[NO HOLDS BARRED] What is the most essential features on a perfect keyboard?

[kolektador]

We all know there is no perfect keyboard, but if there is, then what are the features that you want that comes with it?

For me, theoretically if we can create a blasted full keyboard in a 60% size with volume and media controls then that for me would be the perfect keyboard.

Essentials for a keyboard for me:
Small Form Factor
104/108 keys
Numpad
Volume control
Full NKRO
Detachable USB type C or better technology
I don't like RGB so... no RGB is essential for me hehe


How about you?

[fohat.digs]

What is or what are?

KEY FEEL

[Leslieann]

full keyboard in a 60% size with volume and media controls then that for me would be the perfect keyboard.

This is how you wind up with 60% key size and a nightmare to type on.


Personally, switch feel and layout is everything.
I want a good keyboard to type on, everything else is just extra.

[tp4tissue]

TENTING

[CaesarAZealad]

Raccoons and Foxy

[kajahtaa]

Tented 40 with Bykos and KAT Blanks

[Rhienfo]

the feel of a keyboard, both with the mounting and the switch feel, a layout that is usable to me, comfortable angle/front height to type on, looks and sounds good. Honestly I'm not too specific when it comes to a perfect keyboard, but those are a things are must in a potentially "perfect keyboard"

[tp4tissue]

This is how you wind up with 60% key size and a nightmare to type on.


Personally, switch feel and layout is everything.
I want a good keyboard to type on, everything else is just extra.

No tenting, it's not even a real keyboard.

[udller]

bezel uniformity.

no snaggle toothed blockers.

[noisyturtle]

I hate very tall keycaps, they feel straight up gross on my fingers.

so not that

[Mandan]

My idea of "perfect" would veer into "weirdo ergonomic" territory.

The standard typewriter layout was scaled to fit an average sized woman with average sized hands.  I'm a man with large hands.  No matter what the layout, a 1u layout is always cramped, and therefore tiring.  I would probably be okay with keys 1u high and 1.25u wide, which at least wouldn't need custom-made keycaps.

The next thing is, the standard layout assumes the operator is a typist, with the keyboard low, forearms straight, and hands typing down into a curved keyboard surface.  The curve reduces some forearm motion into simple finger flexes.  It's very efficient... except almost nobody uses a keyboard that way.  Most people have the keyboard up on top of their desk, usually shoved up against the monitor to get some desk space.

That's not the optimal position for typing, but that's not going to change, at least for me.  So, with the keyboard up and forward, the tilt and curvature are not just wrong, but the opposite of how your fingers naturally want to move.  A proper keyboard should have a convex curve and be tilted forward, making use of how your fingers naturally curl.

Most of the "ergo" designs carry the same usability defects forward, with variations.  Sometimes they'll add tenting, which I think is generally a good idea, but they still require unnatural finger movements.

I have strong opinions on key layout and switch types, but they're secondary to the two basic shapes of the keyboard being wrong to start with.

[1391401]

For me, a Tex Shinobi is already essentially perfect.

- track point
- lower profile keys
- built in palm rest
- normal layout
- a few convenient media keys / navigation keys / etc.

It's basically a Thinkpad keyboard that uses discrete switches