I think I am starting to get very picky about the keyboards I use. And today I ordered my 5th keyboard in the span of last two years. I am currently typing this on Logitech K380 and waiting for the delivery of my new Logitech MX Keys.
The K380 is a good keyboard for what it is – a compact keyboard which can connect to multiple devices with good key travel and feel. But sadly I am starting to get annoyed with its round keys which are the cause of lots of typing mistakes. I work full day as a Tech Lead and during meetings when I am showing something to my team, this keyboard does not live up to my expectations. Hence I was looking for other keyboards.
I have also tried mechanical keyboards which are great for typing but they make a lot of noise and that is unacceptable during calls or during the night.
Therefore my criteria was to either find a quiet mechanical keyboard or another non mechanical keyboard which gives the same experience as my older MacBook pro which had the scissor switches and a good key travel. However, quiet mechanical keyboards are a myth, even if you get the linear red switches which are considered as the Quietest.
Other important criteria that I was looking for were Backlight (I don’t care about RGB) , wireless and a smaller footprint (may be the ten key less) versions.
Sadly, none of the keyboards that showed up on my research satisfied all the criteria. My options were Microsoft compact designer keyboard, Apple Magic keyboard or other cheap chiclet style keyboards with Bluetooth. As per my experience, reliable Bluetooth connection is mandatory for sanity of my mind. Hence cheaper options were out of the window because many of the reviews mentioned Bluetooth connectivity issues. Both Apple’s and Microsoft’s keyboard don’t offer backlight (what a pity!).
Therefore I had to give up on the least important criteria of my search- the smaller footprint. As soon as I did that, Logitech entered into the race again with its highly positively reviewed Logitech MX Keys keyboard. Granted it is a bit pricey, but this time I was willing to go all out if I can find The perfect keyboard (I even, briefly, considered the Logitech G915 which retails at $220). But as I said none of the mechanical keyboards are quiet, hence thankfully I dropped the idea of spending 200+ dollars on a keyboard.
By going through lots of YouTube reviews by programmers on best keyboard, I was convinced that Logitech MX Keys is the panacea for my problems. Hence I ordered one yesterday, which is still in transit. I will update this blog once I receive it and test it out.
Until then Happy Reading!
Update: after receiving my keyboard. As you would have guessed it, I am typing this on my new Logitech MX Keys keyboard. Can you spot the difference :)?
Well the keyboard looks to be well made, has backlight and most importantly is pleasant to type on. The keys are wonderful to feel and the key press is satisfying and more importantly quiet.
Overall, I am happy with this keyboard and looking forward to write lot more blogs with it. One pleasant surprise about the keyboard is that the backlight is enabled by a proximity sensor. Therefore the keyboard conserves battery when you are not around by turning off the backlight. And as soon as you wave your hands over it, it turns on.
Two things that I think could have been better are – one the keyboard seems to be made of plastic and secondly does not have any legs to prop it up. But having said that these are not deal breakers.
As you can tell I am enjoying typing on it and want to write more and more. They say your tools inspire you, sometimes it is the motivation needed for you to start something big. Hence the cost required to acquire really well made tools for your trade is well worth it.
I am a programmer, data engineer, data scientist. blogger and a youtuber. This keyboard inspires me to work on my craft even more.
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