I've been using an old Dell OEM keyboard with my home desktop machine, and it was fine until recently when a couple keys started working intermittently. So I thought I'd treat myself to an upgraded keyboard. My biggest requirement is that key travel be super short and responsive given I type all day on a laptop that obviously has super short key travel. I'd love it if the new keyboard was wireless to remove clutter from my desk, but that's not a deal breaker. Other than those couple requirements, I'm pretty open to suggestions. Oh, and this will only be used as a business keyboard (i.e. no gaming).

So what would you recommend/suggest?

Personally, I'd reconsider your requirements. I type all day on a laptop, too (a MacBook Pro). When I'm at home I use a full-size keyboard with Cherry MX Clear mechanical key switches and it is a much more pleasant typing experience with no trouble switching back and forth. Cherry makes lots of different switches, the clear ones are heavyish tactile switches (tactile means there's a bump when you press the key down, but no loud click).

When I get going I can type over 90 WPM on the laptop and over 100 on the mechanical keyboard.

When I went hunting for a new keyboard I tried about a dozen different brands and models. I'm a touch-typist who learned on a mechanical Underwood upright typewriter, and I prefer keys that move significantly and make a noise when they land. Although I'm not a "gamer", I did ultimately decide on a Corsair gaming keyboard--I really like how the keys respond.

flashguy

If you're an actual typist the split keyboards are super comfortable. I can't type well enough to use them effectively.

My current keyboard is a Logitech mechanical with Cherry MX Red keys. I think I would have preferred the brown, the Reds are very sensitive and lightly weighted. I've adjusted to it, but when I first got it I was having a lot of issues dragging my hands and making inadvertent keystrokes.

I have a generic wireless Logitech at work. I'd love a mechanical at work, but I think my cubicle neighbors wouldn't considering how much I type for emails and manuals.

I've been happy with this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...ilpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

get a model M and be happy.

http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/UNI0P4A

I'd recommend at least trying some mechanical keyboards to see if you like them better. I fell in love with a model M keyboard but found it too noisy to use when on conference calls, experimented with various Cherry MX switches, and ended up with a Cherry MX Clear mechanical keyboard with custom key caps. https://mechanicalkeyboards.com lets you design and build a custom keyboard and that's been working perfectly for me to several years now.

If anyone finds a Mechanical Spilt Keyboard, please let me know. I tried looking for one last year and found nothing at all. Whenever I did find one, it was something super weird like this:

I upgraded my keyboard to the Dell KM714 when changing out my desktop a couple years back. It is a compact wireless, short stroked keyboard similar to the keys on a laptop.

I really like it when working from home as it is similar to my laptop.

If you want a wireless short stroked keyboard similar to the desktop keayboard, look at the Dell KM717. Both come with a wireless mouse and the 717 is about $15 more.

Dell KM714

Dell KM717

Years ago I was happy to pay a premium price for the NorthGate keyboard. Heavy duty, metal, not plastic, base, keystrokes had a very positive feel.

As far as I know, these are no longer available, but if I could find something similar I would be tempted to buy it.

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:
If anyone finds a Mechanical Spilt Keyboard, please let me know. I tried looking for one last year and found nothing at all. Whenever I did find one, it was something super weird like this:

Take a look at the Ergodox, Kinesis Freestyle Edge, or Matias Ergo Pro.

quote:

Originally posted by FenderBender:
get a model M and be happy.

I love mechanical keyboards, the clicky type. Though the travel is a bit further, I can touch type much faster on one. I've tried Unicomp's reproduction of the Model M, with the "buckling spring" keys, both PC and Mac models. I found what I think is a superior mechanical keyboard in Das Keyboard. They use Cherry MX switches under the keys. You can get clicky, or silent, PC or Mac models. I can type at my maximum speed on one of those.
 

Logitech K350 for the last 3-4 years at work.

quote:

Originally posted by henryaz:

quote:

Originally posted by FenderBender:
get a model M and be happy.

I love mechanical keyboards, the clicky type. Though the travel is a bit further, I can touch type much faster on one. I've tried Unicomp's reproduction of the Model M, with the "buckling spring" keys, both PC and Mac models. I found what I think is a superior mechanical keyboard in Das Keyboard. They use Cherry MX switches under the keys. You can get clicky, or silent, PC or Mac models. I can type at my maximum speed on one of those.
 

I typed that post, and this one. on my Das with MX browns. but if I were to only be typing and I didn't really give a damn how loud I was, nothing competes with the model M. also unicomp isn't a reproduction it's just the current production, they never stopped making them.

I have the Logitech K800. It is wireless (has the unifying receiver that links with a Logitech keyboard and mouse so you only use one computer USB port for both). It has rechargeable batteries, I plug it in to a USB port (cable included) every two months or so to charge (couple hours) - has charge status lights on it. It can be used while charging. On/Off switch if you will be gone on vacation. The keys are auto back lit when your fingers get near the keys, handy at night if you don't want a bunch of lights on.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/l...1466.p?skuId=1261466

I'd also suggest you look at some mechanical keyboards with CHERRY MX switches. I have the Corsair K63 which is smaller than a full sized keyboard. Highly recommended.

quote:

Originally posted by 2012BOSS302:
I have the Logitech K800. It is wireless (has the unifying receiver that links with a Logitech keyboard and mouse so you only use one computer USB port for both). It has rechargeable batteries, I plug it in to a USB port (cable included) every two months or so to charge (couple hours) - has charge status lights on it. It can be used while charging. On/Off switch if you will be gone on vacation. The keys are auto back lit when your fingers get near the keys, handy at night if you don't want a bunch of lights on.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/l...1466.p?skuId=1261466

That's what I've been using for a few years now. I'm in the habit of tapping the front edge with my little finger to activate the lighting as my hands move to the keys, lit when I get there.

quote:

Originally posted by DanH:
If anyone finds a Mechanical Spilt Keyboard, please let me know. I tried looking for one last year and found nothing at all. Whenever I did find one, it was something super weird like this:

Here's one on Amazon with Cherry mech switches. Not cheap, but is split (but not outlandish) and is mechanical with good Cherry mech switches.

https://www.amazon.com/Mistel-...low+profile+keyboard




Here's another split mech from same company but with different colors and lighting options if you like RGB lighting and different kinds of switch switch actuation styles:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M...&qid=1535229909&sr=3

I have this one. I really like the red backlighting so you can see it in the dark. Unfortunately, it's not wireless.



Pretty cheap from Amazon...
http://a.co/d/fMaj0dl