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Why You Should Buy a Mechanical Keyboard

themechanicalkeyboardreview.com

1–10 of 19 posts

Re: Why You Should Buy a Mechanical Keyboard

#4

I see a lot of talk (hype?) about this, but I've used IBM keyboards in the past and I don't miss it. Am I the only one who actually prefers low-profile keyboards like the Mac/MacBook ones?

You should try a mini, while not super low like on a laptop it is a lot lower than on the behemoth that is an IBM board.

My big beef with the Mac keyboards is the spacing. I can get around 60 wpm on a Macbook and 110-120 (touch typing both) on my desktop board. It's just super hard to use one when each key is so much farther than what you get accustomed to on a large mechanical board.

Re: Why You Should Buy a Mechanical Keyboard

#5
post #3

Does anyone have any a recommendation? I've been wanting to get a mechanical keyboard.

Highly depends on your own personal preference and how you'll be using the keyboard. Check out http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/ It's a great subreddit and the users are super passionate, it contains anything you would want to know about the different brands and switch type.

Re: Why You Should Buy a Mechanical Keyboard

#6
post #3

Does anyone have any a recommendation? I've been wanting to get a mechanical keyboard.

I have a Das Keyboard (http://www.daskeyboard.com/), specifically the Das Keyboard 4 Professional. A little pricey if you're used to generic $10 keyboards, but it's fantastic to type on.

Re: Why You Should Buy a Mechanical Keyboard

#7

I see a lot of talk (hype?) about this, but I've used IBM keyboards in the past and I don't miss it. Am I the only one who actually prefers low-profile keyboards like the Mac/MacBook ones?

You should try a mini, while not super low like on a laptop it is a lot lower than on the behemoth that is an IBM board. My big beef with the Mac keyboards is the spacing. I can get around 60 wpm on a Macbook and 110-120 (touch typing both) on my desktop board. It's just super hard to use one when each key is so much farther than what you get accustomed to on a large mechanical board.

Thanks. I just tested and I'm getting 80 wpm on the MacBook, so not bad I guess.

Re: Why You Should Buy a Mechanical Keyboard

#8
post #3

Does anyone have any a recommendation? I've been wanting to get a mechanical keyboard.

I tried a few different configurations of the WASD V2 (http://wasdkeyboards.com), and really liked the Cherry MX Blue switches with 0.2mm o-ring dampeners. There's a Mac keyboard layout option, too, which is part of what sold me on it. If you're anywhere near Milpitas, CA you can actually just drop by their office and try them out before buying.

Re: Why You Should Buy a Mechanical Keyboard

#9

I see a lot of talk (hype?) about this, but I've used IBM keyboards in the past and I don't miss it. Am I the only one who actually prefers low-profile keyboards like the Mac/MacBook ones?

I'll take either a mechanical or a chiclet (like the Apple ones) keyboard over squishy rubber domes.

I personally think the chiclet boards have a lot in common with the mechanical ones - there's a very nonlinear resistance and it's pretty clear when you have, versus haven't, activated a key. I don't find many mechanical aficionados agree :)

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