this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2024
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It depends on what you're using it for. Linear switches are better for gaming, and tactile switches are better for typing. If you're making your money by typing all day, placing the backspace on your left thumb can make a huge difference. No Idea what the landscape is like for keyboard manufacturers nowadays. I built two ergodox boards years ago, and they're good enough that I haven't wanted to collect more. If I could have paid someone else to make them for me I would have.
Left pinky backspace is god tier(caps lock key)
If you're writing get ergo.
has a good ergo mech community, tho they are pricy. However, as a split keeb user I can tell you it's a game changer once you get used to it.
This is good advice. Left pinky backspace is a huge improvement if you can't split up the thumbs.
i will make a friendly amendment: caps lock makes a great control key.
it lets you more comfortably make key combos across the board. especially if you have smaller hands.
if you wanted you could have it do different things when pressed quickly compared to when held down in combo with another key. and have both functions, maybe. I personally learned that I am constantly hitting modifier keys then deciding against doing anything with them so this led to havoc. i never knew I had that habit. but some people like the "space cadet" shift key set up.
the problem with remapping caps key to anything is that if you have to use shared computers (work, library, school, friends, family) you will constantly be activating caps lock out of habit. in the newer version of windows they removed the option to disable caps lock (I think it was available in win 7 or 8?) so you can't even do that without installing something or reprogramming the kb itself.
It was easier to write about switches when the cherry corporation still held the patents for the most popular style of mechanical switch. There are now other manufacturers that make equivalent switches. Maybe they're better, maybe they're worse, idk. At least we're on hexbear, so we don't have to argue about whether Chinese manufacturers can make a switch just as good as the Germans.
From Cherry the blue switches are really nice and clicky, but they are quite loud. Only go with those if you will be typing in an environment where the noise will not be a problem. The feel of the blue switches is very nice. The brown and clear switches are tactile, but not clicky. There's some takeup, a soft wall, and a noticeable break when the switch engages. If the blue switches are a colt revolver trigger, then the browns are a glock trigger. I would suggest browns for typing, though I found that I preferred clears personally. If you string your guitar with a 0.009" high E string, then you will likely prefer browns. If you use a 0.013" high E string, then you will prefer clears.
Keycaps are available in a variety of materials and profiles. That rabbit hole is kinda deep, and I find the culture around it weird and off-putting. I'd suggest just getting something and seeing how you like it. If the caps wear out or you want a different profile or weight, they are easily changeable.
Keep your keyboard fiddling proportional to your keyboard use. Any time you spend on your keyboard is time you're not spending writing. But if you are using this tool for hours every day, then it is justifiable to select one of good quality. The keyboard enthusiast internet scene is pretty intense. My advice is to dip in, find the tool you need, and dip out. Try not to go too crazy in the process.
The most important thing is to find a way to get your typing done that does not damage your body. You can injure your wrists and your back by typing. Obsessing over your desk and your chair and your monitor and your keyboard can help you up to a point, but it can also be a time and money sink. Your milage may vary. Good luck with your writing projects!
I'd be interested to know where you land. Keyboards are cool :)