I’m wondering if anyone here is using a mechanical keyboard. I am finding that I hunch over a lot and pull my shoulders in, and my “standard” keyboard is the cause. I am looking to get a split mechanical keyboard.
The UHK 60 v2 is a top contender, as is a Keebio Cepstrum. For now I do not want a completely nonstandard layout (no ortholinear, for ex).
This will be my first mechanical keyboard for my Mac, but I have used them before – on my NeXT, IBM PC (5150), and I have used an IBM Model M on various PS/2 systems. I still have a Model M.
The rabbit hole runs deep on this one, but I think I’m going to start with the UHK.
I am not sure if this qualifies as a mechanical keyboard. I have been using the split since in my 20’s. I haven’t been formally diagnosed, but I know I have carpel tunnel syndrome. And this is the only type of keyboard I can use to work for any length of time.
For me, writing on a mechanical keyboard feels more deliberate. The tactile feedback makes every keystroke feel intentional, as if there’s instant confirmation and more confidence builds overtime. Which weirdly helps me stay focused and type more mindfully. The sound helps too. Regardless if it’s loud or stealth. It’s like a subtle rhythm which I’m sure you can relate to
What switch type are you using or planning to use? That makes a huge difference. Finding your preference, be it red, blue, brown, or black is important.
I like tactile feedback, but don’t necesarily need a click. I’m used to the feedback I get on my Apple keyboards and was hoping to approximate that.
I bought this huge key tester and am finding that I actually like the click of the blues. It is very satisfying to hear that click, and it is nowhere near as loud as the click of the IBM Model M, which I did not want.
I have been told that I should try choc browns, but there are brown keys on that test board and I hardly feel the tactile feedback.
My keyboard will come with silent pink switches, which are linear and which I expect to want to replace. We’ll see. I won’t do that on day 1, but maybe day 2. lol
I kept reading about the legendary IBM Model M, remembered sporadically typing on a few over the years, and finally bought a Unicomp EnduraPro. The EnduraPro is a modern version of the Model M combined with a pointing stick.
The EnduraPro’s buckling spring keyboard is excellent; however, the pointing stick is mediocre at best and does not compare with a proper Thinkpad TrackPoint.
After a few months, the EnduraPro replaced nearly all the keyboards around the house.
And if the intermittent, rapid-fire buckling spring noise drives away the door-to-door salesmen, all the better.
I’m using a membrane keyboard, the Corsair K55 core since summer 2024.
The feedback on key press is very immediate and it’s so silent. I don’t have much more to say.. Ah yes! it’s Rgb (:
Well, my UHK60 v2 arrived earlier this week, and I have now been using it for about 2.5 days. So far so good, but it is defintely an adjustment. The switch to a split keyboard has been easy, but losing so many keys that I use regularly (escape, arrow keys, and several of the hardware control function keys) has been tough. I like it already and think I am going to like it long-term.
That thing is beautiful! How difficult is it to get used to typing with them separated? Are the benefits really worth it? Is it easy to go back and forth between regular keyboards/laptops? (muscle memory)
Honestly, the separation part is very easy to get used to. The hard part is getting used to layers. If you look closely in the 2 pictures, you will note that I reordered the modifier keys to be more like my Apple keyboards, and this improved my hit rate significantly.
I am faster, more accurate, and more consistent on the split keyboard than I am on the Apple keyboard, and I can already feel the difference in my wrist.
I would have chosen black, and some different switches (but I can replace both of these things), and I agree – it looks nice, and the wood sure feels nice.
2.5 days in, and I am super impressed with this keyboard.
So many ways to configure, including for stealth. 
I have my touchpad disabled on my ThinkPad because I just love the TrackPoint.
