Keyboards

I have used Apple keyboards forever, going back to whatever came with the used Power Macintosh 7600 I started college with.¹ I generally used whatever came with the computer I had. A dual processor G4, some titanium PowerBooks, etc. I’ve been using the Apple Magic Keyboards (with the number pads) at home since they came out. I tried other keyboards here and there, but generally really like the Apple Magic Keyboards: low profile, good key action, and they look decent. I think I’ve had 2 or 3 of them, starting with the USB plug-in one, and ending on a black Bluetooth one. I also have one at work.

There were a few dark years where I had to use Windows machines at work. The first one had some crappy keyboard. When I changed jobs, I got a Logitech solar powered keyboard. Decent keyboard, kind of similar to the Apple Magic Keyboard in a lot of respects. That keyboard prompted me to try out a nicer Logitech for home. After it and the warranty replacement both broke in the same manner², I had them send me a the Mac version of the solar keyboard. I didn’t like it as much as the Apple keyboard, so I ordered the black Apple keyboard when I got my now ex-Mac Mini.

While I like the Apple keyboard, I kind of wanted one that I could a) program and b) didn’t have a number pad. I don’t use a number pad at home much and wanted to reclaim some desk space. I really wanted to get a HHKB, but couldn’t stomach losing the arrow keys while not being truly programmable. I’m perfectly happy with Vim keybindings for arrows, but the HHKB has some goofy layout that I could tell was just not going to work for me.

About 6 months ago, I decided to try a Keychron S1, a low profile mechanical keyboard. I figured since I was so used to flat keyboards, a low profile keyboard was the way to go. Nice keyboard, well built and programmable. I just couldn’t type on the thing. Not sure if it was the profile or the switches, but it was super touchy and I was constantly hitting neighboring keys by accident.

Unfortunately, several days after I got (and before I came to the realization that I couldn’t type on the damn thing), I also ordered a Mode Designs Envoy. The thinking at the time was the Keychron was good, I could maybe take it to work, and I was going to get something more customizable for home. Once I decided the Keychron had to go, I started to regret ordering the Envoy, but water under the bridge and all.

The Envoy came in about a month ago. I built and am happy to say it is GREAT. Looks super nice, is well built, the keycaps are great, and I even like the switches.³ All the misgivings I had with the Keychron (it really is a nice keyboard) aren’t present in this keyboard. I highly recommend it if you want a 65% keyboard. I’m tempted to also order a Tofu60 or Tofu65, but I know I have no use for a second keyboard like that.