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Why the Amazon Basics Keyboard Is My Favorite Keyboard

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Re: Why the Amazon Basics Keyboard Is My Favorite Keyboard

#91

Post by latortuga »

meddlepal wrote: post #12

My favorite keyboards is the Microsoft Sculpt Comfort. I can type for hours without any wrist pain compared to all my other keyboards.

I have this keyboard as well, and the original wired MS ergo keyboard before it. I've had probably 4 or 5 of the wired one over the years.

I enjoy the Sculpt, enough to buy one for home and office, as well as a replacement when one crapped out (hard to navigate tmux when your prefix key dies!). I can't type on non-ergo keyboards for very long, my wrist pain almost immediately comes back. I'd probably try an amazon basics ergo keyboard if they made one.

I'm sure I could have saved a few dollars over the years by finding the exact right mechanical keyboard and it would have lasted forever, but I can also go on amazon and order a replacement keyboard and get it by Thursday, and not worry about spilling coffee on my $300 hand-crafted, certified organic mx blueberry waffle keycaps.

Re: Why the Amazon Basics Keyboard Is My Favorite Keyboard

#92

Post by vcanales »

whitehouse3 wrote: post #82
notus wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Most engineers with jobs aren't making compromises on the price when their goal is comfort and usability.

You're right. I bought a $250 Leopold FC660C to combat repetitive strain injury, because my doctor said to minimize the distance between the home row and my mouse pad. But most less-expensive 60% ("ten key-less") boards either lack arrow keys or have obnoxious, loud switches. These weren't feasible because I use arrow keys all the time for Visual Studio and I work in open-office hell. The Leopold has quiet Topre swit…

As a user of the New Poker II 60% and other 60% keyboards, arrow keys are usually one dip switch/macro away. I also use brown dampened switches and they’re not noisy.

Re: Why the Amazon Basics Keyboard Is My Favorite Keyboard

#93

Post by pmiller2 »

I know it’s been mentioned already, but my favorite is the MS Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard. I picked it up when I was starting to have RSI issues in my wrist and forearm. Together with some wrist braces, I was able to eliminate all pain in a few weeks.

When I was looking, my criteria were: comfort, usability (bonus points for a standard layout), and PC/Mac interoperability. The Ergo Sculpt met all of those well, although some individual units seem to not work properly with the Mac.

The best thing is, it only cost $65! Not bad for a tool that’s probably the reason I’m still in the industry 2 years later.

Re: Why the Amazon Basics Keyboard Is My Favorite Keyboard

#95

Post by 52-6F-62 »

lewisflude wrote: post #33

I'm a keyboard enthusiast, I have a collection of ~15 mechanical keyboards with various switches, hand lubed, modded (spring swapped, stem swapped) various materials and sizes from the plastic HHKB to the monstrous TX1800 (fits the keys you'd find in a full size keyboard into the frame of a TKL). I'm happy the writer has found a keyboard that works for them. Although I think that they'd be able to get a better typing…

I'm not an enthusiast, but I agree with out in general.

I have maybe a 2014 version of the Apple keyboard (wired/numpad) at the office and I love using it. I can work long hours, not feel fatigue, it's never failed, etc etc.

I also use a Logitech K840 at home: https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/k840-mechanical-corde...

And it suits me just fine. Also a pleasure to work on. Though I'm not a switch purist, either. And I'm a sucker for the aluminum... (mainly because I'm likely to drop something on it, or drop the keyboard itself at some point) it's solid for a decent price. I think I even waited to get it on sale.

Re: Why the Amazon Basics Keyboard Is My Favorite Keyboard

#96

Post by mgalgs »

notus wrote: post #40
vladharbuz wrote: post #3

> Jokes aside, I totally understand the appeal of mechanical keyboards. I’ve used them and it is satisfying to hear that clickity-click sound and the keys do feel amazing but that just doesn’t work for me due to being on so many pair programming calls and recording video courses. I don't like it when people equate mechanical keyboards to loudness. They don't have to be loud! My keyboard has MX Clear switches which ar…

Well the author also thinks pair programming is a good idea so I'd take what they say with a grain of salt. Also I get the impression this article is just a thinly veiled ad for their courses.

Pair programming is great. But as with all things, only in moderation. An hour or two per week can actually be quite enlightening and eye opening.

Re: Why the Amazon Basics Keyboard Is My Favorite Keyboard

#97

Post by bt848 »

neogodless wrote: post #24
meddlepal wrote: post #12

My favorite keyboards is the Microsoft Sculpt Comfort. I can type for hours without any wrist pain compared to all my other keyboards.

My previous favorite was the Natural 4000 Ergonomic, and now the Sculpt Ergonomic. In both cases, I have had keys wear out* and have gone through quite a few, but like them enough to put up with the trouble. Of course, I could get the 4000 for $20; I tend to have to spend closer to $60 to get the Sculpt! * The Natural 4000 space bar was the worst offender. On my Sculpt Ergonomic, I've lost an 'L' and 'F5'.

In the easy-to-clean category MS Natural wins easily. I never used the 4000 but my Elite (still work after more than 20 years) can be washed in the dishwasher.

Re: Why the Amazon Basics Keyboard Is My Favorite Keyboard

#98

Post by stronglikedan »

pmiller2 wrote: post #93

I know it’s been mentioned already, but my favorite is the MS Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard. I picked it up when I was starting to have RSI issues in my wrist and forearm. Together with some wrist braces, I was able to eliminate all pain in a few weeks. When I was looking, my criteria were: comfort, usability (bonus points for a standard layout), and PC/Mac interoperability. The Ergo Sculpt met all of those well, althoug…

> bonus points for a standard layout...The Ergo Sculpt met all of those well

My main problem with it is that it isn't a standard layout. For that reason, I went with the Surface Ergonomic instead, which, while still not standard, is more standard than the Sculpt.

Re: Why the Amazon Basics Keyboard Is My Favorite Keyboard

#100

Post by bluedino »

lewisflude wrote: post #33

I'm a keyboard enthusiast, I have a collection of ~15 mechanical keyboards with various switches, hand lubed, modded (spring swapped, stem swapped) various materials and sizes from the plastic HHKB to the monstrous TX1800 (fits the keys you'd find in a full size keyboard into the frame of a TKL). I'm happy the writer has found a keyboard that works for them. Although I think that they'd be able to get a better typing…

You might collect Ferraris, which might all be objectively Robust Wire / USB Cable better than a Honda Civic, but you aren't going to drive one every day.
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