I’m looking to upgrade soon and thought I might finally try a mechanical keyboard. I’d prefer to not disturb those around me, and I value being able to move my keyboard around freely.
I previously used Logitech and I like their software, and specifically the ability to switch devices was really nice for swapping work to home device. That’s what I started exploring with, but I don’t think I can swap around parts if I go with the MX MECHANICAL. On the other hand, maybe that’s a good thing, since I always hear the line about this being an expensive rabbit hole. If I’m stuck, then maybe I won’t go exploring…
I’ve seen other cool things I liked (numpads, backlights, knobs for volume, subtle dark colors, USB-c), but I’m open to exploring. Wireless + quiet are the only important requirements
Keychron has some good options, though I haven’t tried their silent switches.
Second this, I’ve built myself a silent office k7. It has low profile optical switches (less travel more silent), and bought a pack of their mint switches. They have higher resistance so that should help with the noise, I also lubed them. Coworkers don’t even know that I have mechanical board.
I’d say whatever else, go for hotswap with MX switches. You’ll try it, learn, and can replace your switches easily and quite cheaply.
Switches make a huge difference. Being stuck with ones you don’t really like because you didn’t get a hotswap board would really be a shame.
Ok this makes sense, I think I’m going to add hotswap + MX switches as a requirement on my search as well. Thank you :)
You’re welcome :)
There are switches that are specifically designed to be silent. Getting them used to mean building a custom keyboard (which can be much easier than it sounds with hot swap boards) but I think they are more common now. You can check drop.com for a couple builds that should have silent switches and hopefully be wireless.
I found my holy grail in the HHKB Pro 2 Type S. It is not cheap by any means, uses a different switch type called topre and has a non standard layout that people love or hate. Fwiw I originally hated it because it didn’t have dedicated have arrow keys, but the fn layer arrow keys became muscle memory within a couple of weeks.
It’s wireless and pairs to multiple devices but it’s not for everyone. I haven’t bought another mechanical keyboard since.
I’d recommend against drop keyboards, they are bad value and their support is said to be terrible, just like their QC.
Keychron is the way to go for wireless boards.
This is probably the case. The only keyboard I’ve bought and will buy from drop nowadays are the Tokyo60s. Otherwise I use it for key caps or accessories.
Get a barebones keychron of yor choice and get silent switches. Bonus if you mod/lube switches youself.
I switched from a Ducky Legend with Cherry Browns to a Keychron Q6 Pro (recently released, basically wireless tenkey w/ knob option with metal body) with hand lubed Durock Shrimp Tactiles and the noise is night and day difference.
If you get silent linear switches over silent tactiles, itll probably be even more quiet.
The keychrons look pretty cool, I see some with knobs and multidevice connectivity as well which is nice. Would you know if the sold out ones come back often, or should I plan on getting one that is in stock?
Not sure on hoe often they restock, but they do for sure