Mechanical keys are a pleasure to type on, but most mechanical keyboards are of the non-split, non-ergonomic variety, so you'd be taking a step back from the MS Natural keyboard. I have a wonderful tenkeyless keyboard with Cherry brown switches, but I have had to retire it in favor of the less-mechanically-satisfying but nicely split and adjustable Kinesis Freestyle 2. My wrists are happier, even if my fingers and ears are a little disappointed.
Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
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Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#12There is a lot to be said for having the same keyboard everywhere - I have several Logitech MK250's - the keys are where they should be rather than just slightly non-standard. Therefore consider sticking with what you know.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#13Mechanical keys are a pleasure to type on, but most mechanical keyboards are of the non-split, non-ergonomic variety, so you'd be taking a step back from the MS Natural keyboard. I have a wonderful tenkeyless keyboard with Cherry brown switches, but I have had to retire it in favor of the less-mechanically-satisfying but nicely split and adjustable Kinesis Freestyle 2. My wrists are happier, even if my fingers and ea…
Kineses freestyle 2 will drastically reduce pain, especially when used with a standing desk.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#14I have the opposite setup, I use a mechanical at work and an MS Natural 4000 at home.
To be honest, I don't notice much of a difference in strain between the two and would even suggest that simply having two types may be beneficial. I do enjoy using my mechanical keyboard more. It certainly feels faster and you get a bit of a high when really pounding out lines of code, just because of the sound, but I don't know that its fast enough to warrant the price difference.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#15I type on a mechanical, though non-ergonomic keyboard, and like it quite a lot. Specifically a DAS Keyboard Ultimate with Cherry Blue switches. I added o-rings to quiet the report of the click a bit. I have not had tying discomfort in a couple of years since switching to Dvorak layout and going with a mechanical keyboard.
That said. I am not an RSI expert, and can only say anecdotally what I have personally come to like.
I know at least a couple of developers who swear by the Kenisis Advantage - http://www.amazon.com/Kinesis-KB500USB-BLK-Advantage-Contour.... It's a bit pricey, but is apparently a true ergonomic option.
For a straight up nice mechanical with o-rings already installed, the Code Keyboard from WASD is a nice option - see http://codekeyboards.com/.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#16Should 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.
There's also http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/, which is a bit more active.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#17I use poker 2 with blue switches and code keyboard with green switches. Amazing experience. Love it.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#18Yes. Period. I have two, one each for work and office. Each of my colleague bought one over the past few months.
Our favorite is Poker II.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#19Should 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.
Also this for more bling:
http://www.reddit.com/r/mechanicalkeyboards
There is science in there also.
Re: Ask HN: Should I get a mechanical keyboard?
#20Should 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.
I'd suggest /r/mechanicalkeyboards too. I was looking to buy one recently and the information really came in handy.