I am putting together an Ubuntu laptop for my nephew, full setup with external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
My first keyboard was a Northgate OmniKey 102 Gold label, which I still have, but 1) the controller is going out on it 2) You can pry it from my cold dead hands.
Durability is one of the hallmarks of mechanical keyboards, and wanton destruction is one of the hallmarks of 10yo boys.
I guess I'm asking what people would recommend for a decent starter experience without costing to much, as it may be seen as a challenge to smash if I talk up the durability too much.