Looking for buying advice for comapct (Tenkeyless ?) keyboard

metropole

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 11, 2009
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302
Hi,

I need a keyboard that is a bit shorter for a keyboard tray application that I obtained for ergonomics.
I found that a regular keyboard is too wide. There is a lot of dead space that I never use (number block).
Ideally, I prefer wired keyboards.

Doing a search on Amazon I found a couple of models, but don't recognize a brand:
https://www.amazon.com/slp/tenkeyless-keyboard/r7chdjqczfq54qg

Logitech has the K810:
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/bluetooth-illuminated-keyboard-k810?crid=27

Frankly, I am note sure about tenkeyless vs. compact.

Any input is highly appreciated.
 
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Ducky One 2 (double shot PBT keycaps, USB-C)

Looking at the Skyline model myself (MX brown or silver switches)

Tenkeyless

Compact

Cherry MX switch information:

https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-red.html
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-black.html
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-brown.html <-- 2 mm travel before actuation, 4 mm total travel, tactile
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-blue.html
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-silent-red.html
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-silent-black.html
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-speed-silver.html <-- 1.2 mm travel before actuation, 3.4 mm total travel, linear
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-special/mx-green.html
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-special/mx-grey.html
https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-special/mx-clear.html

If you want to reduce total travel distance (bottoming out) you can use o-rings.

Here is an explanation of double shot: "Unlike printing, this keycap type is produced when two layers of plastic are molded into each other. No printing necessary. The end result is a key legend which will never fade or chip off. ABS keys will develop a shine over time; but PBT and POM keys will retain their texture even after heavy use. Legends cannot be felt as the user types."

You can turn off the LEDs, but some keyboards shine the LED through the keycap legends. When turned off, you will notice the transparent or clear key legends.

I prefer keyboards with solid color double shot key legends as it's easier to read. When legibility comes to mind, some of the colored keyboards become interesting to me.

Here is a list of USB-C keyboards

Here are the keyboards that stood out to me:

Vortex Tab 90M

Ducky One 2 White Case White LED TKL

Ducky One 2 Midnight TKL

Ducky One 2 Skyline TKL

Apple keyboards (I know...but I like the design, just as functional).

Mistel Sleeker Silver

Mistel Sleeker Black

Honorable Mentions (Micro USB and Dye Sub, but don't be put off by colored keycaps as they are optional):

Vortex ViBE

Vortex Race 3

Vortex Race 3 RGB

I'm currently stuck between Vortex Tab 90M and Ducky One 2 Skyline.
 
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Whats your budget?

I have a few Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid that have served me well, good units and not super expensive. The metal base plate makes them feel like much more expensive boards. Keys are kinda cheap, but you can replace them later.
 
I don't want to say budget is no objective, but ergonomics rank high.

Do all the mechanical keyboards have the same "key stroke travel depth"? I would prefer a keyboard that doesn't require to push the buttons far.
 
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I don't want to say budget is no objective, but ergonomics rank high.

Do all the mechanical keyboards have the same "key stroke travel depth"? I would prefer a keyboard that doesn't require to push the buttons far.

No they don't. It varies widely. See that above post switch guide.
 
Filco Master Race... build quality is unmatched.. costar stabilizers unlike the suck that is cherry stabilizers

This is my Majestouch 2 TKL (mx reds with dampers and Vortex PBT double shot keycaps)

mouseKeyboard.jpg


oh and the stabilizers mentioned before ..
costar_cherry_stabilizer.jpg

costar stabs are much much better (which is of course is completely subjective.. ) but I personally loath cherry stabilizers .. in fairness it is a bit fiddly swapping keycaps with costar's but worth it (imho).
 
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