Clacking is the best typing
The IBM Selectric typewriter was the Bugatti of typewriters. It was heavy (so it wouldn't bounce around or be stolen easily by employees), it struck the paper with a single ball (so it couldn't jam; see figure at left), and the keyboard was lux. You just felt good typing on it, it attained 75% of the office typewriter market, and it became the standard for the clacky keyboard shipped with the original IBM PC.
Most computer keyboards today, however, are mushy. And so it was with great joy that a reader a few years ago recommended I buy a keyboard with Cherry Brown switches. My love of typing returned.
Germany's Cherry invented a line of keyboard switches, the MX series, on which the patent has now expired. The switch is the mechanism that sits between the keycap and the keyboard's body. It determines how far the key travels when depressed, the sound it makes, and the force needed to press it.
Cherry switches comes in colors, and the color determines the keystroke effect:
- Black - linear, no feedback, makes noise when bottoming out; used by gamers.
- Red - like Black, but requires less force; also used by gamers.
- Silver - like Red, but with a shorter keypress; for gamers
- Blue - makes a noise when the actuation point is reached, so no need to press all the way down; used by typists.
- Green - like Blue, but with high force required and meant for spacebars
- Brown - not as noisy as Blue; used by fast typists (like me!), and similar to Logitech Romer-G and GX Brown
- Clear - like Brown, but requires more force
- Grey - like Clear, but requires even more force
Keychron K8
This week I got a new keyboard, ostensibly for my new M1-based Mac Mini. It is the K8 from Keychron, which is an 80% keyboard. A slightly smaller keyboard suits me, as my fingers are not particularly long.
K8 keybaord with key puller in lower right (Image source switchandclick.com)
But this keyboard hosts a ton of functions:
- Runs with Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android
- Works corded or cordless with a 4000mAHr battery
- Supports three Bluetooth connections
- Backlit keycaps with white light all on or off, or with patterns (which I abhor)
- USB-C port for corded connection and charging
- Toggle the top row between functions keys or multimedia keys
- Gateron (not Cherry) G switches
- Includes key puller tool and a set of alternative keys for Windows and MacOS.
The only thing missing, for me, is a roller wheel for changing the volume, like on the AZIO MGK keyboard I use with my desktop computer.
The keyboard works well, and so I am pleased with it. The one flaw is the size of the printing on the side for the switches that change between Windows/Android and MacOS/iOS modes, and between Bluetooth/Off/Cable connection. The labels are illegible. I finally figured out their meaning by their length.
Illegible switch labels (image source switchandclick.com)
The keyboard is US$70, and is available with Red, Blue, or Brown switches.
keychron.com/products/keychron-k8-tenkeyless-wireless-mechanical-keyboard?variant=32018252267609
Comments