I've always dismissed mechanical keyboards due to their noise. I've been using mac-like keyboard experiences for around 15 years, currently using Logitech Craft. That's the kind of experience I'm used to (and think I enjoy), but I'm wondering what I'm missing out on? Or maybe this just isn't for me? I've never tried a mechanical keyboards, and don't think there are any options locally to test (based in Norway).

What got me curious was seeing the Keychron Q12 with the numpad on the left side. As I switch my right hand a lot between the keyboard and mouse, reducing the travel distance and giving more tasks to my left hand would be nice. I'm considering the Barebone ISO of Keychron Q12, and finding some quiet switches and Norwegian caps.

Motivation: As a developer, want to be more accurate using a keyboard. Often my right hand has trouble locating the home row after using the mouse.

Requirements:

Quiet operation
Numpad (south paw is a plus)
No soldering or too time consuming assembly
Both mac and windows support

Looking for tips and guidance, what do you tell your friends when they ask? Is my expectations in check (will it make a difference?), or should I just stick with what I'm used to.

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xMistyyx3 t1_jabxl8u wrote on February 28, 2023 at 9:17 AM

Hmm, if you’re looking at a hotswap board with a numpad, the Q12 doesn’t seem like a bad option, it’s just the price. But you might want to switch out the switches for a more quieter one if you want a quiet board. I’d recommend for budget the Outemu Silent Whites, as they’re really quiet despite being really budget friendly :)

ecker00 OP t1_jacah2j wrote on February 28, 2023 at 12:10 PM

Not heard about those, thank you! Where in the spectre does a white switch fall compared to red and brown? Budget is not main concern, but don't want to be wasteful either.

Edit: Back on the PC now, see they are Silent Linear. That seems like it might be a good fit.

toxicitysocks t1_jaciprd wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:30 PM

You may also want to consider haimu heartbeats as a switch option. I’ve never used them but heard they’re great

ShawnLevasseur t1_jacwy8h wrote on February 28, 2023 at 3:16 PM

I can't speak to the aluminium case Q series Keychrons, but my plastic case K4 Pro is very good for a quiet keyboard when you put in good silent switches in it. It has a silicone pad in the bottom which helps a lot with that. There is no need for opening up the case for most any reason.

It is a 96% 1800 style layout, so you have a numpad (albiet, right handed)

All Keychron keyboards support Macs and Windows. The ones that support customizing what the keys do, like my K4 Pro, use the VIA software, which to my knowledge is the only such software that's cross-platform for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

Teriboomer t1_jae224x wrote on February 28, 2023 at 7:39 PM

Q12 is prob the cheapest southpaw aluminum board that I know of. Consider Gazzew U4 switches for a silent tactile.