So, i went to microcenter today...

[Bogie]

Wanted a keyboard that had a better feel for it than the junky thing I'd been using. Got one with old-fashioned mechanical keys. I don't have to worry about pissing off anyone within hearing distance, so...
 
It feels okay, but...
 
Damn, it has frickin' disco lights under the keys.
 

[Bogie]

And I think I have it toned down... what is with "gaming keyboards?" What happened to "typing keyboards?" I remember the Northgate that I had back around 1989 or so - damn thing felt great.

[Nick1911]

I work in software.  My company issued me a laptop to work on.  The keyboard is terrible.

I don't really get it either.  I used a model M on my desktop for years, great keyfeel.  The peak of text entry interfaces happened in 1990.  But people type more than ever - what gives?

[Hawkmoon]

The keyboard I use at work is surprisingly good. Not quite up to the old IBM "clicky" keyboards, but close.

Even more surprising than the action/feel of the keyboard is that it's an H-P. I have an H-P keyboard at home that's abominable.

[zxcvbob]

Lenovo laptops have pretty good keyboards; not just the Thinkpad high-end business models but the Ideapad I bought a month ago has a surprisingly good keyboard too.  Most desktop keyboards suck now-days.  I don't know why.  Squishy keys with no tactical feedback and a lot of misfires.

I have a desk drawer full of old IBM mechanical keyboards at work that I dumpster-dived.  They need a PS2 to USB adapter to work on modern computers, and they don't have a "Windows key", but they still work great.  When I retire they will probably all get thrown away. :(  I might check with my boss to see if I can keep one as a souvenir since they don't give retirement gifts anymore.

[Ben]

I agree on the Lenovo keyboards. I used one for the last several years. I got a mechanical keyboard for 50% off last December as an Amazon Cyber deal. I really like the keys, but yeah, I guess they don't make mechanical keyboards anymore that don't put on a lightshow. Luckily mine, a Steelseries Apex, has a nice menu that gives you a wide range of color adjustments. I have one set that is pleasing.

[WLJ]

You can find dozens of really good mech KBs without the fancy lights on Amazon or Newegg.

Here's a decent example https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N19L86V/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=A3KP02BF9AM7Q0&th=1

[dogmush]

Or....bear with me here.....you could turn the lights off.

I was using a really nice Razer keyboard last year. Sure it had rgb leds, but you just....turn them off if you don't like them.

[K Frame]

I like typing on a lit keyboard.

While lit.

[dogmush]

Or perhaps this better fits your aesthetic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJ3M91E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_8633QM6X1ZXWF5JRTR02

[Ben]

I like typing on a lit keyboard.

While lit.

To clarify my comment, I also like typing on a lit keyboard. I don't like one that will give me seizures, and mine sure could with some of the options, but there are a ton of color and intensity choices that let me create a "typing environment" that is much nicer than a plain keyboard. And yeah, most lit keyboards except maybe the cheapest Chinese junk should have an "off" setting.

[K Frame]

I should clarify that I like typing on a lit keyboard while I am also lit...

[WLJ]

I should clarify that I like typing on a lit keyboard while I am also lit...

Explains a few posts.

[WLJ]

The keyboard I use at work is surprisingly good. Not quite up to the old IBM "clicky" keyboards, but close.

They're baaaack

https://www.pckeyboard.com/

[MechAg94]

Does the lighting help you read the keys in the dark?  That could be useful sometimes.


I guess I am old, or at least kids would think I am old.  I took typing in high school.  The first half of the class I was using a completely mechanical typewriter. 

[RoadKingLarry]

Or perhaps this better fits your aesthetic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJ3M91E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_8633QM6X1ZXWF5JRTR02

That's awesome. Not $999.99 awesome though.
They have some other models that are pretty cool but still too pricey for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Qwerkywriter-Typewriter-Inspired-Mechanical-Wireless/dp/B01KM6EJOY/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Datamancer&qid=1625840245&sr=8-3

[lee n. field]

Or perhaps this better fits your aesthetic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJ3M91E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_8633QM6X1ZXWF5JRTR02

I'd use it.  Not for a grand, though.

[Bogie]

This is the one I got. Finally figured out how to turn the lighting off... Looking at the box, I thought they were just trying to sell stuff to kids...
 
https://www.microcenter.com/product/632348/msi-msi-gaming-gear-backlit-rgb-led-kailh-blue-switches-anti-ghosting-104-keys-brushed-aluminum-gaming-keyboard-(vigor-gk50-elite-ll)

[Perd Hapley]

If I had that kind of money to spend on a keyboard - I'd spend it on ammo.

[lee n. field]

This is the one I got. Finally figured out how to turn the lighting off... Looking at the box, I thought they were just trying to sell stuff to kids...
 

Says right there, "gaming gear", so yeah.  (Even if they're 40 in their mom's basement.  )

[lee n. field]

If I had that kind of money to spend on a keyboard - I'd spend it on ammo.

Human interface gear, if it's good (and the free stuff is suboptimal), I'd say is worth spending money on.

[AZRedhawk44]

I have a Logitech G910 in front of me right now.  Mechanical keys, very loud, black keyboard with customizable LED internal backlighting.  I love it.  My family can tell when I'm typing light mad even with my office door closed, but it's peak key entry excellence.  I've tuned the light pattern to just be a subtle yellow-gold static glow.

[Bogie]

Mine has some sort of ikea directions with it. I shall eventually figure things out , but I'm seeing either rabid squirrel on acid and meth colors, or nothing at this point.