Keyboard recommendations

[Reluctantly]

So this forum is probably pretty nerdy, heh

. So I've used this for the longest time and freaking love it - https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Natural-Ergonomic-Keyboard-4000/dp/B000A6PPOK.

But I need something smaller, less than 18 inches, like a half-size keyboard,,, that's wireless (preferably bluetooth because all my RF keyboards always have lag/key-stroke missing issues) and feels as good as the microsoft keyboard.

I found this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109348), but people are reporting lag issues.

Any recommendations? I could go with wired as well; just wireless is easier.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

What did you like about the one you were using?

Varmilo VB87M White LED Backlit Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard (Brown Cherry MX)
I don't personally own this kb, but mx browns are a good pick for fast typing and gaming. As for ergonomics the keys are responsive and easy to press, buttery smooth so there's no fatigue. It also has the bluetooth you want.

If you don't mind wired like you said then I would recommend the one I'm currently using: https://www.amazon.com/Storm-QuickFire-Rapid-Tenkeyless-Mechanical/dp/B007VDKLLM/

 

[Reluctantly]

What did you like about the one you were using?

It just feels really good with each hand being at a natural angle, plus the wrist clearance is nice. I was always skeptical of these keyboards, especially because it was microsoft, but it really is probably the best keyboard I've ever had.

Varmilo VB87M White LED Backlit Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard (Brown Cherry MX)
I don't personally own this kb, but mx browns are a good pick for fast typing and gaming. As for ergonomics the keys are responsive and easy to press, buttery smooth so there's no fatigue. It also has the bluetooth you want.

If you don't mind wired like you said then I would recommend the one I'm currently using: https://www.amazon.com/Storm-QuickFire-Rapid-Tenkeyless-Mechanical/dp/B007VDKLLM/

Alright. I might try one of those then, if I can't find something a little more ergonomic. I have one of these (https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Multi-Device-Bluetooth-Keyboard-920-007558/dp/B0148NPH9I), but I just don't like the feel of the keys at all. But the keypresses never lag or miss, which is nice; I've never had an RF keyboard that didn't have that problem.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Ah okay, I'm barely getting into touch typing so I haven't discovered the benefits of different layouts.

Curious, would you be interested in something like this: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-ergodox ?

 

[Reluctantly]

Wow, that would be great. Can put it in any natural position. Even the key-presses can be customized. Just got to decide if I want to spend $240 on a keyboard then.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

I think that's about how much I spent so far..

Definitely good luck on your search though, I'm not sure if they make em curved like that for sizes smaller than standard. But yeah I would rec either of the two I listed above.

 

[Inquisitor]

Look no further:

https://www.trulyergonomic.com/store/index.php

 

[Reluctantly]

That also looks really good. I'm not sure about the price though. I want to buy something nice like that, but the price. They want $200. And it only has a 1 year warranty.

Think I'm just going to keep my Microsoft one and accept the fact that it doesn't fit on the chair desk. But thanks for all the recommendations. Maybe I'll get something later on or ask for one of these as a gift for Christmas or something.

 

[Architect]

Truly Ergo. I've done every one including the expensive Kinesis (but not the really expensive UK one, forget the name). I don't know why people still use the standard rectangular boards, I gave those up back in the PDP-11 days when they made my hands go numb, and was into mechanical long before it became a thing.

Spend a few extra bucks and get a TE. Takes a little getting used to but is the bomb.

 

[ruminator]

I have this

http://gaming.coolermaster.com/en/products/keyboards/rapid-si/

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Cool, what switch type did you get with it, ruminator?

Spoiler

My Logitech g710 needs a new home if anyone's interested, the blue switches are too light for me and I'm not fond of the clicking. I love the clears on my pok3r and browns on the QFR though.

 

[The Gopher]

You don't like blue switches? Heretic! (says someone who has never had a mechanical keyboard and just tried blue once in a shop)

I would be interested but I'm actually looking for a tenkeyless keyboard or something. I need a shorter board for a more ergonomic setup or something. (or so says my physio) If anyone has any recommendations that would be nice. I've heard bad things about the TE keyboard.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

That's how some communities are for real.

In what way are your hands/fingers affected? I guess for low pressure typing you could go with reds/browns over the standard keyboards, I haven't tried reds but I imagine they're pretty much similar to browns. There are tons of TKLs to choose from so I don't think that will be an issue, it's up to your needs and preferences.

 

[The Gopher]

It's more my right shoulder. All I need is more close mouse room. Also slight strain on the upper left hand but that's a very recent thing. I don't think I like the idea of reds. I pushed one once (haven't used the keyboard sadly) and it felt really strange without feedback.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

I would stick with browns then if you're worried about pain or causing damage. But yeah there is a lot of extra mouse space with TKLs I noticed and you can also decide what case color you want and if you want the led backlight.

I just remembered you're not in the US though so I don't know exactly if they'll have certain brands in stock where you live or if you're ok with shipping from the us.

 

[ruminator]

I have the blues! I bought the keyboard because I kept hitting the wrong keys on my laptop, so I wanted something with more stable keys for exams.

Gopher, CM has tenkeyless

I just realized that's not my precise model, bc I don't have phantom caps. I don't know where my model is but it is quick fire rapid tenkeyless and does not light up, grey base with black keys

 

[The Gopher]

How loud are the blues? It's either blue or brown for me by the look of things. I like the idea of blue but I'm not sure if they are actually the most practical.

Also are there any tenkeyless with an wrist rest or is that not a good idea anyway?

 

[ruminator]

I haven't tried the browns, but does noise matter to you? The blues are loud. I used them in exams but it didn't matter too much because everyone wore earbuds anyway.

I'm not sure about whether there are any with wrist rests.

Damn now that I look at these I want a light-up one

 

[EyeSeeCold]

It's not just the loudness (which is perhaps equivalent to side conversation or background tv in being bothersome) but the feeling of the activation too which might make blues awkward for rapid typing, they might be better for programming, word processing and data entry. But ultimately everyone is different.

Gonna have to get a separate wrist rest though which might be a good thing.

And yeah ruminator rgb backlit would be nice. I think we have the same one and I love how sturdy it feels.