Compact Desktop Keyboard (i.e. without numeric keypad)

biometrics

biometrics

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I never use the numeric keypad and want to save space on my desk as well as avoid the occasional mouse hitting the side of the keyboard.

The arrow and insert/delete/home/end/page-up/page-down keys must be as normal.

So I don't want this kind of thing:
1563883113527.png

But rather like this:
1563883206580.png

I've found a few locally but they're all gaming keyboards which tend to have these really high keys. Not sure that's comfortable for typing a lot. E.g.:
https://www.wootware.co.za/cooler-m...cherry-mx-red-mechanical-gaming-keyboard.html
https://www.evetech.co.za/corsair-k63-compact-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-mx-red/best-deal/2632.aspx
https://www.evetech.co.za/razer-blackwidow-lite-gaming-keyboard-orange-switches/best-deal/5637.aspx

Suggestions for a lower profile compact keyboard?
 
eye_suc said:
How bout this?
https://www.rebeltech.co.za/12528-ducky-zero-3087-cherry-mx-brown.html

ducky-zero-3087-cherry-mx-brown.jpg



EDIT: Actually, that K63 with the MX Reds would probably be my first choice. I'm not a big fan of the browns.
Click to expand...
That minimal look is pretty cool imo.

While on the topic, what Cherry colour is best for typing, not gaming? Seems red?
 
biometrics said:
That minimal look is pretty cool imo.

While on the topic, what Cherry colour is best for typing, not gaming? Seems red?
Click to expand...

No, blue.

The Razor Blackwidow Lite also isn't bad, but the keys may be a bit high. It uses Razer Orange switches which is comparable to the MX Cherry Brown, but with a lower actuation.

The Ducky keyboards are nice.

The only Logitech in this category is the new PRO, and she is expensive and uses the Romer-G switch which isn't easy to get used to once you have used MX Cherry Red/Brown, but I like the 1.5mm actuation on these.

I would recommend the Ducky, those mentioned in this thread, or the Razer.
 
Fulcrum29 said:
No, blue.

The Razor Blackwidow Lite also isn't bad, but the keys may be a bit high. It uses Razer Orange switches which is comparable to the MX Cherry Brown, but with a lower actuation.

The Ducky keyboards are nice.

The only Logitech in this category is the new PRO, and she is expensive and uses the Romer-G switch which isn't easy to get used to once you have used MX Cherry Red/Brown, but I like the 1.5mm actuation on these.

I would recommend the Ducky, those mentioned in this thread, or the Razer.
Click to expand...
This is all new to me but I gather blue makes a clicking sound? I'd prefer quiet.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_(keyboards)
 
biometrics said:
Apparently there is a name for this: 80% / TKL Keyboards (Tenkeyless)

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=27
Click to expand...

Yea, you also get 60%, 65% and so forth. I really love 65% as it includes the directional arrows and dedicated Page/Del keys. 60% takes some getting used to if you type a lot and use del or other keys.

Also depending on what your preference is Blue switches might be too loud, I know I wouldn't personally use them in an office environment
 
biometrics said:
This is all new to me but I gather blue makes a clicking sound? I'd prefer quiet.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_(keyboards)
Click to expand...

I have never used a Ducky, and perhaps a member here may give some insight, but I know they have good reviews.

The Razer Orange, made by GreenTech, and the Logitech Romer-G, made by Omron, are quiet. It isn't loud or disturbingly audible.

The new Razer switches, like the MX Cherry switches, are available separately to be installed on third-party keyboards. You can manually change your switches on a compatible keyboard and mix and match as you like.

Here is Windows Central, Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware review on the Razer Blackwidow Lite,

https://www.windowscentral.com/razer-blackwidow-lite-review
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/razer-blackwidow-lite,review-5971.html
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/razer-black-widow-lite,5910.html

but I can't comment on the Ducky without personal experience, and I guess that you would want a Ducky with MX Cherry Blue switches. Just to add, the MX Cherry Brown is a good in-between switch hence I made the Razer Blackwidow Lite recommendation.

I couldn't type on MX Cherry Reds.

Note: I haven't used a Razer Blackwidow Lite, but I have used a Razer BlackWidow Elite which uses Razer Green switches comparable to MX Cherry Blue, and it is loud.
 
biometrics said:
What's the difference between Tactile and Linear? What is a typical Microsoft or Logitech keyboard?
Click to expand...

A Linear switch you need to push all the way down to actuate. A tactile switch actuates at a determined depth. This is why some mechanical keyboard keycaps seem so high. Linear is comparable to membrane on actuation.

The typical keyboard I would say is membrane.

You also have optical keyboards nowadays where the actuation can be manually set. Still a niche at this time, but there are now hybrid mechanical/optical keyboards.

I still want to try an optical keyboard.
 
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