I have a thing for keyboards.
When mechanical keyboards came back in vogue I started buying them, trying to find one that felt just right.
My first was a CoolerMaster Storm Trigger with blue switch keys.
It’s a fine keyboard in many ways and I like the solid clacky feel of the keys. When I resist pounding on the keys like a deranged ape they aren’t even that loud, really, because they actuate before being fully engaged.
However, there were some things I didn’t like:
- the Windows key doesn’t work by default. You have to enable it in a profile. This is because it’s a GAMERZ keyboard and gamerz don’t need Windows.
- it’s extra wide due to the macro keys,. I have never used macro keys on a keyboard.
- the red LED lighting is distracting. When it’s off the keys are hard to read.
So I searched on and got a Metadot Das Keyboard, also using blue switches.
No backlit keys and a standard keyboard layout, no funny macro stuff. It would seem ideal, except for one thing.
The keyboard casing is glossy and the keys are as well, to a lesser extent. They reflect light and my computer corner cubbyhole has a light that sits nearly directly above the keyboard, so this becomes a problem.
Onto keyboard #3: The Filco Majestouch 2. This one has brown switches, which are less clacky.
(The lovely green border came as part of the stock photo.)
On balance I don’t mind the brown switches but if push came to shove I think I find the blue switches a little smoother in feel. The lack of a numeric keypad was a bit disconcerting at first but I realized I never used it much and the narrower width of the keyboard more than makes up for it. The finish on the keyboard is nicely matte so the keys are easily readable. I think if this keyboard had blue switches it might cause me to end my search.
But it doesn’t.
But Filco makes a model that does! Now I just have to find a retailer.
Also, their website is a charming pastiche of quaintly clumsy English and images like this:
I conclude with this video of the Ducky Shine 3 Yellow keyboard. This is a keyboard with backlit keys. And the keys are blank.
