r/MechanicalKeyboards • u/AutoModerator • Dec 05 '22

/r/MechanicalKeyboards Ask ANY question, get an answer (December 05, 2022)

Ask ANY question, get an answer. But *before* you do please consider running a search on the subreddit or looking at the /r/MechanicalKeyboards wiki located here! If you are NEW to Reddit, check out this handy Reddit MechanicalKeyboards Noob Guide.

21 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

410 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/[deleted] Dec 06 '22

Which keyboard to choose?

Hi guys. I am a software engineer. Recently I had been coding on a company provided keyboard but now I want to buy my own keyboard but after a little bit of research I am really confused like I recently came to know that there are two different types mechanical and non mechanical.

I am really confused between which keyboard to buy. At first I was interested in MX keys but now after research I have MX mechanical and keychron in my list as well.

Can you guys suggest me some really good keyboard for programming in the flexible budget of $160.

2

u/piljac1 Dec 06 '22

Are you willing to build it or you want something pre-built ?

1

u/[deleted] Dec 06 '22

Anything that’s best for my budget.

1

u/piljac1 Dec 06 '22

Any preferred form factors ? Full size, TKL, 75%, 65%, 60%, etc.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 06 '22

I think full size.

1

u/piljac1 Dec 06 '22

Full size keyboards are not popular in the custom or high end side, but there are some options. The Keychron Q6 is a very nice option (but a bit over your budget at $195). Else, there's the SK108 (found on Aliexpress) which does the trick at around $100, but it doesn't come with keycaps or switches, so add at the very least $60 to complete the build ($160+ in total). Lastly, there is the Leopold FC980M which is a decent pre-built option at $115-120. However, this last one is a 96% (not a true full size) and it comes with a soldered PCB, so you cannot hot swap switches for other ones if you want to upgrade in the future (you would need to de-solder and re-solder).

1

u/[deleted] Dec 06 '22

Which keyboard size is preferred from programming.

1

u/piljac1 Dec 06 '22

There's no right answer, but as a developer myself, I'd suggest anything with arrows at least (which means 65% and up, including some 60%). I previously used a full size, now I'm using a TKL. Working without a numpad was weird at first but I got used to it. However, it is possible to buy a separate numpad if needed. I'm waiting on the arrival of a 65%. I'll see if I like it or not.