mechanical keboard Help choosing first mechanical keyboard

[BWMerlin]

At home I have been using a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard v4000 for years and before that I was using the Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard (I think that is the correct one).  At work I use a Logitech K350 ergonomic keyboard with a Logitech MX ergo mouse.

 

I really like the Microsoft v4000 and have for a long time thought that the zoom toggle in the centre was stupid and I would remap it to be scroll up/down instead making it much more useful for web viewing especially when combined with the forward backwards arrow just below the space bar.

 

That zoom toggle also got me thinking that it would have been great if it was instead a trackpoint, trackball or a small touchpad so that you could do a lot of quick navigation without having to move your hands from the keyboard.

I have finally decided that it is time to get myself my first ergonomic mechanical keyboard and looking for some help choosing a nice beginner entry point.

 

I have narrowed down to five options that I think are suitable.

RK A72

LEOBOG A75

AJAZZ AKS075

PERIBOARD-335

Offsetkey 70% MX split keyboard

 

The RK A72 seems nice in that it is a little smaller than the two keyboards that I currently use but still has a couple of basic multimedia keys and easily accessible macro keys.

The LEOBOG A75 has a joystick in the middle which I think would be nice for web browsing.

The AJAZZ AKS075 doesn’t appear to offer a lot other than being mechanical, Alice layout and a good price.

The PERIBOARD-335 kind of seems like the most drop in replacement with the major different compared to my current keyboards is that it is TKL.

The Offsetkey 70% MX split keyboard seem like the best of everything but does also have the price tag to match but I am oh so very tempted because of the included trackball and scroll wheel.

 

What would people recommend for a first time mechanical keyboard user looking for an ergonomic keyboard? I was thinking of using what ever I chose at work first where most of day is general office use (web browsing, office documents and coding) to get use to it before bringing it home where the use case would add gaming into the mix (nothing competitive).

[Timme]

Get the Leobog. And since it is a mechanical keyboard, and you're testing, get yourself a few switches for comparison here. Costs nothing, and you'll see your actual options for the keyboard. I'd suggest these for office/gaming

[BWMerlin]

11 hours ago, Timme said:

Get the Leobog.

What makes you recommend that one over the others?

 

11 hours ago, Timme said:

get yourself a few switches for comparison

Thanks, the switches you recommended seem nice and you are right that they are cheap.

[Timme]

9 hours ago, BWMerlin said:

What makes you recommend that one over the others?

Included switches for lighter typing and the programmable joystick. One thing - by default, the keyboard has limited customisability for the joystick. But there is a method to remap it further, if you'd feel adventurous in the future.

Also, while the tester switches are cheap, they are packs of 10. You'll need another 70 to fill the keyboard, and that's half the price of the keyboard itself. Or 30 and replace only the letters

Also also, keycaps:
you can spend 30$ for a simple option

 

 

or you can do fancy(you need the full set)

[Alose]

Of the ones you have listed, I recommend the Leobog.  But in truth, a Keychron V10 Max is a better keyboard.  After using VIA, you will not want to be relegated to using some janky proprietary software to configure your keyboard.

 

If you have the budget, though, I highly recommend a tented Alice like the Neo Ergo instead.  Tented means the middle is raised so your hands sit at a more natural angle.   I have a Neo Ergo, and it is fantastic.  The only reason I don't use it now is that I upgraded to the QK Duo.  The QK Duo is a split Alice.  Note that you still have to buy caps and switches if you choose the Ergo.  Everyone that I know that has tried the Ergo ends up really liking it.

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

26 minutes ago, Alose said:

If you have the budget, though, I highly recommend a tented Alice like the Neo Ergo instead.  Tented means the middle is raised so your hands sit at a more natural angle.   I have a Neo Ergo, and it is fantastic.  The only reason I don't use it now is that I upgraded to the QK Duo.  The QK Duo is a split Alice.  Note that you still have to buy caps and switches if you choose the Ergo.  Everyone that I know that has tried the Ergo ends up really liking it.

I still plan on getting a Neo Ergo at some point, but for now I have too many other keyboards to justify another project. It seems to be a really nice keyboard though.

 

Currently trying to get used to smaller layouts, like HHKB. Writing this on an Agar EC, which is really weird to be honest. I haven't found a good layout yet, but I will give it a good shot. I guess getting used to touch typing with layers will come in handy, anyway.

 

Edit: forgot to add for OP. VIA and QMK support is really worth extra money, so much nicer than having to use extra software and dealing with vendor specific crap.

[BWMerlin]

So I splurged a little and got myself the Offsetkey 70% MX split keyboard and just got the tracking number tonight so I am hopeful that by next weekend I will have it and can play around with it.

 

It does appear to have most of the things that people have recommended (split, hot-swap keys and ZMK firmware) other than it not being Ortholinear which some people have recommended.