I hope this is not against the rules - I tried with multiple frontends to find the list of rules but failed.

I’m trying to find the right keyboard and have not had all that much luck using aggregators like keeb-finder or mechanicalkeyboards.com. I’m hoping someone would be willing to make a recommendation based on these criteria:

  • 100%, maybe a few less keys but the number pad is necessary. 100+% is ok
  • tactile switches
  • USB passthrough for the mouse or whatever else
  • audio passthrough with audio out jack and mic in jack. I think this is the limiting feature, seems to be phased out except by brands like logitech and corsair.
  • standard ergonomic design
  • case material is not important nor is the key material really

Thanks for reading!

  • SqueakySpider@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
    1·
    5 days ago

    Always happy to clarify and add more info, thank you.

    I threw in ‘standard ergonomic’ because it was a search tool often - I just meant I want a normal keyboard design, rectangular, single space bar, etc. The standard ergonomic preference didn’t need to be included

    The USB passthrough seems big with gaming keyboards, letting me plug my trackball in conveniently. Just a preference thing. Considering a USB hub or something instead but I’ve seen a fair number of them still available.

    The audio passthrough sure is rarer and allows easier setup or removal of the headset. It’s nice to have the audio jack at desk level instead of near the ground.

    Budget wise I’m happy to pay up to roughly 200 USD, but hopefully less since I’m not trying to find anything too fancy overall.

    I often end up regretting a lack of a numpad as they come in handy in some sim games, or as alternate keybinds in whatever I’m playing.

    • BingBong@sh.itjust.works
      1·
      3 days ago

      I use the System76 Launch Heavy and really like it. It meets what I believe you are calling standard ergo along with my take on your other requirements.

      Note, I’m am considering something more like the moonlander which is a split board for the future but trying to figure out how I justify it since the launch heavy will probably outlive me and my children.

    • Kiloee@discuss.tchncs.de
      2·
      4 days ago

      Since you don’t want anything fancy physical layout wise, I would think going with a big conventional brand might be your best bet for at least USB passthrough.

      Personally I tend to lean Logitech amongst those.

      Unless you really like the lightshow of RGB lighting or want the super high polling for some reason, you don’t need to go for a gaming series one either, which often have inflated pricing. It might even be easier to find a full size in the office lineup, because excel loves numpad for obvious reasons.

      Since I went the totally ergo brained route I can’t recommend any specific model in that area, sorry.