Hardware

10 mechanical keyboards to help make you more productive at work

By · April 7, 2016, 11:40 AM PST · connerforrest

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  • 1. Unicomp Ultra Classic

    Mechanical keyboards started as a trend among PC gamers but have crossed over into the realm of developers and IT pros. Here are 10 models worth checking out.

    Modeled after the grandaddy of all mechanical keyboards, the IBM Model M, the Unicomp Ultra Classic offers the same buckling spring design and a similar aesthetic (which makes sense because Unicomp bought the technology behind the Model M in the 1990s). If you want the reliability of a classic Model M, but don't want to deal with decades of keyboard funk on a vintage model, go with the Unicomp. But, if you want the nostalgia factor, you can probably find an old Model M on eBay.

    Image: Unicomp

  • 2. Das Keyboard 4 Professional

    Known for its sleek designs and strong build quality, Das is one of the biggest names in mechanical keyboards. The Das Keyboard 4 Professional uses cherry MX switches with gold contacts, and has a design that would fit well in an office environment.

    Image: Das Keyboard

  • 3. Ducky Legend

    Ducky is better known for its Shine series of keyboards, but the aluminum case Legend would be more at home in an office setting. The keys are backlit by LEDs and users can choose which switches they want to use.

    Image: Ducky

  • 4. Logitech G710

    The G710 is a good middle-of-the-road selection from Logitech's G series keyboards. The G710 uses Cherry MX blue switches for a good mechanical feel, but operates quietly so you won't disturb your coworkers.

    Image: Logitech

  • 5. Kinesis Advantage

    The Kinesis Advantage combines the tactile comfort of Cherry MX brown switches with the support of an ergonomic design. It's a little on the pricey side, but it comes with a 60 day guarantee.

    Image: Kinesis

  • 6. Ultimate Hacking Keyboard

    The Ultimate Hacking Keyboard bills itself as a split design mechanical keyboard for professionals. This keyboard uses Cherry MX switches and has additional modules that can be snapped into place to customize it.

    Image: Ultimate Hacking Keyboard

  • 7. Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L

    If you're after cool lighting options and good performance, consider the Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro L. This keyboard is powered by a ARM Cortex M3 processor and brings a minimal design.

    Image: Cooler Master

  • 8. Razer BlackWidow

    Razer is a big name in the gaming world and their BlackWidow is a mechanical keyboard built for gaming. It uses proprietary Razer switches and gold contact points, and offers lots of lighting options.

    Image: Razer

  • 9. ErgoDox EZ

    ErgoDox initially made noise in the keyboard market with its ErgoDox kit that required a lot of assembly, including soldering all the points by hand. The ErgoDox EZ, however, is a ready-made kit based on an open source design that is a nice split design option.

    Image: ErgoDox

  • 10. CODE Mechanical Keyboard

    The CODE mechanical keyboard was designed with developers in mind. Using 6-Key USB rollover, it opens up many options for shortcuts.

    Image: CODE Keyboards

1. Unicomp Ultra Classic

Mechanical keyboards started as a trend among PC gamers but have crossed over into the realm of developers and IT pros. Here are 10 models worth checking out.

Modeled after the grandaddy of all mechanical keyboards, the IBM Model M, the Unicomp Ultra Classic offers the same buckling spring design and a similar aesthetic (which makes sense because Unicomp bought the technology behind the Model M in the 1990s). If you want the reliability of a classic Model M, but don't want to deal with decades of keyboard funk on a vintage model, go with the Unicomp. But, if you want the nostalgia factor, you can probably find an old Model M on eBay.

Image: Unicomp

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By Conner Forrest

Conner Forrest is an analyst for 451 Research. He was formerly a Senior Editor for TechRepublic.

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