I’m looking to change my Microsoft keyboard (I think it’s a ‘Wave’ type) - which whilst ergonomic, it does have a few shortfalls.
Biggest miss that I’d like in my next keyboard are Function Keys which are readily / instantly available (mine currently double up as multifunction keys and I need to flick a switch to toggle between their operation which I usually keep set for things like volume control).
Backlit keys would be nice.
Any recommendations ?
I do prefer one which has a separate numpad but I’m guessing that might not be possible (another reason why I liked this Wave keyboard so much).
If you like ergonomic keyboards like the Microsoft wave I’d recommend something like the Dygma Raise, here’s a quick review. It’s a bit on the expensive side but I think it checks all the boxes for what you’re looking for (you can split it in the middle, it is backlit, and has mechanical switches--something you didn’t ask for but I highly recommend). For the numpad you can easily buy a separate numpad like this.
A cheaper alternative would be to get a “10 keyless” keyboard (which is a keyboard without a numpad) and buy a separate numpad.
If you do get the Dygma Raise or any other mechanical keyboard, I recommend you get one with Cherry MX Brown switches--it has a very nice tactile feel. I’m a big fan of keyboard with mechanical switches. Once you go mechanical, you can’t go back
The last keyboard with built-in numpad I had meant the right hand side of the keyboard got right in the way of my right hand / right forearm, so I used to find I’d keep banging my mouse into the side of the keyboard as I moved my mouse to the left.
Also, it was causing me to have my right hand quite a bit out to the right (instead of just straight ahead / in line with my shoulder) and so needed to be fairly far away from the keyboard for the bumping into it to stop.
Ow I see. My mouse is quite close the keyboard indeed but I lift my mouse a lot so I think I work on at patch of 15 x 15 cm when it comes to mouse space. If you make large gestures than indeed the keyboard can get in the way.
Thanks Thomas for the suggestions - I’d never heard of these makes before - but that price tag is a little too eye-watering
I’m ‘toying’ with the idea of a Logitech Craft keyboard - I know it comes with a builtin numpad (and multifunction Function keys) but it does have a lot of good reviews, especially for those working in the creative fields.
I could get used to that knob. I remember wanting something like that back in my photo editing days.
The price tag for the Dygma is definitely eye-watering You can probably find a lot of good mechanical keyboards that are around $100 USD.
The way I try to justify buying an expensive mouse and keyboard is that they’re my professional tools, just like my computer, monitor, and office chair. That’s what I tell myself anyway.
My keyboard is a Steelseries G6V2, it is massive and I definitely run into the issue of hitting it with my mouse like you mentioned. The thing is built like a tank though, and I love it.
You might want to look into mechanical keyboards that have programmable macro keys if function keys is something you’re looking for (something that I just realized I neglected in my first reply to you)
It is very old and seemingly unobtainable anywhere globally…there must be one out there somewhere!
My current one is at least 10 years old but failing fast. They are great mainly because I also play games but cannot deal with wasd.
It’s my birthday tomorrow…someone make me happy
You can probably find a lot of good mechanical keyboards that are around $100 USD.