What do you get from using a mechanical keyboard (speed, comfort, health)?

[chyros]

I thought that speed would be the most important factor

Not at all. On most I actually type slower. I'm typing my PhD thesis on one of the slowest ones of all (my NMB).

Keyfeel. Sound. The pleasure and interest of collecting a variety of them.

I’m of the same opinion. It’s the enjoyment of both the feeling and sound. Which is the reason I like Blues, BS and Topre. They are all tactile and they give out distinct sound.

You NEED to try out Alps. They make a fantastic sound (the Dell AT101W not as much though). Check the myriad of Alps video reviews I have for a few examples .

[demik]

More

elitist attitude towards plebs

+1

*inanis is learning how to ****post. Did I do it right?

no

yes

Gr8 b8 m8 I r8 8/8

I have so much to learn.

Found the right teacher ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[Bol0Aa]

I thought that speed would be the most important factor

Not at all. On most I actually type slower. I'm typing my PhD thesis on one of the slowest ones of all (my NMB).

Ok. So do you sacrifice typing speed for comfort and to use something that you emotionally like more?.

[chyros]

I thought that speed would be the most important factor

Not at all. On most I actually type slower. I'm typing my PhD thesis on one of the slowest ones of all (my NMB).

Ok. So do you sacrifice typing speed for comfort and to use something that you emotionally like more?.

No, it's not less comfortable, it's much more comfortable. It just has rather heavy switches, which slow me down. I simply enjoy the typing feel, the clicky sound, and even just the look of the keyboard (I don't touch type properly so I get to see more of my keyboards than most people here). There are keyboards I enjoy using even more, but they are too loud to use in my (open) office, I'd have torches and pitchforks at my desk soon.

[SamirD]

I am especially interested on whether using a mechanical keyboard:

• you write faster
• you write more accurately,
• is more comfortable
• helps you in particular with a health problem (like carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injury)

or whether you find it satisfactory because of something different. Likewise, apart form the added cost, what have been the downsides for you?

I have been able to write faster, and more accurately because my hands are more comfortable and because of that I have much, much less strain and have prevented any type of rsi.

The only downside I've found is that there's others that like the same keyboards I do!  And have driven the prices up from the 50 cents a piece that I paid up to the cost of what a new one was back in the day--$100.  But it is nice to have a family to share the love with. 

[jamster]

I get the joy of using a nicely made peripheral with my modern computer instead of a $5 flexy, mushy POS. Oh, and a slightly nicer position for my mouse as it's TKL.

That's pretty much all, I don't need any more elaborate reasons than that.

[snarfarlarkus]

Tbh, I just like the aesthetics of the keyboard and the key feel...

[VP]

• you write faster
• you write more accurately,
• is more comfortable
• helps you in particular with a health problem (like carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injury)

* Yes
* Yes
* Yes
* I don't know

[Macsmasher]

For me, it was a matter of economy. I was going through $50 Logitech membrane keyboards every 3 - 6 months. (The keys would begin to stick if not struck dead center.) My first mech board was a Dos Ultimate that I worked on every day for 3+ years. The keycaps were shiny, but the switches worked like the day I bought it. I actually saved money by moving to mech keyboards.

With that said, it's hard to argue that I'm money ahead as I look at 1k worth of Topre keyboards that now occupy my desk...

[Weltschmerz]

I was looking for something pretty cool. I knew beforehand that there were mice designed for gaming, so why not a keyboard? I did my research and came to the conclusion that Razer keyboards are garbage and that I should get more of an "enthusiast" keyboard. Went with the pretty expensive option of a GON NS NerD 87 and have not looked back. What I've gained from it is typing better, as well as just enjoying typing in general. Now every time I type on a non-mech it's like typing on mud.

[Oobly]

1. Personalisation. This includes the switch feel, aesthetics, layout, design, keycap looks, keycap feel, sound, spring force, etc.
2. Repairability.
3. Quality.

As side benefits I get enjoyment, better long term health and an empty wallet.

[hwood34]

Aesthetics, quality, and feel. I'm not sure that anyone has proven that just having mechanical switches helps with any health problem, though there seems to be a good deal more ergonomic keyboards that are mechanical.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

clicky

[SpAmRaY]

So you guys are saying linkbane was wrong when he said we didn't deserve to own mechanical keyboards if we couldn't type really super fast? :mindblown:

[hwood34]

So you guys are saying linkbane was wrong when he said we didn't deserve to own mechanical keyboards if we couldn't type really super fast? :mindblown:

One day I'll get my WPM over 80

[demik]

So you guys are saying linkbane was wrong when he said we didn't deserve to own mechanical keyboards if we couldn't type really super fast? :mindblown:

linkbane is an idiot

[kyb]

What do you get from using a mechanical keyboard (speed, comfort, health)?

A feel of superiority.

[demik]

What do you get from using a mechanical keyboard (speed, comfort, health)?

A feel of superiority.

> hhkb
> 55g RF

bruh, you've hit nirvana. everything else out there is trash.

[ideus]

I like the possibility to explore your preferred switch, select the appearance and layout and in general customization.

[MeltingTeeth]

Get a HHKB and experience bliss.

[shibataken]

Finding the balance of switches to what you do daily (work, play, etc) is a lot of fun and the added durability/build quality is always good. Once i convince myself that one switch is the best for my needs I convince myself otherwise and try a new switch XD

[SamirD]

Once i convince myself that one switch is the best for my needs I convince myself otherwise and try a new switch XD

I'm in that process now thanks to GH, haha

[childofthehorn]

For me, it was a matter of economy. I was going through $50 Logitech membrane keyboards every 3 - 6 months. (The keys would begin to stick if not struck dead center.) My first mech board was a Dos Ultimate that I worked on every day for 3+ years. The keycaps were shiny, but the switches worked like the day I bought it. I actually saved money by moving to mech keyboards.

I have a similar story. I was burning through even nice membrane keyboards (since I always believed and still do that you should invest in your own work equipment - it will pay for itself) every 6-9 months (even refreshing the membrane by cleaning it). I tried a bunch of different mech keyboards that they had at MicroCenter and Frys and got the Razor BWU 2013 when it first came out  (almost 3 years ago)since at the time it had more going for it than the DasKeyboard, matched my Razor Mouse at the time, and I couldn't justify the money for the Ducky.

That opened up the door to Model M's and discovering a love of the Alps switch.

Now, I pretty much only use 60% custom keyboards.  That BWU served me a long time at work with those macro keys  for bringing up stack overflow, IDE shortcuts, etc.

Buy yeah, he hasn't been used at all in the last 7-8 months. and the resale on those is not high enough to be worth reselling it. The Keycaps are worth as much as the board.

[ideus]

For me, it was a matter of economy. I was going through $50 Logitech membrane keyboards every 3 - 6 months. (The keys would begin to stick if not struck dead center.) My first mech board was a Dos Ultimate that I worked on every day for 3+ years. The keycaps were shiny, but the switches worked like the day I bought it. I actually saved money by moving to mech keyboards.

I have a similar story. I was burning through even nice membrane keyboards (since I always believed and still do that you should invest in your own work equipment - it will pay for itself) every 6-9 months (even refreshing the membrane by cleaning it). I tried a bunch of different mech keyboards that they had at MicroCenter and Frys and got the Razor BWU 2013 when it first came out  (almost 3 years ago)since at the time it had more going for it than the DasKeyboard, matched my Razor Mouse at the time, and I couldn't justify the money for the Ducky.

That opened up the door to Model M's and discovering a love of the Alps switch.

Now, I pretty much only use 60% custom keyboards.  That BWU served me a long time at work with those macro keys  for bringing up stack overflow, IDE shortcuts, etc.

Buy yeah, he hasn't been used at all in the last 7-8 months. and the resale on those is not high enough to be worth reselling it. The Keycaps are worth as much as the board.

This is the first time I found a comment on economy as the main driver to try mechanical keyboards. It is very cool.

[bcredbottle]

Chicks, bro, chicks.

[krumbprone]

Typing consistency. When I recently started typing on mechanical, I realized I had bursts of slow and fast typing that I didn't know before. The audible feedback of the MX switches got me typing more at a rhythmic pace so that I could enjoy that soothing flow of sexy sounds coming from the keys. A side effect has been some dramatic improvement in accuracy and speed. I hate breaking rhythm and that has encouraged me to type better. 

[MeltingTeeth]

Downsides? My wallet hates me.

Benefits? As a tool it doesn't really get the job done any different. I like the way they feel, its comfortable. I like to customise and I like the keyboard/keycap aesthetics. It's my hobby and I don't really know what makes it so appealing to me. I just like them.

As far as health goes, if you are going to use emacs you are going to get RSI no matter what keyboard you are using. I myself have never seen a professionally published paper on the health benefits of using mechanical keyboards so I wouldn't use that as an argument before I go to buy one.

Writing faster and more accurately? Most definitely. Different weights of switches could either make it easier to press down and thus move your fingers quicker and lighter across the keyboard. Alternatively you could have heavy switches and stop yourself mid press if you realise you are hitting the wrong key (IMO 2mm to actuation is more than enough to stop yourself mid button press), and also avoid accidentally pressing the key that you don't want when moving your fingers etc.. (this is common with lighter switches, they are very easy to depress). Also if you want to learn how to touch type if you don't know how to already, use blank keycaps.

At the end of the day you are getting a higher quality tool and you can make it yours however you want, whether it is simply the aesthetic or the feel. Welcome to the forums! ^:)

All of the above.

[jonathanyu]

Nothing, except wasted **** ton of money.
Seriously, the longer I use my "mechanical keyboard", the least different I can tell between a "mechanical keyboard" and a dell rubberdome. Sometimes I even think a dell rubberdome is better.
But somehow, I can't stop using and buying more mechanical keyboard.

[SamirD]

Nothing, except wasted **** ton of money.
Seriously, the longer I use my "mechanical keyboard", the least different I can tell between a "mechanical keyboard" and a dell rubberdome. Sometimes I even think a dell rubberdome is better.
But somehow, I can't stop using and buying more mechanical keyboard.

I've been able to appreciate a good rubber dome more because of using a mech, but the first time my hands start hurting or i have to repeat key presses due to non-registration, i realize that i still need my mech.

[ideus]

Nothing, except wasted **** ton of money.
Seriously, the longer I use my "mechanical keyboard", the least different I can tell between a "mechanical keyboard" and a dell rubberdome. Sometimes I even think a dell rubberdome is better.
But somehow, I can't stop using and buying more mechanical keyboard.

This is the definition of insanity.

[Wolfseye]

I guess i am a simpleton compared to many or most of you. I am not ready interested in modding a keyboard or keycaps or stuff like that. I guess it's a sort of hobby one must be really into to care that much.  Back then I used Rubberdome keyboards but went to mechanical keyboards a few years ago. And never looked back. Really love the feel, the build quality and the Sound. I am madly in love with MX Blues, the click just makes me ^^^

For gaming I prefer the Reds. I wouldn't want to go back to something else than mechanical keyboards. And the question if I could type faster, I would say yes for sure. But that's just me.

[intelli78]

Nothing, except wasted **** ton of money.
Seriously, the longer I use my "mechanical keyboard", the least different I can tell between a "mechanical keyboard" and a dell rubberdome. Sometimes I even think a dell rubberdome is better.
But somehow, I can't stop using and buying more mechanical keyboard.

Nailed it.

[Adriel]

Yes I typed faster, more comfortably and also just like having a high quality peripheral to pair with my high end rig. When people get their super expensive custom built PCs and still have rubber domes I'm questioning where have they gone wrong. It's almost like buying a Lamborgini buy putting in cheap rims or tires.

I don't think there are any downsides apart from the financial side. Maybe because of having to manage so many keyboards and time taken to plan financially on which board to buy it's time consuming but beside from that I think it's just like any other hobby really.

[ideus]

Entertainment.

[tronbeaver]

I get to play Pok3r.