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Why get a mechanical keyboard?
Mechanical keyboards — those chunky, clicky retro throwbacks to the computing days of yore — have long been popular with gamers who appreciate their durability, responsiveness and configurability and those who learned to type on a typewriter and like the familiarity. Over the past few years, a host of smaller makers have introduced more versatile, fashionable, quieter and just plain friendlier models, making it possible for more people tired of ever-thinner membrane keyboards to enjoy the comfortable typing feel and myriad customization options of mechanical models
Are mechanical keyboards just for gamers?
Since gamers were among the first to re-embrace mechanical keyboards, you’ll find many models on the market designed to appeal, at least in part, to gaming. For example, you’ll see many mechanical keyboards that offer programmable RGB lighting and either onboard macro programmability or customization software or both.
That said, there are plenty of mechanical keyboard models that cater to everyday users. These tend to feature wireless connections and less flashy designs.
If you are a gamer and you’re looking for something that covers all your bases, I think it’s hard to beat my recommendation for the best gaming keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex Pro.
Are mechanical keyboards loud?
Most mechanical keyboards are going to be noisier than membrane or scissor-switch keyboards, but they vary widely in just how loud they are — and the switches don’t tell the whole story.
That said, clicky switches like the Cherry MX Blue and many similar models are just going to be too loud for the average office environment and will likely bother people on Zoom calls if you like to take notes during meetings or classes. Linear and tactile switches (Red and Brown and their relatives) are quieter, and non-contact switches like opticals and Topre switches are quieter still, but the overall construction of the keyboard makes a huge difference in the apparent volume.
If you’re looking for the quietest mechanical keyboards, you’ll want to check out gasket-mounted models, in which the plate the switches are mounted on is sandwiched between pads made of a vibration-absorbing material, which also absorbs sound. Gasket-mounted keyboards like the Keychron Q series are significantly quieter than any other mechanical keyboards I tested and are going to make everybody happier if you’re working in an open-plan office, at home or in any environment where you might bother others.
And whatever you do, don’t even think about using a buckling spring keyboard like a classic IBM Model M or a Unicomp if you’re not alone or working or living among other keyboard enthusiasts (and maybe not even then). Anyone else will be looking for an opportunity to toss it out the window, sweet vintage-typing feel or no.
I am having a hard time finding a keyboard for the office. I need a mechanical keyboard I am dying on the inside using these foam membrane keyboard from OLD school dells. However I am not trying to be obnoxious with the keys. I personally use mx blue switches at home and I love them. I am willing to buy the o-rings to dampen the sound but I don't know how much it will dampen the sound. Maybe I should switch switches completely. Since I am paying for it out of pocket I am thinking 120 max. For a work keyboard. I would prefer something below $100 but I am also somewhat realistic one of the main issues I am running into is I need the number keypad. I have to be typing in numbers and serials all the time. (I have a IT job). Also something without software as I won't be able to install the software at my job anyway.
I can't stand membrane keyboards, and I would love to have a mechanical keyboard for work. The main issue is I cant seem to find that many keyboards that aren't flashy / multi colored / etc. Im looking for a flat black with num pad no macro keys etc no backlight and ultimately needs to be quiet so i dont disturb anyone. The only thing i've found that some what fits the need is the Logitech - K840 but im not sure about the Romer-G mechanical switches. How do they compare to other switches I've used MX reds/blues and i prefer reds.
As I finish up my undergrad in computer engineering, there is a possibilty that I'll end up in software/fimrware.
I work way better on a mechanical keyboard. Typing on silicon membrane keyboards annoys me quite a bit. Generally how to people in a workplace feel about mechanical keyboards?
I am currently using a keyboard that uses Cherry MX Brown switches, which means they aren't terribly loud, like MX Blues, but it does have a more distinct sound when compared to the keyboard you'd find in most workplaces.
Oh and I'll probably be in a cubicle in cubeland for my foreseeable future.
I'm about to start a job where I will be working on a computer a lot and I figure picking up a nice mechanical keyboard to switch out with be cool since I'll be on it a lot.
I've owned a DAS before that I really liked but it died on me a bit ago.
Any suggestions/tips/tricks?
Need help for first time mechanical keyboard!!!!
I want to buy a mechanical keyboard, but i don't want it to be too loud. Here are my requirements:
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Wireless (preferably)
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Doesn't have to have numpad, but i don't like the smallest ones either
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Would be cool if it has RGB, but is not a must
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Hot-swappable (i really like the idea of customizing the keyboard, so i think i might experiment once i get my hands on the keyboard so it would be nice to have this option)
I am developer and i work from home, but i don't like it making too much noise.
I do play games, but nothing competitive or serious so i don't mind if it is not a gaming keyboard. I decided to go mechanical over mx keys just because i've read many reviews on how mx keys is hard on the fingers.
I've read so much stuff and i think that is the reason why i am so indecisive + my inexperience with this type of keyboards.
Currently i've narrowed down to the following:
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Logitech G915
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Logitech G815
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Keychron K1
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Keychron K2
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Ducky One 2 Mini
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Razer Black Widow v3 pro
Any suggestions on what would serve me well ?
The RK61 is cheap, wireless, hotswap, comes with brown/blue/red switches and has RGB. But sadly it's pretty small
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I am looking for a keyboard recommendation. My requirements are: -non-RGB -Works just fine with out the installation of drivers. My company has a strict policy on software installation.
-Mechanical. -Good for typing in a quiet office setting as to not be obnoxious to those around me. -Not flashy or framed with odd colors. -Wireless would be great, but not required. -full sized keyboard /w number pad -hopefully no non-standard buttons (don’t need media controls or other things that might require drivers to power)
It seems 95% of mechanical keyboards have RGB which scream gamer nerd, while I just want a quality typing experience that isn’t distracting to those around me. It’s also amazing how many keyboards are missing number pads. They are essential for number crunching.
Edit: so far I have found:
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iKBC CD108 V2 Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Silent Red Switch (not needed media player)
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CHERRY G80-3000 Keyboard - Wired - USB - MX Black Silent Switch (large, flexible body, odd riser heights, keys that rub off are all cons I have read about)
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FILCO Majestouch 2 HAKUA (Cherry MX Silent Red) Keyboard
Hi everyone,
I see lots of posts everywhere showing keyboards which are dedicated for gaming usage. But in my case I use them for programming/office only. I love the touch and feel when I press a key whereas a rubber dome cannot give you (the only exception I accept is the keyboard of an Apple MacBook Pro).
What about you? Do you use your board(s) for gaming only or for office use or programming? Lets talk a little bit about it. Would be happy to see your opinion here, for example, which keyboard you prefer for non-gaming usage. You can also post an image, if you like.
Regards, Thomas