Question Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, can you change layouts and which color is best?

[UKTone]

I've never bought a mechanical keyboard, I'm not very fast at typing, I'm used to using a controller only for games (but want to learn how to), etc.

1. Can you change a gaming mechanical keyboard to be in a dvorak/colemak/workman/carpalx/halman layout? If not, what other options would I have for a mechanical keyboard? Can you change the format in windows? If you do, will it also change in games? Is there a way to force it to change in case the game doesn't know?

2. What color is the best? Sound, what "feels right", etc. doesn't really matter (since i'd eventually get used to whatever it is eventually), but speed does, prioritizing the speed of typing a paper/code over gaming though (if this makes a difference, let me know).

3. According to a site, it seems like blue is the best for typing because of the sound and because it's clicky... seems weird if that's the case.

If there are any other factors i should consider, lmk. Thanks for any help.

 

[hotaru.hino]

1. The layout of a keyboard depends entirely on how the OS interprets it. That is, if you want to use Dvorak, you have to tell the OS your keyboard is Dvorak. It defaults to QWERTY otherwise. But once you set which keyboard layout you're using in the OS, you can pop off the key caps and rearrange them however you want.
2. If you're talking about the color of the switches, it's a matter of preference. Most have settled on the following:
   1. Red - Less force needed to push down, linear (no feedback). Useful if input speed matters
   2. Black - Same as red, but stiffer so more force is needed to push it down
   3. Blue - Makes an audible click and provides a bump when the switch is activated, useful if both auditory and tactile feedback matters
   4. Brown - Provides a bump when the switch is activated, useful if you want tactile feedback, but less auditory feedback
3. Again, it's entirely a matter of preference. I can type mostly at the same performance regardless of which keyboard I use.

I prefer brown switches because I want the tactile feedback, but not the auditory one from it clicking.

If you have a Best Buy near you, they typically have mechanical keyboards on display that you can try out.

 

[UKTone]

Thank you

 

[hotaru.hino]

Oh, I just realized by your name you may not be in the US.

Well, see if your local big box electronics store has keyboards on display.

 

[UKTone]

Lol the UK doesn't stand for United Kingdom, I get that a lot.

 

[hang-the-9]

For light touch fast response keys, Silver Speed switches are good. The Silent Red keyboards I have had seem to be lighter and faster than the standard MX Red switches.