All about keyboards

[Jacob_107]

1. Which keyboard layout is (in your opinion) the most common or suitable for programming?
2. What kind of connector should a keyboard in 2019 have? (Mini USB/Micro USB/ USB Type C
3. Do you have any recommendations for a small form factor keyboard? Preferably white.
4. Is it easier to build a keyboard by yourself? Take in mind the price difference.
5. Your opinion on the E-element Z88 with Outemu Blue Switch?

I'm planning to get my first mechanical keyboard and I have a lot of questions to which I would like to hear your opinions. If you think that mechanical keyboards aren't for everyone then I won't mind if you state why. Thank you for your time.

 

[hang-the-9]

1 Personal preference, a lot of people like the Das keyboards
2 Standard USB unless your system only has Type C (say a small laptop or chromebook)
3 This is pretty nice for the price https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DRSY5MC/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?pd_rd_i=B07DRSVBG6&pd_rd_w=16yqa&pf_rd_p=21517efd-b385-405b-a405-9a37af61b5b4&pd_rd_wg=ZVJcq&pf_rd_r=XPKCVJ8Q64BRR30RE1TQ&pd_rd_r=8beda94f-1905-11e9-8f7f-a3cac3ed8f8d&th=1
4 No not easier to build a keyboard at all, there is no real price difference since the DIY kits are most often with higher end parts
4 Looks like a standard generic keyboard, Blue keys are too clicky for a lot of use, especially the copies.

 

[Jacob_107]

Why would you recommend the Das keyboard? What is so special about it? For example, compare it to a keyboard from Razer or Corsair. Maybe you are not able to compare "gaming" keyboards to something which is designed for a different purpose, however, those keyboards are priced similarly. I am just wondering why a lot of people like this keyboard and I haven't heard of it yet.

 

[hang-the-9]

Why would you recommend the Das keyboard? What is so special about it? For example, compare it to a keyboard from Razer or Corsair. Maybe you are not able to compare "gaming" keyboards to something which is designed for a different purpose, however, those keyboards are priced similarly. I am just wondering why a lot of people like this keyboard and I haven't heard of it yet.

Well from your questions it's not really odd that you did not hear of Das keyboards, you probably have not heard about any of the higher end brands outside of the gaming stuff. There are plenty of reviews of keyboards. Also check out sites like massdrop https://www.massdrop.com/mechanical-keyboards/s and this article will help to get some more in depth knowledge about keyboards https://gizmodo.com/key-crazy-inside-the-wonderful-world-of-keyboard-fanat-1794380835

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-gaming-keyboards,review-2009.html
https://keyboardqueen.com/best-mechanical-keyboards-typing/
https://gearpatrol.com/2018/11/30/best-mechanical-keyboards-for-office/

A lot of people start out with a mechanical keyboard then go into a spiral or trying different brands, models, custom key caps, switches, etc.. It's a bit like wine or cigar collecting, you get one, soon you are spending $20 on a cigar and are thinking that is a good price LOL

 

[Jacob_107]

Well, I didn't know it's that difficult to choose a keyboard. After some research and watching a couple of reviews, I ended up buying the Motospeed CK62 white edition with red switches. It is a small form factor keyboard which comes with Bluetooth but also could be connected via USB type C and it was on sale at that time, so I thought why not. Since this will be my first mechanical keyboard, I have decided to go with linear switches and I probably should have tried both the red and blue switches at some store just to see which ones I like more. Hopefully, I won't regret it. And as you said, if mechanical keyboards give me the option to change the keycaps and switches, then where is the problem. The next thing I will be looking to "upgrade" / find some headphones. Would you recommend to look at anything or what specs should I be looking at? I was thinking about over ear headphones and preferably white to match my setup. Thank you in advance.

 

[hang-the-9]

Well, I didn't know it's that difficult to choose a keyboard. After some research and watching a couple of reviews, I ended up buying the Motospeed CK62 white edition with red switches. It is a small form factor keyboard which comes with Bluetooth but also could be connected via USB type C and it was on sale at that time, so I thought why not. Since this will be my first mechanical keyboard, I have decided to go with linear switches and I probably should have tried both the red and blue switches at some store just to see which ones I like more. Hopefully, I won't regret it. And as you said, if mechanical keyboards give me the option to change the keycaps and switches, then where is the problem. The next thing I will be looking to "upgrade" / find some headphones. Would you recommend to look at anything or what specs should I be looking at? I was thinking about over ear headphones and preferably white to match my setup. Thank you in advance.

You can't change the switches easily without removing the old ones which means a lot of soldering. I just picked up a keyboard for work with Kailh Speed Silver switches, they are similar to MX Red but are smoother and seem to flow better when I'm typing. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hyperx-alloy-fps-rgb-mechanical-gaming-wired-kailh-speed-silver-switch-keyboard-with-rgb-back-lighting-black/6276206.p?skuId=6276206&ref=212&loc=1&extStoreId=532&&ref=212&loc=1&ds_rl=1266837&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-JXiBRCpARIsAGqF8wVWHRk50psgW_hT7tZBOzcQIRRC8_5M5-f22kwCEHGX1Q5wskCbrMsaAi5TEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds but it was under $90 when I got it.

Headset depends on your budget and if you need a mic. You can find good ones for $40,50 and really good ones for $100-200. I just grabbed my son's HyperX Cloud Stinger, which are $40 now in some places, those sounded pretty good, a lot clearer than some $20 headphones I had from Logitech. https://www.amazon.com/HyperX-Cloud-Stinger-Gaming-Headset/dp/B01L2ZRYVE/ref=asc_df_B01L2ZRYVE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198084541101&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1791202399628882153&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001834&hvtargid=pla-352077312719&psc=1 The pads are pretty good but not great. SlteelSeries Arctics 3 are also a good budget set and are more comfortable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G12Z1HR/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07G12Z1HR&pd_rd_w=F3nHk&pf_rd_p=21517efd-b385-405b-a405-9a37af61b5b4&pd_rd_wg=9catb&pf_rd_r=35RGD6PDKZDBC2WT6MN7&pd_rd_r=4c45b392-1da0-11e9-836b-afabdeb59979 They come in white https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G1513J4/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?pd_rd_i=B07G12Z1HR&pd_rd_w=F3nHk&pf_rd_p=21517efd-b385-405b-a405-9a37af61b5b4&pd_rd_wg=9catb&pf_rd_r=35RGD6PDKZDBC2WT6MN7&pd_rd_r=4c45b392-1da0-11e9-836b-afabdeb59979&th=1