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.
Or, at least, specific features/qualities to seek out.
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.
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.
Still, I also recommend Filco, not cheapest but it has taken years of my abuse... Including liquid and poor soldering jobs for swapping switches.
Bought Minila Air as well. Which I have been quite happy to use recently. Maybe need to order second MX Brown board as wireless one...
Was this a Costar-manufactured keyboard? My experience with Costar across multiple brands has been so satisfying, it's been hard to trust that other sources would meet the same standard.
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/...
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.
Edit: I see that it is an o-ring modification.
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.
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.
It's loud, but worth the hundred bucks.
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.
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.
[1] This is the one I got, but others certainly work: https://www.amazon.com/Cherry-Switch-Tester-keyboard-Sampler...
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.
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.
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.
Maybe start with:
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.
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.
I wish they made a 100% layout of this model, because Blender.