Las mejores ofertas de esta semana incluyeron precios récord en accesorios de Apple como el Magic Keyboard para el iPad Pro M4, así como descuentos en algunos modelos de Apple Watch. También seguimos rastreando grandes ofertas en accesorios Anker y Jackery a medida que nos acercamos al fin de semana festivo.
Nota: MacRumors es socio afiliado de algunos de estos proveedores. Cuando hace clic en un enlace y realiza una compra, es posible que recibamos un pequeño pago que nos ayuda a mantener el sitio en funcionamiento.
accesorios de manzana
¿Cuál es el trato? Ahorre en accesorios Apple para su primera fiesta
Esta semana rastreamos algunas ofertas en los Magic Keyboards de Apple para iPad y un nuevo cargador MagSafe. Aunque algunos han caducado desde entonces, aún puede obtener precios bajos de todos los tiempos en ambos Magic Keyboards para el iPad Pro M4 y un cargador MagSafe de 2 m.
Denegar
¿Cuál es el trato? 20% de descuento en accesorios Anker
Nuestra asociación con Anker continúa esta semana, brindando a nuestros lectores un descuento exclusivo del 20 por ciento en los mejores cargadores portátiles, baterías y más de Anker. Deberá ingresar el código akmacrumors20ch al finalizar la compra para ver el descuento y podrá encontrar más información sobre qué accesorios funcionan con el código. En nuestra publicación original.
pantallas samsung
¿Cuál es el trato? Hasta $780 de descuento en monitores Samsung
El popular Smart Monitor M8 de 32 pulgadas de Samsung (modelo M80D) está rebajado a $399,99 en Amazon, frente a $699,99. Este es el último modelo de Smart Monitor M8 y es el segundo mejor precio en general, con solo $ 20 más que el precio de Prime Day. Amazon también tiene el monitor ViewFinity S9 5K de 27 pulgadas por $ 819,98, frente a $ 1599,99, y ese es el precio más bajo hasta ahora.
reloj de manzana
¿Cuál es el trato? Obtenga hasta $64 de descuento en Apple Watch Ultra 2 y Series 10
Amazon ofrece precios más bajos en el Apple Watch Series 10 esta semana, y aún hay fuertes ventas disponibles en los modelos GPS de 42 mm y 46 mm. También puedes conseguir el Ultra 2 en negro al segundo mejor precio en Amazon.
jakiri
¿Cuál es el trato? Ahorre en centrales eléctricas portátiles Jackery
Las mejores centrales eléctricas portátiles y accesorios de Jackery están alcanzando precios bajos en Amazon esta semana, con hasta $ 900 de descuento en dispositivos seleccionados. Hemos compilado la lista completa de accesorios a la venta a continuación y tenga en cuenta que solo necesitará recortar un cupón en la página para obtener uno de los descuentos.
Dirígete a nuestro sitio web completo Resumen de ofertas Para conocer las últimas ofertas y descuentos que hemos rastreado durante la semana pasada.
Algunos usuarios de iPhone 16 y iPhone 16 Pro están experimentando un agotamiento excesivo e inexplicable de la batería, según quejas en Reddit, las comunidades de soporte de Apple y los foros de MacRumors. Si bien muchos informes provienen de usuarios de iPhone 16, los iPhone más antiguos con iOS 18 también pueden experimentar problemas de duración de la batería. Hay un hilo de quejas de larga data sobre la duración de la batería de iOS 18 en MacRumo…
En su comunicado de prensa del iPad mini 7 de hoy, Apple confirmó que se implementarán funciones adicionales de Apple Intelligence “durante los próximos meses”. A continuación, describimos las funciones de Apple Intelligence que se espera que se agreguen como parte de iOS 18.2, que se lanzará al público en diciembre. La inteligencia de Apple con más idiomas durante el último evento del iPhone 16…
Apple anunció hoy una importante actualización del iPad mini, que ahora cuenta con el chip A17 Pro y soporte para el nuevo sistema Apple Intelligence de la compañía. La tableta actualizada de séptima generación mantiene su diseño compacto de 8,3 pulgadas al tiempo que ofrece notables mejoras de rendimiento y nuevas capacidades. Suscríbase al canal de YouTube MacRumors para ver más videos. El chip A17 Pro proporciona un 30%…
Apple ha celebrado un evento en octubre en tres de los últimos cuatro años, pero ¿es probable que se realice un evento este mes después del anuncio sorpresa de hoy del iPad mini 7? Si bien algunos entusiastas de Apple creen que la presentación del iPad mini 7 en un comunicado de prensa de hoy significa que es poco probable que Apple celebre un evento en octubre de este año, el anuncio no descarta por completo esa posibilidad. el año pasado,…
El iPad mini de séptima generación ahora apareció en Geekbench, confirmando que tiene 8 GB de memoria y revelando cómo funcionará la versión GPU de 5 núcleos del chip A17 Pro. El nuevo iPad mini, identificado como iPad 16.2 en la base de datos Geekbench, incluye el mismo SoC A17 Pro que se introdujo por primera vez en la serie iPhone 15 Pro el año pasado. El chip hexa-core funciona a una frecuencia de 3,78 GHz, que corresponde a…
En los últimos meses, varias fuentes confiables han afirmado que Apple planea lanzar un modelo de iPhone 17 rediseñado y notablemente más delgado el próximo año. El nombre del dispositivo aún no se conoce, por lo que por ahora nos referimos a él como “iPhone 17 Air”. Hubo rumores contradictorios sobre el diseño y las especificaciones del dispositivo, pero la mayoría de las fuentes coincidieron en que tendría un tamaño de aproximadamente 6,6 pulgadas.
Parece haber un error en algunos modelos de iPhone 16 que hace que se reinicie aleatoriamente, según quejas en Reddit, foros de MacRumors y comunidades de soporte de Apple. Los usuarios afectados ven que su iPhone se congela inesperadamente y luego se reinicia. Los informes sobre este problema han estado en curso desde que se lanzaron por primera vez los modelos de iPhone 16 en septiembre y continúan hasta esta semana. departamento de control interno…
Apple suele lanzar nuevas Mac en otoño, pero todavía estamos esperando la confirmación oficial de que la compañía tiene planes similares este año. Ya estamos en octubre, y si Apple planea anunciar nuevas Mac antes de las vacaciones, la historia reciente sugiere que sucederá este mes. Esto es lo que sabemos hasta ahora. Han pasado más de 225 días desde que Apple lanzó una nueva Mac, más recientemente las versiones M3 de…
Una de las principales quejas sobre el iPad mini 6 de la generación anterior fue el “desplazamiento de gelatina” o rotura de la pantalla, que parece ser un problema que Apple pudo haber solucionado con actualizaciones de hardware para la pantalla del iPad mini 7 en un episodio reciente de Six Colors. En el podcast, Jason Snell habló sobre Morin, elogió el nuevo iPad mini 7 y compartió información sobre la pantalla. Snell dijo…
En junio, Apple suspendió un servicio de “compre ahora, pague después” llamado Apple Pay Later, que permite a los clientes elegibles dividir una compra realizada con Apple Pay en cuatro pagos iguales durante seis semanas, sin intereses ni tarifas. En cambio, Apple dijo que los clientes estadounidenses podrán solicitar préstamos de otros servicios selectos de “compre ahora, pague después” cuando paguen con Apple Pay en la web y en…
Apple unveiled the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air on Tuesday, and third-party accessory-makers were prepared. Logitech, Otterbox, Zagg, Pitaka and ESR have all already unveiled peripherals for the new tablets.
There are keyboard cases, cases, screen protectors ands more.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
2024 iPad redesigns mean new accessories
The 13-inch version of the M4 iPad Pro is advertised as “the thinnest Apple product ever,” and the new design means many accessories made for older versions no longer fit.
But the iPad-maker isn’t the only one who offers accessories for the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air. Other companies have their own offerings. Not all of these are available yet, but the tablets themselves won’t launch until May 15.
Logitech keyboard case
Logitech offers an alternative to Apple Magic Keyboard. Photo: Logitech
Logitech quickly unveiled versions of its Combo Touch keyboard case for the redesigned Air and Pro. Unlike the Magic Keyboard, Logitech’s includes a protective case that stays on the computer even when the keyboard gets left behind to save on weight.
“Whether you’re typing, sketching, viewing, or reading, Combo Touch adapts to your needs effortlessly,” said Logitech.
These are premium products and priced to match. The version for the 13-inch iPad Pro is $259.99 while the one for the 11-inch model is $229.99. As the 2024 iPad Air, Logitech’s keyboard case for the 13-inch model is $229.99 while the 11-inch one is $199.99.
“Statement Series Studio provides protection and versatility both on and off the job,” promises OtterBox. Photo: OtterBox
OtterBox is known for very protective cases, and it introduced a new line for the latest iPads: Statement Series Studio. It includes an adjustable stand and removable front flap, but was still designed to add minimal bulk.
“Statement Series Studio for the new Apple iPad Pro and iPad Air devices is one of our most technically complex cases ever,” said OtterBox CEO JC Richardson.
It’s $99.95 in blue or grey, and currently an Apple Store exclusive.
In addition, OtterBox plans to offer the Symmetry Series Folio ($89.95) and Defender Series ($129.95) case and screen protection ($39.95 – $49.95) for the new iPad Pro and iPad Air devices.
Zagg cases and screen protectors
Zagg was ready for the launch of the 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air with multiple accessories.
Its has two cases available. Crystal Palace ($49.99-$59.99) shows off the tablet while providing up to 6.5 feet (2m) of drop protection. And Denali ($59.99-$69.99) provides the same drop protection while adding a snap-on screen protector, stand, attachment points for a strap and more.
Zagg also has screen protectors for Apple’s latest. Glass XTR3 ($69.99-$79.99) is up to 10X stronger than traditional glass screen protection. Glass Elite ($49.99-$59.99) has been tested to be up to 5x stronger, and it hides fingerprints. Fusion Canvas ($49.99) is textured to make using the iPad feel like drawing or writing on paper.
Pitaka is bring its MagEZ Folio 2 case to the fresh versions of iPad Pro and iPad Air. It can be configured to hold the tablet at a variety of angles, in both portrait and landscape modes. Plus there’s a strap to hold Apple Pencil Pro in place.
The version in blue, black or white for Apple’s 11-inch tablets is $49.99, while the 12.9-inch version is $59.99.
Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360 is a Bluetooth keyboard with a cantilevered design similar to Apple’s Magic Case. But this third-party option includes a detachable case and multiple viewing positions. It’s also far less expensive at $119.99.
The Shift Magnetic Case ($55.99) can support the iPad well above a desk, plus there are other configurations — both portrait and landscape. And it features an Apple Pencil holder. It comes in black, brown, blue, purple and red colors.
A keyboard is one of the few pieces of technology you may use for hours every day. Why not make it something that brings you joy? Sure, the people who gush over these things can be intense, but the upgraded comfort, durability and customizability that comes with a good mechanical keyboard is a real thing. If you’re looking to make the switch (ahem), we tested a couple dozen mechanical keyboards over the past few months and rounded up our favorites below. We’ve also broken down what to look for when shopping for one.
What to look for in a mechanical keyboard
Layout
The first thing to decide with any keyboard is what size and layout you want. Full-size layouts have all the keys you’d ever need — a number pad, a full function row, arrow keys, etc. — but they also have the largest physical footprint. A 96-percent or “1800” keyboard is similar, but crunches the navigation cluster (Page Up, Home, etc.), numpad and arrow keys closer together to save space. Tenkeyless (TKL) or 80-percent keyboards omit the number pad entirely; they’re often considered the best blend of size and functionality. 75-percent keyboards keep almost all of the buttons of a TKL model but further reduce any “dead” space between them — think of them like the TKL versions of a 96 percent layout.
It gets more and more minimal from there. The smallest popular layout is the 60 percent keyboard, which removes the arrow keys, function row, numpad and navigation cluster. This kind of design can be particularly useful for gaming, as it opens up a ton of desk space to swing your mouse around. It typically relies on shortcuts to make up for its missing keys, but it comes with a learning curve as a result.
Even more compact options exist beyond that. These can be adorable, but they usually involve removing the number row, which is a step too far for most people. There are all sorts of ergonomic keyboards that utilize different shapes to improve your wrist and arm comfort as well, but we have a separate guide for those.
Switch type
No component has more of an impact on how a mechanical keyboard feels and sounds than the switches beneath its keycaps. The market for these tiny mechanisms is vast and complex but, to keep it simple, you can separate them into three types: linear, tactile and clicky. Which you prefer ultimately comes down to personal preference, so we encourage you to go to a store, try out a friend’s keyboard and test switches out to determine what you like best.
Linear switches feel smooth and consistent all the way down. Many PC gamers prefer them because they’re often light and fast to actuate, so they can register inputs quickly. They tend to be quieter than other switch types as well, but some may find them too sensitive.
Tactile switches create a noticeable “bump” partway through a press. They generally aren’t as fast as their linear counterparts, but many (including yours truly) enjoy the tangible sense of feedback they provide with each keystroke. This bit of resistance can make it a little easier to avoid typos, too. Many tactile switches are neither outright quiet nor disruptively loud.
Clicky switches are, well, clicky. They work similarly to tactile switches but use an extra mechanism that makes a sharp click sound when pressed. The exact design of that mechanism can differ depending on the switch. Some people love the audible feedback of clicky switches. The people who work or live with them? Probably not so much.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Remember: These are general buckets. Within them lies an enormous variety of switches with differing actuation points, weights, springs, bump sensations and more. One linear, tactile, or clicky switch can feel and sound noticeably different than another.
There are more dramatic variations as well. Low-profile switches, for one, can be linear, tactile or clicky but aren’t as tall and have a shorter travel distance. They allow for flatter and more compact designs, with keys that are fast to press but also easy to bottom out.
Optical and Hall effect switches rely on different mechanisms entirely. Instead of a physical contact point, the former uses a beam of infrared light to register keystrokes, while the latter uses tiny magnets. Both commonly have a linear feel. They can also enable a few gaming-friendly features: You could set custom actuation points and make any key more or less sensitive, map multiple actions to one keystroke or even use an “analog mode” that emulates gamepad controls. These are niche tricks, but they can make a difference for competitive-minded players. Boards that use these “analog” switches are frequently more expensive and less customizable than traditional mechanical options, though.
Switch modifications
It doesn’t stop at switch types: Manufacturers (and you!) can make several other tweaks to shape how a mechanical keyboard feels and sounds. Some have layers of different foam inside their case to tamp down noise, for instance. Some have switches that are lubricated out of the box to provide a smoother feel and more muted sound. A few others put plastic, rubber or foam “films” between the upper and bottom housing of a switch to keep it from wobbling and further tune its acoustics. Or they stick a layer of tape on their printed circuit board (PCB) to absorb higher-pitched sounds. We think most people will find that some well-applied foam and lubing makes things feel nicer, though this is another matter that comes down to taste.
Keycaps
Keycaps play a huge role in defining a keyboard’s character. First off, they should look nice! There’s a huge market for third-party keycaps in all different styles, from the playful to the professional to the proudly impractical. The majority of mechanical keyboards make it easy to swap in new keycaps, so it’s usually not a huge deal if you ever get bored with your device’s stock set.
Most keycaps are made from one of two types of plastic: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Keycaps using the latter tend to be higher-quality. They’re often thicker, more durable, deeper-sounding and less prone to developing a shiny or greasy finish over time. Still, premium ABS keycaps do exist, so this is another case where what’s “best” partly comes down to personal taste. You may prefer an ABS keycap that feels smooth over a PBT model with a rougher texture.
Keycap sets are available in several different shapes and sizes. Some are totally uniform; many others are distinctly sculpted to meet your fingers in (ostensibly) more natural positions. Which is most comfortable is something you’ll have to figure out for yourself. You can check out keycaps.info to see what the most popular keycap profiles look like.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Keyboard makers have several different methods of printing the letters and symbols (aka “legends”) that go on a set of keycaps. The two most common are known as double-shot and dye-sublimation. Double-shot caps are typically more durable but cost more to produce — they’re made by molding one color of plastic for the keycap around a second color of plastic for the legend. “Dye-sub” caps, in contrast, use heat to stain in the legends but are decently durable in their own right.
For keyboards with RGB backlighting, it’s best if the legends to be “shine-through,” so those color effects are visible through the keycaps. We don’t think it’s the end of the world if they aren’t — as you’ll see below — but the RGB won’t be as fun otherwise.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers (or “stabs”) are little components that go under large keys like the space bar or backspace to keep them from rattling or wobbling when pressed. These come in different types as well. Many a decent keyboard has been hindered by subpar stabilizers, so it’s worth checking your bigger keys first to ensure they aren’t distractingly shaky or uneven.
Mounting styles and case quality
A keyboard’s mounting style determines how its PCB and plate — i.e., a common (but not universal) layer that holds the keycaps in place above the PCB — are secured within its case. This, too, comes in varying styles and can have a significant effect on how the board feels and sounds. It’s also something that’s best explained visually, so we’ll point you to this excellent infographic from Thomas Baart instead of running through every possible configuration here. It’s hard to say one mounting style is always better than the others, but many enthusiast boards these days use some sort of gasket mount, which puts a gasket material on either side to separate the plate from the main case. Done well, this can make typing feel softer and bouncier than it would on a more traditional, tray-mounted design.
Regardless of what’s going on under the hood, a good keyboard shouldn’t feel cheap on the outside, either. Its case shouldn’t flex under pressure or feel hollow as you’re clacking away. Higher-end models often have cases made from metal or sturdier plastic — the former may feel more premium but it’s typically heavier and pricier.
Customizations and software
We focused on pre-built models here, but that doesn’t mean customization isn’t important. Experimenting with different switches and keycaps is half the fun of this hobby, after all. For this guide, we prioritized keyboards that are “hot-swappable,” which means they let you easily remove and replace switches without having to desolder anything. Permanently attached switches may be more stable, but fixing a broken hot-swappable switch should be relatively painless — and more affordable to boot.
We also valued keyboards that are easy to program and customize through software, whether it’s a manufacturer-specific app or popular open-source programs like VIA. Not everyone will go through the trouble to set macros, customize backlighting or remap keys, but it’s better to have the option if your mindset changes down the road.
It’s a plus if a keyboard works across multiple operating systems, particularly Windows and macOS, just in case you ever switch allegiances. If the device comes with OS-specific keycaps you can pop on to make the experience less clunky, that’s even better.
Connectivity
Wireless connectivity isn’t essential with a device that mostly sits on your desk, but it’s always nice to cut down on cables. Though wireless keyboards still cost more than wired ones, today you can get something great for less than $100. If you do go wireless, look for a model that can connect over Bluetooth and a USB wireless dongle. The former is convenient for travel, while the latter can provide a more stable connection. For wired keyboards, you want a detachable USB cable so you don’t have to replace your entire device if the cord ever frays or breaks.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Backlight
Good backlighting will make any keyboard easier to use in the dark. We gave bonus points to keyboards with fully programmable RGB lights, as they can be particularly fun to mess with, but they’re not essential. As noted above, the strength of your backlight will be neutered if your keycaps’ legends aren’t transparent.
Rotary knob
Some mechanical keyboards come configured with a rotary knob, which typically controls volume by default but can be customized to control other inputs as well. This is more of a fun bonus than anything else, but we found it hard to give up on devices without one.
How we tested
To be clear, there isn’t one “best” mechanical keyboard for everyone. Yes, some are likely to be better for most people than others; that’s what we set out to find with this guide. But ultimately, this is one of those categories that’ll largely depend on your personal tastes.
It’s also worth reiterating that we only considered pre-built models for this guide. We still valued keyboards that are configurable with different switches, keycaps and other design tweaks upfront and easy to customize after purchase. However, we recognize that many people just want to pay for a nice thing and enjoy it, without having to do homework on how they can make it better. If you want to get hardcore later on and start building your own custom keyboards, we have a whole separate guide for that.
With that said, we started our research by reading a ton of reviews from both professionals and everyday users, trawling enthusiast forums along the way. This helped us whittle down the devices that had a shot of being a top pick and were readily available from reputable brands. From there, we used each keyboard as our daily driver for a few days, typing up thousands of words, playing PC games and paying attention to the key aspects noted above. We fully charged each wireless model and monitored its battery drain to ensure it lined up with their advertised rating. We also ensured any companion software worked as intended.
It’s worth keeping in mind that new mechanical keyboards are coming out all the time. It’s very difficult to get to everything, but we’ll continue to monitor the market and update this guide as noteworthy boards arrive.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C | Size(s): 65 percent (standard or Alice layout), 75 percent (standard or Alice), 80 percent (tested), 96 percent (standard or southpaw), 100 percent | Switches: Gateron Jupiter Brown (tested), Red, Banana | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Material: Aluminum | Keycap material: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software: VIA
The Keychron Q Max is the kind of keyboard that makes you think “damn, this is a nice keyboard.” Its quality is immediately apparent: Its full aluminum case is cool to the touch and incredibly sturdy, without a hint of flex. Its PBT-coated keycaps are crisp and curved in a way that gently hugs your fingertips. There’s a tactile volume knob built in. The Gateron Jupiter Brown switches in our test unit are neither too fast nor too stiff, with a delightfully bouncy feel aided by a double gasket structure inside the board. Combined with several layers of internal foam, they make a poppy, marbly sound that’s just lovely. It’s the kind of thing people would go out of their way to look up on YouTube.
The Q Max has nearly all the features we’d want out of a high-end mechanical keyboard. It connects reliably over a USB-C cable, a wireless dongle or Bluetooth; with the latter, it can pair with three devices at once. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS, with special keys for both platforms in the box. Its switch sockets are hot-swappable, so you’re free to sub in new keys down the line. Besides the Jupiter Browns, prebuilt models with linear Jupiter Red and more heavily tactile Jupiter Banana switches are also available, and all of them come pre-lubed.
The device is fully programmable with the open-source QMK and VIA software, which is available through a browser and makes it simple enough to remap keys, assign macros and create distinct profiles. (You have to upload a keymap file from Keychron’s site to get VIA to recognize the device, annoyingly, but that’s a quick fix.) It also just looks nice: The fonts are clean, while the mixed keycap colors are stylish but not ostentatious.
We tested the tenkeyless model, the Q3 Max, but the lineup includes several other layouts and sizes. None of them come particularly cheap, however. Our review unit costs $214 for the “fully assembled” model with a rotary knob, and the rest are about the same.
There are other potential hangups. The default keycaps are very tall, which may be off-putting to some and isn’t ideal for fast-paced gaming. They aren’t shine-through, either, so while there is RGB backlighting, the effect is muted. The full-metal case means these things are heavy — the Q3 Max tips the scales at four and a half pounds. They’re all on the thicker side, too, and there’s no flip-out feet on the back for height adjustments. The heft goes a long way toward making the Q Max feel premium, but it also means they aren’t exactly travel-friendly. We also noticed a slight rattle when hitting the ends of the space bar; it’s far from severe, but any nitpicks are worth noting at this price.
Still, those shouldn’t be deal breakers. This is far from the only guide to recommend Keychron’s keyboards, but they’re popular for a reason: At their best, they’re reliable, well-built and strong value for money. The Q Max is their best, delivering premium features, extensive customizability and a fantastic typing feel right out of the box. The one universal downside with all Keychron keyboards is their short warranty, which only lasts 12 months.
Pros
Superb typing feel and sound
Premium aluminum case
Crisp PBT keycaps
Hot-swappable
Reliable wireless performance
Tons of layout options
Knob!
Cons
A bit pricey
Keycaps aren’t shine-through and may be too tall for some
If our top pick sounds appealing but just too expensive, take a look at the Keychron V Max. It’s another line of wireless keyboards with similar features as the Q Max series: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, QMK and VIA support, Windows and macOS functionality, smooth and relatively high-profile PBT keycaps, a firm volume knob and the same set of pre-lubed, hot-swappable Gateron Jupiter switches. It, too, uses a gasket mount and multiple layers of sound-deadening foam, though it’s not quite as extensive as its higher-end sibling in either regard. Still, the Jupiter Brown switches in our review unit are springy, soft and pleasing to the ear, with a gentle pop to each press. Like the Q Max lineup, the V Max series is available in a range of size options, from the 65 percent V2 Max to the full-size V6 Max. Each is built to be torn apart and customized as needed.
There are perks that aren’t available on the Q Max, too. The V Max comes with two wireless dongles, one USB-A and one USB-C, and there are storage compartments for each built in. A pair of flip-out feet, meanwhile, let you set the device at different incline angles.
All of this is available for a little under $100. The catch is that the case is entirely plastic. It’s much lighter than the Q Max’s aluminum and it doesn’t really flex, but it doesn’t feel nearly as premium. The stabilizers, while not bad, are clearly worse out of the box as well: Smacking the backspace or enter keys produces a faint but audible rattle, while the space bar is louder and more hollow-sounding than everything else. If you’re really detail-obsessed, you’ll also notice some of the legends on the larger keys are slightly uneven. And the keycaps still aren’t shine-through, so the RGB backlighting doesn’t come through clearly.
If you want to save a little more cash, the standard Keychron V Series is also worth considering. Those are wired-only and use a more traditional tray-mounted design, but they’re still comfortable and often available for $10 to $20 less. For most people who want to stay below triple digits, though, the V Max is a better buy.
Connectivity: USB-C | Size(s): 80 percent | Switches: Keychron Brown (tested), Red | Hot-Swappable: No | Material: Plastic | Keycap material: Double-shot ABS | Backlight: Red (north-facing) | Software: VIA
If you want to spend as little money as possible for a decent mechanical keyboard, get the Keychron C3 Pro. It provides a superb typing experience for less than $40, with features we don’t often see at that price, including pre-lubed switches, a gasket-mounted deck and multiple layers of internal foam. The tactile Keychron Brown switches in our test unit feel full and satisfying, while the gaskets keep bottoming out from being uncomfortably stiff. There’s a pleasant clack to each keystroke: not quiet, but not overly loud, with next to none of the pinging or aggressive rattling that plagues so many cheap keyboards. If you prefer a lighter and faster feel, you can order the C3 Pro with linear Keychron Red switches as well. It also supports QMK and VIA; you have to do a little setup to get the latter to work, but most sub-$40 keyboards don’t offer this kind of flexibility all.
Like all budget keyboards, the C3 Pro makes compromises. It’s not wireless, for one, and its detachable USB-C cable feels a little cheap. Its double-shot ABS keycaps feel slicker than the PBT material used by our top picks and will likely degrade faster as years pass. Its switches aren’t hot-swappable, either. While it doesn’t come off as flimsy, it’s still made of plastic, so you’ll want to avoid accidental knicks and bangs. Its keycaps are shine-through, but the backlight is only available in red, which looks funky in the dark. It’s also only available in a tenkeyless shape, though that should be agreeable enough for most people who can live without a number pad. And while the design is a bit plain, a set of red enter, space and escape keys lend it a smidge of flair.
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C | Size(s): 60 percent, 75 percent (tested), 96 percent | Switches: NuPhy Aloe, Cowberry, Wisteria, Moss; Gateron Low-Profile Red 2.0, Brown 2.0, Blue 2.0 | Hot-Swappable: Yes | Material: Aluminum and plastic | Keycap material: Double-shot PBT | Backlight: RGB (south-facing) | Software: VIA
A low-profile mechanical keyboard mixes the flatter, more compact shape of a laptop keyboard with the deeper, more tactile feel of mechanical switches. If that’s what you’re after, check out the NuPhy Air V2 series. We tested the Air75 V2, a 75 percent model that starts at $120 (or $140 on Amazon), but smaller and larger options are also available. Each is impressively slim, light and travel-friendly for its size. Their PBT keycaps are smooth and spacious, and because the keys are so low to the surface, you don’t need to bend your wrists as much to reach them. This kind of design can feel cramped at first, but it doesn’t take too long to get the hang of, and the space it saves helps make up for any typos it causes early on.
You can buy the Air V2 with a wide range of tactile, clicky and linear switch options, all of which are factory-lubed and hot-swappable. Our test unit has the linear NuPhy Daisy switches, which are sufficiently light, fast and not scratchy. Their lower height means they’re quicker to bottom out than our other picks, which can cause some fatigue over time. But they still have a far more luxurious sense of travel and give than any membrane keyboard.
Despite the thin frame, there are a couple layers of foam inside the keyboard as well. We still wouldn’t call the Air75 V2 quiet, but its clean, clacky tone isn’t distractingly noisy. Silicone pads under the space bar keep that key from sounding too hollow. In general, the stock stabilizers are excellent, so large keys don’t suffer from any annoying rattling.
Like our top picks, the Air V2 can connect over a wireless dongle, Bluetooth or a detachable USB-C cable. We experienced a few connection hiccups while using some wireless mice back when the keyboard was first released, but post-launch firmware updates appear to have straightened those out. It’s another device that’s customizable with QMK and VIA, and it works across Windows and macOS. Unfortunately, it also wastes its RGB backlighting by using keycaps that aren’t translucent by default. NuPhy does let you configure the device with a shine-through keycap set, but that costs another $19.
One potential issue is battery life: NuPhy rates it at up to 220 hours with backlighting off but says it can drop anywhere between 35 and 57 hours with everything on. But since it’s easy to hook up a cable and the default keycaps neuter the RGB anyway, this shouldn’t be a big deal for most people who aren’t frequent travelers.
Maybe the best thing about the Air V2 is just how cute it is. Its rounded keycaps, trim side lights and accented enter key and space bar give it a playful air. Those side lights are a slick way to display caps lock and battery status, while the case as a whole is made from a chilly aluminum that only flexes if you push down hard. The back is plastic, but it has a stylish transparent finish and two adjustable feet. It may look a little out of place in a typical office, but hey, more tech could stand to have a bit of fun.
Pros
Slim, sturdy and attractive design
Pleasant typing experience
Spacious, high-quality keycaps
Configurable with several switch options
Cons
Low-profile design can lead to typos and fatigue, especially for first-timers
Let’s be clear: Any keyboard can be a gaming keyboard. Buying a thing that claims to be “for gamers” won’t magically stop you from getting destroyed in Call of Duty. But if you’re looking to buy a mechanical keyboard specifically for competitive video games, consider the Wooting 60HE+. It pairs a sturdy build with a handful of features that can genuinely help you play better, albeit in subtle ways. We’ve previously recommended an older version of this device, the 60HE, in our gaming keyboard guide; the 60HE+ is a very minor revision that adds support for screw-in stabilizers but is otherwise identical.
The big thing that separates the 60HE+ from traditional gaming keyboards is its analog Gateron Lekker switches, which use magnetic Hall effect sensors and can respond to varying levels of pressure. With these, you can adjust each key’s actuation point — i.e., the travel distance at which it registers — anywhere between 0.1mm and 4mm. With a fast-paced shooter like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant, you could set the actuation of your WASD keys low and make them more sensitive to quick-twitch movements. Then when you’re done, you could switch to a higher actuation and give each keystroke a deeper and more deliberate feel.
Another feature called “rapid trigger” removes the need for the switches to pass back through a fixed reset point, so you can repeat keypresses faster. This helps in moments where even the tiniest delay can draw the line between success and failure — say, hitting a rapid succession of notes in a rhythm game, or strafing back and forth during a shootout in an online FPS. Beyond that, you can tie multiple actions to one key based on how far it’s pressed. For instance, you could lightly press Ctrl to crouch, hold it to go prone, then release to quickly stand up. There’s also an “analog mode” that effectively turns the 60HE+ into a joystick-less Xbox controller. Because the keys are pressure-sensitive, this can work surprisingly well for racing games or flight sims when you don’t have a gamepad handy.
Do you need these tricks to enjoy a game? Absolutely not. But if you take your play somewhat seriously, they truly can make a difference. If you know what you’re doing, you can move just that little bit more fluidly and simplify complex strings of commands. It helps that Wooting’s web-based software makes setting up these customizations a breeze.
The 60HE+ isn’t the only analog model with these advanced gaming features, but it stands out for being a good keyboard in its own right. Its pre-lubed, linear-style switches are smooth to press, while its PBT keycaps are pleasingly textured. A couple layers of internal foam prevent keypresses from pinging or sounding distractingly loud. The compact case is robust, and larger keys like the space bar feel stable. The per-key RGB backlighting is vivid, tidy and easily customizable as well.
You shouldn’t buy the 60HE+ over our top picks if gaming isn’t your primary concern, though. It’s wired-only and it lacks adjustable feet to raise its height. While it’s not outright loud, it sounds more chattery and uneven than something like the Keychron Q Max. It’s also a $175 keyboard that’s mostly made of plastic. Though it’s technically hot-swappable, it can only accept certain Hall effect switch types. Some people will always find this model’s 60 percent to be too small, what with its lack of dedicated arrow and function keys. And we’d be remiss not to mention the extremely gamer carrying strap included the box, which is emblazoned with the phrase “TAKE CONTROL.” It’s a bit much!
That said, we prefer smaller keyboards for gaming, as they leave more room for you to flail your mouse hand around your desk. If you do need a bigger board, the Wooting Two HE is a full-size model with similar functionality, while the upcoming Wooting 80HE will have a unique 80 percent layout when it becomes available in mid-2024. Perhaps the biggest issue with each Wooting keyboard is availability: Each model is only purchasable through the company’s website and often comes with shipping delays.
Pros
Analog switches are fast and deeply versatile for gaming
Just a few of the other mechanical keyboards we tested for this guide. Clockwise from top left: the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless, the G.Skill KM250 RGB, the Lofree Block, the NZXT Function 2 and the Lofree Flow. (Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)
Lofree Block
The wireless Lofree Block feels great and has a fun retro aesthetic that looks like it belongs next to an old Mac. Its keys are wonderfully smooth to the touch and create a nice thocky tone. At $169, it’s a good middle ground between the Keychron Q Max and V Max series if you dig the look. However, it doesn’t have any software for programming macros, it only has a white backlight and it only comes in a full-size layout. Are those huge issues? No. But there are fine margins separating these things once you get to a certain point.
Lofree Flow
It’s a similar story with the Lofree Flow, a low-profile model. Its full-POM switches are softer and noticeably quieter than the NuPhy Air V2, and its thin aluminum case looks and feels high-quality. It can only work wirelessly using Bluetooth, though, and we noticed a couple of connection hiccups in testing. There’s still no software, either, plus its backlight is fairly weak. It also costs $40 or so more than the Air75 V2. Still, it’s a great alternative.
Keychron K Max
The low-profile series has all the requisite features and costs less than the NuPhy Air75 V2 and Lofree Flow. If you don’t like the Air V2’s style and want a cheaper low-profile model, it’s worth a look. That said, the keycaps on NuPhy’s board feel a bit higher-quality, and the tactile Gateron switches in our K Max unit sound thinner.
NZXT Function 2 & Function 2 MiniTKL
The full-size NZXT Function 2 and tenkeyless NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL are perfectly solid gaming keyboards with fast optical switches, durable PBT keycaps, tasteful RGB lighting, sound-dampening foam and aluminum top plates. They support a fair amount of customization through NZXT’s CAM app, including the ability to swap between two different universal actuation settings. The stabilizers on larger keys exhibit some rattle, though, and the Wooting 60HE+’s magnetic switches are far more versatile for not too much extra cash.
The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL. (Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)
MelGeek Modern97
With its fun speckled color scheme, gasket-mounted design and multiple foam layers, the is a solid value at $139. The linear, pre-lubed Kailh Box Plastic switches in our unit are smooth and enjoyably clacky, while the larger keys are neither hollow nor overly loud. All of the switches are hot-swappable, and the whole thing works over USB-C, Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle. Alas, its ABS keycaps start to feel slicker and greasier with extended use. This model also has a 90 percent layout, which saves a little extra desk space compared to a 96 percent board but can lead to more accidental presses around the arrow keys.
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
The is a quality gaming keyboard with light optical switches, crisp shine-through keycaps, a sturdy frame and an impressively muffled sound thanks to some internal foam. (If you buy the model with Razer’s linear optical switches, that is; another variant with clicky switches isn’t nearly as quiet.) It’s often available in the $100 range, and at that price it’s a solid pick. It’s neither wireless nor hot-swappable, though, and its keys wobble more than those on the Keychron V Max.
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro
The analog is a decent alternative to the Wooting 60HE+ if the latter’s shipping delays become too great. It’s available in a 60 percent, TKL or full-size layout, and it offers a similar set of gaming features, including an adjustable actuation range and a rapid trigger setting for repeating keystrokes faster. But its optical switches are noisier and more hollow-feeling than Wooting’s Hall effect setup, so it’s not as pleasant for typing.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
We recommend the in our guide to the , and it remains a good choice if you want the granular customizability of the Wooting 60HE+ in a wireless design. It also comes with a wrist rest, unlike Wooting’s models. Its magnetic switches are somewhat harsher-sounding, however, and its space bar is louder. SteelSeries’ companion software is clunkier to navigate as well. We haven’t tested the 60 percent , but it should perform similarly.
G.Skill KM250
The $50 is the top budget pick in our gaming keyboard guide, and it’s still a better buy than the Keychron C3 Pro is gaming is your chief concern. Compared to Keychron’s board, it adds hot-swappable switches, full RGB backlighting, PBT keycaps and a rotary knob in a smaller 65 percent layout. That said, the C3 Pro’s fuller sound and springier keystrokes make it superior for typing, and its tenkeyless design should be more comfortable for a wider swath of people. It’s typically available for $10 to $15 less, too.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless (Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)
Logitech G Pro X TKL & G Pro X 60
The and 60 percent are but far too expensive for gaming keyboards that lack hot-swappable switches and the analog functionality of competitors like the Wooting 60HE+.
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
The is a wireless 96 percent keyboard that’s marketed toward gamers but should feel great to anyone. The pre-lubed, linear ROG NX Snow switches in our test unit are smooth and quiet, while the PBT keycaps feel stable and high-quality. The keycaps let the RGB backlight shine through cleanly, plus there’s a clever multi-function key that puts various lighting and media controls in one place. ASUS’ Armoury Crate software is sloppy, though, and the board’s overall look may be too gamer-y for some. At $180, it’s not cheap either. The costs $40 more but gets you a more premium (if heavier) all-aluminum chassis; here, the housing is plastic.
ASUS ROG Azoth
The is like a 75 percent version of the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless with a few more enthusiast touches. Its gasket-mounted design gives keystrokes a slightly softer landing, it has a programmable OLED display and it even includes a switch lubing kit in the box. Like the Strix, its hardware is very clearly high-grade. But its software is much more aggravating and, with a list price of $250, it’s a worse value than the Keychron Q Max.
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
The isn’t bad in a vacuum, but it lacks wireless functionality and fully hot-swappable switches. It’s on the noisy side, too, and Corsair’s iCue software is rough.
The Logitech G Pro X 60. (Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)
Corsair K70 Max
The full-size is another high-end gaming keyboard with magnetic Hall effect sensors and Wooting-style features, but trying to program those settings through Corsair’s iCue app gave us headaches. The 60HE+ also feels better for typing, with less rattling on large keys like the space bar. Wooting’s HE keyboards support a slightly wider actuation range on top of that, plus they cost $30 to $55 less depending on size.
Razer Huntsman Mini
The is a fine value if you want a no-frills 60 percent keyboard for less than $100, but it’s another wired-only model that isn’t truly hot-swappable.
Logitech G915 TKL
The is a wireless low-profile model with a metal frame and handy media controls. The switches in our test unit are comfortable and not particularly noisy. But the thin ABS keycaps feel way too cheap for something that costs $230, the keys themselves are a little too wobbly and the switches aren’t hot-swappable.
A standard keyboard keeps your arms tight to your body and makes you splay your hands outward at the wrists.
Staggered vs columnar
This decision seems to be one of the more hotly-contested among ergo enthusiasts. A standard keyboard has staggered keys, with each row slightly offset to the rows above and below it — so the A key is about halfway between the Q and W above it. This is a holdover from vintage mechanical typewriters, in which each press activated a hammer that smashed ink onto paper in the shape of a letter. To fit the hammers as close together as possible, while still allowing for finger pads, the keys were staggered.
Columnar or ortholinear keyboards stack the keys in orderly columns, often with rows that are not linear. Proponents claim this makes the keys easier to reach. Whether that’s true will be up to your fingers to decide, but I can say for certain that if you learned to type on a staggered keyboard, switching to a columnar layout is tough. It will take days, possibly weeks before you instinctively hit the C key. The N, M and B keys don’t fare much better.
Programmable keys
With a few exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will work with PCs or Macs as a standard typing input, but the use of function and hot keys may require some remapping. It can be as easy as an onboard switch to toggle between Mac and PC layouts, or as involved as downloading software to change up the keys. Some boards even include (or let you buy) extra keycaps to change, say, the Mac’s Command and Option keys to PC’s Start and Alt buttons.
For some boards, remapping or programming keys is a crucial feature. Gaming peripherals have extra keys that you can set to execute a series of keystrokes with the push of a single button. Keyboards that work with layers, in which a single button can perform several functions, typically allow you to change what those are. Some ergonomic keyboards have non-standard layouts, like thumb clusters with multiple keys near the space bar that you operate with your thumb. You’ll also be able to program those.
Other considerations
Ergonomic keyboards come in mechanical, membrane, and scissor switch versions. Which works best for you is, again, up to your preference. I won’t get too deep into the particulars here, but the short of it is that membrane and scissor switches are less customizable than mechanical and typically cheaper. Typing on them tends to be quieter and softer. Mechanical switches are more customizable, offer a more responsive typing experience and are usually pricier.
You’ll also have the option of wired or wireless ergonomic boards. All other things being equal, wired models are less expensive. Competitive gamers who rely on split-second responses may prefer the zero-lag of wired keyboards. Wired models also never run out of battery life and have fewer connectivity issues. But wireless keyboards keep your desk less cluttered.
Some ergonomic keyboards come with permanent or removable wrist or palm rests, which can be cushioned or hard. This is another area where opinions diverge: proponents claim they help you maintain a neutral hand position, while detractors say they put pressure on the tendons in your wrist. Ideally, your palms should be resting, not your wrists, and you might find you like having that support or you may find the pressure uncomfortable.
Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
How we tested
All our guides begin with extensive research to figure out what’s out there and what’s worth testing. We consider brands with good reputations that we’ve heard good things about from colleagues and other trusted publications. For this guide, I looked for keyboards with ergonomic features like tenting, split keys, palm support and so on. I also zeroed in on boards that didn’t require a deep amount of familiarity with the vast and exhaustive world of custom keyboards.
Once I settled on ten boards, I acquired them and used each one for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. I tried out the remapping and macros software and considered the comfort, design, price and durability of each model before arriving at picks I think will work best for the most people out there.
Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic features: Alice split, center tenting, optional negative tilt, wrist rest | Host connection: Bluetooth or USB receiver | Switch type: Scissor | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Windows | Ten key: Yes | RGB lighting: No | Programing interface: Logi Options+ (app)
The Ergo K860 from Logitech closely resembles a standard keyboard, so there’s not much of a learning curve. But subtle changes like the Alice layout, tented middle and optional negative tilt make typing noticeably more ergonomic. Logitech makes some of our favorite PC accessories, and the reasons why are all evident with this keyboard: it connects quickly and reliably via Bluetooth, the build is solid and feels high-quality and it’s reasonably priced at $130 (and is often on sale for around $100).
It’s compatible with more recent iterations of Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS and Linux, though you’ll need software to support non-basic key functions for the latter two operating systems. There are three switching buttons that swap between previously connected devices, and the board speedily swapped between a MacBook and a PC laptop in my tests. Built-in function keys like volume and brightness worked well and the Option/Start and Command/Alt combo keys worked correctly depending on which computer was connected to.
The rotated Alice-split design and raised center made a difference in the way I held my arms as I typed, allowing me to keep my elbows comfortably away from my ribs and my palms rotated inward instead of forcing them flat. The palm rest is springy but firm (albeit not removable) and the arrow keys and a numeric keypad on the right side put all possible keys within reach. Unfortunately, that adds length to that side of the board, which forces your mouse farther out. The scissor switch keys can feel mushy if you’re coming from a mechanical board, but they’re responsive enough. Logitech offers software for programming the keys, but this model will likely appeal most to those looking for a plug and play option.
For a mechanical Alice keyboard with both wireless and wired capabilities, I recommend the Periboard 835. The Mac and Windows-compatible board has a solid build, low profile switches, RGB lighting, comfortable tenting and a few extra programmable keys.
Pros
Rotated keys and palm wrest make typing comfortable
Ergonomic features: Fully split | Host connection: USB-C port | Switch type: Mechanical (tactile or linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Yes | Programing interface: QMK/VIA (browser)
If you (expertly) sawed a mechanical keyboard in two, it would look like the Keychron Q11. You can even push the two halves back together to make it look like a standard, 75 percent mechanical board (though once you discover the expediency of a snack bowl between the halves, I don’t know why you’d do that).
Keychron is widely respected in the mechanical keyboard world because they make quality keyboards that aren’t astronomically expensive. Like all Keychron devices, you can buy this one assembled or barebones, to which you can add your own keycaps and switches. I tested a fully assembled model with Gateron G Pro Red linear mechanical switches, which provide smoother action and a quieter clack than tactile or clicky switches. The keycaps are made from PBT, a higher-quality polymer than the ABS plastic keys found in less expensive keyboards. The machined aluminum body feels substantial and there’s no wobble. All of that combined creates a luxe and durable feel and a satisfying, buttery clack as you type.
The assembled version comes with keycaps (and a keycap puller) to set up the board for either Mac or Windows. A switch at the top of the board toggles between the two operating systems, ensuring the function keys act appropriately. Extra keys include the two customizable knobs at the top corners and five macro keys to the left of the board. Those and the rest of the board can be programmed with open source keyboard firmware QMK and VIA, which most Keychron boards are compatible with out of the box.
I have very basic keyboard needs so I used VIA to give the right knob zoom capabilities, make the M1 key open a clipboard manager and have the M2 key execute a screenshot. Programming with VIA requires the use of keycodes and you’ll need to define macros within the app to get the knob to do more advanced things beyond the pre-selected options, but the implementation of your new instructions is instantaneous (and quite satisfying).
The only drawbacks are the lack of tenting and the rather short USB-C bridge cable connecting the two sides. I found I wanted a little more separation than nine inches, so I swapped it for a longer cord. But there’s no easy fix for the lack of center lift.
Pros
High quality build
Smooth and buttery mechanical keys
Fully split keys keep your hands at a comfortable distance apart
Ergonomic features: Alice split, center tenting, wrist rest | Host connection: USB-A cable | Switch type: Membrane | Hotkey compatibility: Windows | Ten key: Yes | RGB lighting: No | Programing interface: N/A
Perixx makes a number of ergonomic keyboards and the Periboard 512 offers basic features at a low price. The standard keys will work with a Mac, but the included media keys and function keys are programmed for Windows machines. It worked well on the PC I tested it with, jumping to the search bar, opening the built-in Mail app and muting the sound when I hit the respective keys. The membrane keys are sturdy without wobble and the Alice split and tenting put your hands in a comfortable position. The rigid wrist rest angles down, which makes it easier to rest your palms and not your wrists.
At just $70, the 512 isn’t the most premium board and you can feel that in the lightweight design and cheaper-feeling keycaps. But if you’re just looking for a basic Windows interface with ergonomic features that’ll take some of the strain off your work posture, this is an inexpensive way to go.
Ergonomic features: Fully split, center tenting, thumb cluster | Host connection: USB-C port | Switch type: Mechanical (tactile, clicky, linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Yes | Programing interface: Oryx (browser)
A rep I spoke with at ZSA warned me about the Voyager, saying the board has an effect “like a brain injury: A moment ago you knew how to type, and now you don’t.” That’s exactly how I felt after plugging in the impossibly compact accessory. For one, the columnar layout puts keys (particularly those on the bottom row) in spots you don’t intuitively reach for. Then there’s a thumb cluster where you’ll find not just the space bar, but other important keys like return. Finally, the board uses layers, giving each key up to three functions.
I actually had to interrupt testing at one point and plug in another keyboard because I just felt too slow and disconnected like I was typing with oven mitts on. However, now that I have the hang of how the Voyager works, it feels magical. Rarely do my hands need to leave the home position, yet every key I need on a regular basis is easily accessible.
Since you don’t need to reorient your fingers when you use arrow keys, hit the mute button or type with the number pad, you’re always in the same position, which can save you some serious accumulated time. Your thumbs, which are fairly dexterous, are capable of doing more than just mashing the spacebar; here, they operate the return key, tab button and can even initialize layers. The fully split and extra compact design let you position the two boards anywhere they feel comfortable and the optional magnetic legs give it a subtle but effective center tenting.
Where some keyboards offer remapping capabilities as a nice-to-have feature, the majority of people will likely want to use either the browser-based Oryx configurator or Zsa’s Keymapp app to switch up what these keys do. It took me multiple tries to get them set in a way that worked for me, so I got pretty familiar with Oryx. It doesn’t require you to lookup keycodes, instead giving you a vast library of searchable commands. But changes aren’t implemented automatically — you have to flash the keyboard’s firmware by pushing a button at the top edge of the device to make the changes.
Certain system-specific functions, like the Mission Control key on a Mac, need to be programmed using key sequences (in this case, control + down arrow). And occasionally the board will mistake a single tap for a tap and hold (which often enables a second function). I also flashed the board once and lost all use of the right side, but reflashing fixed it.
The Voyager is not for someone looking for a quick adjustment to improve their ergonomics. It’ll take weeks of practice and reprogramming (both the board and your brain) before typing feels fluid again. I recommend keeping a screenshot of your latest Oryx-configured layout on your desktop for reference until you remember which keys do what. That said, once things start clicking, the Voyager really does maximize your output while minimizing your movements.
If you want something fully split with thumb clusters and a columnar layout but that’s a little less minimal — and wireless to boot — the Kinesis Advantage 360 is a good one to check out. It looks like it comes from an ‘80s-era IBM office but is somehow also from the future. The tenting goes from low to intense and the keys curve concavely to meet your fingers where they naturally land. The 360 is per-key programmable, works with layers and has four macros keys.
Pros
Fully split board
Center tenting for a natural hand position
Thumb cluster lets your thumb do more work
Compact size and clever key mapping keep your hands in the home position
Cons
Difficult to relearn ortholinear layout
Takes time to program and learn the right key functions
Ergonomic features: Fully split, center tenting, removable wrist rest | Host connection: USB-A cable | Switch type: Mechanical (tactile, clicky, linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Yes | Programing interface: SmartSet (app)
PC gamers who rely on the WASD keys may appreciate not having to contend with the right side of a keyboard at all, and instead use that space for their mouse. The Freestyle Edge from Kinesis is a fully split model with Cherry MX mechanical switches. The tactile Brown ones in my tester unit had a satisfying click and a not overly loud clacky noise. The wrist rests are removable and clever folding legs give you three height options for tenting and can be removed completely.
It has per-key RGB lights and nine macros buttons that can be programmed with the configuration app or without it using keyboard commands. All of this may appeal to gamers looking for a programmable keyboard with a few ergonomic tricks. Just keep in mind that all of those features add up to a somewhat bulky peripheral.
I’ve spent the last few weeks with the Keychron Q5 Pro and Q6 Pro mechanical keyboards, and I think they’re some of the best bang-for-your-buck full-size keyboards you can get today. The Q6 Pro is a traditional full-size keyboard layout with a NumPad and navigation keys, while the Q5 Pro is a slightly more compact 1800-style layout.
Both of them are gasket-mounted, with thick aluminum cases and a knob in the top right corner. You can buy either model with Keychron’s red linear switches, brown tactile switches, or banana tactile switches, and they include hot-swap sockets, RGB lighting, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity by default. If you don’t mind a cord, you can also connect them via USB-C. (Read my guide, How to Shop for a Mechanical Keyboard, if you want to learn more about some of these terms!)
Why a Full-Size Layout?
Anyone who wants a full-size keyboard layout already knows they want it. In my experience, it’s something you’re already acclimated to, not something you’re going to switch to on a whim. These things are huge and can have a dedicated key for everything, especially if you take advantage of the ability to reprogram keys.
The bare-bones version of the Q6 Pro allows you to add your preferred set of switches and keycaps.
Photograph: Keychron
Yes, the entire keyboard is completely reprogrammable. Keychron’s Q Pro line supports QMK/VIA, an open source third-party software that lets you reprogram every key. QMK is a system for keyboards that allows users to flash new firmware and keymaps, and VIA is a system that makes this reprogramming quick and seamless within a web browser. These keymaps persist across devices and have nearly limitless potential once you’ve learned the software.
Because of the utility of QMK and VIA, I found the number pads useful even though I hardly ever use them to input numbers. They can easily be reprogrammed and used as a dedicated macro pad, or for any other number of uses. (It’s worth noting that with both QMK and VIA, you have to plug in the keyboard to reprogram it.) The placement of the reset button underneath the spacebar on the top of the printed circuit board (PCB) makes reprogramming easy, since you don’t have to take the entire keyboard apart (unlike quite a few other keyboards that place the button in a hard-to-reach spot).
Even if you don’t plan to reprogram any keys, the number pad is great for quickly typing long strings of numbers or if you want to utilize Alt Codes so that you don’t have to constantly Google “Em dash” and copy and paste the symbol on Windows. (Hot tip: The Alt code for an em dash is Alt + 0151.)
The Typing Feel
Both the Q5 Pro and Q6 Pro use a gasket mount, meaning the main keyboard assembly (plate, switches, PCB) is suspended inside the case using two compressed layers of foam instead of being directly attached to the case. This creates a bouncier typing feel and isolates the internal assembly to create a softer, more crisp typing sound.
Keychron’s gasket-mount system is fairly bouncy, meaning the key presses feel soft and relaxed. This meshes with the switches provided, which have fairly light springs, to create an overall typing experience that’s crisp and bouncy without feeling cheap or flimsy.
The two boards I received have the Red and Banana switches from Keychron’s K Pro switch line. The Reds are simple, effective linear switches that sound poppy and feel fairly smooth. The Banana switches are tactile with a medium-strength bump and a good amount of travel after the bump. I’d recommend either one since both are high-quality examples of their respective switch types that will be acceptable to a large number of users.
As Amazon’s spring sale rolls on, we’re seeing deals on some of the Logitech gear we recommend, including the Logitech Brio 500 webcam. It’s down to $96 after a 26 percent discount off its $130 list price. That’s not an all-time low — just this January, it dipped about $13 lower, but this is still a decent savings on the webcam we named the best for most people. If the camera included with your laptop isn’t making your video appear as bright or clear as you’d like on video calls, this can help.
Logitech
This is our top pick for a webcam and it’s currently $34 off.
The Logitech Brio 500 shoots in 1080p at 30fps and has a wider field of view than the previous model. We were most impressed with the light correction that made a dark office look bright. It also works with Logitech’s customizing software for adjusting field of view, autofocus, contrast, brightness and more. The cam also features ShowMode which lets you present items on your physical desktop, and RightSight that keeps you in frame even when you move around.
Even at $96, the Brio 500 may be too much for some to spend. We suggest the smaller Brio 300 in our same buyer’s guide. It’s a pared down version without HDR or an adjustable field of view. It also can’t do ShowMode. But it does shoot in 1080p resolution, supports auto light correction and has a noise-reducing mic. Right now, that one is on sale for the lowest price yet. A 33 percent discount brings it to $40, instead of the $60 list price.
Another notable deal is a combo set that bundles the latest model of one of our favorite mice for productivity with the next generation of one of our recommended keyboards. The Pebble 2 Combo keyboard and mouse is now $50, which is $10 off and matches its all time low — a price we’ve seen it hit a few times this year.
In a move towards a more personalized and intelligent computing future, Microsoft has announced the introduction of the AI-driven Copilot key to Windows 11 PCs. This significant shift represents a new era where artificial intelligence (AI) is seamlessly integrated into the system, silicon, and hardware of these machines. Microsoft’s intention with this development is to simplify and enhance the computing experience, making 2024 a landmark year for AI-driven personal computing.
Microsoft’s innovation in AI is changing the way technology is used in both work and life. The company is committed to helping people and organizations adapt to this new AI age, with the Copilot key serving as a central component of this transformation. Over the past year, Microsoft has been innovating and improving product experiences with Copilot, an AI companion, at the core. This has led to the integration of Copilot into Bing, Microsoft 365, and Windows, with user feedback leading to a refined experience that assists people on a daily basis.
Integration of AI into Microsoft Windows
The integration of AI into the Windows system, silicon, and hardware has been made possible through collaboration with silicon partners AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. These partners have introduced their latest silicon innovations that unlock new AI experiences on Windows PCs, further enhancing the capabilities of these machines.
The introduction of the Copilot key is the first significant change to the Windows PC keyboard in nearly 30 years. This key will become a core part of the PC keyboard, and when pressed, it will invoke the Copilot in Windows experience. This development is expected to make it easier for people to participate in the AI transformation, making AI an everyday companion for work and life.
Windows AI key
Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of Microsoft Copilot artificial intelligence :
New Windows AI key will be available on keyboards from feathery 2024 onwards
The Copilot key will start appearing on new Windows 11 PCs from late February 2024 through Spring, including on upcoming Surface devices. This marks a significant step forward in Microsoft’s commitment to empower people and organizations in the AI age. Microsoft is optimistic about the future of AI in personal computing and plans to continue building Windows to be the destination for the best AI experiences. This requires an operating system that blurs the lines between local and cloud processing, providing users with seamless access to their data and applications.
The introduction of the AI-driven Copilot key to Windows 11 PCs by Microsoft represents a significant shift in the way we use technology. This development, along with Microsoft’s commitment to empower people and organizations in the AI age, promises to revolutionize our work and life experiences. As AI becomes an everyday companion, we can expect to see further innovations and improvements in our digital experiences.
Filed Under: Technology News, Top News
Latest timeswonderful Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
If you have not yet treated yourself to a NuPhy keyboard or the like to expand your current collection will be pleased to know that they are currently running a Halloween sale until October 31, 2023, offering 20% off its Halo series of wireless mechanical keyboards. The NuPhy compact wireless mechanical keyboards series includes the Halo96, Halo75, and Halo65. Designed for professional use and feature a unique design, combining style, meticulous construction and high-quality materials.
One of the most striking features of NuPhy’s Halo series is the unibody aluminum frame and laser-polished ABS base. This design element not only makes the keyboards sturdy and durable but also gives them a sleek, modern look. The keyboards also feature a ‘Halo’ light band that unites the aluminum frame with the ABS base, creating an eye-catching visual effect.
NuPhy Halloween Sale use HW20 at checkout for a 20% discount
The Halo series keyboards are equipped with the Halolight feature, which includes 2 rings of illumination, 17 light effects, 80 RGB LEDs, and 16M RGB colors. This feature, combined with unlimited software customizability, allows users to personalize their keyboard’s lighting to suit their mood or work environment. The keyboards also feature a streamlined Sidelight keyboard status monitor, providing information on connection modes, OS transitions, CapsLock, and battery status at a glance.
NuPhy wireless keyboards
Other articles we have written that you may find of interest on the subject of
Gateron G Pro switches
Another noteworthy feature is the use of Gateron G Pro switches, which offer various actuation forces and feedback levels to suit different user preferences. NuPhy has also introduced the Baby Kangaroo and Baby Raccoon switches, developed in partnership with Gateron, offering a unique tactile and acoustic experience. The Baby Kangaroo switches provide an immediate, strong tactile response and a clean, crisp sound, while the Baby Raccoon switches offer a smooth, consistent feel and a snappy return.
Wireless mechanical keyboard
The seamless tri-mode connection integration and dual-OS support make these keyboards highly versatile and adaptable to different operating systems and devices. A 4000mAh built-in battery facilitates up to 205 hours of continuous use, ensuring that the keyboards can keep up with even the most demanding workloads.
Double-shot PBT keycaps
NuPhy’s Halo series keyboards feature double-shot PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to grease and scratches. These keycaps are ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable typing experience, even during long work sessions. The keyboards also come with a precision-machined acrylic and aluminum Twotone wrist rest, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of strain or fatigue.
GhostBar
The GhostBar feature is another innovative addition to these keyboards. As the world’s first noise suppression space keycap, the GhostBar eliminates hollow sound and blends in with the sound of other keys, providing a more consistent and pleasant typing sound. The keyboards also offer a complete noise-reduction and stabilization solution, including a built-in Plate & PCB Silicone, Bottom Silicone, and Spacebar Silicones.
Hot-swappable
Finally, the full hot-swappability support with Gateron G Pro 2.0 switches allows users to customize their typing experience. This feature gives users the freedom to change switches without soldering, making it easier to tailor the keyboard to their specific needs and preferences.
The Halo96, Halo75, and Halo65 wireless mechanical keyboards from NuPhy offer a unique combination of innovative design, cutting-edge features, and high-quality materials. With the current Halloween sale, it’s a perfect time to upgrade your workspace with these stylish, feature-rich keyboards. Remember to use the code HW20 at checkout to avail of the 20% discount.
Filed Under: Hardware, Top News
Latest timeswonderful Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, timeswonderful may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.