-pack, but I do appreciate the 'heft' on the desk at home.
artificialLimbs 5y ago
Love my Keychron K3 optical with white switches. Very little pressure needed to send a keystroke. Took some practice to get used to. I did accidentally push keys sometimes, but that is gone after a bit of time. I wish they made a 100% layout of this model, because Blender.
ARandumGuy 5y ago
If you're unsure of the switches you want, I would recommend grabbing a switch tester[1]. They don't give the exact experience of typing, but they are very useful if you have no frame of reference for what the different switches actually feel like. I know buying one gave me the confidence to take the plunge into a full mechanical keyboard. [1] This is the one I got, but others certainly work: https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler...
wellthisisgreat 5y ago
Take a look at ergonomic keyboards. Having a split keyboard is the most important step IMO to healthy hands, right after getting the right desk height to keep the wrist at the normal angle. I recommend keeb.io keyboards (I own 3), Sinc (fuller size) or Quefrency. Don’t let the aesthetic confuse you - they are much better quality than anything factory made. If you are looking for a more traditional keyboard - look at Kinesis offerings (they have several split mech boards, I own Freestyle, but retired it in favor of Keeb.io stuff) I hear people like Digma Raise as well, but i never used it. YMDK has a 65% split board on Drop i think. Seriously, go for the split one.
jagger27 5y ago
I’d avoid WASD and go for a Keychron Q2 because the firmware is customizable and open source. It also has hotswappable switches if you want to change things up or try different switches at some point. It’s very reasonably priced in my opinion.
bogwog 5y ago
The gaming keyboards are a good choice because they're cheap. Sure they're ugly sometimes with annoying LED effects, but they're good for getting started before you decide to invest in something more expensive/fancy. In my case, I've fallen in love with my Corsair gaming one with blue switches. The red backlight is ugly, but it's actually comfortable when used in a dark room.
nijaru 5y ago
Browns are recommended for typing over reds, etc. as they have the tactile 'bump' but aren't excessively noisy. Reds are supposed to be quieter along with some other less common switches. I have a leopold with browns I bought used for $40 years ago plugged into my work laptop, and a cooler master with cherry browns and backlighting I use on my desktop that cost me a little over $100. I did get one keyboard with gateron switches because they're cheaper than cherry switches, but one of the keys was failing within months. I have stuck with cherry switches since. I've been on the fence for a few years about buying a kinesis advantage 2. The layout does seem like it would make typing much more comfortable and ergonomic.
Fuhrer01 5y ago
Cooler Master Cherry Mx Red. They are pretty good.
bjoli 5y ago
Matias makes keyboards for typists. I love my matias quiet click, but some people have reported reliability issues (chattering) with the switches in keyboards other than matias' own. If you want tactile switches they are a great option. Cherry MX browns are linear compared to a snappy rubber dome. For linear switches I would say maybe the varmilo EC ones? Almost all contactless switches are extremely smooth. The varmilo keyboards are no-nonsense keybaords with good build quality. For clicky I would say Matias yet again. They are extremely tactile. I haven't seen any reliability issues reported with them, even in non-matias keyboards.

Can anyone recommend an entry level mechanical keyboard specifically for extended typing (as opposed to gaming)? Or, at least, specific features/qualities to seek out.

rcpt 5y ago

Really like my pok3r. 5 years now and it was the forcing function I needed to commit to hjkl

nemomarx 5y ago

Gaming keyboards often use linear switches, which are faster and easier to hit - this is good for gaming but can be messy for long typing in my experience. This is why blue and brown switches, which slow you down a little more, are kind of better for writing to me? Otherwise a lot is going to depend on personal preference, how often you use a numpad or other things, but that's one thing to look for in extended typing.

seanc 5y ago

WASD is a pretty good place to start. They don't try to be fancy, just good. https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/ https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/

TheRealDunkirk 5y ago
Just reiterating. They set out to make a no-compromise, feature-complete board, and succeeded. I have 2 that I use every day, one on a Mac, and the other on a PC. Their dip-switch configurator to determine which system they're plugged into is, IMO, a perfect solution. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
ARandumGuy 5y ago
I'm really happy with my WASD, as my first proper mechanical keyboard. Very sturdy, looks nice, has a detachable cable, and you can order them with completely blank keycaps (something I've wanted for ages). The main downside is that setting up macros or alternate configurations is a pain. It involves a lot of very specific key presses, with only minimal feedback on the board itself. A proper software utility would be a wonderful feature.

mumblemumble 5y ago

Switch and Click is a fairly gamer-focused site, but they have some keyboard guides that might help you with deciding. Maybe start with: https://switchandclick.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-for-typing/ https://switchandclick.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-for-typ... That said, they tend to be biased toward more traditional key layouts. If you're looking for an "ergo" keyboard - split, columnar, whatever - there are fewer review sites that cater to that approach. Also fewer options, though. Especially if you're looking for a low price point.

bengale 5y ago

I have a keychron k2 that’s treating me well.

rp1 5y ago

The Filco Majestouch 2 is a great keyboard. This is an older model, and it existed before the mech keyboard craze took off. Mine was sitting in the closet collecting dust having long ago been replaced by "fancier" keyboards with esoteric switches and other random features. Using it for the first time after a long hiatus was an "aha" moment. The typing experience was so much nicer. Upon reflection, here is why: 1. Plastic case. Aluminum cases and metal back plates have become pretty popular, but they are sooo heavy. It's nice when the keyboard has some weight, but I think things have gone too far. 2. No LEDs. A lot of keyboards have LEDs. Backlighting the keys is one thing, but a lot of keyboards just do it for looks and it gets annoying after a while. 3. Cherry MX blues and browns are great switches. A lot of switches have come on the market over the last few years. I think their proliferation is driven by people wanting something new, but Cherry's blue and brown switches are still better than many other switches. 4. Timeless layout. There has been a drive to make keyboards smaller. I agree with this trend, up to a point. If the keyboard is missing keys you need, it's not a good choice for extended typing. Sure, you can remember the hotkeys for the missing characters, but it's still annoying. Also, there isn't really a standard 60% design, so all the manufacturers do it differently. A ten-keyless keyboard might be _slightly_ bigger than I would prefer, but it's got a layout that has withstood the test of time.

Hikikomori 5y ago
Used a majestouch for almost 10 years. Bought an Varmilo VA109M after looking at keyboards for a month or so, couldn't find one with topre keys and Nordic layout. Not regretting it at all so far, feels amazing, similar in features to the majestouch, both have brown switches.
eertami 5y ago
Just to add a fifth point: Lifespan. I'm typing this on a Majestouch that I've owned for more than 10 years. I've had to replace the keycaps twice now due to wear, but the keyboard still works perfectly and feels as new. It's certainly the oldest piece of technology in my office. I've typed on newer fancier keyboards (and have a 60% for travel), but the Majestouch is still my favourite.
- 5y ago

bonestamp2 5y ago

If you have other people around, you'll almost definitely want a "silent" switch. I've been using cherry blue (loud clicky) switches for a decade and then when my family joined me at home for covid they all complained. I changed to a silent switch and it's been great. I would recommend the "CODE" keyboard. They make almost every variation you would need (including "silent red" version): https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/products/mechanical-keyboards/backlit-keyboards.html https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/products/mechanical-keyboards/... It's essentially a WASD brand keyboard with a nicer font on the keycaps and some different switch options. Pay close attention the key layout you want... especially the enter key. You might be mad if you buy the layout you're not used to.

germinalphrase 5y ago
Silent is very desirable. Is this defined by the switch type - or is it an additional (foam?) modification? Edit: I see that it is an o-ring modification.
- bonestamp2 5y ago
  A silent switch is the biggest factor in my experience. You can add o-rings to other switches to help reduce the sound of "bottoming out" (when the bottom of the keycap touches the mounting plate or PCB depending on how the keyboard is constructed). But, I don't like the o-ring method because it's not as quiet and it also impacts the key travel, which doesn't always feel nice. Also, the o-ring only helps with the bottoming out sound, and some switches have an actuation point click that also makes sound and the o-ring doesn't change that. Additional foam, gaskets, etc can help with noise but it's pretty minimal compared to the switch itself.
- DennisP 5y ago
  Also the Cherry Blues purposely add a click. The Browns and Reds are quieter, even without the o-ring.

anonymousiam 5y ago

Not sure what you mean by "entry level", but I've been using Unicomp keyboards for about 10 years (ever since my last Dell PS/2 keyboard died). It's loud, but worth the hundred bucks. https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/NEW_M https://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/NEW_M

chana_masala 5y ago
Buckling springs - that's neat to find a modern keyboard offering that for a reasonable price!
guenthert 5y ago
Got the Mini-M last year, love it (but I'm not exactly a keyboard-aficionado nor a fast typist). Best keyboard (well only 'proper' one) I had since my Cherry branded keyboard in the early nineties. Slight annoyance though is that there seems to be a well-known firmware bug disabling the 'q' key every once in a blue moon (three or four times so far). Nothing a disconnect/reconnect can't solve, but it's annoying if your password has a 'q' ... And yes, too loud for the modern office. At home I got used to it and don't really mind anymore. Too heavy to carry around in the back-pack, but I do appreciate the 'heft' on the desk at home.

artificialLimbs 5y ago

Love my Keychron K3 optical with white switches. Very little pressure needed to send a keystroke. Took some practice to get used to. I did accidentally push keys sometimes, but that is gone after a bit of time. I wish they made a 100% layout of this model, because Blender.

ARandumGuy 5y ago

If you're unsure of the switches you want, I would recommend grabbing a switch tester[1]. They don't give the exact experience of typing, but they are very useful if you have no frame of reference for what the different switches actually feel like. I know buying one gave me the confidence to take the plunge into a full mechanical keyboard. [1] This is the one I got, but others certainly work: https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler/dp/B01GZHU1EG https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler...

wellthisisgreat 5y ago

Take a look at ergonomic keyboards. Having a split keyboard is the most important step IMO to healthy hands, right after getting the right desk height to keep the wrist at the normal angle. I recommend keeb.io keyboards (I own 3), Sinc (fuller size) or Quefrency. Don’t let the aesthetic confuse you - they are much better quality than anything factory made. If you are looking for a more traditional keyboard - look at Kinesis offerings (they have several split mech boards, I own Freestyle, but retired it in favor of Keeb.io stuff) I hear people like Digma Raise as well, but i never used it. YMDK has a 65% split board on Drop i think. Seriously, go for the split one.

jagger27 5y ago

I’d avoid WASD and go for a Keychron Q2 because the firmware is customizable and open source. It also has hotswappable switches if you want to change things up or try different switches at some point. It’s very reasonably priced in my opinion.

bogwog 5y ago

The gaming keyboards are a good choice because they're cheap. Sure they're ugly sometimes with annoying LED effects, but they're good for getting started before you decide to invest in something more expensive/fancy. In my case, I've fallen in love with my Corsair gaming one with blue switches. The red backlight is ugly, but it's actually comfortable when used in a dark room.

nijaru 5y ago

Browns are recommended for typing over reds, etc. as they have the tactile 'bump' but aren't excessively noisy. Reds are supposed to be quieter along with some other less common switches. I have a leopold with browns I bought used for $40 years ago plugged into my work laptop, and a cooler master with cherry browns and backlighting I use on my desktop that cost me a little over $100. I did get one keyboard with gateron switches because they're cheaper than cherry switches, but one of the keys was failing within months. I have stuck with cherry switches since. I've been on the fence for a few years about buying a kinesis advantage 2. The layout does seem like it would make typing much more comfortable and ergonomic.

Fuhrer01 5y ago

Cooler Master Cherry Mx Red. They are pretty good.

bjoli 5y ago

Matias makes keyboards for typists. I love my matias quiet click, but some people have reported reliability issues (chattering) with the switches in keyboards other than matias' own. If you want tactile switches they are a great option. Cherry MX browns are linear compared to a snappy rubber dome. For linear switches I would say maybe the varmilo EC ones? Almost all contactless switches are extremely smooth. The varmilo keyboards are no-nonsense keybaords with good build quality. For clicky I would say Matias yet again. They are extremely tactile. I haven't seen any reliability issues reported with them, even in non-matias keyboards.