Scissor switch keyboards

[PriitM]

Hello everyone

 

After my Logitech UltraX decided to have its 20 millionth keystroke, I started a quest for a replacement scissor switch keyboard...or at least a decent slim/low profile keyboard. 

 

So far, I have tried on the low end: 

 

Canyon CNS-HKB5. for 20$ it was ok. The biggest drawback was its case to key cap clearance. If a few strands of hair got between, the stroke would not move freely. Safe to say, it landed on the shelf. Did not measure actuation force, but felt stiff and heavy. 

Natec Medusa 2: 30$ and the closest I got to UltraX. Bonus points for backlit. But the scissors are made from the same material as the body, so they rub and have a gritty feel. Still, the travel distance is nice, keys strokes register consistent. Actuation force 50-55g

Fujitsu KB410: not a scissor switch, but the best low travel dome keyboard out there. Key strokes feel light (actuation force measured at 50ish gram), precise and predictable. Not quiet, but for 30$ I would say the best dome keyboard experience you can get. 

 

Medium range: 
HP Collaboration. At 60$ its a really good one. Key strokes are light and crisp. Cant feel any rubbing. Just enough clearance between body and key caps that strands of hair or dust wont be an issue. One problem is that it takes full travel to register keystrokes. But the actuation force is 45-50g, so its not a big problem to adjust to a more aggressive typing style. 

 

HP Elite V2: Got to try it out for a few hours once. Key strokes were softer and did not require so much travel compared to the Collaboration keyboard. At 80$ its a matter of price rather than performance. 

 

High end: 

Logitech K740. I guess Logitech took the UltraX design, added a backlight and gave it an un-neccessary palmrest. At 90-120$ (depending on the layout), its the best UltraX replacement...since it IS UltraX. But I would argue its not worth the value, even for the backlight. 

Apple keyboard. When I got to try it (few years ago) I though yeah, if I had the money. But ever since I got the Collaboration, I dont see the difference anymore. The keystrokes are the same, noise is the same...for twice the price. 

 

Rare: Did you know there exists a stand alone Thinkpad keyboard? with the "nipple" and mouse keys? I owned a Thinkpad once and the keyboard is in a class of its own. Keystrokes are smooth with a very subtle tactile feel. Actuation force is light, I would say sub 45g yet you dont have to bottom out the key to register. 

If anyone has any other scissor switch keyboard experience (used or using), please feel free add to this.

[nox_]

52 minutes ago, PriitM said:

Did you know there exists a stand alone Thinkpad keyboard? with the "nipple" and mouse keys? I

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Compact-Keyboard-TrackPoint/dp/B00F3U4TQS

Not rare at all.

If you like scissor switches look into this one : https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/surface-keyboard/8r3rqvvflp4k?activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab

Logitech k740 is shit btw, creaky shitty piece of plastic, nothing high end about it.

Edited November 18, 2019 by noxdeouroboros

[PriitM]

3 hours ago, noxdeouroboros said:

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Compact-Keyboard-TrackPoint/dp/B00F3U4TQS

Not rare at all. 

thats the new lenovo kind. Im talking about the OLD Thinkpad keyboard. 

On the K740: I agree its not the best over all, but its the closest Logitech made to the old UltraX. As I said, for 100$, there are better options out there. 

[nox_]

29 minutes ago, PriitM said:

thats the new lenovo kind. Im talking about the OLD Thinkpad keyboard. 

On the K740: I agree its not the best over all, but its the closest Logitech made to the old UltraX. As I said, for 100$, there are better options out there. 

Got it, I'm sure it's available on ebay, would never buy it though, never understood why one would get scissor switches when mechanical boards are available in all kinds of flavors for switches and in wide variety of prices. Kinda liked that MS board though, and I generally hate scissor switches, so it really says something.

[PriitM]

37 minutes ago, noxdeouroboros said:

Got it, I'm sure it's available on ebay, would never buy it though, never understood why one would get scissor switches when mechanical boards are available in all kinds of flavors for switches and in wide variety of prices. Kinda liked that MS board though, and I generally hate scissor switches, so it really says something.

To each their own. I personally love the low/slim form factor, tiny key travel and near silent operation. 

[nox_]

2 minutes ago, PriitM said:

To each their own. I personally love the low/slim form factor, tiny key travel and near silent operation. 

You are right on that, though there are mechs that are low profile and offer tiny key travel, silent operation is other thing In my mind only advantage of scissor switches that it offers relative silence.