Can you order some testers first, or maybe ask around in a local keyboard group if someone can let you try their keys? I find it to be the easiest way to figure out what's actually comfortable.
this post was submitted on 28 Sep 2024
9 points (90.9% liked)
ErgoMechKeyboards
5860 readers
1 users here now
Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards
Rules
Keep it ergo
Posts must be of/about keyboards that have a clear delineation between the left and right halves of the keyboard, column stagger, or both. This includes one-handed (one half doesn't exist, what clearer delineation is that!?)
i.e. no regular non-split¹ row-stagger and no non-split¹ ortholinear²
¹ split meaning a separation of the halves, whether fixed in place or entirely separate, both are fine.
² ortholinear meaning keys layed out in a grid
No Spam
No excessive posting/"shilling" for commercial purposes. Vendors are permitted to promote their products/services but keep it to a minimum and use the [vendor] flair. Posts that appear to be marketing without being transparent about it will be removed.
No Buy/Sell/Trade
This subreddit is not a marketplace, please post on r/mechmarket or other relevant marketplace.
Some useful links
- EMK wiki
- Split keyboard compare tool
- Compare keycap profiles Looking for another set of keycaps - check this site to compare the different keycap profiles https://www.keycaps.info/
- Keymap database A database with all kinds of keymap layouts - some of them fits ergo keyboards - get inspired https://keymapdb.com/
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
local keyboard group
Hah, that's a good one. We don't really have that where I'm from.
testers
That would be the logical thing to do. I'm being impatient, but you are probably right. If I'm dropping that kind of money, I'd better get the switches right.
Fair enough, I live in Germany which is exceedingly convenient for the hobby. Around when I decided to build my first keyboard, there was a convention a few hours away by train. Went there and tried out all these testers and keyboards that these super nice people were providing. Based on what I've always liked, I thought I wanted a 20-40g linear low profile switch, but turned out I loved Kaihl sunset, which was tactile and 55g or something.
So, yeah, if you're not sure, best to try to get some testers. Good luck!
I bought a tester. Cheers
If you’re looking at red pro, I’d go for ambient twilights the new silent switches are improvements in every way for linears.
This same question you're asking is what made me realize that I just don't really like linears, so I'm not sure if my insight will help your decision.
I've never used Kailh Reds or Red Pros, but I did have some 40g linear switches and found them to be too light. Even if I wasn't getting misfires, I would notice the keys sagging a little bit under my fingers, which was irritating. And the only way to not have that happen was to get really stiff springs, which was also not pleasant. That's what made me realize that the tactile bump in tactile switches really has a functional purpose, so I just always go with tactile switches now.
Sadly I don't have much choice of kind of switch: it's for a keyboard for use in a shared office.
I use mx black at home and find them good to type on.
I ended up buying a switch tester. Just waiting for it to arrive from aliexpress.
I also rest my fingers. I just got some 95g actuation. For me, perfect due to at my work using cut resistant gloves under latex gloves I miss fire cause I can't feel a damned thing. For home/gaming use, hell no. 70-75 is good for me. Everyone is different though. By some try them out to figure what you like. They aren't that expensive.