keyboard Need recommendations for a good keyboard for programming

[dvxxx]

I program a lot. Mostly C/C++. So far, I haven't paid much attention to what keyboard I'm using. I adapted to all of them, more or less. However, I think it is about time to change that.

 

I'd like to know if anybody has recommendations for good keyboards suitable for lots of programming. I prefer slim keyboards over high mechanical ones though - I am used to the lower profile. Doesn't have to be a chiclet keyboard though. My current one is the Cherry Stream 3.0, and while flat, it isn't chiclet style for example.

 

Ideally, it is easy to clean. It does not have to be wireless, and please, NO RGB. This is supposed to be a keyboard for programming, not for gaming. Optional switchable backlight is OK though. This can useful if the room is dark.

 

So, any ideas? Or what do you think about my current keyboard? Would you pick that for lots of programming?

[minibois]

Any decent RGB keyboard will have the ability to set it to one color (or even off entirely), so don't dismiss those right away.

Personally I like Ducky and Leopold keyboard a lot for typing. I think PBT keycaps are a must if you do type a lot (those sorts of keycaps just feel so much sturdier).

 

I have used the Stream 3.0 at work and it's.. Fine IMO. But keyboards are very subjective and while you might like the short, light travel of those type of keys, I personally like the taller keycaps and ability to not fully press down a switch more (makes it feel less rough on my hands).

The type of keyswitches you should get will also be quite personal.

I like Blue switches (Gateron, Cherry, Kailh, doesn't really matter much from who IMO, just the clicky light-ish switches), but you might not like the noise those generate. Brown could be a compromise (although personally I feel like those can be quite meh..).

 

You should try to see if you could go into a store and try out some option; mainly options with different keyswitches and ABS vs. PBT keycaps (if you're going mechanical). Or maybe you don't want mechanical at all, in which case trying out a keyboard is quite important, since they will all feel different.

[connoraragao]

9 minutes ago, dvxxx said:

I program a lot. Mostly C/C++. So far, I haven't paid much attention to what keyboard I'm using. I adapted to all of them, more or less. However, I think it is about time to change that.

 

I'd like to know if anybody has recommendations for good keyboards suitable for lots of programming. I prefer slim keyboards over high mechanical ones though - I am used to the lower profile. Doesn't have to be a chiclet keyboard though. My current one is the Cherry Stream 3.0, and while flat, it isn't chiclet style for example.

 

Ideally, it is easy to clean. It does not have to be wireless, and please, NO RGB. This is supposed to be a keyboard for programming, not for gaming. Optional switchable backlight is OK though. This can useful if the room is dark.

 

So, any ideas? Or what do you think about my current keyboard? Would you pick that for lots of programming?

Mechanical or membrane? What’s your budget?

[dvxxx]

I tried the taller ones, but I just can't get used to the increased amount of downward force I have to apply to the keys. I have used flat ones for too long I guess

 

When we are talking about flat ones, is there really much variance? All that talk about Cherry Blue switches etc. seems to imply tall keys. Overall I tend to prefer membrane keys because they are quieter.

 

Also, my budget would be ~150 USD max. I'd make an exception to that if it is about an ergonomic keyboard, like the Kinesis ones. I am not 100% sold on those, but they also seem interesting, at least at some point, since programming involves lots of typing, so more potential for developing carpal tunnel etc. But I think all of the good ergonomic keyboards use tall keys, right?

[minibois]

1 minute ago, Genwyn said:

Logitech K120

the no nonsense half height, full-size keyboard

It costs 20$ at Walmart, it’s rubber domes with a slight tap noise, it’s normal chiclet and not island chiclet keys (kind of like a 90’s laptop), it’s a pleasant typing experience.

If you don’t need the fancy features you don’t need a fancy keyboard.

ive had one for like 5 years now and it’s still going without any problems 

From all the keyboards I have used at work (which would be a K120, some older Kailh mechanical Red/Brown and Blue board, some chicklet stuff including the Stream 3.0 and some more), I still think the K120 was the most comfortable to use

Although I can't recommend it for long typing sessions myself, but that is of course only my opinion, which anyone could disagree with.

[minibois]

1 minute ago, dvxxx said:

I tried the taller ones, but I just can't get used to the increased amount of downward force I have to apply to the keys. I have used flat ones for too long I guess

 

When we are talking about flat ones, is there really much variance? All that talk about Cherry Blue switches etc. seems to imply tall keys. Overall I tend to prefer membrane keys because they are quieter. Also, my budget would be ~150 USD max.

There still is variance with shallower keys, just in a different way.

P.S. I do have to mention there are less tall mech switches (Cherry ML for example), but I don't really like those..

With normal keyboards, I don't really have a preference and thus not really any recommendations.

[Acorn Eye]

26 minutes ago, dvxxx said:

I tried the taller ones, but I just can't get used to the increased amount of downward force I have to apply to the keys. I have used flat ones for too long I guess

 

When we are talking about flat ones, is there really much variance? All that talk about Cherry Blue switches etc. seems to imply tall keys. Overall I tend to prefer membrane keys because they are quieter.

 

Also, my budget would be ~150 USD max. I'd make an exception to that if it is about an ergonomic keyboard, like the Kinesis ones. I am not 100% sold on those, but they also seem interesting, at least at some point, since programming involves lots of typing, so more potential for developing carpal tunnel etc. But I think all of the good ergonomic keyboards use tall keys, right?

There are mechanical switches that are quieter than membrane, such as the type-s topre switch. Though when it comes to type-s topre keyboards, they run a pretty penny.

 

There are other switches out there that aren't that much loader than membrane, and still quieter than some. Such as the Aliaz and Zilent switches.

 

Here's a sound test of a keyboard with Aliaz switches.

 

Cherry keys are notoriously mediocre. They aren't the best at acoustics, tactility, or even clickyness. So making judgements of switches from them is a bit unfair.

 

There are tactile switches that have low profile too, Novelkey's Choc burnt orange. I couldn't find a video showcasing them exactly, but should sound very similar to these full sized ones.

 

To put into perspective on how tall choc switches are, here's a photo.

[seon123]

3 hours ago, dvxxx said:

I just can't get used to the increased amount of downward force I have to apply to the keys

You can get super light switches, like the Gateron Clear, which has an actuation force of just 35g. You can also swap the spring in another switch for a super light one. E.g. some of these, with an 8cN actuation force. 

https://www.spritdesigns.com/mx

 

You also have various Topre boards, which can also have a very low actuation force. They are also very quiet.