Full Sized Mechanical Keyboard for Mac

yoquierotaco on 01/03/2023 - 11:25
Last edited 01/03/2023 - 12:13 by 1 other user

Hi everyone, total newb with mechanical keyboards. I have always just bought the cheap versions so usually the smaller-sized keyboards which I don't like anymore. I'm looking for more high quality version this time. There is so much information out there so just asking from the OzB community what their recommendations are.

Specifications:

  • full-sized keyboard with number pad
  • for use on Mac (does this even matter?)
  • hot-swappable (is this important if I'm just using it for one purpose?)
  • using for typing, not gaming
  • being too loud does not matter as I am in my own room

Are there any other considerations? I know there are different color switches and types, but not sure it matters too much for typing? What would be the best mechanical keyboard for me to consider in 2023? Thanks in advance!

Computing Computer Peripheral Keyboard Mechanical Keyboard

Comments

  • lanky074 on 01/03/2023 - 11:31
    +1

    I se a Windows DAS Keyboard. Any Windows keyboard will work. The Windows Key acts as a Command key. Alt is Option and Control is control. (The Menu Key on Windows keyboards doesnt do anything that I know of)

    Any windows keyboard will work, just the above matters. Also the plug port, as most new Macbook computers only have USB C, thus you will need a converter or a USB Keyboard.

    One nice thing about the Mac keyboards with the touch ID is nice. Other than that any keyboard will work just the keys listed above.

    Just found this to help:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/keyboard-mappings-…

    https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/mac-help/cpmh0152/mac

  • CrispyChrispy on 01/03/2023 - 11:54
    +2

    Have a look at Keychron, they have a variety of boards that fit your criteria. Lots of vendors that sell Keychron boards, you can also order directly from them here: https://keychron.net.au/ Have a browse through.

    • hot-swappable (is this important if I'm just using it for one purpose?)

    I'd highly reccomend getting a hotswap-capable board regardless of use case. If you ever want to change your typing experience you can easilly do so without splurging on a whole another keyboard.

    I know there are different color switches and types, but not sure it matters too much for typing?

    Have a look at YouTube for some sound tests/reviews of the linears, clickies and tactiles and make a judgement from that. It's all down to personal preference, any switch type works fine for gaming or typing; it's more of an important factor if you're wanting really fast switches for competitive gaming.

  • kelvinate on 01/03/2023 - 12:07
    +3

    +1 for keychron in this case

    • for use on Mac (does this even matter?)

    Keychrons keyboard out of the box works with mac, complete with mac keycaps as well.

  • ytthr on 01/03/2023 - 12:40
    +1

    I use a Keychron K10 with a M1 pro , which fits all requirements.

    • yoquierotaco on 01/03/2023 - 21:45

      annoyingly the hot-swappable version is out of stock on the official website

  • djsweet on 01/03/2023 - 12:58
    +2

    For a mech keyboard you can use a windows one for Mac. Just swap the key caps if you want them to have cmd and option keys. You can remap keys in System Preferences too. Keychron keyboards come with Mac and Windows key caps so you can configure for either. They also have a windows/Mac toggle switch to remap keys from the keyboard side. So if you aren’t looking for anything too fancy, keychron is probably the go. Otherwise any other windows one will work with some remapping and new key caps.

    I like browns for my key switches. I use at home and in the office. If I was alone I’d probably get blues. Jb-Hifi have the different key switches out for demo so you can see what you like. (At least last time I was there).

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 01/03/2023 - 13:10
    +1

    I know it's not Mechanical, but the MX Keys is brilliant. I use it with my my M1 Pro and Hackintosh (as well as an MX Anywhere 2s mouse).

    Logitech do make a [mechanical'(https://www.amazon.com.au/Logitech-MX-Mechanical-Wireless-Ta…) version.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 01/03/2023 - 15:54

    We've come full circle on IT aesthetics and we now have Mac people trying to copy PC keyboards when for years it was people trying get the magic keyboard working on PCs. You live long enough you see everything.

  • sanglt on 01/03/2023 - 16:01
    +2

    I'm using Halo75 and it is very good, so I think you can have a look at Halo96. Another option is Keychron K10 Pro, however I would wait for Keychron Q6 Pro.

  • scotty on 01/03/2023 - 16:44
    +2

    Wife is using Keychron K4v2 with Gateron Red switches. It has number pad but reduced size.

  • n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm on 01/03/2023 - 20:34
    +2

    Keychron get's a lot of recommendations because they are designed to be fully Mac compatible out of the box with a switch on the back to switch between Win/Mac and they also include the Mac keycaps if you get the Fully assembled version.

    Kind of going to be an expensive recommendation (buy right buy once, right?), but Keychron Q6. I was going to link you to where to get it cheaper locally, which was at Switchkeys. But they don't have anymore stock 😕.
    It was cheaper buying from Switchkeys last time I checked.

    Edit: For a newbie I recommend the Fully assembled version, the stabilizers on mine were rattle free out of the box and the spacebar will give you that "pop" that you need 😀 it also comes with a straight cable. Why not coiled you might ask? Well funny thing, the Q6's PCB is so big it needs more power, and using my coiled cable resulted in an intermittent connection. I confirmed this with Keychron support and the Q6 works with my other straight USB-C cable and Keychron's included one.
    I needed a USB3.0 spec coiled cable which can request/carry more current, but nowhere makes them custom. Keychron makes one and recommended one on their website Q6. I didn't get it though so I can't confirm.

    • yoquierotaco on 01/03/2023 - 21:41

      Yea, I saw the Q6. Could buy it and claim it on tax without having to depreciate it as it's under $300 lol. Still expensive AF even with claiming on tax -_-

      • n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm on 01/03/2023 - 23:24
        +1

        Still expensive AF

        Yeah you are right, I think the Q6 was $269 at Switchkeys (I know someone who paid $360 when they ordered on release day). But spend enough time at r/MK and you will realize how Keychron Q's are great value for the price especially for newbies.

        You might not understand all these terms now but this are what you get for under $300.

        • In stock ready to ship (wait till you learn about Group Buys)
        • Optional Fully assembled version (if you choose Barebone you save more $ but everything is not included/assembled so it's not a functional keyboard out of the box)
        • Full Aluminum case
        • Gasket mounted plate for softer feel and dampening
        • Comes with Screw in stabilizers
        • Necessary tools included
        • Win/Mac support
        • VIA and QMK firmware support (easy on the fly reprogramming with VIA, almost endless programming with QMK)
        • RGB for the gamers
        • South facing PCB for best compatibility with upgrading switches/keycaps
        • Might have missed something but that's about it.

        Just wanted to recommend it to you before other models for this reason. If you get it you will likely be happy for years, while if you spend $100 to $150 on a budget plastic Tray mount keyboard, you might be buying the Q6 six months later at which point your old keyboard will be collecting dust and you won't be saving money overall
        .
        Now that I got that out of my system, I then recommend to you the V6 (Fully assembled) which is the budget version of the Q6.
        It basically has everything the Q6 has, but minus the Aluminum case and Gasket mount which you might not think is a lot but those things add quite a bit to the typing experience. No Gasket mount means it uses the same Tray mounting system like most other budget plastic case keyboards in it's price range, basically there is no "give" at all and so no dampening effect.

        One positive you could say for the V6 is it will be lighter in weight. So less heavy to move/carry around. The Q6 weighs an arm and a leg, and it's dense weight so for it's size it feels like it weighs even more.

  • yoquierotaco on 01/03/2023 - 21:39

    Thanks for all the info OzB. Alot of reccomendations on Keychron. I had a look at keychron and a lot of it is out of stock so will have to look at the local stores.

    • tienanbich on 02/03/2023 - 22:12
      +1

      maybe you looked at keychron.com? try https://keychron.com.au

      • yoquierotaco on 07/03/2023 - 20:04

        I looked at the AU site. A lot in stock, but some of the options were not available, like hot-swappable or different color of the switches. Will decide on something soon, thinking if I want Bluetooth or QMK more (K10 or V6)

        • tienanbich on 07/03/2023 - 20:15

          mwave currently has a lot of keychron keebs on sale. big sale! have a look and quickly grab one/some. I just bought 3 more last night.

        • tienanbich on 07/03/2023 - 20:17

          you can have a q6 for the price of v6 here https://www.mwave.com.au/product/keychron-q6-knob-hotswappab…
          it's a steal!

          • yoquierotaco on 09/03/2023 - 20:55

            @tienanbich: Wtf, how did I miss this?

            Now I want this even more! Lol. But think i will go with K10 pro since I doubt this price will come back.

            • tienanbich on 09/03/2023 - 21:53
              +1

              @yoquierotaco: K series is also a good option. They are new so there won’t be any sales anytime soon. The good thing about K series is that they have bluetooth and light weight so you can bring them with you. Can’t do that with Q series

        • n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm on 07/03/2023 - 21:04

          thinking if I want Bluetooth or QMK more

          You can have both with the K Pro series. Here is a link to the biggest one they have the K4 Pro.
          https://keychron.com.au/products/keychron-k4-pro-qmk-via-wir…

          • yoquierotaco on 09/03/2023 - 20:55

            @n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm: Ah nice, did not see that one. Also in stock the one i want 👍

            • n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm on 10/03/2023 - 15:33
              +1

              @yoquierotaco: Also keep in mind QMK is the advanced base code for the firmware. VIA (also supported by K4 Pro) is the more recent version of it that is much easier to use, you can just plug it in go to the website and remap keys. I would not mess with the QMK side unless you know what you are doing or have experience coding.

  • Hugh G Rection on 02/03/2023 - 18:39
    +1

    keychron

  • tienanbich on 02/03/2023 - 22:11
    +2

    have a look at the keychron on the Au website: https://keychron.com.au
    Had a quick loook and some versions of the Q6 are available. C2, V6. K10 are all available. They are all fullsize keyboards.

  • tienanbich on 02/03/2023 - 22:16
    +3

    if you want 3 mode of connections, have a look at https://www.mwave.com.au/product/epomaker-th98-wiredwireless…
    It's on sale for only today. Just got one 75% version of it myself. Would have gone with keychron v or k pro if the epomaker wasn't on sale :D

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