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Traditional keyboard keycaps wear out for me inside 6 months.
I wanted a mechanical keyboard, primarily for the replaceable (usually) standard keycaps. I was hoping to get some that are etched or otherwise molded with the symbols rather than painted. The reason is I'm a flunky when it comes to typing. I can touch type *if* I can find my "home row" (which probably isn't the home row but wherever my fingers have been trained to rest) - sometimes, especially when I'm tired, my resting position shifts and I begin screwing everything up and I have to look at my keys. I know the layout of the keys by heart, and I can count from the left, to figure out which keys are x,c, and v for example, but I'd rather not have to, and I'm willing to pay $200 USD or so for that.
The trouble is they have all these options, like which microswitches to use. I have no clue. Which ones are good for typing, in your experience, if you own one? Cherry MX Red or whatever? I don't even know the names offhand. There are some non-cherry high end switches as well and I'm willing to pay extra for them. I just want to know what I'm getting into. I'm flying totally blind right now.
Also does anyone have any tips in terms of what to look for in one of these beasts?
Edit: I'm either going with a Das 5QS or one of these things:
Review: A Soviet keyboard from a computer terminal[^] because apparently the magnetic reed switches in them are top notch. 
Real programmers use butterflies
modified 10-Dec-21 14:54pm.
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I bought a relatively inexpensive Logitech mechanical keyboard, model K840 last time around. The keytops aren't molded, but have worn well over two years of use. I got it at Best Buy for around $80. It's probably one of the least expensive mechanicals I've seen. It's pretty tough, too. My bit of keyboarding fame is that I broke the keyboard on a DEC VT100[^] terminal long ago in the by-and-by. Those suckers could be run over by a truck and not miss a keystroke, but I broke the thing.
There seem to be lots of gimmicks in the keyboard world. Lots of gaming entertainment garbage for the kiddies. For serious keyboard artiste's, it's almost as bad as the audiophile crap you used to see sold for outrageous prices. Keyboard springs tuned to sub-micron tolerances. Low-oxygen cables with 24K gold connectors. You get the idea.
Since you're going to be using this 8+ hours a day, I strongly suggest going about it one of two ways:
1. Go inexpensive, order ones you like based on the description, and be willing to chuck it on the spare hardware pile if it annoys you.
2. Spend the money, but go to a store and try the thing out before you lay out $200 or more.
Software Zen: delete this;
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Some of the really high end ones are totally customizable but online only.
However, what you said isn't a bad idea, since the mid to high end mechanicals all use the same range of switches (some Cherry variation usually) so if i find one i like, i just get a keyboard with the same switches for the same "feel"
I don't collect spare hardware anymore. It goes to the thrift stores usually.
Real programmers use butterflies
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Greetings Kind Regards I take minor offense at "audiophile crap" For my less expensive gear I insist on oxygen free copper which costs nothing For my expensive gear I insist on Ohno Continuous Cast copper especially whilst learning of an affordable source Otherwise my modest system below has no snake oil unless the isolation transformer is such Of course I steer away from any product w/ "quantum" in the name - Cheerio
https://www.codeproject.com/Messages/5806240/Where-I-Can-be-Found[^]
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PaltryProgrammer wrote: oxygen free copper
And what benefit does that give you?
The difficult we do right away...
...the impossible takes slightly longer.
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It provides peace of mind that I am not sacrificing quality especially considering the affordable price Re/ the OCC I noticed an immediate obvious improved soundstage which gave me peace of mind considering the comparatively affordable price However I can't say I noticed any sonic difference from the Trip-Lite Maybe it's protecting the equipment - Cheerio
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I keeps his fingers from turning green when he touches the wires. Copper-Oxide is green. 
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Of course, we know that because Spock's blood is copper-based, and his blood is green.
The difficult we do right away...
...the impossible takes slightly longer.
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Unless you are under 30 years old and have truly pampered your hearing your entire life (no loud noises, no concerts, no target shooting, no working in a machine shop, etc.), I stand by my description of 'audiophile' equipment as the aforementioned 'crap'.
Software Zen: delete this;
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Personally I like Cherry mx browns. I'd see if you can find somewhere to test them out. The big differences between switches are whether they're linear vs tactile, clicky or not, the actuation force, and the actuation distance.
I don't personally like Reds because they tire my fingers out. Linear switches usually have a much higher bottom-out force and since the reds don't have the "bump" to let you know the key registered, in my experience you end up bottoming them out more often.
Here's a good in-depth guide to the various properties of the switches.
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I came from a totally uninformed perspective.
It is my belief that mechanical keyboard are mostly here to cater to the need of gamers. And they all work as far as typing is concerned... So basically, all the option that means nothing to you? You can safely ignore them, they are not about typing characters...
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The keyword for you is "two-shot molded". The (usually) white "caption" is molded, then the rest of the keycap molded round it.
A number of the Chinese usual suspects sell replacement keycap sets, usually targeted to the gamer market.
Cheers,
Peter
Software rusts. Simon Stephenson, ca 1994. So does this signature. me, 2012
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I’ve had a Das Keyboard S for 10 years now and will probably go on for another 10. Keycaps have developed a bit of a shine but doesn’t bother me. Keys on mine are Cherry blue (clickity) but I think you can get quiet browns. Blue ones however will keep everyone away and give you more personal space 
It is so cheap (100$ or so) that you might even buy some double injection keycaps and those will never fade.
Mircea
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Clickity no worky
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!" - Hunter S Thompson - RIP
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just check youtube there are many people explaining and reviewing them ...keychron .. duckkey...logi..etc..
Caveat Emptor.
"Progress doesn't come from early risers – progress is made by lazy men looking for easier ways to do things." Lazarus Long
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There are things I'd like to do less than sift through youtube videos. I'm sure there are. I just can't think of any right now.
Real programmers use butterflies
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trust the youtube algorithm
Caveat Emptor.
"Progress doesn't come from early risers – progress is made by lazy men looking for easier ways to do things." Lazarus Long
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Maybe one of these: best-mechanical-keyboards[^]
I have a cheap compact mechanical keyboard from Ali-Express which might be not be the best, and is quite noisy, but it is always better than a laptop keyboard. 
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There are many brands out there making good keyboards.
Things to consider:
- Different force and haptic feedback from switches: topre, optical, cherry, ...
- Keycaps made of PBT and double shot will last longer for sure.
- Noise: again coming from the switches.
For a topre keyboard I'd go with: REALFORCE R2 PFU Limited Edition keyboards - Official Site[^] it offers different actuation points, topre switches, ...
In fact, if that keyboard had an ISO layout it would be sitting in my desk now.
For anything else...
Filco Keyboards[^]
Leopold keyboards[^]
CHERRY Americas - mice and keyboards for professionals[^]
varmilo mechanical keyboard[^]
Ducky products: Mechanical keyboard, PBT keycaps and more | Ducky Official Website[^]
WASD Keyboards Custom Mechanical Keyboards and Cherry MX Keycaps - WASD Keyboards[^]
Unicomp, Inc.[^]
Then there's logitech, Aorus and all the other gaming brands... with plenty of Christmas lights...
Time ago, when I wanted to get information about this I contacted The Keyboard Company | Keyboards & Mice Sales Distribution[^] and they helped me.
The biggest advantage for you (I guess) is that you will use the ANSI layout which will give you much more options than in ISO layout.
The typical recommendation is to test your switch preference as they change the force and feedback you get when pressing a key, the best would be going to a store to get the feel directly, but in case you prefer to stay home Amazon (and others) sell switch testers, which are small boards with a different switch of each kind, not the best, but at least you can touch one key... https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=109[^]
The best would be having a keyboard in which you could set a different weight for different keys, i.e. for your pinky fingers keys that need less force. I am tired to press Shift keys and seeing sometimes I fail. This can come from the force I must make and for the fact stabilizers in that keyboard are terrible and long keys wobble a lot.
Oh, and now that I remember, then you have different sizes too, I currently use a 100% keyboard, there are TKL too and 65%... that's is up to your preference too...
Hope this helps.
PS: By now I am still using the Lenovo Keyboard it came with my last desktop ^^¡
modified 10-Dec-21 6:44am.
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Joan M wrote: The typical recommendation is to test your switch preference as they change the force and feedback you get when pressing a key, the best would be going to a store to get the feel directly,
Unless you have a major tech store around this might be easier said than done. Prior to getting my current personal keyboard (cherry red) I looked in the local bestbuy and staples. The only mech keyboards they had out to try had obnoxiously clicky blue switches (or Razer's proprietary copy thereof). No reds, never mind more niche options like brown, etc.
Joan M wrote: The best would be having a keyboard in which you could set a different weight for different keys, i.e. for your pinky fingers keys that need less force. I am tired to press Shift keys and seeing sometimes I fail. This can come from the force I must make and for the fact stabilizers in that keyboard are terrible and long keys wobble a lot.
That's an interesting perspective, in the past when I've seen mention of using more than one switch type on a single board it was always in terms of putting higher force ones on the big keys to counter the weight of the keycap making them overall easier to press.
Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulseless heart, weighing all things in the balance of reason?
Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful?
--Zachris Topelius
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Joan M wrote: in case you prefer to stay home Amazon (and others) sell switch testers
That's rather clever in a way.
Software Zen: delete this;
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FWIIW: Some 3.5 years ago, I treated my arthritic hands to a ($$$) Kinesis Advantage 2 keyboard (refurbished). Took a lot of getting used to. It has mechanical switches, quiet but there is an electronic clicky sound thingie that can be turned on and off if such things matter. Fully programmable within the firmware so OS agnostic. Makes a difference to my hands and wrists but complicates going back and forth with my laptop on the road. I like it.
>64
If you can keep your head while those about you are losing theirs, perhaps you don't understand the situation.
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I can't use those because of the way I type. I never learned to type properly - I learned organically, but because of that, I don't transfer well to other layouts at all.
Real programmers use butterflies
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Has to have a palm / wrist rest. Currently using a Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro (2014). Looks like this one though mine has more "internet" buttons. I don't think I paid anything near $275.
https://www.amazon.ca/Microsoft-C19-00001-Internet-Keyboard/dp/B00002MZ8G
It was only in wine that he laid down no limit for himself, but he did not allow himself to be confused by it.
― Confucian Analects: Rules of Confucius about his food
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One of my keycaps on an otherwise high quality keyboard is literally breaking. The c key has a physical pit worn through the top of it.
I need replaceable standard keycaps. I'm getting a keyboard with cherryMX browns. At this point I'll try the double mold keys and see if they hold up, but if nothing else I guess I will just replace my caps periodically.
Real programmers use butterflies
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