Anybody using a mechanical keyboard?

[klook]

I've been researching mechanical keyboards to use with my 2017 MacBook Pro. So far the Keychron K2 with Gateron Brown keyswitches is the top contender, for these reasons:

• good reviews,


• reportedly has a tactile "bump" without being excessively noisy,


• affordably priced, and


• has actual Mac symbols on the Control, Option, and Command keys.

Anybody using a K2? Or have any others to recommend?

I don't care about wireless vs. USB -- wired is fine. My preferred use is mainly for typing -- I'm not a gamer. I don't need RGB backlighting. White backlighting would be nice, but that's optional. Several reviewers mention that the K2 is unusually thick, so a wrist rest (such as the walnut one Keychron sells) is recommended. If I get this keyboard, I'll probably go that route.

I've finally had to admit that Lloyd Chambers was right when he wrote on Mac Performance Guide that the 2017 MacBook Pro "chiclet" keyboard sucks. It's very easy to make typos -- I'm constantly hitting multiple keys or the wrong key, much more than I ever have with any other keyboard.

[Alacritous Crier]

1. Velocifire M104

I'm using a Velocifire M104 on my Mac mini. It's working out fine.

It is wired.

[klook]

2. Thanks - the M87 is on my short list.

I like the compact size of the tenkeyless boards such as the Velocifire M87 and the Keychron K2.

Did you get the O-rings? For only $10 extra, it seems like it might be worth it -- the sound in the video on their site seemed a tad loud (my house is small, and I have a spouse who might object). Of course, a desk pad would help with that issue as well.

From what I've read, the PBT keycaps might be worth considering as well, since they supposedly wear better than the ABS ones and don't develop "shiny" surfaces the way my old IBM keyboards did after a couple of years.

Thanks for weighing in!

[Alacritous Crier]

3. No...

I didn't get any O-rings. My office is in the basement so I'm not too worried about noise.

[klook]

4. Gotcha, thanks (nt)

[Pinback]

7. FYI - I ended up going with the Velocifire M87. A year later,

I'm still enjoying it. So thanks for helping nudge me in that direction.

I went for the O-rings to reduce the noise level, and that's worked out well. I also opted for the colored key caps for the Shift, Ctrl, Option, Cmd, and Escape keys, and I like having those.

The typing experience is good. As someone who learned to type on an ancient manual typewriter and later used IBM Selectrics and early computer mechanical keyboards, I appreciate the amount of spring in the keys and the fact that just barely touching the key doesn't produce an unwanted keystroke. This keyboard is an affordable option, and I'd buy one again.

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

8. You're welcome.

Yes, I too started that way. I learned to type in the Navy. Same path, manual, Selectric, computer.

I know what you mean.

[SmartVoter22]

5. An Apple A1243 perhaps?

Here's some info on this model.
https://everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/imac-aluminum-faq/imac-aluminum-keyboard-differences-feel-usability.html

[klook]

6. Thanks, but I actually have one of those :)

It's decent -- used to use it with my old "cheese grater" Mac Pro (until I replaced that machine with the MacBook Pro). The Apple keyboard relies on a scissor-switch mechanism, as you probably know. It's certainly better for typing than the MBP keyboard, but I'm interested in using a keyboard with tactile mechanical switches, which many people report makes for an excellent typing experience.