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Mechanical keyboard are everywhere these days , and there ’s a larger variety show now than ever before . If you ’re looking to pick one up but want to look beyond the most vulgar layout and type , understand on . Here are eight mechanical keyboards that bind out from the plurality .
Feker Alice 80
My first Alice circuit board ! And to my big joyfulness , theFeker Alice 80is a solid — very solid — example of this layout , though its foibles should not be look out on . The Alice 80 is of a similar build type to Keychron ’s Q serial , with a full - contact bottom ( plus traditional toss - out foot ) and all keys mounted on a gasket . In addition , Feker tally “ a healthy moisten silicon switch inking pad , a silicone PCB foam and a bottom cotton fiber foam ” to further silence the Gateron Yellow switch .
I can tell you it makes quite a difference , and anyone would tally in a few keystrokes . The quiet , average propulsion linear switches feel like they ’re being pushed through a cloud , and are as tightlipped to silent as any mechanical keyboard I ’ve used . That is to say , very quiet but for a sort of soft , babble strait when you ’re really going . It ’s really very well-to-do and my daily driver for now .
This panel has a slightly unusual layout , with a window cay to the right of the left-hand infinite Browning automatic rifle section . I think I ’d hit it by accident a lot , but I did n’t once . It also has a light curve to the angled keys rather than a sudden turn , and a subtle but comfortable camping angle . On the ripe border , you ’ve got arrows and page up and down , plus delete . Add a volume dial and that ’s it ! It ’s not as minimum as some , but it ’s pretty minimal . If I could have , I would have gottenthe 75 % versionwith the use course and aluminum frame , but there are none left — for good rationality , no doubt . This version is a little flexy and not perfectly balanced , though only at the street corner .
But what may put some people off it is the relative deficiency of customization . The circuit board does n’t add up with any extra keys for swap out ( if you have a Mac layout , say ) and although there is a software configurator , I was ineffectual to get it to do more than switch one key with another or macro instruction . So I could n’t , for instance , arrange “ gambol / Pause ” to function+down .
I ’ll tell you this — if I was sitting down to do a marathon writing session , this is one of the first boards I ’d get to for . But if I needed unconstipated access to function and other keys or any kind of more complicated layering ( as many keyboard fancier like ) , then I would n’t be able to expend it . The feeling isn’tquiteright for gaming either , in my popular opinion , but I did n’t lease that stop over me . That it work wired , on Bluetoothorusing a Wi - Fi dongle is just icing on the cake .
Feker Alice 98
Here ’s a keyboard with a lot of potential but that at last did n’t bewitch me . The Alice layout plus a turn pad on the right hand , a thickening and a tiny LCD projection screen . Seems like a great match for anyone who wants the ergo benefits of Alice but call for those number and does n’t mind losing a little desktop space .
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But theAlice 98is offer with only Kailh Winter switches , which despite the gasket underneath are just not my manner — maybe they just need oiling , but they experience like they had a lot more friction , and not just an on purpose in high spirits resistance . They ’re not bad by any means , but the Yellows on the 80 just are a double-dyed peer .
The layout also has a less marked tent , almost none at all in fact , which with the tilted primal layout really constitute it seem like you ’re twisting your wrists in a bit . I did n’t anticipate that , but now I understand why the bivouacking establish into the 80 makes it seem flat when it is n’t .
And lastly , the software funding just is n’t there for a keyboard of this complexness . The microcode offered on the site did n’t even cross-file as a tangible file on my computer , and adjust off some computer virus - esque alarm clock bells . And if I ’m survive to have an LCD on at all time , I ’d like to be able to program it properly . So until the 98 gets the backup it needs ( and possibly some different switches ) , I ca n’t really recommend it .
Keychron Q11
Keychron has become one of the most pop mechanically skillful keyboard vendor , putting out solid boards with lots of customization options in an increasingly wide range of layout . This 75 % rip Q11 is among the latest , and could be a fantastic selection for those who do n’t call for tilting or camping .
The Q11is minimal and pleasingly industrial - looking at , with a totally flat , very solid build . It sit down directly on your desk with minuscule rubberized feet , making it low profile and pretty much as compact as is physically possible with a 75 % layout . The half also accommodate together cleanly to organize a more standard layout . It ’s a wired - only board , and you ’ll have to connect the two half with a bridge cable , so if that kind of desk clutter appal you , move on . But for those who do n’t mind a little seeable cabling , it ’s a fine-looking and unpretentious look .
The version I tested has Gateron Brown replacement , which make for a nice light typing smell , albeit fairly hard on the fingers due to the deficiency of a gasket or dampening layer . After typing on the Feker Alice this was definitely a more stark naked feel , but it ’s still well-off and smooth — just be wary of bottoming out ( and consider selecting a higher resistance switch ) .
The layout is compact and has plenty of layer plus five consecrate macro instruction Francis Scott Key to the left field , and interestingly two knobs , one in each upper corner . unremarkably the knob is demote to bulk responsibility and perhaps something else on another layer , but this lets you try out some interesting new use cases , like scrolling the page or moving the cursor . This is a decent , very portable rip alternative if you ’re uncoerced to give up a little of that typefeel .
Keychron Q13 Pro
Well , there ’s no getting around it : This keyboardis a bludgeoning weapon disguised as a computer computer peripheral . Weighing in at 2.4 kilograms ( 5.2 pounds ) and with a self-colored aluminum body , this is definitely the keyboard I ’d reach for if I was being charge by a zombie spirit . You could forge nails with this thing , no jocularity . But how does it perform ?
With a 75 % Alice layout , the Q13 is remarkably but practically laid out . The chief cluster is traditional Alice ( down to two “ B ” key ) , with macro instruction and mapping tonality scattered around the edge in staggered rows . It ’s not actually that gravid , but compound with the weight and increased height it feels more dispersed out , bulky even .
The keycaps have an surplus easy lay to them in the Keychron style , which is a mixed suitcase . In the center and upper rows it feels like they are get through out to greet your extended finger , minimizing bowel movement . But in the lower row it feels like there ’s a ridgepole sticking up above where it should n’t be . The space bar ’s configuration , for instance , gives it a sharp angle where my pollex makes contact , which is not something I enjoyed , and somehow the act of reaching for the backspace key put the middle of my ripe hand in contact with the up - thrusting leave arrow paint .
These are n’t dealbreakers ( well , the blank space stripe was for me ) but they might require a bit of getting used to , or a chip of key swapping .
It plug into via Bluetooth or cable , and can synchronize with three different equipment at once and switch promptly between them — always utile .
Cloud Nine ErgoTKL
A full - featured split ergo keyboard , theCloud Nine ErgoTKLpacks a lot of alternative into a relatively compact package . It has a compact tenkeyless layout but with a full ( if unseparated ) mapping row , which I appreciate , as well as arrow and piloting , plus a couplet swappable macro instruction key on the left wing . And of line there ’s that great big wheel in the middle .
The ErgoTKL has the disunited angle to its key layout , plus a light build - in camp out slant that I found quite comfortable , though being capable to correct it would have been a plus . The two one-half are easily separated but also come together nicely with a magnet to form a whole , with the wheel dead snapper .
The switch , Kailh Browns on my social unit , were light and merry , with an hearable but not bothersome click — you could clean elongate Reds or clicky White as well . I could postulate for a big space key — it seems like not all the ergo keyboard maker account for the different side your pollex consume when at this angle . Or maybe it ’s just me , but I end up on the corner of the outer space key when it ’s canted this agency .
It is of course full RGB , something I ’ve never had any use for , and almost all the pre - loaded modes are gaudy , shifting rainbows . luckily there ’s a very easy to use configurator that I put together a nice , thrill custom color layout in within minutes .
The fundamental wheel is a prissy tactile one , which you’re able to define to a diverseness of purpose ( though unhappily not cursor movement ) . It kind of looks like it would get in the way , but that never once happened for me . I only wish I could impute it to have one function normally , and another while activating the Fn layer .
I had some slim issues with mine , one with a random repeating disjunction that seems to have fixed itself , and another in that the left half of the keyboard does n’t sit flat on its lilliputian pencil eraser launch pad . With the weight of my hired man on it , it ’s plenty static , but it ’s troubling in a serious keyboard to see it wobble back and forth . The shaping decoration rests are also not great — I ’d reverberate for thepadded ones .
8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard
Okay , this oneisn’t really ergonomic , but it is strange . This cable / receiving set ( dongle or Bluetooth ) mechanical is fully custom from the switch up , and patently it falls under 8BitDo ’s retro aesthetic to the point where you might call up it ’s an official Nintendo accessary . ( It ’s not . )
It ’s a very clicky keyboard , but comfortable as 2-dimensional layouts go , and compact enough that you may easily sum your own wrist rests . There are two built in dials , one for wireless mode select and one for volume . But the real innovation is the giant macro buttons marked A and vitamin B like huge NES controllers .
Look , I ’m cognisant there are other standalone macro instruction clusters out there . you could buy one for 10 or 20 dollar bill online . But these Brobdingnagian , cherry red blood-red mega - buttons are something else . I ’ll say right now that they ’re not quite as live up to to crusade as they look , but they find durable enough that you’re able to really whack them if you ’ve depute them to clobber like close practical app or oddment call .
HHKB Studio
Here ’s an curious one and no mistake . The HHKB Studiois one of a kind , with a unique layout , a cursor essence , mouse buttons built in and four — count ’em — four touch - sore airstrip all around it . The idea behind it is to hit the requisite of a mouse at all , letting you never move your hands from the keyboard .
And although it would take some getting used to , I imagine the ironware ( handsome , understated and well - build ) sincerely support this proposal . But there are a fistful of major quirks you ’ll have to get retiring .
First , and most unhinged , is that there is NO BACKSPACE KEY . At least by default . You need to adapt a dipswitch to change delete to backspace , or you could do it in the customization software . Then , as you may live if you ’re familiar with the Happy Hacking layout , caps whorl is replaced by ascendancy , and delete / backspacer and the forward slash have switched plaza . Though these changes are made with well intent , I plainly ca n’t abide some of them , though as luck would have it it was easy configured . Lastly , the choice to use AA batteries rather of a rechargeable one is just evidently strange to me !
The trackpoint is good , and adequate for desktop tasks , and the mien of mouse button just under the distance streak is quite nice once you get used to it . It ’s a bit odd hitting left - pawl with my left hand while moving the pointer with my right , but it does save me a misstep to the mouse .
The capacitive strips are the most interesting piece , though , and I think they ’re a certified success . They run along the edges of the board , two on the front and one on each side . The remaining ones are jell to essentially restate arrow key ( nice because they ’re not present on this very compact layout ) , and the right 1 are coil up / down and shift apps by default .
This could be a real time rescuer , but you need to get good at it , because there ’s no tactual feedback and the strips themselves can be a little hard to find sometimes . And then , when they ’re trip , they can be a piffling irregular . While I appreciate the campaign that went into packing this much capability into this much quad — and it really is a lot of king in a remarkably small form factor — I feel like the purpose would be good served with the strip facing upwards , or peradventure even being along the quoin ( if that ’s possible ) .
If you ’re a really keyboard - centrical soul and desire to be even more so , or want a good sofa keyboard option , the HHKB Studio could be a literal eye - opener .
Kinesis Advantage 360 (Quiet Limited)
If you ’re ready for an ergo adventure , here ’s one that ’s challenging yet logical . TheAdvantage360is Kinesis ’s gamy - end theoretical account with not just a columniform layout but a concave contour to minimise finger movements . And then your locating and changer keys are all in thumb clump . The one I tested was a circumscribed edition with Kailh Box Pink Linear Quiet switches and special colorway .
expect , anyoneof these thing I could probably adapt quickly to . Twowould take time . All three at once is folly ! That said , it ’s really obvious that this could be an extremely comfortable and worthwhile layout for someone unforced to put in the time , like the Moonlander I test inthe last roundup . Or if you ’re already in this wild world of layout — this is a squeamish one .
The Advantage360 also has a sturdy tenting paddle frame-up that let me get a middling sharp angle going . Overall the physique quality was outstanding .
On the days I was using it , I would alternate between being ineffectual to situate C and suddenly and effortlessly typing a word with what felt like no movement at all . This is definitely a specialist keyboard , and the price ( $ 449 ) reflect that , but if you ’re already rock a columnar or concave layout you may adjust to this one in a jiffy . Well , maybe not a New York minute .
