[mdhgriffiths]

I love the satisfaction of using a mechanical keyboard. The clicking sensation felt as each key has it's own distinct sound while LOC run down my screen. Though I know for a fact that my co-workers do not feel the same way as I do.

Many years ago a classic Model M [1] landed on my desk and was great for a few weeks until I found it broken and used as a doorstop. Hmm.. No-one saw anything.

Spent the next few years on whatever run-of-the-mill logitech/microsoft keyboard came by way. Then I discovered Das Keyboard [2] which was great! It was fully worn in after many heavy metal code sessions (headphones on, mid-day in a room full of colleagues). Maybe I'm a bit overly aggressive with my typing, as soon after I had reluctantly switched to using Das Keyboard "Silent" Model. Another great keyboard, but still not soo silent.

To tell the same story twice - it just didn't work out. My daily typer at the office is now the Matias Quiet Pro [3]. It gets the job done at a reasonable decibel level - or so I think. Moral of the story (if there were any) - respect those who work around you. Any keyboard will do the trick. I should also be more gentle with this thing.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard [2] http://www.daskeyboard.com/products/ [3] http://matias.ca/quietpro/pc/

[bbradley406]

The company I bought my mechanical keyboard from sells sets of O-rings that go under the key-caps[1] to reduce noise. They won't fit on every keyboard, but one could easily find different O-rings that do. I don't use them because noise isn't an issue in my situation, and I enjoy the sound of the key bottoming out. For those in open offices though, they might make the difference between tranquility and having your keyboard used as a doorstop(!)

[1] http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/cherry-mx-rubber-o-ri...