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by Riley 6054 days ago
I've been really happy with my Das Keyboard Professional. I've been using it as my main keyboard since it was first released about 15 months ago.

http://www.daskeyboard.com/daskeyboard_original_professional...

The only downside is the $129 USD price. You'll have to decide if it's "reasonably priced". I got nice discount on a pre-order, but at this point I would gladly pay more. This thing doesn't show any signs of ever dying on me though.

Update: I just checked and it's actually on sale right now for $109 USD.

1 comments

I own a older version of "das Keyboard" which is actually a Cherry-G80 OEM (which I also own, and a unnamed clicky DEC Alpha Workstation PS/2 keyboard). They all give great feedback and I prefer them for typing larger amounts of text. Of course they are absurdly lound, and I'm happy that my coworkers don't complain (too much).

On the other hand, I detest keyboards that only use a soft rubbery membrane that feels like I'd dip my fingertips into honey (which is basically every keyboard that nowadays is shipped with cheap systems). While it may sound illogical, using those for anything larger than a simple blog-post and my hands begin to hurt. Maybe because the lack of feedback makes me assume a unhealthy hand-posture?

I love the old clicky keyboards. The ergonomic split keyboard feels like mush and these laptop keys are too slick. I do like the latest chicklet Apple keyboards. I went in with the expectation that it would be weird and unenjoyable, but I acclimated quickly and achieved incredible typing speed.
Yes, it's the clicky mechanical switches that make this keyboard so nice. I don't know of any other keyboard that has these in a nice modern package. The sleek black look and USB hub are just icing on top.