Clicky Keyboard

[ScumOfTheRoad]

I am looking for a mechanical keyboard if anyone has recommendations.

Specifications:
Compact layout  - no numeric keypad.
Number of rows - I'm OK with a row of function keys, so ultra compact is not that necessary
US layout - this is a must.  I dont know about ANSI or ISO layouts
Fancy lighting - would rather not. I dont want a gamin keyboard
Wireless - this is for home use so wired is OK. A reliable wireless connection would be cool.
Clickiness - something  precise. I dont mind a bit of noise as I work from home.

I used an IBM mechanical keyboard and a 370 terminal when I Was a graduate student, if that is any help.


I bought a mecahnical keyboard from Amazon and sent it back - they keys seemed 'wobbly' to me - ie when I placed a finger on them you could move the keycap around a bit. This is it:
amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B083Z6PXXS/

My current keyboard is a Perixx:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007LQKFG0
The layout is perfect.  One downside is the lack of feet so the angle is a bit flat.
The key action is rather good also.

[ScumOfTheRoad]

My liking for US layout keyboards is a result of working for ASML in the Netherlands. they are multinational company and standardised on US keyocards everywhere. A damn good pragmatic decision.

[rafletcher]

I like Logitech, use their wireless keyboards and mice with the unifying receiver

https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/keyboard-k360

Available on Amazon for £30.

[pcolbeck]

If you liked the IBM clicky keyboards the original manufacturer Unicomp are still knocking them out with more modern variants and colours as well using the same buckling spring mechanism.

https://www.pckeyboard.com/

For more modern style keyboard at a reasonable price I also recommend Logitech.

[ScumOfTheRoad]

I like Logitech, use their wireless keyboards and mice with the unifying receiver

https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/keyboard-k360

Available on Amazon for £30.

Hmmm.. I have a full size Logitech keyboard/mouse with US layout. Teh actual problem is the width of my desk - the keyboard drawer is 58cm wide.
Which lead me to my next question on desks!

[T42]

I'm using a Logitech EX110 at present. Finger-feel is on the mediocre side of OK compared to my old Acer KB, and has me continually going back to insert skipped letters.  It also has two pestilential keys to the left of the main pad, one of which takes you back a page on whatever site you're in, and is very easy to hit without wanting to.  On the plus side it was cheap.

[Chris N]

It's not a mechanical keyboard but I've got a Lenovo ThinkPad compact wired keyboard that I'm looking to sell. Like this one: https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/accessories-and-monitors/keyboards-and-mice/keyboards/KEYBOARD-UK-English/p/0B47221 but in US layout (that I bought by mistake). It's lovely to type on, but I can't get on with a non-uk layout. PM me if you're interested.

[ScumOfTheRoad]

I work for Dell...   

[Chris N]

I've used Dell keyboards at work for 17 years and this is better than any of them. 

[pcolbeck]

It's not a mechanical keyboard but I've got a Lenovo ThinkPad compact wired keyboard that I'm looking to sell. Like this one: https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/accessories-and-monitors/keyboards-and-mice/keyboards/KEYBOARD-UK-English/p/0B47221 but in US layout (that I bought by mistake). It's lovely to type on, but I can't get on with a non-uk layout. PM me if you're interested.

Thats nice ! I might have to get one of those for my Lenovo P710 workstaion (UK format though).

[pcolbeck]

I work for Dell...   

So I have you to blame for the VXrails nonsense that's been blighting my life for weeks then.

[Chris N]

Thats nice ! I might have to get one of those for my Lenovo P710 workstaion (UK format though).

There's a new wireless version on the way.

[mdp]

I really like my Duck One 2 SF - https://www.duckychannel.com.tw/en/Ducky-One2-sf

It's a wired, 65% keyboard (hence the SF) with Cherry MX switches. You should be able to get a US version pretty easily. It does have whizzy lighting but you can set it to something subdued and is fully customizable, or you can just turn it off altogether. I must admit that when I was looking for a new keyboard I didn't want lighting but, now I have it, I actually find it really helpful and probably wouldn't go without it and no, I'm not a gamer.

I previously had a full size daskeyboard - https://www.daskeyboard.com/model-s-professional/. The Ducky has a comfortable heft to it but you could probably knock down walls with the daskeyboard. It was OK but it had Cherry MX browns and I never really got on with them. I got blues with the Ducky and much prefer them, much more like the mechanical keyboards of old.

[frankly frankie]

This is obviously not the right thread to be posting this but I've never understood keyboard fussiness

[ScumOfTheRoad]

This is obviously not the right thread to be posting this but I've never understood keyboard fussiness

Gunslingers, innit.  You would not see a mean gunslinger ride into town toting a Smith and Wesson just bought from the mom and pop store.
No, He or she would have a custom rig. Fitted leather belt and holsters adjusted just so for fast draw.
Guns fettled to match their hands by a master gunsmith.

Or Ronin if you will.

[rafletcher]

I like Logitech, use their wireless keyboards and mice with the unifying receiver

https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/product/keyboard-k360

Available on Amazon for £30.

Hmmm.. I have a full size Logitech keyboard/mouse with US layout. Teh actual problem is the width of my desk - the keyboard drawer is 58cm wide.
Which lead me to my next question on desks!

Sorry, I looked for “compact” and didn’t pay attention!  The do one without numeric keys, but the keys themselves look different so I’ve no idea on feel. The one I linked to has a nice positive click feel, without bounce.

[perpetual dan]

I took delivery of a Filco Ninja the other day. Mine has cherry brown switches, which I gather are in the middle of the clicky / tactile spectrum. On first go I’m pleased with it, rather different to my aging apple keyboard! I’m still getting used to the @ and “ symbols having moved and the different size, so can’t really give it a proper ‘love this one’ recommendation yet. They make them in various layout though.