I use an ergonomic keyboard at work (MS natural 4000), I am pretty much satisfied with it though my pinky starts to pain if i type too much than my average. I need to get a keyboard for home - should I stick with what I use or try a mechanical KB (i've never used one before).
Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
1–10 of 59 posts
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#2I use a mechanical keyboard. And I have used it for a couple of years.
With rubberdome or ergonomic keyboards I always had problems with finger strain. The tactile feel of the keyboard allows you to use both short and long actions on the keys so that you don't get that strain.
However, they make a lot of noise and now I can't use it at work. ;(
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#3I use a mechanical keyboard. And I have used it for a couple of years. With rubberdome or ergonomic keyboards I always had problems with finger strain. The tactile feel of the keyboard allows you to use both short and long actions on the keys so that you don't get that strain. However, they make a lot of noise and now I can't use it at work. ;(
Are you using black/red switches?
http://www.keyboardco.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/an-introduc...
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#4I love mine (tenkeyless, brown switch).
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#5I'm using 'Ducky Zero' keyboard. In my particular case (sometimes I spend 14 hours in front of the screen) I see no big improvement apart from the fact that when I type a letter it is typed (I hate when I'm typing a password in console and I'm not sure if keyboard 'took' a letter)
The keyboard I use is a bit noisy however it reminds me old commodore times and I actually like this noise.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#6Should probably look through reddit. Lots of resources of right.
http://www.reddit.com/r/keyboards
e.g. Keypress force.
Red (45 centiNewtons, 60 cN) Brown (45 cN, 60cN, tactile) Blue (50 cN, 65 cN, click/tactile) Black (60 cN, 80 cN) Clear (65 cN, ?) Green (80 cN, 105 cN, tactile)
Most people seem to like Blue and Brown. Blue sounds clicky.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#7Mechanical keyboards are like the whiskeys of the keyboard world. They're not for everybody, and can be an acquired taste, but there's a huge amount of people who swear by them. They're also a premium product, so there is a bigger barrier to entry than the normal products.
To me, a mechanical keyboard has been brilliant. I bought a Razer Blackwidow a few years ago, and haven't looked back. It's much easier to type quickly on than a non-mechanical, because every sensation of it is so defined and fast. As a programmer, that means the connection between my brain and my computer feels more natural.
However, I know programmers that can't stand the increased sound and don't need or want the speed.
If you can afford to buy a keyboard on a whim, I would say "try it and see". The only way to know if it is for you is by trying one for a while and weighing the benefits against the negatives. Even if you don't particularly like it over a regular rubber dome or ergonomic keyboard, at least you'll have a premium keyboard that will last you a long time and will be better constructed than most.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#8I love my mechanical keyboards and won't work without them. That said, they aren't magic and there is at least some evidence that they are bad for certain ergonomic style problems.
They can also be very pricey. I would ask around your colleagues to see if anyone has one you can borrow for a little bit.
That said, if you can afford the expense I personally think it is silly to skimp a little bit of money on your main input device for your main career (assuming) tool. My order of importance of spending on machines is SSD, Keyboard, RAM, Display, everything else.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#9Has there been any scientific studies done on the benefits of mechanical keyboard?
I've used one for years and it definitely feels faster and more comfortable, but I honestly can't tell how much of that is due to the placebo effect.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#10I've found mechanical keyboards start to give me a touch of RSI, where the slim Apple keyboards don't. Maybe I'm just hitting the keys too hard or something. I always give up using them, which is a shame because they feel nice to the touch.