3 ms·

Ask HN: Best keyboard for programmers?

I'm a fan of the old-fashioned "buckle-spring" IBM keyboards, but they are no longer made/rare/expensive/etc. I'm looking for a great keyboard with a focus on key feel but I want to avoid "gaming" keyboards with extra functions, gizmos, etc. Any suggestions?

gaika 18y ago
http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/ http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/ - current manufacturer Old Model-M keyboards are still sold at http://www.clickykeyboards.com/ http://www.clickykeyboards.com/ - or ebay.
lastkarrde 18y ago
Creamy/White Microsoft Ergonomic/Split keyboard. does the trick, comfortable as well.
gtani 18y ago
I like matias keyboards from Ontario, they're a little clicky clacky http://matias.ca/products/index.php http://matias.ca/products/index.php also see (some long threads) http://searchyc.com/keyboard http://searchyc.com/keyboard
quellhorst 18y ago
I am a huge fan of the full size Apple keyboard. I use dvorak and don't look at the keys but the feel is great. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg&mco=NDE4NDIyOA http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg...
warfangle 18y ago
I could never get used to the split Microsoft keyboards - or the chicklet Apple keyboards. My current favorite is the Logitech Wave... before that, I used a Das Keyboard -- which was fantastic, but the space bar became detached after about a year and a half.
catch404 18y ago
I use a basic Lenovo keyboard, I love IBM hardware :) Whats everyones opinion on the happy hacker keyboard - I hear they are expensive.
bemmu 18y ago
I like the tiny Apple wireless keyboard, because it leaves more space for written notes on my desk. People obsess about about monitor size to get space on their virtual desktops, but what about the space on your real desktop?
hs 18y ago
i use apple pro keyboard (the one which has 2 usb slots) on ubuntu i dropped it like maybe 100 times for the past 3 years or so, it breaks but none of the button breaks. it's easy to reattach loose button to keyboard (yes, even the space-bar) it's always wise to invest on keyboard, you are practically married to it ... just don't buy new (mine's used, bought like Sing$10) if you're opposed to buying used, think about it ... you test the used kb, find it's usable, nothing breaks ... what that tells you? ... the used kb has stood the test of time and abuse for years ... then marry her
csbartus 18y ago
art lebedev's optimus maximus http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/ http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/
joe_bleau 18y ago
No longer made? Unicomp (http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/ http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/) bought the rights and the tooling. I love mine. (And no, it doesn't have the windows key!)

gaika 18y ago

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/ http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/ - current manufacturer Old Model-M keyboards are still sold at http://www.clickykeyboards.com/ http://www.clickykeyboards.com/ - or ebay.

lastkarrde 18y ago

Creamy/White Microsoft Ergonomic/Split keyboard. does the trick, comfortable as well.

gtani 18y ago

I like matias keyboards from Ontario, they're a little clicky clacky http://matias.ca/products/index.php http://matias.ca/products/index.php also see (some long threads) http://searchyc.com/keyboard http://searchyc.com/keyboard

quellhorst 18y ago

I am a huge fan of the full size Apple keyboard. I use dvorak and don't look at the keys but the feel is great. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg&mco=NDE4NDIyOA http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB110LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg...

warfangle 18y ago

I could never get used to the split Microsoft keyboards - or the chicklet Apple keyboards. My current favorite is the Logitech Wave... before that, I used a Das Keyboard -- which was fantastic, but the space bar became detached after about a year and a half.

catch404 18y ago

I use a basic Lenovo keyboard, I love IBM hardware :) Whats everyones opinion on the happy hacker keyboard - I hear they are expensive.

bemmu 18y ago

I like the tiny Apple wireless keyboard, because it leaves more space for written notes on my desk. People obsess about about monitor size to get space on their virtual desktops, but what about the space on your real desktop?

hs 18y ago

i use apple pro keyboard (the one which has 2 usb slots) on ubuntu i dropped it like maybe 100 times for the past 3 years or so, it breaks but none of the button breaks. it's easy to reattach loose button to keyboard (yes, even the space-bar) it's always wise to invest on keyboard, you are practically married to it ... just don't buy new (mine's used, bought like Sing$10) if you're opposed to buying used, think about it ... you test the used kb, find it's usable, nothing breaks ... what that tells you? ... the used kb has stood the test of time and abuse for years ... then marry her

csbartus 18y ago

art lebedev's optimus maximus http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/ http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/

joe_bleau 18y ago

No longer made? Unicomp (http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/ http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/) bought the rights and the tooling. I love mine. (And no, it doesn't have the windows key!)