I have neck strain issues and my physical therapist wants me to raise my computer screen so it aligns with my eyes. I use laptop, so I'll need an external keyboard to do this - I've also wanted a good keyboard for gaming for years anyway, so now is the time I guess.
I am new to premium keyboards. Growing up, I used a standard Compaq membrane keyboard on my family computer, and in 2011, I got a Macbook Pro Mid-2010, using the keyboard built into the laptop, or the Apple magic keyboard until 2017 when I got my Razerblade 15 2017, and have pretty much exclusively used its built-in keyboard since (computer still serves me great btw, and the 1060 gpu sits all my needs). Honestly, I'm very satisfied with it, though the arrow keys are not very good, and it does feel a little bit too compressed for me, but my accuracy on it is very good when typing. I can type on it for hours without feeling fatigued; however, I feel I can't button mash on it as well as I with a PS3/Xbox 360 controller, as there may be a bit too much resistance on it, but I don't really like games that make me do that anyway.
Anyway, I recently got the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini (Kailh Silent Brown), and I absolutely hate for a number of reasons. Mostly the fact that I can't keep the backlight on at all times. The automatic dimming is driving me crazy, to the point where I'm losing productivity at work (and that's why I'm getting rid of it). I find I'm quite inaccurate on it, compared to my laptop keyboards, and the keys press way too easily (I'm accidentally pressing ctrl all the time and zooming instead of scrolling). The keys have too much travel distance (I hope I'm using the term right - I think the keys are too "deep," such that the keys have too much space between the top and bottom, I'd prefer something with a lower profile tbh), and I'm making so many typing errors is tedious for me to use it, and I'm feeling fatigued very quickly. I feel the keyboard is a little too cramped.
My desk is too small for a full-sized keyboard, but I need function keys, so I'm looking at a TKL or 75. I work in a dark environment, so I backlit keys, butI really do not care in slightest about RGB features, and frankly would rather not have them. I also would like multimedia functions in the function keys, like on a Macbook/Razerblade. Wireless would be preferable, but I don't think there are any wireless keyboards that will suit my needs. Lastly, and this is where my request may become controversial, the keyboard may not be made/assembled China (eg the PRC). Made in Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, the US, Germany, etc. I do not care. But just not China - and I have my several reasons, but don't want to discuss them here.
Anyway, I to have narrowed down the keyboards to three options: The Realforce GX1, the Ducky One 3, and the WASD Code V3. None of them are wireless, but I do not think there are any wireless keyboards will meet the other criteria I have. If you know of anything else to look at, please let me know here. I need the keyboard to be as quiet as possible, so only silenced switches keys are acceptable, no exceptions. Frankly I'd rather get a membrane keyboard, but every single one I have found so far is either made in Chiba or isn't the proper size (usually full or 60). The Realforce GX1 can use silenced 30 or 45 g Topres, and the Ducky One 3 and WASD Code V3 can use Cherry MX silent reds.
I really don't want to spend too much more time on this (I do not want this to be a hobby, and I'm not a keyboard enthusiast) - I want to buy something that will last me many years and not have to think about it any further.
If I do a lot of typing for work, but would like to game on it, which keyboard and switch would you recommend, considering I need it to be as quiet as possible? The games I play most are FPS, 3D/2D Platformer/Action-Adventure/RPG, and Turn-based strategy/RPG, but I also play others like racing, puzzle, fighting, etc. Again, I seem to have done well with theR azerblade laptop keyboard, though I'd like something maybe a little smoother and nicer, but the Logitech Mechanical was very problematic for me, and would like something with less travel distance and not as cramped.
My main question would be, I guess, would I better off with the Topre Silent switches or the Cherry Red Silent switches? On the one hand, I feel the Reds would be better because they're linear (eg more suited for action games and quieter?), but the Topres are technically membrane, which I feel would be better (since it's what I'm used to), idk. The price of the Topre is also a little annoying, but if it's the right one for me I'll pay it to get this over with... if I can game well with the Topres, compared to the MX reds, and they're not louder, I think I'll just get that one. If I do, am I better off with 30g or 45g? I'm unsure which I'd want, in theory tbh. When demoing keyboards at Best Buy, I really liked the Razer Huntsman with red optical switches (if it weren't MiC, I'd buy it). So ig, which would be closer to the Razer optical switch red?
Simpler is also better for me, which is why I don't actually care for RGB features (I want a solid color backlight), so I give major props to WASD for that, but that keyboard had no proprietary options for key remapping, but my major complaint is that the multimedia keys on it are very inconvenient. Ducky has on-board remapping,m such is great I don't have to use software for it. The Realforce has onboard memory which is acceptable for me.
Also, since the keyboard will most likely be wired at this point, I'll need a Bluetooth mouse since I don't have enough USB ports. Again, nothing made in China (though this seems to be much easier than the keyboard). Currently I'm looking at the Razer Cobra Pro, Razer Basilisk V3 X Hyperspeed (it has BT as well), and the Corsair Harpoon RGB wireless. I can buy all of these at my local Best Buy, which is multitudes easier for me than online shopping. I really liked the Steel Series Aero 5, when I demoed it there, but unfortunately it's made in China :/ Please give me a recommendation for these, if you can, too, thanks. Cheaper is better. I'm more concerned about the keyboard though.
Thank you in advanced!
