Best laptop keyboard for a writer/programmer?

[mr_a500]

This 1983 notebook has a nice ALPS keyboard:

Show Image

(on top of Macbook Pro for size comparison)

... but it has 24k RAM and runs at 2.4MHz. I still type notes with it occasionally. You can program with it too... but only in BASIC.  :D

Damn that looks nice! I could overlook the Caps Lock, but I'd prefer Tandy over Radio Shack!

It changed to Tandy with the 102, but I've read that the keyboard is not as nice (mushier) and the case is slightly cheaper. (though thinner)

[hasu]

This thread reminded me my long forgotten TRS-80 and gave an idea. After web research I found this page says it has serial communication program  by nature. It is time to revive my lovely small old computer.
http://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2010-02-18-kaypro-m100-keyboard.htm

With converting its serial output into USB HID I can type this post with my TRS-80 model 100 now.

[vivalarevolución]

I liked the Macbook keyboards until they started manufacturing the thinner models without the optical drive.  They made the keys lower profile and less key travel.

As others have said, I recommend a 60% keyboard with your laptop. 

[Oobly]

The older MacBook Pro (2009 model) chiclet keyboard is really not bad. I've done a decent amount of typing on mine and prefer it to most rubber dome USB boards. It's not nearly as nice as my Ducky with MX browns, though.

The actuation distance seems similar, which may be one reason I like it, even though you're bottoming out on the chiclet board.

[mr_a500]

This thread reminded me my long forgotten TRS-80 and gave an idea. After web research I found this page says it has serial communication program  by nature. It is time to revive my lovely small old computer.
http://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2010-02-18-kaypro-m100-keyboard.htm

With converting its serial output into USB HID I can type this post with my TRS-80 model 100 now.

Show Image

Fascinating. I've typed posts and emails with my TRS-80 before, but by transferring to SD card (with NADSBox) and copying and pasting the text. Directly typing sounds like a neat idea.

[metalliqaz]

This is so annoying. You used to be able to get a halfdecent keyboard on laptops. Now however, they are really all chiclet with only a few exceptions.

This is my solution:

Show Image

That looks like the most uncomfortable setup ever. 

[mr_a500]

It'll be more comfortable when I put the flip cover back on the keyboard. That's the only thing that's uncomfortable. I can rest my arms on both sides of the keyboard and I keep the trackball closer to the wall. It's much more comfortable than sitting at a desk.

[yakitysax]

I wonder why dont they create a laptop with a mechanical keyboard

They did back in the day....

Back when this 16 pound monstrosity was called a laptop...

Show Image

That's actually not too bad of a design in the context of having a portable workbench laptop. I'm currently using one of my older laptops for that purpose, having one similar to that size with a built-in trackball and quality keyboard would be very useful, especially if it had a stackable design where I could put a FPGA or other kit under it.

[peonpeon]

My mother owns a Thinkpad and the keys on it are quite nice for any laptop that I've used. I also really like the Steelseries laptop keyboard on MSI laptops as well, they have a nice pressure and the keys themselves feel thicker and heavier, with a nice long travel.

+1 for the steelseries.  I have a clevo laptop built from mythlogic that offers the same keyboard.  One of the best scissor keyboards i've used.  It feels very evenly solid and ends with a satisfying click with each stroke.  I highly recommend that keyboard ( the mousepad on the other hand...)

[Linkbane]

My mother owns a Thinkpad and the keys on it are quite nice for any laptop that I've used. I also really like the Steelseries laptop keyboard on MSI laptops as well, they have a nice pressure and the keys themselves feel thicker and heavier, with a nice long travel.

+1 for the steelseries.  I have a clevo laptop built from mythlogic that offers the same keyboard.  One of the best scissor keyboards i've used.  It feels very evenly solid and ends with a satisfying click with each stroke.  I highly recommend that keyboard ( the mousepad on the other hand...)

Their single mouse button is barely half a step up from the apple no-button pads, in my opinion..

[1pq]

My mother owns a Thinkpad and the keys on it are quite nice for any laptop that I've used. I also really like the Steelseries laptop keyboard on MSI laptops as well, they have a nice pressure and the keys themselves feel thicker and heavier, with a nice long travel.

+1 for the steelseries.  I have a clevo laptop built from mythlogic that offers the same keyboard.  One of the best scissor keyboards i've used.  It feels very evenly solid and ends with a satisfying click with each stroke.  I highly recommend that keyboard ( the mousepad on the other hand...)

Their single mouse button is barely half a step up from the apple no-button pads, in my opinion..

What's so bad about the apple trackpads? I have no problem with them. They keyboards are pretty terrible, but at least they're better than standard membrane boards.

[Linkbane]

My mother owns a Thinkpad and the keys on it are quite nice for any laptop that I've used. I also really like the Steelseries laptop keyboard on MSI laptops as well, they have a nice pressure and the keys themselves feel thicker and heavier, with a nice long travel.

+1 for the steelseries.  I have a clevo laptop built from mythlogic that offers the same keyboard.  One of the best scissor keyboards i've used.  It feels very evenly solid and ends with a satisfying click with each stroke.  I highly recommend that keyboard ( the mousepad on the other hand...)

Their single mouse button is barely half a step up from the apple no-button pads, in my opinion..

What's so bad about the apple trackpads? I have no problem with them. They keyboards are pretty terrible, but at least they're better than standard membrane boards.

Not a fan of how the clicking mechanism works, honestly. I like the pad and the finger detection is intuitive and responsive for me, but the clicking..
Also, do you really like their keyboards? I find the travel too short for my taste personally, feels like I'm typing on a sheet.

[Tony]

All laptop keyboards are the same and not worth typing on it. You may buy a Choc mini or a Poker.

[mr_a500]

Their single mouse button is barely half a step up from the apple no-button pads, in my opinion..

What's so bad about the apple trackpads? I have no problem with them. They keyboards are pretty terrible, but at least they're better than standard membrane boards.

Not a fan of how the clicking mechanism works, honestly. I like the pad and the finger detection is intuitive and responsive for me, but the clicking..
Also, do you really like their keyboards? I find the travel too short for my taste personally, feels like I'm typing on a sheet.

I'll agree with that. The Apple trackpad click annoys the hell out of me. It's way too stiff. Obviously it's that stiff to prevent accidental clicks, but it makes clicking a pain. I'm forced to use "double tap to click", which causes... accidental clicks. (but less painful to do so)

I'm so much happier when I dock my Macbook and use my DT225 trackball and beam spring keyboard instead.

[M-88]

Another vote for the older Thinkpads. Up to the T60/61 (I believe some T420/520 as well) were EXCELLENT!

There are scissor keys, and there are good scissor keys.

[Linkbane]

Their single mouse button is barely half a step up from the apple no-button pads, in my opinion..

What's so bad about the apple trackpads? I have no problem with them. They keyboards are pretty terrible, but at least they're better than standard membrane boards.

Not a fan of how the clicking mechanism works, honestly. I like the pad and the finger detection is intuitive and responsive for me, but the clicking..
Also, do you really like their keyboards? I find the travel too short for my taste personally, feels like I'm typing on a sheet.

I'll agree with that. The Apple trackpad click annoys the hell out of me. It's way too stiff. Obviously it's that stiff to prevent accidental clicks, but it makes clicking a pain. I'm forced to use "double tap to click", which causes... accidental clicks. (but less painful to do so)

I'm so much happier when I dock my Macbook and use my DT225 trackball and beam spring keyboard instead.

That must be a contrast! Have you ever attempted gaming on a trackball?

[yakitysax]

Their single mouse button is barely half a step up from the apple no-button pads, in my opinion..

What's so bad about the apple trackpads? I have no problem with them. They keyboards are pretty terrible, but at least they're better than standard membrane boards.

Not a fan of how the clicking mechanism works, honestly. I like the pad and the finger detection is intuitive and responsive for me, but the clicking..
Also, do you really like their keyboards? I find the travel too short for my taste personally, feels like I'm typing on a sheet.

I'll agree with that. The Apple trackpad click annoys the hell out of me. It's way too stiff. Obviously it's that stiff to prevent accidental clicks, but it makes clicking a pain. I'm forced to use "double tap to click", which causes... accidental clicks. (but less painful to do so)

I'm so much happier when I dock my Macbook and use my DT225 trackball and beam spring keyboard instead.

With the Apple Trackpad the user can simply tap it quickly.... pressing it with enough force to actually have it click rather than utilize it being a multi-touch pad is strange.

[Linkbane]

Their single mouse button is barely half a step up from the apple no-button pads, in my opinion..

What's so bad about the apple trackpads? I have no problem with them. They keyboards are pretty terrible, but at least they're better than standard membrane boards.

Not a fan of how the clicking mechanism works, honestly. I like the pad and the finger detection is intuitive and responsive for me, but the clicking..
Also, do you really like their keyboards? I find the travel too short for my taste personally, feels like I'm typing on a sheet.

I'll agree with that. The Apple trackpad click annoys the hell out of me. It's way too stiff. Obviously it's that stiff to prevent accidental clicks, but it makes clicking a pain. I'm forced to use "double tap to click", which causes... accidental clicks. (but less painful to do so)

I'm so much happier when I dock my Macbook and use my DT225 trackball and beam spring keyboard instead.

With the Apple Trackpad the user can simply tap it quickly.... pressing it with enough force to actually have it click rather than utilize it being a multi-touch pad is strange.

Only in certain applications. There are many applications where I want to know that my click has definitely been recorded (or when I need to hold down the left/right button) which not achievable.
Again, I do like the multi-touch function, but pretty much any touchpad has them these days and I hate that Apple removes functionality for form.

[mr_a500]

I'll agree with that. The Apple trackpad click annoys the hell out of me. It's way too stiff. Obviously it's that stiff to prevent accidental clicks, but it makes clicking a pain. I'm forced to use "double tap to click", which causes... accidental clicks. (but less painful to do so)

I'm so much happier when I dock my Macbook and use my DT225 trackball and beam spring keyboard instead.

That must be a contrast! Have you ever attempted gaming on a trackball?

Of course. I've been using trackballs for gaming for the past few decades. I completed Halo, Half-life, Half-life 2, etc. (hundreds of games, even though I'm not a "gamer")  I find a trackball less awkward than mouse or trackpad. One major advantage of trackballs is that if you want to move fast, the ball has momentum so you just spin it hard. You can't do the same with other pointing devices.

[Linkbane]

Of course. I've been using trackballs for gaming for the past few decades. I completed Halo, Half-life, Half-life 2, etc. (hundreds of games, even though I'm not a "gamer")  I find a trackball less awkward than mouse or trackpad. One major advantage of trackballs is that if you want to move fast, the ball has momentum so you just spin it hard. You can't do the same with other pointing devices.

Acceleration exists, but I imagine that it's less precise than a trackball. What are some of the advantages of it over a mouse?

[tp4tissue]

This guy has really gone out of his way to tell me about this product and has been nothing but helpful and very professional.

Just ordered two, and I want to echo 127001's statement here. This person has been very nice throughout all me correspondence with him. He comes off immediately as being a great guy. I love doing business with such excellent people.

I'll agree with that. The Apple trackpad click annoys the hell out of me. It's way too stiff. Obviously it's that stiff to prevent accidental clicks, but it makes clicking a pain. I'm forced to use "double tap to click", which causes... accidental clicks. (but less painful to do so)

I'm so much happier when I dock my Macbook and use my DT225 trackball and beam spring keyboard instead.

That must be a contrast! Have you ever attempted gaming on a trackball?

Of course. I've been using trackballs for gaming for the past few decades. I completed Halo, Half-life, Half-life 2, etc. (hundreds of games, even though I'm not a "gamer")  I find a trackball less awkward than mouse or trackpad. One major advantage of trackballs is that if you want to move fast, the ball has momentum so you just spin it hard. You can't do the same with other pointing devices.

bull ****... you beat halo PC with trackball?  was it on Easy or Legendary...   

also.. Do you want to 1v1 me on Halo?

[Linkbane]

Of course. I've been using trackballs for gaming for the past few decades. I completed Halo, Half-life, Half-life 2, etc. (hundreds of games, even though I'm not a "gamer")  I find a trackball less awkward than mouse or trackpad. One major advantage of trackballs is that if you want to move fast, the ball has momentum so you just spin it hard. You can't do the same with other pointing devices.

bull ****... you beat halo PC with trackball?  was it on Easy or Legendary...   

Show Image

also.. Do you want to 1v1 me on Halo?

Oh man, the tp callout. Please stream this on twitch.tv

[1pq]

My mother owns a Thinkpad and the keys on it are quite nice for any laptop that I've used. I also really like the Steelseries laptop keyboard on MSI laptops as well, they have a nice pressure and the keys themselves feel thicker and heavier, with a nice long travel.

+1 for the steelseries.  I have a clevo laptop built from mythlogic that offers the same keyboard.  One of the best scissor keyboards i've used.  It feels very evenly solid and ends with a satisfying click with each stroke.  I highly recommend that keyboard ( the mousepad on the other hand...)

Their single mouse button is barely half a step up from the apple no-button pads, in my opinion..

What's so bad about the apple trackpads? I have no problem with them. They keyboards are pretty terrible, but at least they're better than standard membrane boards.

Not a fan of how the clicking mechanism works, honestly. I like the pad and the finger detection is intuitive and responsive for me, but the clicking..
Also, do you really like their keyboards? I find the travel too short for my taste personally, feels like I'm typing on a sheet.

Yeah the clicking was definitely sub-par. I converted to "tap to click" a while ago, though. I just prefer scissor switches to standard RD in general: they're fairly tactile and not as mushy. The low travel doesn't bother me too much; the worst part about it is the hard bottom-outs IMO.

[yakitysax]

Their single mouse button is barely half a step up from the apple no-button pads, in my opinion..

What's so bad about the apple trackpads? I have no problem with them. They keyboards are pretty terrible, but at least they're better than standard membrane boards.

Not a fan of how the clicking mechanism works, honestly. I like the pad and the finger detection is intuitive and responsive for me, but the clicking..
Also, do you really like their keyboards? I find the travel too short for my taste personally, feels like I'm typing on a sheet.

I'll agree with that. The Apple trackpad click annoys the hell out of me. It's way too stiff. Obviously it's that stiff to prevent accidental clicks, but it makes clicking a pain. I'm forced to use "double tap to click", which causes... accidental clicks. (but less painful to do so)

I'm so much happier when I dock my Macbook and use my DT225 trackball and beam spring keyboard instead.

With the Apple Trackpad the user can simply tap it quickly.... pressing it with enough force to actually have it click rather than utilize it being a multi-touch pad is strange.

Only in certain applications. There are many applications where I want to know that my click has definitely been recorded (or when I need to hold down the left/right button) which not achievable.
Again, I do like the multi-touch function, but pretty much any touchpad has them these days and I hate that Apple removes functionality for form.

I have not tried the Logitech touch pad mentioned earlier, but compared to all of the other trackpads I have tried, the ones Apple makes work far better for whatever reason. I still use an external trackball and Spacemouse Wireless though as using a trackpad for CAD would be insanely tedious.

[mooswa]

Someone, please change this to use mechanical keyboard:

http://makezine.com/magazine/building-an-open-source-laptop/

[jacobolus]

This laptop has Cherry MX blue switches for all keys except spacebar and enter, which use amber/orange Alps-mount Omron switches and Alps-style stabilizers. It’s really nice to type on, for a laptop: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bondwell-B310-Laptop-/261365377272





However, the rest of the laptop may not be to your taste.

[JWK]

Developer who likes to type a lot here. Let's assume you want no extra keyboard; I'm sure you already explored this option.
I owned an older ThinkPad, a MacBook Pro and now a ThinkPad with the current chiclet-style switches. Additionally I have typed every now and then on various other laptop keyboards. My favorite is the current ThinkPad keyboard, I like it even better than the old ones - although I seem to be in the minority on this one. They are available with a backlight, if that's a "must have" for you. The older ThinkPad keyboards get a very close second place, and I think the Apple keyboards are okay ... as long as you don't switch between this flat keys and regular ones, than they get weird.

If you need to do some serious writing on the go, you really should think about getting your favorite 60% keyboard and prop it up Stallman-style. But hey, I have some problems with regular membrane keyboards, but using my trusty ThinkPad for a whole day is not out of the question.

Thanks a lot for the input everyone.
It seems like there are 3 common options:
1. Lenovo
2. MacBooks
3. 60%
As stated, I know the MB's must be good... I just can't get myself to have one. So between Lenovo's and 60%'s... hmmm, great excuse for another keyboard? 

There are a half-dozen people milling-out aluminum cases for these 60% keyboards.  Has anyone considered designing a case with a lid to protect the top side of the keyboard?  It could be hinged to incline the keyboard when open.   

[spuriousgeorge]

I don't know of any laptops with mechanical keyboards. But Lenovo's scissor switches, of the scissor switches I've tried, feel the most crisp.

Apple, Dell, Toshiba, Acer, ASUS not so much.

Although wasn't there something in this forum a while back about Apple coming out with its own mechanical switch?

[spuriousgeorge]

Just found the link: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55616.0.

[ideus]

I don't know of any laptops with mechanical keyboards. But Lenovo's scissor switches, of the scissor switches I've tried, feel the most crisp.

Apple, Dell, Toshiba, Acer, ASUS not so much.

Although wasn't there something in this forum a while back about Apple coming out with its own mechanical switch?

Lenovo's are great keyboards. But there is always a gap , while you compare them with a mechanical. I have a thinkpad and I notice a difference when I need to use its keyboard. At my desktop I have it always connected to my Leopold.

[EvillePanda]

I know I'm going against the grain here, but Lenovos are god awful.  The cases feel like cheap plastic and the trackpads on some of these are a nightmare.  You do a mouse click and the whole trackpad depresses.

Get a 60% mechanical keyboard and just carry it around with you.  You'll be happier.  I'm going to get one next paycheck, program it for Dvorak and use that.

[spuriousgeorge]

You're right, EvillePanda, the Lenovo trackpads are awful. I would only recommend Lenovo to those who have a thing for trackpoints.

Should have mentioned that in my earlier post. 

[daerid]

I know I'm going against the grain here, but Lenovos are god awful.  The cases feel like cheap plastic and the trackpads on some of these are a nightmare.  You do a mouse click and the whole trackpad depresses.

Get a 60% mechanical keyboard and just carry it around with you.  You'll be happier.  I'm going to get one next paycheck, program it for Dvorak and use that.

That's really sad to hear. My last experience with a Lenovo was quite a while ago (mid 2000's) and I remember them being extremely well made and reliable, with probably the best laptop keyboards you could put your fingers on.

I hate it when a good company gets popular because of their quality products and then proceed to get greed and sacrifice quality, knowing that their name brand will drive sales and maximize profits.

[ideus]

I know I'm going against the grain here, but Lenovos are god awful.  The cases feel like cheap plastic and the trackpads on some of these are a nightmare.  You do a mouse click and the whole trackpad depresses.

Get a 60% mechanical keyboard and just carry it around with you.  You'll be happier.  I'm going to get one next paycheck, program it for Dvorak and use that.

That's really sad to hear. My last experience with a Lenovo was quite a while ago (mid 2000's) and I remember them being extremely well made and reliable, with probably the best laptop keyboards you could put your fingers on.

I hate it when a good company gets popular because of their quality products and then proceed to get greed and sacrifice quality, knowing that their name brand will drive sales and maximize profits.

I do not know all the lenovo line of products, but I have used Thinkpads and their cases are made of metal. But I think that is not the point here, but to suggest some good keyboard already integrated in a laptop.

[EvillePanda]

I know I'm going against the grain here, but Lenovos are god awful.  The cases feel like cheap plastic and the trackpads on some of these are a nightmare.  You do a mouse click and the whole trackpad depresses.

Get a 60% mechanical keyboard and just carry it around with you.  You'll be happier.  I'm going to get one next paycheck, program it for Dvorak and use that.

That's really sad to hear. My last experience with a Lenovo was quite a while ago (mid 2000's) and I remember them being extremely well made and reliable, with probably the best laptop keyboards you could put your fingers on.

I hate it when a good company gets popular because of their quality products and then proceed to get greed and sacrifice quality, knowing that their name brand will drive sales and maximize profits.

I just compared the keyboard from a Lenovo t540p to a Dell Inspirion 5721 and they were pretty much identical.  My Typematrix feels better than either.  My ideal setup is a Windows tablet with a 60% like Keycool or Poker.  Now if only I could find a 60% mechanical keyboard with a columnar layout.  I would be really happy.

[ideus]

I know I'm going against the grain here, but Lenovos are god awful.  The cases feel like cheap plastic and the trackpads on some of these are a nightmare.  You do a mouse click and the whole trackpad depresses.

Get a 60% mechanical keyboard and just carry it around with you.  You'll be happier.  I'm going to get one next paycheck, program it for Dvorak and use that.

That's really sad to hear. My last experience with a Lenovo was quite a while ago (mid 2000's) and I remember them being extremely well made and reliable, with probably the best laptop keyboards you could put your fingers on.

I hate it when a good company gets popular because of their quality products and then proceed to get greed and sacrifice quality, knowing that their name brand will drive sales and maximize profits.

I just compared the keyboard from a Lenovo t540p to a Dell Inspirion 5721 and they were pretty much identical.  My Typematrix feels better than either.  My ideal setup is a Windows tablet with a 60% like Keycool or Poker.  Now if only I could find a 60% mechanical keyboard with a columnar layout.  I would be really happy.

What do you mean by columnar layout?

[EvillePanda]

I know I'm going against the grain here, but Lenovos are god awful.  The cases feel like cheap plastic and the trackpads on some of these are a nightmare.  You do a mouse click and the whole trackpad depresses.

Get a 60% mechanical keyboard and just carry it around with you.  You'll be happier.  I'm going to get one next paycheck, program it for Dvorak and use that.

That's really sad to hear. My last experience with a Lenovo was quite a while ago (mid 2000's) and I remember them being extremely well made and reliable, with probably the best laptop keyboards you could put your fingers on.

I hate it when a good company gets popular because of their quality products and then proceed to get greed and sacrifice quality, knowing that their name brand will drive sales and maximize profits.

I just compared the keyboard from a Lenovo t540p to a Dell Inspirion 5721 and they were pretty much identical.  My Typematrix feels better than either.  My ideal setup is a Windows tablet with a 60% like Keycool or Poker.  Now if only I could find a 60% mechanical keyboard with a columnar layout.  I would be really happy.

What do you mean by columnar layout?

Non-staggered like the ErgoDox or my Typematrix.  Staggered (about 99% of keyboards out there) is really hard on my hands.  And thinkpads don't have metal cases anymore.  They're all plastic now.

[ideus]

The typematrix is an interesting layout. Why are you not considering to use this then? You already have it, and it fits your needs, doesn't it?

[EvillePanda]

The typematrix is an interesting layout. Why are you not considering to use this then? You already have it, and it fits your needs, doesn't it?

It's not mechanical.  The keys are alright, but after using MX blues on another keyboard, it's still not quite there.  It's nice, but no where near as nice as it could be.

[ideus]

The typematrix is an interesting layout. Why are you not considering to use this then? You already have it, and it fits your needs, doesn't it?

It's not mechanical.  The keys are alright, but after using MX blues on another keyboard, it's still not quite there.  It's nice, but no where near as nice as it could be.

I see, well in that case I think your options will be very limited. I think I saw a mechanical keyboard with a matrix layout, but it was large, and by no means portable. Maybe you should consider to design and built your own.

[EvillePanda]

The typematrix is an interesting layout. Why are you not considering to use this then? You already have it, and it fits your needs, doesn't it?

It's not mechanical.  The keys are alright, but after using MX blues on another keyboard, it's still not quite there.  It's nice, but no where near as nice as it could be.

I see, well in that case I think your options will be very limited. I think I saw a mechanical keyboard with a matrix layout, but it was large, and by no means portable. Maybe you should consider to design and built your own.

That's pretty much what I've decided I'll have to do.  Which is why I'm here.

But yeah, external keyboard with a laptop.  Unless you wanna get really creative like some of the stuff posted above.

[daerid]

I know I'm going against the grain here, but Lenovos are god awful.  The cases feel like cheap plastic and the trackpads on some of these are a nightmare.  You do a mouse click and the whole trackpad depresses.

Get a 60% mechanical keyboard and just carry it around with you.  You'll be happier.  I'm going to get one next paycheck, program it for Dvorak and use that.

That's really sad to hear. My last experience with a Lenovo was quite a while ago (mid 2000's) and I remember them being extremely well made and reliable, with probably the best laptop keyboards you could put your fingers on.

I hate it when a good company gets popular because of their quality products and then proceed to get greed and sacrifice quality, knowing that their name brand will drive sales and maximize profits.

I just compared the keyboard from a Lenovo t540p to a Dell Inspirion 5721 and they were pretty much identical.  My Typematrix feels better than either.  My ideal setup is a Windows tablet with a 60% like Keycool or Poker.  Now if only I could find a 60% mechanical keyboard with a columnar layout.  I would be really happy.

You should follow AcidFire's Nexus project. I challenged him to come up with a 70% design based on the ErgoDox, and he rose to the challenge. He's got some really cool stuff going on: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44940.0

One version of the 70% you can see here, straight version here.

[EvillePanda]

I've been following that thread, but I had not seen those.  I'm really excited for his build now.  Especially the curved board.  Thanks for sharing!

[shaaniqbal]

I don't know of any laptops with mechanical keyboards. But Lenovo's scissor switches, of the scissor switches I've tried, feel the most crisp.

Apple, Dell, Toshiba, Acer, ASUS not so much.

Although wasn't there something in this forum a while back about Apple coming out with its own mechanical switch?

Apple coming out with a mechanical switch?

[technomancy]

Someone, please change this to use mechanical keyboard:

Show Image

So... these actually went up for pre-order today: https://www.crowdsupply.com/kosagi/novena-open-laptop

The case here looks pretty thick. Who knows, it could be thick enough to house a board of MX switches? Here's hoping.

[saltdiscus]

I had lenovo t430s with great keyboard for typing.

[jacobolus]

I found one even better than the Bondwell B310 w/ blue cherries, or the IBM 5140 w/ brown Alps...

The Datavue Spark. Nice compact layout, cyan Omron B3G-S switches, dye-subbed PBT caps.

The machine is enormous and weighs >10 pounds though, so I’m not sure “laptop” is the right word.

[RapaciousBodhisattva]

Micro-Star International  ( MSI )  laptops have very nice keyboards (model MS-16GB)  its a 17" display, PF keys great, raised up/down/left/right arrow keys are groups distinct easily located by roaming hand without need to look, that purple fn key makes multi-purpose PF keys slick  ....  steer away from HP laptops for any serious software development IMHO