Keyboard Most Similar to TBMBP

[hussainh1]

I've been hunting for the right keyboard for quite a while now. I've always used my MBP in clamshell mode with external keyboard and mouse. Prior to the Magic Keyboard Version 2 with Lightning, I used the Apple Wireless Keyboard with the Belkin 10 key YourType that looked almost like they fit together.

Now though, Apple has changed the keyboard design, love to type on it but there's no 10 key option. Apple's own full keyboard is wired, but doesn't have the same key mechanism.

I've also tried keyboards from Matias and the Logitech K780, but none of them provide the same feedback like the new MacBook Pro. I find myself going back and forth between the Apple Magic Keyboard 2 and the Logitech depending on how much data entry I'm doing that day, but it's frustrating not having an option that's as similar as the keyboard inside the computer.

Just wanted to get some feedback from you guys since I feel others might be in the same boat.

H

 

[gwang73]

I don't expect to see any keyboards with the same mechanism until Apple decides to update their keyboards.

 

[dyn]

I'd say a mechanical keyboard with the clicky switches like the Cherry MX Blue. The only difference is that they don't require bottoming out and they don't do so at a very small depth (the Apple keyboard has its actuation point right at the bottom so you bottom out the keys; a mechanical keyboard has its actuation point somewhere in the middle or at the top). Perhaps the expensive top of the line Topre switches come in closer to the MB/MBP experience (I have no experience with those).

 

[bartvk]

When you think about it, your question poses a bit of a conundrum. Basically you want the thinnest keyboard (because that has the biggest chance using something similar to Apple's butterfly mechanism). But if it's thin, then there's a big chance it's sold for portability and won't have the tenkey part :-|

I've put the question on Reddit, really curious if anyone comes up with an answer...

 

[dyn]

Not having the ten key part is actually a big plus because it makes the keyboard far more ergonomic. The ten key part is fighting with the mouse for the same space. What usually happens is that people are either not sitting straight in front of the keyboard so they can reach the mouse or they are sitting in front of the keyboard but need to stretch to reach the mouse. Both are not good for your arm and shoulder and should be avoided. Hence why many of the (real) ergonomic keyboards come without the ten key part. You can always purchase it separately and position it on the left so it doesn't fight the mouse over the same space.

Of course none of this applies to those who mouse on the left because the ten key part is on the right. In that case there is no fighting for the same space and you can position the keyboard and mouse properly.