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Ask HN: How is your experience with a mechanical keyboard?

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Re: Ask HN: How is your experience with a mechanical keyboard?

#31

Post by netizen-936824 »

neverminder wrote: post #18
zuj wrote: post #16

I don't own one. Haven't given it a serious thought. But as a non user, it annoys me. I can't work next to a person who is banging away on the mechanical keyboard. I don't know the benefits he is gaining but it definitely affects my ability to concentrate. I am pretty much on my headphones when ever I am sitting next to a mechanical keyboarder.

My mechanical keyboard (Razer Huntsman V2, linear keys) is quieter than most membrane keyboards. Loud keyboards of any kind don't belong in shared offices.

I also use linear key switches, although there is still some noise but its far quieter than blue clicky switches.

not sure how anyone retains their sanity using blues for more than 5 minutes

Re: Ask HN: How is your experience with a mechanical keyboard?

#32

Post by approxim8ion »

neverminder wrote: post #18
zuj wrote: post #16

I don't own one. Haven't given it a serious thought. But as a non user, it annoys me. I can't work next to a person who is banging away on the mechanical keyboard. I don't know the benefits he is gaining but it definitely affects my ability to concentrate. I am pretty much on my headphones when ever I am sitting next to a mechanical keyboarder.

My mechanical keyboard (Razer Huntsman V2, linear keys) is quieter than most membrane keyboards. Loud keyboards of any kind don't belong in shared offices.

Unfortunately the hype around mechanical keyboards is mostly around clicky and tactile keys, to the point that there's almost a stigma around linear or silent optical switches, for example. Further, it's not just the switches that make the noise, your key caps and case also contribute to an extent.

Re: Ask HN: How is your experience with a mechanical keyboard?

#34

Post by moooo99 »

I have tried two mechanical keyboards. While the tactile feel is very satisfying, I don’t get the overall hype. After longer typing sessions my hands feel sore, mainly thanks to the fairly large build height. I’m not a particularly fast typer, but my typing speed doesn’t really differ significantly between the mechanical keyboard I tried and my current MX Keys one.

Re: Ask HN: How is your experience with a mechanical keyboard?

#36

Post by doubled112 »

I've gone through a couple and finally settled. I can't imagine the same setup would work for everybody.

I really like the big space between the keys older keyboard used to have. I don't like a lot of flatter Logitech keyboards because if you don't push straight down, the key doesn't press. I think this is most of the "productivity increase", to be honest. I miss less because the keys are farther apart more than they go click click.

I am not a super fan of RGB, but if you're always in the dark it helps you find your keyboard. A mouse is different because you can just swipe your arm around.

Das Pro 4 w MX Cherry Blues - clicky (read: loud), feels good, survived baby puke with no problems after cleanup. Even with a headset on I found I needed to type quietly or it would attract attention in meetings.

Corsair STRAFE RGB w Cherry Reds - silent and linear, and linear means no pressure is needed to activate the switch. I don't know if I would have liked this as the first one, but only needing the gentlest touch to type really helps.

Right now I use a Dreevo Calibur V2 w/ Outemu Red switches. Feels much the same as the same as the Corsair at less than half the price. It's basically a mechanical laptop keyboard layout wise, and I've learned to appreciate the keys not being so far away from my mouse. Frees up a ton of space on the desk too.

Re: Ask HN: How is your experience with a mechanical keyboard?

#37

Post by neverminder »

approxim8ion wrote: post #32
neverminder wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My mechanical keyboard (Razer Huntsman V2, linear keys) is quieter than most membrane keyboards. Loud keyboards of any kind don't belong in shared offices.

Unfortunately the hype around mechanical keyboards is mostly around clicky and tactile keys, to the point that there's almost a stigma around linear or silent optical switches, for example. Further, it's not just the switches that make the noise, your key caps and case also contribute to an extent.

Of course, but there are various options out there. For instance, Razer Huntsman Elite is loud enough to wake the dead, whereas Razer Huntsman V2 (linear) is whisper quiet - complete opposite.

Personally I prefer mechanical keyboards and other gaming gear not because of flashy LEDs and other fads, but because of the durability, build quality and features. Seemingly little things like volume wheel on the keyboard or tilt wheel on the mouse, can ad a lot to comfort of use.

Re: Ask HN: How is your experience with a mechanical keyboard?

#38

Post by ericmay »

firatcan wrote: post #25

I'm using Keychron K2 - https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k2-wireless-mecha... So far it was great, I love tactile sound of a mechanical keyboard. There is some sort of pleasure in it. But to be honest, it's easier to use MX keys or an Apple Keyboard. Because my hands get sore after writing couple of hours without break. Would I suggest K2? Yeah it's a great keyboard but If I'm on a market for Mechanical Key…

+1 for Keychron K2.

I really enjoy mine and it was one of the only ones (maybe the only?) that came with a default Mac layout, Bluetooth with USB-C, and the smaller form factor.

Fortunately having clear requirements made it easy to shop for, but unfortunately it’s hard to meet those requirements lol.

There is 0 way to measure productivity boost unless you’re just trying to see if it makes you type faster so I wouldn’t use that as a metric or decision factor.

Re: Ask HN: How is your experience with a mechanical keyboard?

#39

Post by Offpics »

2Gkashmiri wrote: post #13

i have this keyboard and on the back of it is written a 1995 date so this is 26 years old and works perfectly. https://qphs.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-e3231584b18e9b509d1a1... well a "TVS" branded one but repaired it a couple years ago and has been running fine. people do complain its "loud"

How do you clean it?

Re: Ask HN: How is your experience with a mechanical keyboard?

#40

Post by 2Gkashmiri »

Offpics wrote: post #39
2Gkashmiri wrote: post #13

i have this keyboard and on the back of it is written a 1995 date so this is 26 years old and works perfectly. https://qphs.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-e3231584b18e9b509d1a1... well a "TVS" branded one but repaired it a couple years ago and has been running fine. people do complain its "loud"

How do you clean it?

i stripped it down, each keycap and the plastic body. washed with soap and then rebuilt it.
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