Keyboard for openspace

[galdor]

Hi,

I'm a french student which discovered high-end keyboards some months ago. It sort of saved my hands, because membrane keyboards made my articulations/nerves ache (carpal tunnel syndrome start); I first had a Das Keyboard 2, wich was really too noisy, then I bought a HHK2pro, and have been using it about 8/10h a day for months.

I'm really happy with the HHK2pro, but I've a problem. In three months, I'm gonna begin my internship (network programming), so I'm gonna need a good keyboard to work on. Bringing my HHK2pro each day isn't really practical (unplugging/plugging 4 times a day), so I'd like to buy a keyboard just for work.
Problem is, I really can't put another 300€ (thank the French customs) in a keyboard, and my Das Keyboard 2 is really too noisy for an openspace.

So I'm searching for the perfect keyboard in ma situation: at least mechanical (hhk2pro-type keys would be perfect), not too noisy (hhk2pro is perfect from this point of view too), not too expensive (<150€).

I looked at the Steelseries 7G, they tell it uses "non-clicky mechanical keys", but I don't know how noisy it is.

Would someone have an idea ?

Thank you!

Nota: layout isn't a problem, I exclusively use a qwerty layout.

[kyamei]

I think Cherry browns are one of the quieter switches, might want to check out a Filco with browns.  They have some tactile feel unlike the linear feel of the Cherry blacks used in the Steelseries.

[eugenius]

From what I understand maybe an ALPS black switch also.

[kyamei]

I don't know about other black Alps boards, but AT101W's are pretty loud (bottoming/topping out).

[galdor]

I heard the sound of the brown switches on a video, they doesn't seem too noisy.
This keyboard seems very interesting:
http://benippon.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=15660

For 112€, it's really appealing; did somebody test it ?

[iMav]

You should save up for another HHKB Pro.  

Seriously, if the keyboard is perfect for you and the only thing holding you back is the price, then start saving up, selling unused/unwanted items, etc.

We need to get some more Japanese members that are willing to broker products for us.  I know that I do this a lot for European members and it works out well.  As long as I indicate minimal value on the customs forms and declare it as a gift, they save a lot of money overall.

[galdor]

You're tempting me, but spending 300€ more... it's scandalous, isn't it ? The problem with the customs is that if the value is underestimated and the packet is lost, i won't be full refunded. And I can get problems with the customs (yep, underestimating something for the customs is a law offense, at least in France).

I've got to think about this

[karlito]

i agree w/ iMav.  Deal with hauling around your hhkb pro until you can afford to get another one.

my understanding is only a topre which cost just as much will compare to a hhkb pro.

i think i would personally just haul it around since it's so tiny. but then again I always take a backpack into work w/ food and other stuffs so a tiny little keyboard i wouldn't even notice.

[bhtooefr]

I've heard some comparisons between an SGI Alps-based keyboard and the Topres, check the keyboard reviews and sound clips sections.