this post was submitted on 03 Oct 2023
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Mechanical Keyboards

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Are you addicted to the clicking sounds of your beautiful and impressive mechanical keyboard?
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Here you can discuss everything about mechanical keyboards (and only mechanical keyboards).

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Hey all

I've been searching for a portable keyboard that I can easily carry in my backpack as I switch between different working spaces. Since I primarily use MacOS, I'm looking for a keyboard with a MacOS layout. After some research, I've narrowed down my options to three models:

  1. Nuphy Air60
  2. Logitech K380
  3. Keychron K7.

I'd appreciate your insights and recommendations on which one would be the best fit for my needs. Here are a few things I'm considering:

  1. Portability: How easy is it to carry in a backpack? Is it lightweight and compact enough for on-the-go use?

  2. Compatibility: I need it to work seamlessly with MacOS. Have you had any compatibility issues with these keyboards on a Mac?

  3. Typing Experience: How comfortable and responsive is the typing experience? Is it suitable for extended periods of typing?

  4. Build Quality: Does the keyboard feel durable and well-constructed? Any issues with keys or connectivity?

  5. Battery Life: How long does the battery typically last on these keyboards?

  6. Any Additional Features: Are there any standout features or drawbacks that I should be aware of?

If you've used any of these keyboards or have other recommendations in mind, please share your experiences and thoughts. Your input will be a big help in making my decision!

Thanks in advance for your assistance! 😊

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[–] hellweaver666@discuss.tchncs.de 5 points 1 year ago (3 children)

If you get a keyboard that supports QMK/Via etc there’s no such thing as a Mac layout because you can just map the keys as you see fit.

I can’t speak to the K7 specifically, however I bought a Keychron K2 back in 2020 and it got me into the hobby. Solid build quality and still going strong almost four years later (not by me, I’ve gone down the rabbit hole but it is my sons daily driver).

[–] menisadi@programming.dev 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)
[–] BlueFairyPainter@feddit.de 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you're willing to go down this rabbit hole: I have a Planck keyboard. It's super tiny, only weighs 300g and feels good enough that I use it daily for work (programming) even though I bought it for travel. Don't get too discouraged by the missing keys. It does have a slight learning curve and in my case I also tweaked the software quite a lot to get exactly what I want, but if you're up for it, it can be super rewarding. I got the pre-built Planck EZ but it's discontinued but there are other Planck-style boards out there.

[–] menisadi@programming.dev 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Made me curious. I'll Google it :)