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Ask HN: What are some good keyboards?

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Re: Ask HN: What are some good keyboards?

#2
I use Ergodox Infinity keyboard and I'd suggest: separate left and right hand boards, columnar or ortholinear layout, thumb clusters, mechanical keys and profiled keycaps.

Maybe a good question to start with is "how much are you planning to spend"?

Re: Ask HN: What are some good keyboards?

#6
If you’re in the market for an ergo keyboard, I’ve used and liked the Kinesis Freestyle for years now. It’s a fully split keyboard with a staggered layout - I use it in a tented setup, and the ergonomics have been good while it’s similar enough to regular keyboards to not make switching back and forth too difficult.

I’ve tried the mechanical (red switch) version, but actually prefer their membrane version because it’s quieter and I like the tactile feedback better (I haven’t tried the brown/blue switch models though).

Re: Ask HN: What are some good keyboards?

#7
I've had my Leopold FC660C for I think 5 years now, it was very expensive but completely worth it IMHO. Capacitive sensing is just so much better than electrical contacts, due to the programmed in hysteresis, chattering just isn't a thing with Topre. I put the Hasu controller in it too and made my own custom layout with QMK.

If I was looking at getting a new keyboard I would also consider hall effect and optical key switch design keyboards.

Re: Ask HN: What are some good keyboards?

#8
You might get some suggestions for the Kinesis Advantage 2. It's a great keyboard, but keep in mind it's very different from other keyboards and could take a couple weeks to get used to before you're back up to your full productivity. I think the best approach for the Advantage is to just stick with it and fight the urge to even temporarily switch back to a regular keyboard.

Re: Ask HN: What are some good keyboards?

#10
What sort of keyboard are you looking for, for what use? It might help by sharing your favorite keyboard, and what you like about it.

Some of the features to consider (by no means exhaustive):

1. Width: 60%, TKL, or full-size

2. Height: Normal or low-profile

3. Key layout: Ergonomic, ortho, staggered

4. OS-friendly layout: Mac or Windows

5. Switches: clicky, tactile, linear

6. Misc: RGB, programmable keys, wireless

Personally I like 60% low-profile clicky keyboards. I use a Keychron K7 at home and MX Keys Mini at work.

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