Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
Pretty excited about this set and board. This will be my first themed mech key set that I have purchased. I have used all kinda of keyboards through out my life, and liked the Logitech wave for a bit along with the Microsoft ergo too.
This seem to fit all the checks for a nice board for me with the caveat that there is no Bluetooth. Maybe thats an overrated feature, but would be nice to cut as many wires where I can. That being said, can not wait to get this later this month. The style of it, small form factor, cherry mx switches and the mat looks pretty slick too.
I will have to post a follow up once I get the actual board, but some of the wins for me on this are the following:
- Backlit - I think this is a must have in todays modern world.
- Aesthetically pleasing - I liked this theme, and Chinese artwork particularly. A lot to this but simply put for brevity.
- Small form factor - I was originally eyeballing a WASD TKL with the function and editing keys, still may get that in the end. We shall see.
- Standard or better key switches - this was a concern as some vendor use less than quality or off brand switches with terrible feedback, etc.
- Upgrade to the current setup - sold my old Mac Pro with the keyboard, using my Logitech tv/PS4 keyboard while I filched around for a new replacement.
- Price - This seemed decent in comparison to a lot of the other mechanical boards. There are a lot that are all over the field in terms of price/quality/functionality.
- OS agnostic - This is important as I use macOS now, but see myself migrating back towards Linux for various reasons. But never know when I might be in Windows either, work laptop or something.
- Key layout dip switches - Would be nice if it had the dip switches for the keyboard layouts , but nothing a few pulls and some software cant fix either.
Got this to tie me over until the Panda unit arrives. Super cheap, backlit, and stops me from using this weird Logitech one. (K400r)https://www.amazon.com/MechanicalEagle-Tenkeyless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Switches/dp/B01I1N6N3U/ref=pd_ybh_a_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AD6ZXC9J1CY8WPJE5VEQ
Runner ups were :
- http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/make/wasd-v2-87-key-mac-retro-custom-mechanical-keyboard.html
- https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-75-Keycaps-Cherry-Aluminium/dp/B071PC4D84/ref=pd_ybh_a_25?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KTHTWRB6ZH1P4G37ZH3K
- https://caps-unlocked.com/va87mac-dual-os-standard-edition/
- https://www.amazon.com/Released-Matias-Tactile-Keyboard-Version/dp/B06VVM2M8P/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1522979959&sr=1-8&keywords=Matias+quiet+pro+mac
Would love to hear the communities feedback. Maybe I missed something , but after weeks of looking around at tons of them on Amazon, Reddit threads, looking on here, etc. But sometimes too much information makes it even hard to make a sound decision.