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Tag: mechanical keyboards

  • Luminkey’s Magger68 Plus Bridges the Hall Effect and Mechanical Keyboard World

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    Once the settings are properly adjusted, though, this keyboard performs incredibly well. The actuation distance of each switch can be manually adjusted, meaning it can register a key-press anywhere from the very top of the key-press to the very bottom, and multiple inputs can even be mapped at different distances. The keyboard is responsive, with an 8,000-Hz polling rate, and the low latency barely produces any significant input lag.

    This keyboard is wired-only, which might be a dealbreaker for some. It’s a fairly dense, all-metal keyboard that has a significant focus on high-speed use, none of which is necessary for a portable keyboard. While wireless would be nice, it would increase the price of this keyboard and its complexity.

    The RGB lighting has over 20 built-in presets, and all of them work well, but the color isn’t perfect. When adjusting the lighting settings, nearly all of them seem to skew heavily toward a cyan/blue tint. This is presumably because of the Magnetic Jade switches’ light blue housing, which is unavoidable without using different switches, but even without switches, the LED diodes seem to be slightly cooler than a true neutral white.

    These effects combine to make a keyboard that struggles to have a pure white color even with serious tweaking, especially since the RGB adjustments easily get overwhelmed and start to lag when moving your cursor around on the color wheel. The closest I could get to a pure white was with an RGB setting of [255, 60, 90], which still had a slightly cool tint to it. When set to the “breathe” setting at a low speed with this color, the lighting was choppy as it faded out, and slowly shifted to be red as it became darker instead of maintaining the preset color. When set to a faster speed and using a more standard color setting (like solid blue or green), these quirks disappeared.

    Internal Assembly

    Photograph: Henri Robbins

    The internal assembly is rather simple: The printed circuit board (PCB) and switch plate are screwed together, sandwiching a sheet of silicone between them. This silicone fills the empty space between the plate and PCB, and extends past on the outside edge to create gaskets that the two halves of the case hold in place. With this, the internal assembly is held in place without making direct contact with the outside case, reducing vibration and excess noise.

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    Henri Robbins

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  • The DeltaForce 65 Brings Das Keyboard Into the Modern Keyboard Era—for Better or Worse

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    A series of shallow grooves line either side of the case’s bottom half. These seem to mimic the side sculpts of some limited-run custom keyboards, and they have a functional purpose, making it easier to lift the keyboard. The design is mirrored in the aluminum knob in the top right corner, which has a similar motif. I really like that these designs are not only ornamental but actually have a functional purpose during regular use.

    Going further into the aesthetic choices of this keyboard, it loses me a bit with the keycaps. I’m not a big fan of the camouflage design. The shapes don’t always line up across keycaps, and it overall seems tacky. However, the print quality is top-notch, with no fuzziness or discoloration, consistent even along the keycaps’ sides. Because the keycaps are white with multicolored printing on top, the RGB lighting is able to bounce between the white plastic plate and the white undersides of the keycaps, appearing brighter and diffusing more evenly across the keyboard.

    With a polling rate of 1,000 Hz (meaning the keyboard sends 1,000 messages to the computer every second), the DeltaForce 65 feels snappy and responsive. This combines with the relatively light Gateron Red switches to make a keyboard that’s effective for gaming while still being comfortable to type on. It doesn’t compare to high-end gaming keyboards with Hall effect switches and 8,000-Hz polling rates, which are going to be faster and more customizable, but for casual gaming, it’s more than enough.

    The compact size of the keyboard is ideal for gaming, saving a significant amount of space compared to a full-size keyboard. This allows for more mouse space and lets your hands sit closer together for more rapid movement between the mouse and keyboard. To make up for the loss of the function row up top, you can hold the FN key and press the corresponding number key (i.e., FN+1 = F1), and the FN key can be used with some other keys for the Home, Pause, Print Screen, and other removed keys. The knob in the top right is easy to reach and has a satisfying notchiness to it. It’s programmed to adjust volume by default, but can be remapped to nearly anything else.

    Software Quirks

    Photograph: Henri Robbins

    As far as programmability, VIA is the star of the show here. The DeltaForce65 uses an open source system known as QMK for its programmability, and VIA is an in-browser interface based on QMK that allows for seamless, rapid customization of the keyboard’s layout. The system is incredibly powerful and intuitive to use, and a common capability of many modern mechanical keyboards.

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    Henri Robbins

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  • Save $36 on a Cool, Compact Hall Effect Keyboard

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    Looking for a compact keyboard with a unique twist? The Keychron Q1 HE (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is currently marked down over $35 on Amazon, and comes with Hall Effect switches, a rare offering that adds a ton of functionality to your keyboard.

    Photograph: Henri Robbins

    Think of a keyboard switch like light switches. They have a fixed point where they activate, and all they can report is whether they’re in one of two states. Hall effect switches are more like light dimmer knobs. They know exactly where they currently are and can report that information back to the computer, which has a number of advantages over traditional keyboard switches.

    For starters, you don’t have to settle for a fixed actuation point like you do on most keyboards. You can use the software to set the keys to be super sensitive, or require them to be almost all the way down, or even set keys to send different button presses depending on how hard they’re pressed. If you like to play video games, you can set keys to act like an analog joystick or trigger, letting you easily steer in racing games or walk in RPGs without picking up a controller.

    The software has a lot of options, but is well thought out and easy to use, although you do need to plug it in to make changes. It’s QMK-based, but Keychron provides their own web-based launcher to make things even easier, particularly if you’re not well versed in that customization software.

    It’s a premium mechanical keyboard throughout. The switches themselves are made by Gateron, and our reviewer noted that they’re exceptionally smooth, thanks to the pre-lubed rails and magnetic sensor. The gasket mount design and full aluminum body work together to provide a soft, deep, typing experience. Unless you’re already using linear switches, you might miss some of the crispness and feedback you get from a tactile or clicky mechanical switch.

    While the larger Keychron Q6 HE currently sits at the top of our list of favorite mechanical keyboards, if you don’t need the num pad, you might appreciate the extra desk space you can reclaim with the Q1 HE. They’re otherwise extremely similar boards, and you’ll save $50 in the process.

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    Brad Bourque

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  • The HHKB Studio Keyboard Is an Old Favorite Reimagined for the Present Day

    The HHKB Studio Keyboard Is an Old Favorite Reimagined for the Present Day

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    It’s not often that something as well-known as the Happy Hacking Keyboard gets reworked from the ground up. And when it does happen, those changes usually draw criticism from long-time fans. Look at Porsche’s switch from air-cooled to water-cooled engines in the 911, or Microsoft’s transition to a more tablet-like interface for Windows 8. If people are used to something, they won’t appreciate seeing it change drastically, regardless of whether these changes are ultimately good or bad.

    The latest iteration of the Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) makes large changes to the model’s nearly 30-year-old legacy, and it can easily be seen in the same light. Besides the layout, almost every aspect of this keyboard has been altered. Thankfully, quite a few of these changes do feel like improvements over previous iterations.

    The HHKB Studio is a hot-swappable 60% mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity, integrated touchpads, a built-in trackpoint, and a unique programmer-oriented layout. The Studio has a PBT plastic case and keycaps, multi-device connectivity, and keymap customization through the company’s proprietary Keymap Tool software. But before we dive into this new iteration, we need to take a look at the legacy.

    Decades-Old Legacy

    The Happy Hacking Keyboard has been around for decades. It was designed around the idea of a singular, specialized, long-lasting keyboard that could be used across multiple computers and operating systems (back when such an idea was novel and new). It has been regularly upgraded since to further refine its unique layout and multi-device utility.

    The first model of HHKB pioneered its unique layout, cutting keys from the bottom corners, moving the backspace/delete key and adding a second key in the top right, and trading the Caps Lock key for a Control key, which was easily accessible to the pinky. In following iterations, the keyboard moved from a traditional rubber-dome layout to Topre electro-capacitive switches, added USB pass-through, and eventually introduced Bluetooth connectivity. However, across every generation, the unique layout has remained a constant. While the latest model has stayed true to the layout, almost every other aspect of the keyboard has been modified.

    Photograph: Henri Robbins

    One of the most defining factors of the HHKB was the Topre electro-capacitive switch: A soft tactile switch with a rounded bump created by a rubber dome on top of a conical metal spring. The HHKB was one of the only keyboards available with these switches, which was both a blessing and a burden. They were uniquely enjoyable to type on, but at the same time, Topre switches’ rarity and unique construction made modifications to the switches or keycaps far more difficult. Instead of being able to remove and replace individual switches, any modification would involve taking apart the entire keyboard.

    Now, the HHKB Studio has adopted the MX-style switch that has become almost ubiquitous in modern mechanical keyboards, bringing it closer to the world of modular keyboard designs. But instead of sticking with an existing mechanical switch, the company has designed its own MX-style switch in collaboration with Kailh, a well-known aftermarket switch manufacturer.

    Other noteworthy changes include the new trackpoint in the center of the keyboard, low-profile mouse buttons underneath the spacebar, and touch-sensitive “gesture pads” on the front and sides of the keyboard. The HHKB Studio also maintains the wireless functionality of the previous generation and preserves the extensive use of PBT plastic in the case and keycaps. The Bluetooth functionality is enhanced by an LED bar in the top-left of the keyboard, and the quick-adjustment dip switches on the back are now hidden behind a battery cover.

    Typing Feel

    The HHKB Studio’s switch from Topre to MX-style switches is a controversial change: One could argue it “sold out” by moving to MX-style switches. However, that would be ignoring an important detail. These switches are fantastic to type on. They blend the unique sound and feel of Topre tactile switches with the smoothness of a modern linear switch, creating a silenced linear that produces a soft, deep, and satisfying bottom-out. I’ve never felt another switch like it. And, for fans of Topre switches, I do think this is the best linear equivalent possible.

    Taking apart the switches, they appear to be made from a similar construction as Kailh’s clicky switches. Specifically, the design is reminiscent of Box Navy and Box Jade switches. The only major difference is that the actual clicking mechanism (a small spring called a “click bar” that adds a tactile bump and produces a sound when pressed) has been removed, and a sound-dampening pad has been added to the bottom of the switch housing.

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    Henri Robbins

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  • How to Clean Your Keyboard

    How to Clean Your Keyboard

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    Spending hours at your computer, whether for work or play, is unavoidable for most of us. Constant use is going to take a toll on your keyboard. Dust and hair buildup is inevitable, and fallen tortilla chips and sandwich crumbs can be avoided only by the kind of discipline many of us do not possess. We’re not here to judge; we’re here to help you clean up. In this guide, we’ll highlight the supplies you might need, and run through how to clean your keyboard step by step.

    These tips will work well on the picks from our guide to the Best Mechanical Keyboards. You may also want to check some of our other cleaning guides, like How to Clean Your Computer, How to Clean Your Smartphone, and last but not least, How to Clean Yourself.

    Updated June 2024: We added some photos, an electric air blower, and refreshed our tips (thanks to our readers’ suggestions).

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    Keyboard Cleaning Supplies

    Photograph: Simon Hill

    You can definitely clean your keyboard with stuff you already have in the house, so don’t feel like you have to buy special cleaning supplies. Here are some things you might consider and a few household alternatives you likely have lying around.

    • Brush: I have had a pop-up brush ($7) for a few years, and it’s perfect for sweeping debris out of your keyboard, but you can use any soft-bristled brush you have at home (a toothbrush or a 1.5-inch paintbrush can work).
    • Compressed air: A 10-ounce can of Dust-Off ($11) will last you for ages and can be very effective at blasting things loose from your keyboard.
    • Electric Air Blower: A good alternative to compressed air is a rechargeable electric air blower that you can use again and again. I have the KiCa Jetfan 2 ($99), which has a sliding control for upping the power and blasting everything out and a couple of attachments to concentrate the air. Battery life is surprisingly good and you can recharge via the USB-C port on the bottom. It’s pricey, but I love it. You can use it to blast dust out of anything, from keyboards and PCs to radiators and mesh chairs.
    • Cloth: You probably have microfiber cloths already, and any cloth will do, but I have found the fancy thin ones you use for glasses work best—pack of microfiber cloths ($10).
    • Cleaning slime: A tub of cleaning gel ($6) can be effective for removing dust from hard-to-reach places like a keyboard, but I don’t recommend it. Apart from general ickiness, it leaves a residue, gets dirty, and deteriorates quickly, leaving you with a slimy mess that can’t be eco-friendly.
    • Cotton swabs: You might have Q-Tips already, or you can snag cheap cotton swabs ($3) and use them to clean between keys. Wooden toothpicks work well for caked-on grime.
    • Isopropyl alcohol: Dampening your cloth or cotton swab with water will usually do the trick, but alcohol is a very effective cleaner. This Max Professional spray ($10) is easy to use.
    • Magic eraser: For scuff marks and stubborn dirt, magic erasers ($7) made of melamine can be amazingly effective. Sometimes regular pencil erasers can do the trick.
    • Keycap removal tool: If you’re really going to town and deep cleaning your mechanical keyboard, you may want a keycap removal tool ($6). (This one includes a switch puller and a pair of brushes.)

    You probably won’t need most of this stuff unless your keyboard is truly filthy, so try cleaning it with what you have before springing for extras.

    How to Clean Your Keyboard

    It’s time to get to work. Start by turning your computer off, disconnecting your keyboard, and removing cables. Clear your desk or table and assemble your cleaning tools.

    Shake, Brush, Blow, and Vac

    For relatively well-kept keyboards, the following four steps might be enough:

    1. Begin by turning your keyboard upside down and gently shaking it to see what falls out.
    2. Use your brush to gently sweep debris loose. It works best if you tilt your keyboard one way then another, and brush down the rows.
    3. If you have compressed air or an electric blower, use short blasts (but don’t get too close) to dislodge dirt that’s lodged in the depths. Tilt your keyboard at different angles and blow into the gaps.
    4. If you have a small brush tool for your vacuum or a handheld vac, use it to suck up the dirt you’ve uncovered and run it gently over the keyboard.

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    Simon Hill

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  • Get Clicky With Our Favorite Custom Mechanical Keyboards

    Get Clicky With Our Favorite Custom Mechanical Keyboards

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    Your keyboard is the most direct line of communication between yourself and your computer —whether gaming, working from home, or doing anything else in front of a screen. Why not invest in one that’s reliable, fun, and enjoyable? I love mechanical keyboards—I even open up boards and tinker with them. Over the past few years, I have tested dozens, ranging from the fastest gaming keyboards to those offering elevated typing experiences. These are the best mechanical keyboards of the hundreds you can find online.

    With keyboard advances over the past few years, you can’t go wrong with anything in this guide—everything I recommend is well-built, sturdy, and feels great to type on. That said, what I like might not be what you like—more than anything else, the “best” keyboard comes down to what features you want and what kind of feel you prefer when typing.

    We have more PC peripheral guides, including Best Keyboards (which include styles like chiclet keyboards), Best Gaming Mice, Best Computer Speakers, and Best Computer Monitors.

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    First, Read Our Mechanical Keyboard Explainer

    Things can get pretty in-the-weeds when shopping for a mechanical keyboard. You’ll probably come across terms like switches, PBT keycaps, hot-swappable, 75% keyboards, TKL, and so on. If you’re curious about what these mean, I recommend you read my comprehensive How to Choose and Customize a Mechanical Keyboard guide.

    You do not need to understand all of these words if you want a fun, good, mechanical keyboard that just works—almost all of my recommendations below are fully assembled keyboards. They’re all hot-swappable, so you don’t have to feel locked to a particular type of switch. Spend some time with your new board, and if you want to make a tweak or try a new set of switches, well, that’s the beauty of mechanical keyboards—you can customize them whenever you’d like.

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    Henri Robbins

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  • HiGround’s Base 65 Keyboard Is More Hype Than Substance

    HiGround’s Base 65 Keyboard Is More Hype Than Substance

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    What impressed me, though, is the Base 65’s RGB lighting—between the clear case, white silicone dampening, transparent switches and keycaps, and the reflective aluminum plate, the RGB absolutely shines, making this keyboard a bright centerpiece on any desk. Sadly, programming the RGB is a bit of a chore, and most of the factory presets have incredibly limited customization.

    Paying for Looks

    The saving grace is HiGround’s pop culture collaborations. You can get a keyboard made in collaboration with Minecraft, and previously there have been tie-ins with game and anime series, including Naruto, Pokémon, Attack on Titan, Gundam, and Yu-Gi-Oh. However, this usually comes with a tradeoff: Would you rather have a high-quality keyboard or one designed after your favorite media franchise? This keyboard is flashy, colorful, and a statement piece. But besides visuals, the Base 65 keyboard doesn’t do anything new, or anything that justifies the price.

    Photograph: Henri Robbins

    I also want to note the “all sales are final” line in most of the company’s product descriptions. Combine this with massive brand tie-ins and an emphasis on “limited” drops, and I’m reminded of the collab-based hypebeast sneaker culture of the 2010s; a marketing strategy that emphasizes exclusivity and makes people jump at “rare” (i.e., artificially scarce) products and assume they’re more valuable/higher-quality than they are. I know this is a lot of advertising rhetoric that sits outside the quality of the end product, but I think it’s important to consider why the keyboards are the way they are, and why they sell well despite some of the issues they may have. (As a side note, multiple keyboard collaborations from HiGround are currently being scalped on StockX.)

    I also found some frustration when trying to review this keyboard because, when HiGround had a release coming up, every single page on its website would redirect to a password-protected countdown. This meant that the keyboard’s documentation, drivers, and even basic product information were unavailable for the entire time while waiting on a limited release (in this case, the Minecraft keyboard collection).

    Ultimately, it’s hard for me to recommend HiGround’s keyboards unless you really want a branded keyboard for a certain media franchise and are OK with the sacrifices to the build quality and typing experience.

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    Henri Robbins

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  • The Best Keyboards for Work and Play

    The Best Keyboards for Work and Play

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    There are few things as polarizing as PC keyboards. There are message boards and subreddits filled to the brim with opinions dissecting every aspect and component, mechanical vs. membrane, different switch mechanisms, and the plastic used in the key caps.

    There’s good reason for that. You probably spend a lot of time on your keyboard, along with a (hopefully) comfortable mouse. You might as well make those hours as pleasant as possible, especially now that so many of us are working from home. Whether you own a great laptop or a game-ready desktop PC, we’ve tested dozens of keyboards up and down the price spectrum. These are our top picks for gaming, office work, and everything in between.

    Updated April 2024: Added Logitech Pro X TKL, Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL, Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, and Corsair K65 Plus. Removed Logitech Pro X, Logitech G413, Das Keyboard MacTigr, and Vulcan 120/121/122 Almo. We also added some new tips.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    Picking the Right Mechanical Switches

    If you want to go with a mechanical keyboard, you’ll want to pay attention to your switch choices. There are dozens of kinds, and they all feel a little different. Without touching them yourself, it’s tough to know which is right for you. Manufacturers like Logitech and Razer use their proprietary switches, which further complicates things.

    No matter who makes them, switches generally come in one of three varieties:

    • Clicky switches typically have very little resistance mid-stroke, followed by a sharp click as you press the key all the way down.
    • Tactile switches behave similarly but have a less pronounced click after that mid-stroke resistance.
    • Linear switches feel smooth, quick, and sensitive—like hair triggers on a game controller.

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    Eric Ravenscraft, Gear Team

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  • Keyboard Nerds Won’t Love Cherry’s New MX2A Switch, and That’s OK

    Keyboard Nerds Won’t Love Cherry’s New MX2A Switch, and That’s OK

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    The Cherry MX switch is, arguably, one of the most important mechanical keyboard switches of all time. Some might argue it’s one of the best mechanical switches ever. No other switch has quite the same legacy. It’s been around for decades and is one of the few switches that run the whole gamut of keyboards. You can find it in everything from point-of-sale systems, office cubicles, and police cars to gaming setups and even premium, limited-run custom keyboards.

    Until recently, nearly every mechanical gaming keyboard shipped with MX Reds, Browns, or Blues. For a long time, Cherry’s switches were the best option—mechanical switch or otherwise—for building a keyboard, and they had a reputation for their outstanding typing feel and longevity when compared to their rubber dome and scissor-switch contemporaries.

    I have a love for the original Cherry MX switches. They still have a personality and charm no other switch has been able to replicate. I type on them regularly, almost every day, and always find them a treat to use, despite their shortcomings. So it came as a surprise when Cherry announced a successor with the MX2A. How could one of the most beloved and long-lasting mechanical switches suddenly change so drastically? Could these changes make the MX better?

    Photograph: Henri Robbins

    Cherry’s Legacy

    The Cherry MX Black is the mechanical switch. It’s a fairly heavy linear switch made entirely of Cherry’s proprietary blend of plastics and has been in production since 1983 with only minimal changes until now. Cherry rates its MX switches for 100 million keypresses, and it’s not unheard of for MX Blacks to be in operation even after two decades of near-constant use. They eventually became a signifier of quality: If you saw a keyboard with MX switches, you could be pretty sure that it would be both reliable and enjoyable to type on.

    As the custom keyboard scene started to form in the early 2000s, people realized something interesting—the longer you used MX switches, the smoother they were to type on. This was true for all of them but most noticeably for MX Blacks. They were the most common in high-use office and point-of-sale systems and had a heavier spring that required more force to be pushed down, resulting in the plastics seeing large amounts of wear.

    These “vintage” MX Blacks—which had to be desoldered from older keyboards—became incredibly sought out by enthusiasts for their smoothness, and their scarcity increased demand even further. At the time, Vintage MX Blacks were the best switches possible for a custom-built keyboard kit.

    It’s worth noting that these worn-in switches are fairly scratchy by today’s standards. Modern switches, made from higher-end materials and lubed from the factory, are leagues ahead of MX switches in smoothness. However, many keyboard hobbyists today see the MX Black as having a “good” scratch compared to the scratchiness of other switches. It’s consistent, subtle, and rather charming as long as you don’t expect perfection. There are no sudden bumps or catches, but instead a consistent friction that feels more “real” and satisfying than something engineered for perfect smoothness.

    Open clear plastic box with mechanical pieces from keyboard keys spilling out

    Photograph: Henri Robbins

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    Henri Robbins

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  • Keychron’s Q5 Pro and Q6 Pro Are Excellent Full-Size Mechanical Keyboards

    Keychron’s Q5 Pro and Q6 Pro Are Excellent Full-Size Mechanical Keyboards

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    I’ve spent the last few weeks with the Keychron Q5 Pro and Q6 Pro mechanical keyboards, and I think they’re some of the best bang-for-your-buck full-size keyboards you can get today. The Q6 Pro is a traditional full-size keyboard layout with a NumPad and navigation keys, while the Q5 Pro is a slightly more compact 1800-style layout.

    Both of them are gasket-mounted, with thick aluminum cases and a knob in the top right corner. You can buy either model with Keychron’s red linear switches, brown tactile switches, or banana tactile switches, and they include hot-swap sockets, RGB lighting, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity by default. If you don’t mind a cord, you can also connect them via USB-C. (Read my guide, How to Shop for a Mechanical Keyboard, if you want to learn more about some of these terms!)

    Why a Full-Size Layout?

    Anyone who wants a full-size keyboard layout already knows they want it. In my experience, it’s something you’re already acclimated to, not something you’re going to switch to on a whim. These things are huge and can have a dedicated key for everything, especially if you take advantage of the ability to reprogram keys.

    The bare-bones version of the Q6 Pro allows you to add your preferred set of switches and keycaps.

    Photograph: Keychron

    Yes, the entire keyboard is completely reprogrammable. Keychron’s Q Pro line supports QMK/VIA, an open source third-party software that lets you reprogram every key. QMK is a system for keyboards that allows users to flash new firmware and keymaps, and VIA is a system that makes this reprogramming quick and seamless within a web browser. These keymaps persist across devices and have nearly limitless potential once you’ve learned the software.

    Because of the utility of QMK and VIA, I found the number pads useful even though I hardly ever use them to input numbers. They can easily be reprogrammed and used as a dedicated macro pad, or for any other number of uses. (It’s worth noting that with both QMK and VIA, you have to plug in the keyboard to reprogram it.) The placement of the reset button underneath the spacebar on the top of the printed circuit board (PCB) makes reprogramming easy, since you don’t have to take the entire keyboard apart (unlike quite a few other keyboards that place the button in a hard-to-reach spot).

    Even if you don’t plan to reprogram any keys, the number pad is great for quickly typing long strings of numbers or if you want to utilize Alt Codes so that you don’t have to constantly Google “Em dash” and copy and paste the symbol on Windows. (Hot tip: The Alt code for an em dash is Alt + 0151.)

    The Typing Feel

    Both the Q5 Pro and Q6 Pro use a gasket mount, meaning the main keyboard assembly (plate, switches, PCB) is suspended inside the case using two compressed layers of foam instead of being directly attached to the case. This creates a bouncier typing feel and isolates the internal assembly to create a softer, more crisp typing sound.

    Keychron’s gasket-mount system is fairly bouncy, meaning the key presses feel soft and relaxed. This meshes with the switches provided, which have fairly light springs, to create an overall typing experience that’s crisp and bouncy without feeling cheap or flimsy.

    The two boards I received have the Red and Banana switches from Keychron’s K Pro switch line. The Reds are simple, effective linear switches that sound poppy and feel fairly smooth. The Banana switches are tactile with a medium-strength bump and a good amount of travel after the bump. I’d recommend either one since both are high-quality examples of their respective switch types that will be acceptable to a large number of users.

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    Henri Robbins

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  • Spice up your desktop with these unusual keyboards from Keychron, HHKB, Cloud Nine, and others | TechCrunch

    Spice up your desktop with these unusual keyboards from Keychron, HHKB, Cloud Nine, and others | TechCrunch

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    Mechanical keyboards are everywhere these days, and there’s a larger variety now than than ever before. If you’re looking to pick one up but want to look beyond the most common layouts and types, read on. Here are 8 mechanical keyboards that stick out from the pack.

    Feker Alice 80

    Image Credits: Devin Coldewey / TechCrunch

    My first Alice board! And to my great joy, the Feker Alice 80 is a solid — very solid — example of this layout, though its foibles should not be overlooked. The Alice 80 is of a similar build type to Keychron’s Q series, with a full-contact bottom (plus traditional flip-out feet) and all keys mounted on a gasket. In addition, Feker added “a sound dampening silicon switch pad, a silicone PCB foam and a bottom cotton foam” to further silence the Gateron Yellow switches.

    I can tell you it makes quite a difference, and anyone would agree in a few keystrokes. The quiet, medium actuation linear switches feel like they’re being pushed through a cloud, and are as close to silent as any mechanical keyboard I’ve used. That is to say, very quiet but for a sort of soft, rippling sound when you’re really going. It’s really very comfortable and my daily driver for now.

    This board has a slightly unusual layout, with a windows key to the right of the left space bar segment. I thought I’d hit it by accident a lot, but I didn’t once. It also has a light curve to the angled keys rather than a sudden turn, and a subtle but comfortable tenting angle. On the right edge, you’ve got arrows and page up and down, plus delete. Add a volume dial and that’s it! It’s not as minimal as some, but it’s pretty minimal. If I could have, I would have gotten the 75% version with the function row and aluminum build, but there are none left — for good reason, no doubt. This version is a little flexy and not perfectly balanced, though only at the corners.

    But what may put some people off it is the relative lack of customization. The board doesn’t come with any extra keys for swapping out (if you have a Mac layout, say) and although there is a software configurator, I was unable to get it to do more than swap one key with another or macro. So I couldn’t, for instance, set “Play/Pause” to function+down.

    I’ll tell you this – if I was sitting down to do a marathon writing session, this is one of the first boards I’d reach for. But if I needed regular access to function and other keys or any kind of more complicated layering (as many keyboard enthusiasts like), then I wouldn’t be able to use it. The feel isn’t quite right for gaming either, in my opinion, but I didn’t let that stop me. That it works wired, on Bluetooth, or using a wi-fi dongle is just icing on the cake.

    Feker Alice 98

    Image Credits: Feker

    Here’s a keyboard with a lot of potential but that ultimately didn’t charm me. The Alice layout plus a number pad on the right, a knob, and a tiny LCD screen. Seems like a great match for anyone who wants the ergo benefits of Alice but needs those numbers and doesn’t mind losing a little desktop space.

    But the Alice 98 is offered with only Kailh Winter switches, which despite the gasket underneath are just not my style — maybe they just need oiling, but they felt like they had a lot more friction, and not just an intentionally higher resistance. They’re not bad by any means, but the Yellows on the 80 just are a perfect match.

    The layout also has a less pronounced tent, almost none at all in fact, which with the tilted key layout actually makes it seem like you’re twisting your wrists inward a bit. I didn’t expect that, but now I understand why the tenting built into the 80 makes it seem flat when it isn’t.

    And lastly, the software support just isn’t there for a keyboard of this complexity. The firmware offered on the site didn’t even register as a real file on my computer, and set off some virus-esque alarm bells. And if I’m going to have an LCD on at all times, I’d like to be able to program it properly. So until the 98 gets the support it needs (and maybe some different switches), I can’t really recommend it.

    Keychron Q11

    Image Credits: Devin Coldewey / TechCrunch

    Keychron has become one of the most popular mechanical keyboard vendors, putting out solid boards with lots of customization options in an increasingly wide range of layouts. This 75% split Q11 is among the latest, and could be a fantastic option for those who don’t need tilting or tenting.

    The Q11 is minimal and pleasingly industrial-looking, with a totally flat, very solid build. It sits directly on your desk with small rubberized feet, making it low profile and pretty much as compact as is physically possible with a 75% layout. The halves also fit together cleanly to form a more standard layout. It’s a wired-only board, and you’ll have to connect the two halves with a bridge cable, so if that kind of desk clutter offends you, move on. But for those who don’t mind a little visible cabling, though, it’s a handsome and understated look.

    The version I tested has Gateron Brown switches, which make for a nice light typing feel, albeit somewhat harder on the fingers due to the lack of a gasket or dampening layer. After typing on the Feker Alice this was definitely a more raw feel, but it’s still comfortable and quiet — just be wary of bottoming out (and consider selecting a higher resistance switch).

    The layout is compact and has plenty of layers plus five dedicated macro keys to the left, and interestingly two knobs, one in each upper corner. Normally the knob is relegated to volume duty and perhaps something else on another layer, but this lets you try out some interesting new use cases, like scrolling the page or moving the cursor. This is a nice, very portable split option if you’re willing to give up a little of that typefeel.

    Keychron Q13 Pro

    Image Credits: Devin Coldewey / TechCrunch

    Well, there’s no getting around it: this keyboard is a bludgeoning weapon disguised as a computer peripheral. Weighing in at 2.4 kilograms (5.2 pounds) and with a solid aluminum body, this is definitely the keyboard I’d reach for if I was being charged by a zombie. You could hammer nails with this thing, no joke. But how does it perform?

    With a 75% Alice layout, the Q13 is unusually but practically laid out. The main cluster is traditional Alice (down to two “B” keys), with macro and function keys scattered around the edge in staggered rows. It’s not actually that large, but combined with the weight and increased height it feels more spread out, bulky even.

    They keycaps have an extra scoop to them in the Keychron style, which is a mixed bag. In the center and upper rows it feels like they are reaching out to greet your extended finger, minimizing movement. But in the lower rows it feels like there’s a ridge sticking up above where it shouldn’t be. The space bar’s shape, for instance, gives it a sharp angle where my thumb makes contact, which is not something I enjoyed, and somehow the act of reaching for the backspace key puts the middle of my right hand in contact with the up-thrusting left arrow key.

    Too much scoop.

    These aren’t dealbreakers (well, the space bar was for me) but they might require a bit of getting used to, or a bit of key swapping.

    It connects via Bluetooth or cable, and can sync with 3 different devices at once and switch quickly between them — always useful.

    Cloud Nine ErgoTKL

    Image Credits: Devin Coldewey / TechCrunch

    A full-featured split ergo keyboard, the Cloud Nine ErgoTKL packs a lot of options into a relatively compact package. It has a compact tenkeyless layout but with a full (if unseparated) function row, which I appreciate, as well as arrows and navigation, plus a couple swappable macro keys on the left. And of course there’s that great big wheel in the middle.

    The ErgoTKL has the split angle to its key layout, plus a light built-in tenting angle that I found quite comfortable, though being able to adjust it would have been a plus. The two halves are easily separated but also come together nicely with a magnet to form a whole, with the wheel dead center.

    The switches, Kailh Browns on my unit, were light and snappy, with an audible but not bothersome click — you can pick linear Reds or clicky Whites as well. I could ask for a bigger space key — it seems like not all the ergo keyboard makers account for the different position your thumb takes when at this angle. Or maybe it’s just me, but I end up on the corner of the space key when it’s canted this way.

    It is of course full RGB, something I’ve never had any use for, and almost all the pre-loaded modes are gaudy, shifting rainbows. Fortunately there’s a very easy to use configurator that I put together a nice, chill custom color layout in within minutes.

    The central wheel is a nice tactile one, which you can set to a variety of functions (though sadly not cursor movement). It kind of looks like it would get in the way, but that never once happened for me. I only wish I could assign it to have one function normally, and another while activating the Fn layer.

    I had some slight issues with mine, one with a random repeating disconnection that seems to have fixed itself, and another in that the left half of the keyboard doesn’t sit flat on its little rubber pads. With the weight of my hand on it, it’s plenty stable, but it’s troubling in a serious keyboard to see it wobbling back and forth. The plastic palm rests are also not great, I’d spring for the padded ones.

    8bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard

    8BitDo's NES-themed mechanical keyboard.

    8BitDo’s NES-themed mechanical keyboard.

    Okay, this one isn’t really ergonomic, but it is unusual. This wired/wireless (dongle or Bluetooth) mechanical is fully custom from the switches up, and obviously it falls under 8BitDo’s retro aesthetic to the point where you might think it’s an official Nintendo accessory. (It’s not.)

    It’s a very clicky keyboard, but comfortable as flat layouts go, and compact enough that you can easily add your own wrist rests. There are two built in dials, one for wireless mode select and one for volume. But the real innovation is the giant macro buttons marked A and B like huge NES controllers.

    Look, I’m aware there are other standalone macro clusters out there. You can buy one for 10 or 20 bucks online. But these huge, cherry red mega-buttons are something else. I’ll say right now that they’re not quite as satisfying to press as they look, but they feel durable enough that you can really whack them if you’ve assigned them to stuff like close application or end call.

    HHKB Studio

    Image Credits: Devin Coldewey / TechCrunch

    Here’s an odd one and no mistake. The HHKB Studio is one of a kind, with a unique layout, a pointer nub, mouse buttons built in, and four — count ’em — four touch-sensitive strips all around it. The idea behind it is to remove the necessity of a mouse at all, letting you never move your hands from the keyboard.

    And although it would take some getting used to, I think the hardware (handsome, understated, and well-built) truly supports this proposition. But there are a handful of major quirks you’ll have to get past.

    First, and most unhinged, is that there is NO BACKSPACE KEY. At least by default. You need to adjust a dipswitch to change delete to backspace, or you can do it in the customization software. Then, as you may know if you’re familiar with the Happy Hacking layout, caps lock is replaced by control, and delete/backspace and the forward slash have switched places. Though these changes are made with good intent, I simply can’t abide some of them, though fortunately it was easily configured. Lastly, the choice to use AA batteries instead of a rechargeable one is just plain strange to me!

    The space between the little upraised bits is touch-sensitive. Image Credits: Devin Coldewey / TechCrunch

    The trackpoint is good, and adequate for desktop tasks, and the presence of mouse buttons just under the space bar is quite nice once you get used to it. It’s a bit odd hitting left click with my left hand while moving the cursor with my right, but it does save me a trip to the mouse.

    The capacitive strips are the most interesting piece, though, and I think they’re a qualified success. They run along the edges of the board, two on the front and one on each side. The left ones are set to basically repeat arrow keys (nice because they’re not present on this very compact layout), and the right ones are scroll up/down and switch apps by default.

    This could be a real time saver, but you need to get good at it, because there’s no tactile feedback and the strips themselves can be a little hard to find sometimes. And then, when they’re activated, they can be a little unpredictable. While I appreciate the effort that went into packing this much capability into this much space — and it really is a lot of power in a remarkably small form factor — I feel like the purpose would be better served with the strips facing upwards, or maybe even being along the corner (if that’s possible).

    If you’re a really keyboard-centric person and want to be even more so, or want a good couch keyboard option, the HHKB Studio could be a real eye-opener.

    Kinesis Advantage 360 (Quiet Limited)

    Image Credits: Kinesis

    If you’re ready for an ergo adventure, here’s one that’s challenging yet logical. The Advantage360 is Kinesis’s high end model with not just a columnar layout but a concave contour to minimize finger movements. And then your position and modifier keys are all in thumb clusters. The one I tested was a limited edition with Kailh Box Pink Linear Quiet switches and special colorway.

    Look, any one of these things I could probably adapt quickly to. Two would take time. All three at once is madness! That said, it’s really obvious that this could be an extremely comfortable and worthwhile layout for someone willing to put in the time, like the Moonlander I tried in the last roundup. Or if you’re already in this wild world of layouts — this is a nice one.

    The Advantage360 also has a sturdy tenting paddle setup that let me get a pretty sharp angle going. Overall the build quality was outstanding.

    On the days I was using it, I would alternate between being unable to locate C and suddenly and effortlessly typing a word with what felt like no movement at all. This is definitely a specialist keyboard, and the price ($449) reflects that, but if you’re already rocking a columnar or concave layout you may adapt to this one in a jiffy. Well, maybe not a jiffy.

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    Devin Coldewey

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