I’ve been using an Apple Macbook for years—since before it was called "MacBook". That's always been enough for me, but recently I'm getting to the age where my eyes are starting to complain at staring at a small screen all day, so I'm in the process of buying an external monitor and transitioning to using the laptop in clamshell mode most of the time.
First on my list of making this transition was buying a keyboard. I first looked at Apple keyboards and immediately balked at the $200 price tag for a full-size Apple keyboard with Touch ID. $200 for a keyboard?! I mean, having a touch ID key is incredibly handy—I just touch that key to login with my fingerprint or to activate 1Password and instantly fill any password field in app or on the web without thought. But... I already have a touch ID key on my laptop. Maybe instead of running in clamshell mode, I could just buy a stand and keep the laptop open just for that key. I mean... $200!
Instead, I decided to go a different route—one that turned out to be both more affordable and arguably higher quality: I picked up a Keychron K8 Pro. It was on sale for only ¥13,000 (around $90 USD). Still not cheap, mind you, but much better than Apple's price. And it has other perks that make it arguably a much higher quality than Apple's offering.
This is my first mechanical keyboard in a long time. I’m not one of those hardware keyboard fanatics who obsesses over every switch and stabilizer—I just needed a new keyboard. But when I saw that the K8 Pro has hot-swappable switches, Bluetooth option, sturdy build quality, and a much lower price than the Apple alternative, it made sense to give it a try. The icing on the cake was when I saw it was available in JIS layout. I’ve been using JIS layout for so long that switching to US layout now feels awkward and alien. I’m not going back if I don’t have to.
It has Cherry switches—supposedly a big deal. I don’t know much about them, but every review I read seemed to drool over that detail, so I figured I’d mention it. I wasn’t necessarily after that loud mechanical clack, I have to admit: the sound and tactile feedback are strangely satisfying. It’s not quiet, but that clanky charm is growing on me. It brings me back to the old giant IBM clanky keyboard I used to use for my 386 back in the day, not to mention my Commodore 64. Clanky nostalgia.
Ultimately, it was the build quality that made me go with this. Modern keyboards—not just to pick on Apple—seem to break far too easily and just seem flimsy. The paint chips, keys go mushy, or something breaks. But this one? It’s heavy, solid, and made to last. But this one is heavy, solid, and built with quality. Also, every single key and switch is hot-swappable, so if any breaks, I can order parts and easily fix it myself.
Oh yeah, and it has pretty lights beneath the keys, as you can see in the photos. Not really a perk I care that much about, but my kids immediately noticed and that became their favorite feature. So win, I suppose!
That's about it. So far I'm loving it.
Let me know if you’re using a mechanical keyboard—what kind did you go with? And do you actually like the clack, or just put up with it?
❦
 |
David is an American teacher and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku. He blogs here and at laspina.org. Write him on Mastodon. |
What color cherry switches? I have an old IBM keyboard I was using for a while, but it started getting funky, so I bought a different mechanical keyboard. I personally love the click sound and the feel, it's gotta have both for me.
Looks like Gateron G Pro Red. I have no idea what that means, but maybe you do 😃
Yeah, I like the clicky sound. It makes me feel like I can actually type quickly!
That is cool! I like the mechanical sound myself, I've had both but I kind of like the feel of the old school That one is the best of both worlds, all the whistles and bells, and even lights on the keyboard. I think you made a good investment!
!BBH
Let's hope. If it breaks down in a few months or if it lasts a few years... time will tell. I'm digging it so far anyway!