First mechanical keyboard for Mac user

dhokes · 5 May 2020 at 09:29

I'm looking to purchase my first mechanical keyboard as a Mac user. Ideally I want something I can use directly out of the box and not have to setup. I'm not a gamer. Anything I should consider/recommendations?

I was thinking of deciding between the following:
Keychron K2
UK VA88Mac PBT Backlit MX Brown Tactile Mac Keyboard
UK VA109Mac PBT Backlit MX Brown Tactile Mac Keyboard
UK Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac Soft Tactile

Ryan-3 · 5 May 2020 at 10:36

Depends on your budget and what type of switches you would like, however if you are interested in the two VA ones you've mentioned, I'd go for those. Varmilo make some solid boards and those likely fit the whole Mac colour scheme too.

Of course, pretty much any keyboard will work fine, just with the incorrect legends until you pick up the replacement keycaps to go in their place.

dhokes · 5 May 2020 at 10:39

Ryan-3 said:
Depends on your budget and what type of switches you would like, however if you are interested in the two VA ones you've mentioned, I'd go for those. Varmilo make some solid boards and those likely fit the whole Mac colour scheme too.

Of course, pretty much any keyboard will work fine, just with the incorrect legends until you pick up the replacement keycaps to go in their place.

£150 max and brown switches.

Thinking about it, I don't want to replace keycaps/I want something that is Mac compatible straight out of the box. I'm considering the Keychron K2 as well.

Ryan-3 · 5 May 2020 at 12:50

Any of those mentioned will be fine. I think it'll come down now to personal preference for the aesthetics, number of keys, or other users' reviews on the product.

One thing to note: Some keyboards like the Code I mentioned have multiple layers worked by a function key, and/or a switch on the rear that swaps between different layouts, work in PC/Mac/Linux mode, etc.

LiE · 6 May 2020 at 14:19

Check out Keychron keyboards.

dhokes · 6 May 2020 at 14:26

LiE said:
Check out Keychron keyboards.

Yeah, my initial choice was the K2. I like the look/design of them however the keycaps aren't great apparently. However it's a nice price....

LiE · 6 May 2020 at 14:38

dhokes said:
Yeah, my initial choice was the K2. I like the look/design of them however the keycaps aren't great apparently. However it's a nice price....

I think they sell a PBT set separately.

Edit:

And also with also a K2 with PBT keycaps appears to be an option. I'd also order with a wrist rest.

https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k2-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-pbt-keycap

dhokes · 6 May 2020 at 16:12

LiE said:
I think they sell a PBT set separately.

Edit:

And also with also a K2 with PBT keycaps appears to be an option. I'd also order with a wrist rest.

https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k2-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-pbt-keycap

Ah, thanks. I was hoping to purchase from within the UK to avoid customs fees but I'll look into it. Regardless of which keyboard I go for, I think I'll need a wrist rest.

Dwaindibbly · 11 May 2020 at 11:32

I've just taken delivery of a keychron K6 via kickstarter. Bluetooth or wireless mac or windows at the flick of a switch, it even came with the mac keys fitted. It's a lovely keyboard

dhokes · 11 May 2020 at 15:22

Dwaindibbly said:
I've just taken delivery of a keychron K6 via kickstarter. Bluetooth or wireless mac or windows at the flick of a switch, it even came with the mac keys fitted. It's a lovely keyboard

The height puts me off it tbh. I think I'm going to order a Varmilo.