Mechanical Keyboard - Logitech MX or Keychron?

[Fried Potato]

Hello,

After several years (a record time for a computer in my possession, to be honest), it is time for me to upgrade my computer. Along with that, I am planning to get a new keyboard. My current one is an older Ducky model (Ducky Shine 4) with blue switches, which I have been very satisfied with. I have googled a bit and searched for various keyboards that also work (layout- and function-wise) with Mac. The two that I have mainly focused on are the Logitech MX Mechanical and the Keychron Q6 Max (I prefer 100% keyboards). However, I am incredibly unsure if either of these are the right choice, or if there are better alternatives.

From what I’ve read, the Logitech cannot be used in wired mode (it only charges via the cable), while the Keychron can be used both wirelessly and with a cable. However, the Keychron Q6 cannot be ordered with blue switches, so I would have to modify that myself. I also read a comment on Reddit suggesting "Kailh Box Jade switches" over the usual blue ones. Additionally, the Keychron Q6 is not available here in the Nordics (seems to be sold out everywhere) and must be ordered from Keychron's own website. I also like that the Keychron has individual RGB settings. It seems like I'm leaning a bit more towards the Q6...

I don't really do that much advanced stuff. Pretty light editing, quite a bit of writing, and lighter gaming (mostly WoW). Yes, I've gamed with blue switches and have found it quite pleasant, but as mentioned, I do it on a casual level.

In any case, this feels like a jungle that is deeper than the last time I was searching for a new keybaord. What tips do you have?

Thanks!

 

[VitoBotta]

The battery life on the Logitech is the absolute best in the market and nothing else comes even closer from that point of view. However if you are looking for a pretty good typing experience I recommend the Lofree Flow. Check reviews online, many people have compared the Lofree to other good keyboards and the Lofree wins from a typing experience perspective.

I have the Lofree but I am gonna sell it because my office space is a third of a big room my wife and I also use as our bedroom, so the noise of mechanical keyboards in general is a problem when she is sleeping and I am working late. On a side note I am still faster at typing on the Magic Keyboard as I have used it for many years, so getting used to mechanical keyboards can take some time.

But yeah, check out the Lofree as well, it's a very good keeb.

 

[Fishrrman]

Real "old-time" style mechanical keyboards:

SpaceSaver M:

Unicomp GA LLC: SpaceSaver M

Unicomp GA LLC: New Model M

 

[xraydoc]

I have a bunch of Keychron keyboards (some pictures are posted on the Keychron thread), so normally I would have recommended one of them, but I also somewhat recently got myself a Nuphy Gem80 and it's fantastic. Highly recommended.

 

[varezhka]

Any preference between low profile and standard switches?
And a lot will depend on whether you plan to use the keyboard mostly wired or wireless. For bluetooth, you really cannot beat Logitech in battery life and connection reliability. But there are also better feeling mechanical keyboards out there (a very subjective area so YMMV) if you’re mainly using wired.

 

[Fried Potato]

Any preference between low profile and standard switches?
And a lot will depend on whether you plan to use the keyboard mostly wired or wireless. For bluetooth, you really cannot beat Logitech in battery life and connection reliability. But there are also better feeling mechanical keyboards out there (a very subjective area so YMMV) if you’re mainly using wired.

I prefer standard switches/keys.

I don't have anything against using it wired. I wouldn't like to have a wired mouse, but a keyboard just stays there stationary, unlike the mouse which is moving around. I'm actually thinking about going for a Keychron Q5/6 Max and then using it in wired mode.

 

[tstafford]

I've been happier with my Nuphy than my Keychron.

 

[BotchQue]

Keyboards are like motorcycle seats and mattresses; it'd be nice to live with them a week or so before having to commit. That's hard to do sometimes.
My local "Office-R-Us" did have the Logitech keyboards out on display for trying them, and I think I preferred my already-owned Keychron with "Gateron browns", so I didn't worry about it. Don't know if you have a similar "office supply" store there "in the Nordics".
When the mech keyboard trend hit a few years back I bought an inexpensive, 3x3 "numeric keypad" thingie from amazon that had 9 different colored switches on it (no wiring, just the mech switches) which gave me sorta of a feel for them, but tapping on one switch at a time is not like typing on a full keyboard. Good luck!

EDIT: Still available: Gateron Switch sampler

 

[Fried Potato]

Keyboards are like motorcycle seats and mattresses; it'd be nice to live with them a week or so before having to commit. That's hard to do sometimes.
My local "Office-R-Us" did have the Logitech keyboards out on display for trying them, and I think I preferred my already-owned Keychron with "Gateron browns", so I didn't worry about it. Don't know if you have a similar "office supply" store there "in the Nordics".
When the mech keyboard trend hit a few years back I bought an inexpensive, 3x3 "numeric keypad" thingie from amazon that had 9 different colored switches on it (no wiring, just the mech switches) which gave me sorta of a feel for them, but tapping on one switch at a time is not like typing on a full keyboard. Good luck!

EDIT: Still available: Gateron Switch sampler

Unfortunately, most Keychrons seem to be sold out here. The Q Max series doesn't even seem to be sold here in a pre-built state (ony barebone).

I've already ordered a "switch sampler", but that's mostly for testing different switches. The Logitech's switches are soldered and can't be changed though. I'm mostly leaning towards the Keychron at the moment.

 

[MikeDr206]

I've been happier with my Nuphy than my Keychron.

Can you explain further?

 

[tstafford]

Can you explain further?

Sure. First (and this may be important) I prefer low-profile which greatly limits the options. Plus I want shine-thru (again a limiter).

I've tried three options: MX Mechanical, Keychron K5SE and the Nuphy Air96 V2.

The MX Mechanical was a quick return. I didn't think its appearance or build quality was close to the others. I was disappointed by that because I like how Logitech works with MacOS. I've always thought the MX Keys is a terrific keyboard.

The Keychron K5SE isn't part of their pro line but it has the profile and features I wanted. The issue was the keycaps wore out really fast. Half a dozen of them had lost their "paint" in less than a year. When I contacted Keychron about a replacement set they told me no luck. Note: I wasn't asking for anything free, just to buy a replacement set of caps. The keyboard still functions fine, it just looks shabby.

I've had the Nuphy for a while now. IMHO the build quality is much higher. I use it daily and it looks brand new. Much easier to get replacement caps (if I ever need them), is QMK/VIA enabled, etc.

I'm sure Keychron is great for a lot of folks. But for my needs, the Nuphy has turned out to be top notch. I'd for sure check out Nuphy before pulling the trigger on another option in this price range.

 

[MikeDr206]

Sure. First (and this may be important) I prefer low-profile which greatly limits the options. Plus I want shine-thru (again a limiter).

I've tried three options: MX Mechanical, Keychron K5SE and the Nuphy Air96 V2.

The MX Mechanical was a quick return. I didn't think its appearance or build quality was close to the others. I was disappointed by that because I like how Logitech works with MacOS. I've always thought the MX Keys is a terrific keyboard.

The Keychron K5SE isn't part of their pro line but it has the profile and features I wanted. The issue was the keycaps wore out really fast. Half a dozen of them had lost their "paint" in less than a year. When I contacted Keychron about a replacement set they told me no luck. Note: I wasn't asking for anything free, just to buy a replacement set of caps. The keyboard still functions fine, it just looks shabby.

I've had the Nuphy for a while now. IMHO the build quality is much higher. I use it daily and it looks brand new. Much easier to get replacement caps (if I ever need them), is QMK/VIA enabled, etc.

I'm sure Keychron is great for a lot of folks. But for my needs, the Nuphy has turned out to be top notch. I'd for sure check out Nuphy before pulling the trigger on another option in this price range.

Thanks for the detailed info. I'm using a Keychron K1 MAX, with blue switches. Overall I like it. I feel that I'm wearing out the switches after only a few months tho -- I've had to replace a couple due to them starting to repeat letters.

I'd try Nuphy, but I really want/need a 80% TKL keyboard. I guess I could go back to a 96/100% keyboard, even though I don't use the numeric keyboard.

At some point I may buy Nuphy keycaps and put them on my Keychron. My understanding is that with the newer Keychain low-profiles, the Nuphy keycaps are completely compatible, even the larger keys like space bar, shift, etc.