Ask HN: Looking for a recommendation for a quiet and robust keyboard
10 comments
If you want a robust keyboard, go mechanical. Quiet is relative -- there's a number of different switches to choose from. Cherry MX Red or MX Clear are both popular picks for office environments. I love my Ergodox -- I have one with Cherry MX Green switches (very loud/clicky) and one with Zealios (very quiet, but there's still a tactile bump at the activation point of the key so you don't have to bottom out the key).
https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanicalkeyboards is really the right place to ask, IMO.
https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanicalkeyboards is really the right place to ask, IMO.
I recommend trying a Topre switch keyboard because they're very high quality and quieter than most, if not all, of the Cherry-type mechanical switch keyboards. In my opinion, Topre switches have the best feel for typing.
The downside of wanting a Topre switch keyboard is that your options are very limited. Topre makes a line of keyboards under the brand Realforce. They also license or sell the technology to PFU for the Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 and to Leopold for the FC660C. They formerly licensed the tech to CoolerMaster for the Novatouch TKL keyboard. There may be more options now, but I haven't checked recently.
I use a Topre Realforce 87U keyboard and a CoolerMaster Novatouch TKL. They're the two best keyboards I've ever owned.
The downside of wanting a Topre switch keyboard is that your options are very limited. Topre makes a line of keyboards under the brand Realforce. They also license or sell the technology to PFU for the Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 and to Leopold for the FC660C. They formerly licensed the tech to CoolerMaster for the Novatouch TKL keyboard. There may be more options now, but I haven't checked recently.
I use a Topre Realforce 87U keyboard and a CoolerMaster Novatouch TKL. They're the two best keyboards I've ever owned.
Even you want to change, I still recommended Apple Magic Keyboard 2 for its pure quality and reliability. Not the most budget keyboard out there, but you get what you pay for
(unlike their infamous butterfly switch Macbook keyboard, their desktop keyboard is good) It gots ultra low profile and good key travel, and the quiet, tactile, clickiness, which I really like.
It has lightning, but I plug it only for charging for an hour, and use it wirelessly for several months before I have to charge it again, no big deal. I mean, the battery life is insane, you forget to charge it.
I used to use Logitech G Pro tenkeyless for a while, it's good, but the most used key's keycap fell off after a while, which is quite disappointing. It is also unrepairable because they use their proprietary switch. Also, personally, it's too big for my hands anyway.
I used to getting into mechanical keyboard scene for some times. It's cool to talk about variant of switch and design and artisan keycap, but I found that it never ends(and it's expensive) So I just grab an Apple's one and get on with my life. Happy so far. :)
It has lightning, but I plug it only for charging for an hour, and use it wirelessly for several months before I have to charge it again, no big deal. I mean, the battery life is insane, you forget to charge it.
I used to use Logitech G Pro tenkeyless for a while, it's good, but the most used key's keycap fell off after a while, which is quite disappointing. It is also unrepairable because they use their proprietary switch. Also, personally, it's too big for my hands anyway.
I used to getting into mechanical keyboard scene for some times. It's cool to talk about variant of switch and design and artisan keycap, but I found that it never ends(and it's expensive) So I just grab an Apple's one and get on with my life. Happy so far. :)
The magic keyboard always feels less comfortable for me to type on than their earlier AA-battery Bluetooth keyboards, which are still pretty slim. The older ones have a tiny bit more travel and a slightly lighter and softer touch while still feeling crisp.
As someone that's been through more than 6 keyboards over the last two years, I really like the products Realforce produces. They do not have the "click" like a lot of mechanical keyboards, more of a "thunk" sound and feel. I'm currently using one of their newer models: http://www.realforce.co.jp/en/products/R2SA-US4-BK/index.htm... and have experience with an older one as well: http://www.realforce.co.jp/en/products/104U-S_XF01T0/index.h.... The difference between the two is the sound and feel of the keys. The older one is a bit noisier and has less of a "thunk" sound when pressed. I'd highly recommend either.
I don't like keyboards that need charging so I've been using the Logitech K750 for Mac (white) keyboard. It's solar powered and daily exposure to indoor lighting will keep it going.
The keys are quiet but feel jiggly at first compared to how little MacBook keys move but you don't notice after a few minutes. The only problem I've had is trying to use it with a desk with an under table keyboard drawer which didn't keep it charged.
The keys are quiet but feel jiggly at first compared to how little MacBook keys move but you don't notice after a few minutes. The only problem I've had is trying to use it with a desk with an under table keyboard drawer which didn't keep it charged.
I'd recommend the HHKB Professional 2. It sounds, and feels great and is considered an "endgame" keyboard by many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
I'm currently using a custom built keyboard, a KBDFans Tofu, with Zealios 67g switches and blank keycaps.
I'm currently using a custom built keyboard, a KBDFans Tofu, with Zealios 67g switches and blank keycaps.
I'm trying the MS Sculpt these days (no benefits yet) but make sure to head over to http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/ and ask there :)
I highly recommend this, 3 years no problems till now, robust, soft, cheap but reliable, better than my expensive logitech shit before, check the reviews.
https://amzn.to/2H4zimE
https://amzn.to/2H4zimE
I use the Logitech K800, I find it quite reliable in all aspects! Never had any problems.
Filco Hakua with Cherry Silent Reds.
These days, the Apple magic keyboard are about 150€ and only has a lightning cabled connection.
What options are available for a quiet keyboard that is USB cabled?
I know that the HN crowd is passionate about their keyboards so I asking. thanks for any recommendations given.