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Ask HN: Mechanical Keyboard Recommendations

5 points by rvieira ↗ HN
I must confess, although I've been a professional programmer for 15 years, the keyboard was my most neglected work tool.

I've used from Apple's magic keyboard, to cheap stock plastic keyboards, creaking bluetooth discount ones, etc.

Recently I've seen the System76's Launch Lite and was considering buying it. But since it's not _that_ cheap I was wondering if someone could share some tips on good mechanical keyboards similar to it.

It's _doesn't_ need to be ergonomical, portable, cordless or anything more than a good keyboard I can plug to a PC desktop.

5 comments

[ 1075 ms ] story [ 719 ms ] thread
andyjsong
If you really liked the System76's Launch Lite, try to find a used one, keyboards in general are fairly robust, and have a decent secondary market so you can always trade or resell without much loss.

Other than your phone, your KB probably used more than anything else you own, it makes sense to invest in tools you use to make your livelihood.

Kaibeezy
Rabbit hole for sure, but you can solve this without wasting days.

Start with a sub-£30, not too clicky, PVC keycap, full size model on Amazon that gets decent reviews. It will rattle a bit and not be especially sturdy, but you’ll get that “oh, this is better” feeling.

Experiment with damper rings and a cheap PBT keycap set.

After a couple of months, go back for a £100 one with brand name switches and keycaps you like.

Be done with it.

Think about whether you should go back one more time for a keyboard with number pad. How far away is that mouse really going to be?

glitchalumni
Imo one should rule out the mainstream gaming keyboards (those are usually not that great value).

There are quite some viable options from manufacturers like Leopold (FC750) and Varmilo (VA87) which also offer a wider variety of switches in the sub 200$ category.

If you would like to dive a bit deeper into the mechanical keyboard world - without breaking the bank - you could also have a look at the GMMK Pro (+ pick switches and keycaps) - which is probably the entry level enthusiast keeb to get right now.