Favorite TYPING Keyboard and why?

[frvrngn]

Just as the topic says - what is your favorite keyboard to use typing only and why? 

I dont game, I do type and some days I type 10 hours or more.  I am still trying out new keyboards and switches after a few years of finding mechanical keyboards.  I find some work better for some tasks but overall I do have a top three.

My new Topre Type Heaven.  Been using this a while now and the more I use it the more I like it.  I love the smooth feeling and the sound.  I plan on trying the silencing mod to quite the upstroke and then I think it may be the undisputed #1 for daily use.

Matias Quiet Pro - great tactile feeling but pretty quiet.  Not as quiet as the Topre but its good enough to use without annoying coworkers or waking up my kids at home.

My Unicomp BS board - I dont use it much but when I do I just smile.  Its just way too loud to use at work or home but when I do break it out for a session I just love it.  I may try the floss mod soon to see if I can quiet it enough to use more but I dont want to lose that tactile feeling. 

As you can see, no Cherry boards.  I own a few and just bought a QFR with Greens to try out.  I dont like the Blues sound.  Reds are too inconsistent for me.  I dont like the feeling of them with o-rings and I dont like the clack bottoming out sound.  If I try to just float with them I tend to miss keystrokes.  I just got the Green board and I am undecided on it just yet.  I can definitely not bottom out more with their sound and feel but wow are they heavy.  They feel much heavier than my BS board.  I know its partially my typing style as I rest my wrists at all times and dont hover.

Tempted to try an Ergodox or something along those lines but I am a self taught touch typist and dont use the right fingers at all times.  I barely use my pinkies at all other than some modifiers.

So any other pure typists have a favorite and why that board is their favorite?

[tp4tissue]

I think you'll be fine on an Egdx...

the right pinky is only required for .  and '   Not huge problems,  the fastest way to type  P  is actually ring finger, so if you're using your ring finger for p   I believe that is the correct way to do it...

the left q is the same, use ur left ring finger...  this saves you from lifting your hands to reach the letter with the pinky, as it is too short if you hand is in typical resting postion either   awef jio'  or asdfjkl'

[Puddsy]

I love my (currently dead) MJ2 w/ blues. Thing is magical.

[Danule]

realforce 45g

[frvrngn]

I am tempted to try the HHKB but not sure how it would work out as a pure typing board.  I do typing and some data entry so I use a numpad at times.  On my TKL boards I am OK not using it but am 10x faster with it!  I have always like the looks of the HHKB.  Second board I'd like to try is a 55g RF.  I keep reading they are a lot more tactile than the 45g.  Not sure I want to try a variable board, again due to my homemade typing style.             

TP - I do use my ring finger for those keys as I think about it.  I tend to cross over a lot with my index finger, like just there I used my right index for the "g" in finger.  Not sure why I do it one certain words but I can definitely tell my hands seem to move more than they should!

Maybe I will try an Ergo some day as well!

[dante]

Anywhere:
Buckling Spring

Office:
Apple IIGS A9M0330 SMK White Alps

[ValerieV]

Everyone has their own favorite and i have spent a small fortune on getting the "right" keyboard. I realized that there really is not a "right" one, just one i prefer at the moment. With that being said, i still go back to my G84-100 cherry ML keyboard. I don't know what it is but i really like it. I wish it was bluetooth but it is what it is and i have to use it with a USB adapter. Still, it was a lot cheaper than some of the expensive keyboards i have bought but i can't get rid of it. I am even thinking about getting another model as a backup in case anything happens to this one. They sell them on ebay.

[Flyersfan1]

I actually look forward to long typing sessions because of my HHKB.

[Hellmark]

For me, it always has been a Model M. With the job I have now (Linux SysAdmin), I type a crapload, so I really need a good keyboard. I am lucky enough that our cubes at our new office have pretty good sound proofing, so none of my neighbors noticed it. I've always typed a lot, and done linux work, but the volume of typing I've done has shot up dramatically this year, to the point that I started to kill off the rubber dome keyboard that I was given in April at work.

[Linkbane]

I type more than is healthy because of my TK with Blues.
EDIT: Forgot the 'why'.
I type a great deal daily, for school and for practice, so having Blues, which I find conducive to speed as well as sounding great, is perfect. Browns just didn't have enough tactility, but they and Reds are quite easy on the fingers when I'm playing League.

[frvrngn]

I type more than is healthy because of my TK with Blues.

Semi OT, but I would Love to get to that typing speed!  I average half that...

To Hellmark - my BS board is the one that makes me smile the most.  The Type Heaven is a close second just due to that "thock" that I love.  I really need to try to quiet down the BS so I can use it more.

[dante]

I type more than is healthy because of my TK with Blues.

Semi OT, but I would Love to get to that typing speed!  I average half that...

To Hellmark - my BS board is the one that makes me smile the most.  The Type Heaven is a close second just due to that "thock" that I love.  I really need to try to quiet down the BS so I can use it more.

I would really love to try a Type Heaven with uniform 55g.

[metalliqaz]

Silenced variable weight Realforce 10th AE

Sounds and feels so smooth.  You can truly become one with that keyboard.

[Linkbane]

I type more than is healthy because of my TK with Blues.

Semi OT, but I would Love to get to that typing speed!  I average half that...

To Hellmark - my BS board is the one that makes me smile the most.  The Type Heaven is a close second just due to that "thock" that I love.  I really need to try to quiet down the BS so I can use it more.

I tried Beam Springs, would love to get my hands on a Unicomp sometime.
Speed is nice, needs lots of consistent practice, though. I've only typed Dvorak for about ten months, but practiced usually more than an hour daily. Best of luck.

[Hellmark]

If I had a milling machine, I'd love to make an aluminum case for an M. I figure that way, would help block sound a bit, plus could work in some material to help absorb it a bit.

And yeah, I'm averaging 74 words per minute. I know it isn't what it used to be, but at the same time, considering for a while I had no use or feeling in my right arm, I would consider it still pretty good.

[kenmai9]

You should get PBT keycaps for your Type Heaven. It reduces the sound of the upstroke a little bit.

[M-88]

I really like Model Ms and various Cherry equipped mechanical keyboards, but, my all time Favorite is the (older) Keytronic KT800P1. The older beige ones.

Seems that the black ones and the newer beige ones aren't built as well and do not feel as great when typing.

Apart from the small backspace key (hey, we all make mistakes!), they are perfect! I use one at work and at home!

[keymaster]

55g Topre. Feels good, sound good. Go for the silencing mod, OP. You won't regret it.

[Niomosy]

Right now I'm just getting comfy with my Ducky G2 Pro.

SGI Granite.  While I like Alps, this one just takes a bit too much force to use as a daily driver.  I've pulled it out here and there, though.  The lack of media and Windows keys means it will never end up a regular use keyboard though.

Model M.  A rescue to have as part of the collection more than anything.  That and the kids get a kick out of it.  Not really something I can easily use at home or at work.  I've used it a few times but that's been about it.

MS Ergo 4000.  Have one at home and one at work.  The Ducky is replacing this after being on MS Ergo type keyboards for over a decade.

Though the person that hacked an MS Ergo 4000 and put Cherry switches in it has me jealous.  I would love an MS Ergo 4000 with reds.  The ErgoDox looks nice and I may eventually try one out, though having to find homes for various keys and lacking dedicated functions keys has kept me away. 

[dorkvader]

For typing, I prefer my selectric typewriter. When turned on, it's very tactile.

[0100010]

Model M

[Tony]

I have all kind of switches and keyboards, but my fav is Filco brown (I have two of that).

[mapple]

Favourite-> is bs vs blue cherry & PBT keycap, can't decide which one is better i think it's mostly about day:) -> AND WHY? -> reason, clicky superb godness feedback and quality build

[terran5992]

TOPREEEEEEEEEEEEE

[Justblair]

Favourite is rapidly becoming my Model M1211.

I Second Filco Maj(brown cherry). This is my work machine, my colleagues would never tolerate the IBM.

Third is Cherry G80-3000 (blue). It is good to type on, but the clicking is too light.

[frvrngn]

I think there are as many different favorites as there are posts! I expected that. Surprised a little that I don't set more Topre love for typing.  I had a lot of hype built up in my head before trying them and expected to be disappointed but I really do love them.

I think a lot depends on mood too for what board gets used when. Nice to see such a varied opinion.

[mauri]

Love typing with my variable force topre but the filco with reds still gets more use. I don't like having to swap keyboards all the time.

[ValerieV]

I absolutely love typing on my HHKB. i prefer those topres more than the Leopold ones. they are wonderful to type on.

[frvrngn]

I absolutely love typing on my HHKB. i prefer those topres more than the Leopold ones. they are wonderful to type on.

HHKB is Very high on my list for the next board to try! Need to save up a bit for one, I have too many hobbies taking up spare cash...

[ynrozturk]

Mine is my Model F or Poker II with Browns. I just like both. Then again, I really like my Blues, too..

[Polymer]

I absolutely love typing on my HHKB. i prefer those topres more than the Leopold ones. they are wonderful to type on.

HHKB is Very high on my list for the next board to try! Need to save up a bit for one, I have too many hobbies taking up spare cash...

It is the warmest sounding of all the Topre boards so far...but some may prefer the feel of having a plate...

The other downside is it takes time getting used to the layout....For some, they just never adjust or get used to having to use the FN layer for certain things..which makes the keyboard unusable for them really...

[alosec]

I absolutely love my fc660c for everything really. The blues on 660m really don't compare, although I'm still flipping between the both of them trying to determine which is the better switch for me..

[tns]

every time I'm trying a new keyboard, or trying to get used to another one for a while I end up putting back my mx blues MJ2 on my desk
(but... I still haven't got any TOPRE)

However... I didn't try yet to change filco original keycaps... even though some are...

And I didn't started with Filco neither MX blues

[frvrngn]

One thing I noticed. Two pages in and not one Green or Clear (ergo or stock) Switch in sight.

[vatin]

Kinesis contoured advantage mx brown with palm key mod. Just pure efficiency.

[dante]

Anywhere:
Buckling Spring

Office:
Apple IIGS A9M0330 SMK White Alps

I forgot to add the "why" answer.

The BS seems obvious.  On the Apple IIGS A9M0330 (NOT the Japanese Orange Alps version) - it feels like the complete package: The SMK White Alps (nonclicky) switches feel outstanding - like cleaner Ergo clears but not so much distance.  Also the keycaps are lower profile and feel really nice.  I'm not sure if they are PBT or double shot but they don't feel super slick like ABS - but they are not coarse like some PBT either.

It is also not as loud and the acoustics on this board are wonderfully quiet.  Really an unsung hero in the Alps saga.

[Hyde]

Actually my preference is very close to yours.

My favorite is probably Topre Type Heaven but I'd probably want to replace stock keycap with PBT ones later.  Topre feel like it's in a sweet spot where it's just heavy enough and really smooth and quiet to type on.

Otherwise for second choice I'd say Quiet Pro is slightly too crunchy but otherwise it's pretty nice to type on, follow by MX Brown where it's pretty nice to type on but I feel like if it's slightly heavier it might be less prone to typos.

[czarek]

I went through all possible switches. Used MX Brown for a year, all kinds of BS (Model M, SSK, Model F, Unicomp) for 2 years, HHKB for almost a year, RF for few months. At work I was using Dell with black Alps and G80 with MX Blues. I also tried (each for couple of weeks at least) MX Reds and Vintage Blacks. I also use linear space invaders on almost daily basis (on my Amiga). My recent daily driver is MJ2 AI with MX Blues.
I love all of them and they're good for different things. For example BS is awesome feel, possibly my all time favourite but I don't like inconsistency of sound and feel across the keyboard and I kind of can't type at full speed on it. I used to love Topre as a nice (lighter and quieter) alternative to BS, HHKB is still by travelling keyboard, although I don't like it for everyday use. The rubbery debounce just feels too slow. As with linears, I like them. I enjoy typing on them but I make a lot of errors and I can't type without looking at what I'm typing (I sometimes need that during meetings). I love space savers for Amiga games though.
My daily driver is Filco with MX Blues now and I totally love it. I replaced keycaps with blank PBTs and it made it even better. The sound, consistency, tactility and solid feel (much better than G80, because of which I avoided MX blues for long time) just make it the best keyboard for me right now. I'm the fastest and most accurate on it too. I can type 100-105 WPM with 100% accuracy and even faster if I sacrifice accuracy. With BS and Topre I top up on 90-95 WPM, I just can't go any faster with either heavy tactility (BS) or slow debounce (Topre). I also don't like inconsistency of BS and Topre. Also I got really disappointed by Topre wear and ageing relatively quickly...

[lilky]

I know that Topre is adored here but honestly my favorite switch to type on are blues. I don't understand why you said you don't like the blue sound but you're currently OK with the greens? They make the same sound when you type on them...

I have heard wonderful things about the Model F, but I haven't ever gotten the chance to type on one so I can't know for sure.

[Dubsgalore]

I love my poker...the only keyboard that i have (right now)

after a day of bull**** and typing on my laptop, i love coming home and punching down on the big clear bumps...

they feel so significant when i first start using them, i love it

[rowdy]

One thing I noticed. Two pages in and not one Green or Clear (ergo or stock) Switch in sight.

I'm hopefully getting a keyboard with MX greens soon.  Although I have some slight doubts that it will replace Topre as my favourite general typing keyboard, MX blacks are a very close second, so we shall see how greens fare.

[Pacifist]

One thing I noticed. Two pages in and not one Green or Clear (ergo or stock) Switch in sight.

Where is tp?

[rowdy]

One thing I noticed. Two pages in and not one Green or Clear (ergo or stock) Switch in sight.

Where is tp?

Probably off arguing with someone again.  Unless he's been banned already, although to me he seems to be posting technical articles these days without ED references.

[frvrngn]

One thing I noticed. Two pages in and not one Green or Clear (ergo or stock) Switch in sight.

I'm hopefully getting a keyboard with MX greens soon.  Although I have some slight doubts that it will replace Topre as my favourite general typing keyboard, MX blacks are a very close second, so we shall see how greens fare.

I am curious how your will like the greens since you also like Topre. For me the click is less "harsh" than blues if that makes sense. My Das is on pretty much permanent loan since I didn't like it and the other blue board is a Noppoo I just got in that reminded me why I dislike blues. The greens are nice feeling and sound better to me but they are very heavy feeling.

[rowdy]

One thing I noticed. Two pages in and not one Green or Clear (ergo or stock) Switch in sight.

I'm hopefully getting a keyboard with MX greens soon.  Although I have some slight doubts that it will replace Topre as my favourite general typing keyboard, MX blacks are a very close second, so we shall see how greens fare.

I am curious how your will like the greens since you also like Topre. For me the click is less "harsh" than blues if that makes sense. My Das is on pretty much permanent loan since I didn't like it and the other blue board is a Noppoo I just got in that reminded me why I dislike blues. The greens are nice feeling and sound better to me but they are very heavy feeling.

Me too!

I have three keyboards with blues, and they all feel different, but feel as if they are lacking something.  Maybe too light?

I have reds and blacks, and prefer the blacks, so I figured I prefer stiffer springs.

So, stiffer springs with clicky feedback - the easiest route is to get greens.

It's a QFR too - I am using my QFR with blacks now, and an added click might just do it for me

[dante]

Blacks feel different across keyboards too.  Filco Maj 1's murdered my knuckles while Tte Meka G1 feels like they were lubed and 10g lighter

[BlackWidowMan777]

I went through all possible switches. Used MX Brown for a year, all kinds of BS (Model M, SSK, Model F, Unicomp) for 2 years, HHKB for almost a year, RF for few months. At work I was using Dell with black Alps and G80 with MX Blues. I also tried (each for couple of weeks at least) MX Reds and Vintage Blacks. I also use linear space invaders on almost daily basis (on my Amiga). My recent daily driver is MJ2 AI with MX Blues.
I love all of them and they're good for different things. For example BS is awesome feel, possibly my all time favourite but I don't like inconsistency of sound and feel across the keyboard and I kind of can't type at full speed on it. I used to love Topre as a nice (lighter and quieter) alternative to BS, HHKB is still by travelling keyboard, although I don't like it for everyday use. The rubbery debounce just feels too slow. As with linears, I like them. I enjoy typing on them but I make a lot of errors and I can't type without looking at what I'm typing (I sometimes need that during meetings). I love space savers for Amiga games though.
My daily driver is Filco with MX Blues now and I totally love it. I replaced keycaps with blank PBTs and it made it even better. The sound, consistency, tactility and solid feel (much better than G80, because of which I avoided MX blues for long time) just make it the best keyboard for me right now. I'm the fastest and most accurate on it too. I can type 100-105 WPM with 100% accuracy and even faster if I sacrifice accuracy. With BS and Topre I top up on 90-95 WPM, I just can't go any faster with either heavy tactility (BS) or slow debounce (Topre). I also don't like inconsistency of BS and Topre. Also I got really disappointed by Topre wear and ageing relatively quickly...

This pretty much reflects my experiences , except I would insert my Blackwidow (the glossy one) where you had your Majestouch. I have never owned a filco but I have a das ultimate and I prefer the blackwidow for typing speed, accuracy, tactile and auditory feedback. It is just a more solid keyboard. I broke the stablizer on the zero key on the numpad, so I guess the stabilizers are kinda 'delicate'. My all time highest typing speed was recorded on the QFR with greens – but it's like driving a 911 Porsche turbo – you're not going to achieve peak speeds caressing it like a Nissan GTR, you gotta work it like a skilled race car driver – otherwise it just feels stiff and not an effortless typing experience. That's why I prefer the blues of the Blackwidow, on which I am close to my top speed but have the highest average speed on – it's accurate, and it sounds and feels great with the soft landing pads, which deaden the machine-gun impact of bottoming out.

When I first got the Matias Quiet mini for PC it felt like I had found my perfect keyboard. I was in typing nirvana... But just like sex, I have not felt that initial feeling since (lol) and I haven't been able to replicate the speed and accuracy as the very first time I typed on it (literally the first 10 minutes), it's crazy. The Realforce 55g feels great and is very accurate but I pretty much placed it back in the box – saving it for another time. I prefer the Unicomp (I have probably one of the first Ultraclassic 103's off the line) over my 1990 Model M which I find too stiff. I have every colour of cherry mx but at the other end of the spectrum I bought 2 Aron 106 from China and I find the linear one better than my HPE 87 with reds – so I guess price does not really mean a thing - at the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference and even mood.

edit: I forgot to mention, my second favorite keyboard to type on is the SGI Granite - it is close to perfect but after a while I tend to miss the actuation click of the blues. IMO, it is far better than topre and it is a vintage keyboard, go figure.

[rowdy]

Blacks feel different across keyboards too.  Filco Maj 1's murdered my knuckles while Tte Meka G1 feels like they were lubed and 10g lighter

Tell me about it!  I have two keyboards with MX blacks, an they feel different.  The other one feels better than the QFR, but it is not a PC keyboard.  Probably has vintage blacks or something like that, although when I checked the switches looked modern.

[Nakapfao]

Any (k)otaku TKL with browns

[davkol]

ErgoDox, because of the split columnar layout... obviously. I still haven't decided, which switches are my favorite though. I'm a bit slow on stock clears, and bottom out on reds... maybe vintage blacks? I love them, but there's no way I'm going back to winkeyless full-size staggered layout.

BTW are there any thick uniform-profile (DSA?) durable (PBT or POM) keycaps?