A Coder's Guide to Mechanical Keyboards

You touch your keyboard more than you touch your loved ones. You should probably invest in a good one. A cheap membrane keyboard feels "mushy" and can lead to fatigue.

The Switches (The Heart)

The color code determines the feel.

1. Blue (Clicky):
   • Feel: Tactile bump + Loud Click.
   • Verdict: Great for solo typing, terrible for open offices. Your coworkers will plot against you.
2. Red (Linear):
   • Feel: Smooth straight down. No bump.
   • Verdict: Preferred by gamers for rapid actuation. Some typists find them too sensitive (accidental presses).
3. Brown (Tactile):
   • Feel: A subtle "bump" when the key activates, but no loud click.
   • Verdict: The Gold Standard for Programmers. Feedback without the noise.

The Form Factor (The Layout)

1. Full Size (100%): Includes Numpad. Large footprint forces your mouse arm to stretch wide (bad ergonomics).
2. TKL (Tenkeyless - 80%): No Numpad. The sweet spot for most devs.
3. 60-65%: Minimizes desk clutter. No F-Row. Requires "layers" (Fn + 1 = F1). Great for VIM users, hard for others.
4. Split / Ergonomic: (Moonlander, Dactyl). Keys are separated into two halves. Reduces ulnar deviation (wrist twisting).

Terminology Check: "Hot-Swappable"

Buy a Hot-Swappable keyboard. This means you can pull out the switches and replace them (e.g., change from Red to Brown) without desoldering.

Keycaps: ABS vs PBT

• ABS: Standard plastic. Gets "shiny" and greasy over time.
• PBT: Textured, higher quality. Does not shine. Always look for "Double-shot PBT".

Quiz

Conclusion

A good keyboard won't make you a better coder, but it will make the act of coding enjoyable. Start with a Keychron V-series or Q-series if you want a solid entry point.