Geek Tools - My Keyboard Journey
As a software engineer my days and nights are driven by the need to type instructions for a computer to execute into text files. Thus the keyboard is my primary tool for this input.
My primary workhorse over the last couple of years has been a MacBook Pro laptop and now majority of the time, I use it in clam shell (closed) with an external monitor and mouse. An external keyboard is critical in this mode, so sharing my journey over time
Regular Computer Keyboards
I started with the DELL Keyboard and it just works when you need it
Apple Keyboards
I purchased the full wired keyboard and the Magic Keyboard 2 - these are excellent low profile keyboards for use anywhere and I would totally recommend them. The full wired keyboard is best for a fixed location, while the Magic Keyboard is a lightweight travel friendly keyboard with great battery life, can be used during charge and the key responses are excellent, though I find it a little low and hard on my hands
Logitech MX Keys
I started out with the MX Keys and later got the MX mini (as the full keyboard would not fit on my standing desk with the mouse), and I should say these are awesome keyboards. They are so alike, one just having a numeric keypad while the other does not. The build quality is excellent, feel bulkier and more solid the Apple keyboards, love the 3 computer switch capabilities by just pressing a key, and the travel is just right (like Golidilock’s porridge). They are priced similar to the Apple keyboards, but IMO they provide more value
Mechanical Keyboards
I have had the chance to try out the Keychron K6, and I love them - more travel than the MX Keys but love the RGB backlighting, and the tactile feedback. I am currently in search for a low profile mechanical to try out, with an eye on the Keychron K3, as I await feedback
I am also eyeing the Numpy Air75 (https://nuphy.com/collections/keyboards/products/air75) and the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini (https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/mx-mechanical.html) that is before I start building my own custom keyboards …
UPDATE - September 2022: I got myself an RGB backlit Keychron K7 with Gaeton brown switches (which are very quiet) and I am in love. However I should have purchased the K3, which I am looking forward to so that I have the extra line of functions without needing to keep pressing the Function switch keys
UPDATE - April 2023: I finally got my hands on the RGB backlit Keychron K3 with Gaeton brown switches plus the extra line of keys, I am sooo in love.
Split Keyboards - The Bucket List
These I have on my bucket list with https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/ leading the pack - will see if 2022 gives me the opportunity to try this type of keyboards out
What is working for you, do share your experiences and ideas, I am a work in progress and continously experimenting to find those tools that make me happy