Keyboard with soft keys

dllive

Hi all,

Ive been working on a very cheap and rigid keyboard that came with my laptop (as a seperate keyboard).

Ive developed a bit of RSI because of the typing on rigid keyboard.

Does anyone know any keyboards that have very soft keys or 'long travel' keys?

Thanks

[Deleted User]

I find the Logitech range of keyboards to be really friendly on the fingers, I'm using the following as I type now and do all day long for work without any strain.
https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/products/keyboards/wireless-illuminated-keyboard-k800.html

It has a nice 3.2mm travel distance, and although it is scissor / membrane, the action is precise and tactile with a soft finish to it. Keys are slightly concave to bring the finger into a good position but the force might be a bit too much for you at 60g as opposed to a nice mechanical Cherry MX Red at about 45g.

However you could look into some more specific ergonomic keyboards such as the following even though they do look odd, I have some colleagues that use these types of keyboard:

https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/products/keyboards/k860-split-ergonomic.html

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/microsoft-sculpt-ergonomic-desktop/8xk02kz6k69w?activetab=pivot:overviewtab

In terms of types of keyboard - mechanical Cherry MX Red or Brown types of switches are the gold standards have the lightest key presses and are rated well for typists - see the following for an explanation that will help guide your choice of mechanical keyboard:

https://www.mechanical-keyboard.org/switch-types/

They don't have as much travel though - typically just 2mm if that is important to you.

A_Lert

If you have the budget, look into mechanical keyboards. They generally have "full" key travel and the keypress registers without having to mash the key all the way to the bottom which allows you to type lightly. Various types of switches are available. Cherry MX Blue are regarded as good for typing and MX Brown as good all-rounders, but you'll have to try them to figure out what you like, you can get keyswitch testers. Mechanical keyboards are expensive but good ones are durable so affordable in the long run.

On a lower budget I'd look for more "traditional" membrane keyboards with full height keys. A lot of keyboards now use nearly flat laptop-style keys because they look thin and stylish, but they're really not good for typing on. Gaming keyboards are worth considering, although with some you're paying for flashy lights and not quality keys. Try before you buy if you can.

Carrot007

Mech by far.

Cheaper recomendations for me are:

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B071HBFN2T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Very nice, noisey, they recently changed it to that horrible font!

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK3QW2W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Less noisy and an excellent volume knob with push to mute.

Or pay much much more for more or ledd the same ;-) (there are reasons to, if you don't know them you don't need to).

dllive

Wow - thanks so much guys! Some great recommendations here. 

dllive

I now know more about red/brown/blue etc switches than I should! 
Ive decided to try the RedThunder K55 Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (although I might see if they do a wireless version!)
A corollary question: Is there a mouse with a soft touch click buttons you can recommend?

dllive

Hmm, after going through A LOT of keyboard reviews, Ive decided on this wireless mechanical keyboard and mouse combo: https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/gaming/gaming-accessories/gaming-keyboards/logitech-g613-wireless-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-dark-grey-10172500-pdt.html?istCompanyId=bec25c7e-cbcd-460d-81d5-a25372d2e3d7&istFeedId=2f489429-2329-4fcd-941a-a6a497a10e1d&istItemId=wtaixlxat&istBid=t