So my logitech g613 (probably 3rd one i’ve had - definitely a great couch gaming keyboard*) is killing me (keys misfiring - have taken apart cleaned etc multiple times but im done) - starting to get WAY bit too tedious with linux passwords (using artix). i need a new keyboard and am keen to get off logitech also for a reference point .. . the things i liked about the g613 - sturdy wireless, wifi or bt. battery lasts forever and enough hz for gaming - not overly teenager gamer vibes (-nonteenage-dad of 2 these days).
i think i am ok with wired - but i do like a second option to hook up to nearby vm. linux use so am thinking maybe a keychron v6 max or something? I know keyboards are subjective but if you think you know an option that would suit me please drop a suggestion below. ive also got a g915 which im not interested in getting another one of - z key shot on that too - battery terrible maybe a bit flimsy next to a g613 type setup. note i checked out system76 keyboard to support a linux provider but i couldnt find any info on hz on their website - the usb connections seemed to be the main selling point.
cheers
russ
note im not couch gaming with it - will be staying at the desktop.
** uncorrected sentence below:
8note I’mm not couch gamming with it - will be staying at the desktop.
Well, I can tell you what not to get … I have a Hator Skyfall and it sucks. I like the feel, I like the sound but the keys are so damned chatty. I kind of work around it by moving the crappy keys to buttons I rarely use, but it’s still annoying. I don’t know if my next keyboard will be wireless and with RGB, kind of overrated at this point (because my old one lasted a year on some AAA’s, this one a week or two at best with barely any RGB) and it doesn’t wake up automatically either, even when wired.
On the other side of the spectrum, I also bought myself this one for in the office. It’s cheap, it’s not too loud and I personally think it types better than the Hator.
I had to get a second one last week, because I fell on the first one and broke the ESC key off at the + post.
Wifi, BT, usb. Silent Red switches (clicky Blues are available.)
It also comes in an aluminum suitcase (for travel I guess? I have never used the case, but it is a very nice one)
The only problem is the switches are soldered to the keyboard. They can’t really be swapped easily.
I use a Redragon Vata currently. Its pretty ok , removable (comes with extra switches) clicky blue style switches, has rgb but i just use a solid green for the backlighting.
Id like another DAS Keyboard, as its somewhat larger for my bearpaws, heavy almost like a IBM model m and had white backlighting. Alas i cant afford one now…
I spilled water on the DAS one to many times and many keys quit working .
I run a few wireless Logitech MX Mechanical white back lit keyboards (mini versions). You can pair it with 3 devices and switch between the 3 with shortcut keys, either Bluetooth or the wireless logitech dongle (1 included), really long battery life with the automatic off white back lighting, essentially zero delay from a “sleeping” keyboard to registering a key press, can buy them with silent linear switches or some clicky clack tactile switches.
I otherwise use a variety of wired mechanical keyboards I change around. If you live near a Microcenter they have a LOT of keyboards on display to test out.
I moved to Keychron a few years ago and never looked back. I have the old Q series (wired and aluminum cases), works fantastic and got just the right feel and sound. I have a V series as well which is the same thing but with a much cheaper plastic case.
Keychron K4 HE - Best keyboard I’ve ever owned; and I’ve owned a lot, as I’m a software developer and use it heavily every day. All other keyboards used to last me about 6 months, but the Keychron (I’m typing on now) is still going strong after 12 months. Love the hall effect switches and the ability to even set activation levels on a per key basis and it doesn’t require softare to be installed. Even configurable under Linux if you use a Chrome based browser (e.g. Chromium) with a little bit of finangling. It’s is pretty good for gaming as well.
-1 Keychron, at least some of their models! I have a K3, and:
proprietary keycaps, at least some are painted and the paint is wearing through
Bluetooth has never worked reliably, like, I literally can’t use it at all
It looks great, and the layout is my favorite ever, but would not buy again. It’s also way overpriced unless you get it at a discount, and IMHO it’s one of those brands that gets a lot of artificial hype, and people get them as their first “proper” device in a category.
And as a subjective opinion, the flat keycaps with brown switches are just… ionno, weird for typing? I find these imprecise for a reason I cannot understand or explain. Their tall keyed boards felt much much much better (which I learned after buying this one), and the other switches, too.
Interestingly, I like the brown switches for gaming (I don’t use many key combos though, just basic WASD, mostly mouse for the rest), but for typing they’re not great.
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