Its been a while since this was last asked:
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8368101<p>I tend to stab the low profile keys of my mac keyboards a little hard, and I'm noticing a little bit of discomfort :(<p>So, it is time to look at alternatives. Potentially a quiet mechanical or a high quality rubber dome.<p>Anyone fell in love with a mac/keyboard pairing lately?
It fails the quiet test, but the Unicomp IBM Model M clones [1] are excellent. They licensed the patents from IBM, and have updated the design for updated layouts and USB. In particular, the SpaceSaver M [2] is a IBM Model M with the Mac layout and USB connection. I have one of the Ultra Classics, and I love it. However, it is not quiet which is not an issue as I work from home. They do offer a quiet key option, but I have no experience with it.<p>[1]: <a href="http://www.pckeyboard.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.pckeyboard.com/</a>
[2]: <a href="http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/SpacesaverM" rel="nofollow">http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/SpacesaverM</a>
Because a Windows style keyboard can [still] be reconfigured using OSX, [1] it might be worth considering the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000. They're inexpensive (as little as $30 US at some retailers), reasonably robust (I've considered replacing mine due to unreadable keycaps not mechanical problems), and for me the layout ergonomics trumps a bar style layout with mechanical switches.<p>My suspicion is that Microsoft dog fooded these. Anyway, it might be cheap and easy enough to try as a solution.<p>Good luck.<p>[1] <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2016/03/17/how-to-remap-windows-keyboard-buttons-match-mac-layout/" rel="nofollow">http://9to5mac.com/2016/03/17/how-to-remap-windows-keyboard-...</a>
I splurged and got myself a used Happy Hacking Pro 2 keyboard, just to see what the hype was all about. It's quiet, blank, and very fun to type on.<p>I also have a Leopold Otaku with Cherry MX brown keys. It's not as quiet as the HHK but I like the tactile feedback. I like the tenkeyless form factor better than the HHK because I use arrow keys sometimes.<p>And before those 2 expensive ones, I had a MS Natural ergonomic 4000 which was a good, inexpensive and comfortable keyboard. I had the one with the very stiff space-bar but I think the newer versions' keys were less stiff.<p>Good luck on your search. My dream keyboard would be one with the MS 4000 ergonomic layout and the keys of the HHK. But I've spent enough on keyboards for awhile. :)
Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac: <a href="http://www.daskeyboard.com/daskeyboard-4-professional-for-mac/" rel="nofollow">http://www.daskeyboard.com/daskeyboard-4-professional-for-ma...</a><p>Some nice to knows: has a builtin 2 port USB 3.0 hub (superhandy for USB sticks and the like), N Key Rollover over USB, and a footbar which also can be repurposed as a ruler.<p>Can be purchased with Greetech brown (tactile) or blue (clicky) switches.
I've been very happy with the Logitech solar keyboard for mac. Feels good enough, and you can't beat that it never runs out of juice if you're in a room with a window. <a href="https://secure.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-solar-keyboard-k750-mac" rel="nofollow">https://secure.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-solar-key...</a>
I've been pretty happy with the ergonomics of the Kinesis Freestyle 2. The fact that it's 2 pieces means it can be adjusted to fit your body and desk exactly which is more than can be said about any other fixed body keyboard.<p><a href="http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/freestyle2-blue-pc/" rel="nofollow">http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/freestyle2-blue-pc/</a>
Kinesis Advantage<p><a href="https://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/" rel="nofollow">https://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/</a><p>It's ergonomic, mechanical, and has Mac support.
I have a Matias Tactile Pro that I'm quite fond of, but its loud.
A quick glance at their website and it looks like they now have a "quiet" version. I might have to give that a try...
It's easy to reconfigure a regular keyboard to have the same modifiers and same key locations as a Mac keyboard. Don't let the symbols on the keycaps deter you from choosing one you like.