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10 Mechanical Keyboard Tips For People That Type A Lot A quality keyboard is essential for a person that types a lot. Here are ten mechanical keyboard tips to improve your typing experience. 1. You will need to get used to the switches. The three main switch types are linear, tactile and clicky switches. 2. Actuation force is the other important factor that determines how easy it is to press a switch. 3. If you want a compact keyboard, go with a TKL board. 4. Consider your workplace. If you work alone, a keyboard with clicky switches is a good option. 5. A good quality wrist rest will help improve your posture. 6. Thicker profile keycaps are a good option. These 6 tips should help you on your mechanical keyboard journey. 7. Consider a split or ergonomic layout. Many people report that this layout style relieved stress in their shoulders and arms. It may take a couple weeks to fully adjust to this style. 8. Look for keyboards with hot-swappable sockets. These allow for easier switch replacement. If you buy a keyboard and the switches are not to your liking, you can simply change them. 9. Try to keep your keyboard free of debris. A buildup of dirt and crumbs can eventually impede the functionality of your keyboard. 10. Consider modifying your keyboard. Some mechanical keyboards allow you to change the functionality of keys to be more convenient for you. Note that the advice in this document is mostly geared toward helping you find switches and boards that you may like. Once you've purchased a solid, mechanical keyboard, you can begin to modify to your heart's content and truly hone in on the layout and switches that you prefer!

# 10 Tips for Mechanical Keyboards for Typists Everyone who types for a living knows that having a good keyboard is essential. I compiled 10 tips to keep in mind when choosing a mechanical keyboard that will fit your needs. **1. Know your switch types. ** There are three types of switches to be aware of. Linear switches are known for their light actuation force. Such as reds. Tactile are known for their subtle "click" feel when pressing. Example being browns. Lastly clicky. Also known as blue switches they make a clicking sound when pressed down. Similar to an old fashioned typewriter. **2. Actuation Force. ** Switches come in various weight forces. Lighter force switches may help prevent fatigue if your hands get tired after a few hours of typing. If you are someone who has issues typing mistakes. Perhaps trying out some heavier force switches will benefit you. **3. Key Board Size. ** Some keyboards come in different sizes. Most full sized keyboards have a numpad. Whereas TKL and 75% key boards do not have the additional keys. Having your mouse further from your body will lead to bad posture. So choose the keyboard size that fits you and your desk setup. **4. Consider your workspace. ** I know it can be fun to use clicky switches at your office. But your co workers probably won't enjoy that. Using O rings and adding dampening materials inside the case will help lower the amount of noise from your keyboard. **5. Add a Wrist Rest. ** Typing for hours on end can put stress on your wrists. Adding a cushioned wrist rest to your set up will allow your wrist to stay in a more relaxed position. **6. Keycap Profiles and Material. ** When shopping for key caps keep in mind the shape of them as well. If you prefer to use keycaps that resemble that of a laptop keyboard look into low profile keycaps. Also keycaps come in two types of materials. ABS keycaps are smooth and PBT keycaps have a bit of texture to them. They also don't get shiny. **7. Ergonomic Keyboards/Split Keyboard. ** If you like the idea of using a split or ergonomic keyboard try using it for at least a couple of weeks. It will take you some time to get used to the feel but can really help ease tension on your shoulders. **8. Make sure your keyboard has hot swappable switches. ** Having hot swappable sockets will allow you to change your switch if you decide you don't like what you purchased. No need to worry about buying the wrong switches for your keyboard if you can just swap them. **9. Cleaning your keyboard. ** Over time dirt and particles will accumulate inside your keyboard. You should remove your keycaps at least once every few months. And clean any debris that has gotten trapped. **10. Change your keyboard layout. ** There are so many programs you can use to change the keys on your keyboard. Change out unused keys to more helpful functions such as copy paste or other short cuts that you may type often. ## Closing This is just my opinion when it comes to buying mechanical keybaords. As stated before everyone is different and you will want to research what works best for you. Once you find that comfortable cheap mechanical keyboard. You'll never look back. Plus you may find yourself wanting to type more often just because it feels so nice. Happy Typing!

10 Tips for Mechanical Keyboards for Typists Focus on switches. This is the heart of the mechanical keyboard. Try out as many as you can. Reds are linear (no bump) and quiet. Browns are tactile (there’s a bump as they’re pressed) and Blues are clicky (they make a distinctive noise similar to a miniature typewriter). If you’re going to be typing all day, find out what feels best for you. Consider the weight of the switches. If you’re finding yourself with tired fingers by the end of the day, look into switches with a lighter actuation force. On the flip side, if you’re finding yourself mistyping a lot, a heavier actuation force may be the answer. Do you need a number pad? Full-size boards will have number pads, but you could save some desktop real estate with a TKL (tenkeyless) or a 75% board. Bringing your mouse closer to your body may help with your typing posture (assuming that you don’t deal with numbers much). Try an ergonomic board. They’ll take a couple of weeks to get used to, but the split design lets your shoulders relax in a more natural position. Get a wrist rest. Keeping the wrist in a more natural position will make a huge difference in comfortability when typing for long durations. Don’t annoy your coworkers. If you’re in an office, clicky switches are likely going to rub some of them the wrong way. Consider quieter switches or mods like O-rings or foam. Invest in PBT keycaps. ABS caps wear out much quicker than PBT, but PBT have a nice, textured feel to them and don’t get shiny. Low-profile caps may help with the transition if you’re coming from typing on a laptop. Get a board with hot-swappable switches. This way, if you don’t like the switches, you can change them out without having to do any soldering. Clean your keyboard. Pull the caps off every couple of months and get rid of all of that dust and food that has collected underneath. Make the board yours. Learn how to reprogram the board to suit your needs. Make good use of any unused keys by remapping them to whatever is useful to you (copy and paste macros never disappoint). Final Thoughts Start with a good, inexpensive board and work from there. There’s lots of arguments on forums about what’s the best setup for typing, but in the end, the best mechanical keyboard for typing is going to be whatever works best for you.

# 10 Tips for Mechanical Keyboards for Typists If you type for long periods of time during the day, then the keyboard that you use for typing is most likely your best coworker. This article lists and describes 10 tips for choosing and setting up a mechanical typing keyboard. **1. Switches.** This is the part where people go into all the details about switches. Find out about the different kinds like Reds (linear, very smooth, very quiet), Browns (tactile, lightly bumping) and Blues (clicky, like a tiny typewriter). Sometimes there are demos online so you can try them before you buy the whole board. **2. Actuation force** It’s not all about the weight, but lighter switches need less force to activate them. Thus they can be less fatiguing to type with for long periods of time. Of course, there are heavier switches for those who want to type with more force in the hope that they will not press the wrong keys as often. **3. The right size for you.** As mentioned earlier, full-size keyboards have the full number pad. TKL and 75% keyboards on the other hand are great for saving space on your desk. If you never enter numbers while working then a compact keyboard will help keep your mouse closer to your body which can help improve your posture. **4. Think about your office.** The switches you choose will be louder than you think. Clicky switches are really really fun to type with, but they can be really annoying to have in the office with other coworkers. Consider getting quieter switches for the office, or try to add O-rings and foam dampening to your current switches. **5. Use a wrist rest.** There are lots of great wrist rests made of padded material that keep your wrists in a neutral position. This is extremely important for your wrists after thousands of keystrokes. **6. Choose appropriate keycap material.** PBT keycaps do not get sharp edges and last long. ABS on the other hand is smooth, but breaks and wears faster. Some also have a low profile which might be worth checking out if you come from using a laptop. **7. Split it!** Just try an ergonomic layout for a few weeks. You know, split up the keyboard to release your shoulders. It looks kinda strange at first, but trust me. It will work. **8. Hot-swappable switches are a big deal** – if your board has got hot-swappable sockets, you can swap out your switches over and over again without having to do any soldering. That means that even if you do manage to pick the ‘perfect’ switch, you can still try loads of other ones in case you find something even better. **9. Clean your board** – Regularly remove any finger gunk, pie crusts, croissant crumbles, or peeled Nixon-sized layers of grot of unknown origin. Though wiping it with a damp cloth should do, most would recommend removing the caps and brushing out any grime before wiping them down with a soft cloth. **10. Customize your layout.** A programmable keyboard is handy if you can also program the keys. Remap keys that you do not normally use to your most frequent phrases or program in the most typical shortcuts for you such as copy, paste, etc. ## Final Thoughts Remember the main thing: find the keyboard that feels right. Don’t let the discussions on the forums and the huge amount of products and variations keep you from starting to type happily. Start with a solid and reasonably priced keyboard and go from there. Your fingers will thank you for it, and soon you’ll look for opportunities to type even more. Happy typing!

If you spend hours and hours tapping away on a keyboard, it really does become your co-worker. Here are 10 tips to finding and getting the most out of your mechanical keyboard. 1. Know thy switches: Linear switches (Reds), Tactile switches (Browns) and Clicky (Blues). Practice makes perfect so don't be afraid to try out some different switches! 2. Actuation force: This refers to how much pressure needs to be applied to register a key press. The lower the weight or pressure needed, the less fatgued your fingers will be after 8 hour of working. 3. Choose your size wisely: If you have a full size board, you're using that number pad for a reason, right? Tenkeyless and 75% boards are perfect if you want to save your desk space. If you're not using your number keys much, you could be doing your back a favor as well by having a more compact keyboard. 4. Know your office environment: Clicky switches can be quite the annoyance depending on where you work. Unless you're in your own office with soundproof walls, consider buying a keyboard that doesn't require a lot of clacking around. 5. Wrist rests are your friends: Ergonomics has been proven to improve comfort and reduce muscular strain so keep that in mind when buying your keyboard. 6. The shape and materials of your keycaps matter too: PBT keycaps tend to feel nicer and are less likely to get shiny, while ABS keycaps are slippery and cheap feeling. Low profile keycaps are the new high profile keycaps. If you're used to a laptop, they might feel nicer. Just remember that profile changes what your fingers feel. 7. Get split: They're really not that weird. Split keyboards let your shoulders rest more comfortably. It might take a couple weeks to get used to, but your back will thank you. 8. Hot swap sockets: They're the future. With hot swap boards, you can simply remove switches to replace them, instead of needing to rework the whole board. This means you can have more fun with switches and not worry about spending hundreds of dollars on a board you only like for a few weeks. 9. Clean it regularly: crumbs, dust, mystery gunk. Whatever you call them, whatever you think they are, they get trapped in your keyboard. I personally take off my keycaps every few months and clean the inside of the keycaps and your PCB. 10. Customize Thy Layout: Program your most used keys. Make custom macros. Remap your win key. Whatever it is, don't be afraid to do it! ## Final Tips Your ideal mechanical keyboard depends on how and for what you'll use it. It's easy to get sucked in by the online discourse about certain switches, brands, or PCBs, but it's best to just start with a budget-friendly 100% backlit keyboard, discover your preferences, and move from there. With a mechanical keyboard, you'll find more reasons to type than ever before!

Mechanical keyboard for typists ultimate tips #10.Top 10 Mechanical keyboard for typists tips. Your keyboard is a tool, but if you type all day it's a necessity. It is just like your best co-worker! Looking for 10 tips on how to find the mechanical keyboard that will suit you? To understand your switches! Switches are the core of the keyboard. It is either smooth and quiet (Linear, such as Reds) or tactile (Bump, such as Browns), audibly clicky (Clicky, such as Blues). If at all possible, sample first. For lighter switches, less actuating force is required, which alleviates finger fatigue when engaged in extended periods of switch operation. If you are prone to typing things wrong, heavier ones could come in handy. The right size to use depends on the fully sized board with a number pad, 10-keyless (TKL), or 75% to save some space. If you don't use the number pad very often, compact might be a better option for you due to better reach for using your mouse. Clicky switches are cool, but your co-workers may not approve of your office thinking. In shared households features that are less likely to be heard such as quiet switches or with O-ring and foam dampening. Wrist rest – a wrist neutral position optimizes this through thousands of keystrokes. Having an extra comfortable, cushioned pad or resting place can help. Pay attention to the keycaps' profile and material; PBT keycaps won't shine up and are textured, while ABS ones are smoother and wear out more quickly. If you are coming from a notebook, you may prefer a low-profile cap. Try out a split/ergonomic setup. Initially, it may seem strange to have the keyboard divided into two parts, but it will allow your shoulders to relax. Allow yourself a couple of weeks to “get used to.” 8. Choose hot-swappable sockets. These allows the interchange of switches without requiring soldering. There's no need to feel trapped shopping for the correct ones if you get things wrong. Samples can be there for you to freewheel. 9. Maintain cleanliness — Crumbs, dust and mystery gunk accumulates quickly. Clean the inside and wipe the pieces down, and brush away the debris from keycaps every few months. **10. Customize your layout.** Many mechanical boards are programmable, and have macros. Remap combines functions that you do not use as frequently, such as copy or paste, or the most commonly entered phrases, on shorter routes. ## Final Thoughts The ideal mechanical keyboard is the one that feels best to you. Don't fall for the hype or arguments that spring up on forums to no end. Buy an inexpensive board, find out what you like, and make some adjustments. Your fingers will thank you and you may even find yourself craving an excuse to press some more on the keys. Happy typing!

10 Mechanic Keyboard Tips for Typists Your keyboard is more than a mere tool when you spend all day typing. It's basically your best coworker. 10 Tips to Choose and Use a Mechanical Keyboard that Truly Suits You Get to know your switches. The switches are the most important part of your keyboard. Linear ones (such as Reds) are smooth and silent, tactile ones (Browns) have a slight bump, and clicky ones (Blues) sound like a small typewriter. TestDrive give it as much time before you buy if possible Don't ignore actuation force. Lighter switches require less actuation force, which can keep your fingers from getting tired during long sessions. If you tend to mistype, heavier ones can assist. Pick the right size. For full-size boards, you get a numpad, but for tenkeyless (TKL) and 75% layouts, things are freed up on the desk. If you don't enter numbers much, a compact keyboard can improve your posture by bringing your mouse closer. Think about your office. The Draw: Clicky Switches Are Fun, Your Coworkers Probably Won't Agree Use switches without loud clicks or O-rings and foam dampening if you share a space. Use a wrist rest. Your wrists being neutral is going to help you out after thousands of keystrokes. A cozy padded resting place is simply what you want. Consider keycap profile and material. PBT keycaps are less shiny and nice to the touch whilst ABS ones feel smoother but do wear down quicker. If you are coming from a laptop, low sightline caps may feel better. Use a split or ergonomic keyboard layout. Split keyboard They do look strange initially, but splitting the keyboard helps your shoulders to relax properly. Allow yourself a few weeks to settle. Look for hot-swappable sockets. These allow you to hot swap switches. You won't be stuck if you buy the wrong ones. You can experiment freely. Keep it clean. These would be crumbs, dust and mystery gunk that piles up quickly. In the interval, pop off the key caps now and again, brush out the dust bunnies and wipe things down. Customize your layout. A lot of the Mechanical boards support programmable keys and macros. Remap unused keys as shortcuts you do use — copy, paste or your 10 most-typed phrases. Final Thoughts The ideal mechanical keyboard is a subjective matter: it's the one that you feel comfortable typing on. Leave the hype, never-ending forum discussion of DOM vs. diff between local development and production. Get yourself a decent entry-level board, find what you like, then adjust accordingly. YOUR FINGERS WILL THANK YOU (and get the urge to find excuses to type more) Happy typing!

# 10 Suggestions for Mechanical Keyboards for Typists If typing is your daily routine, then your keyboard can be likened to that best coworker of yours. Below are ten suggestions to help you find an ideal mechanical keyboard that would work well for you. **1. Familiarize yourself with the switches.** The switches are at the core of the keyboard. There are linear switches (Reds) that are soft and silent, tactile switches (Browns) that give a slight bump, and clicky switches (Blues) that sound like a typewriter. Therefore, it is crucial to try out different switches before purchase. **2. Do not forget about actuation force.** A lighter switch needs less force to actuate, which therefore decreases finger fatigue after lengthy typing sessions. On the contrary, a heavier switch could suit those who tend to mistype. **3. Choose the correct size.** Full-size keyboards have numeric keypads, while tenkeyless (TKL) and 75% keyboards do not have them. If you do not type numbers a lot, smaller keyboards bring the mouse closer to you, which positively impacts your posture. **4. Think about your workplace.** Clicky switches produce satisfying clicks, however, the same sound could disturb your coworkers. Therefore, if you work with a team, you should choose a quieter switch or use O-rings and foam dampening. **5. Use a wrist rest.** During typing sessions, you should keep your wrists straight. An ergonomic wrist rest can definitely help you with this. **6. Think about the material and profile of the keycap.** Keycaps made of PBT are more resistant to shine and are slightly textured, while ABS keycaps are much smoother but deteriorate quickly. In addition to that, low-profile caps may be more comfortable in use for those who switch from laptop keyboard. **7. Think of an ergonomic or split layout.** Although it looks weird, splitting the keyboard allows relaxing the shoulders. It may take a couple of weeks to adjust to the new layout. **8. Look for hot-swappable sockets.** Having such sockets enables changing switches without soldering. If you make a wrong choice, you can try something else. **9. Keep it clean.** Crumbs, dust, and other dirt accumulate very quickly. Therefore, you should remove keycaps several times a year, take dust out, and wipe the surface. **10. Customize your layout.** A lot of mechanical keyboards have programmable keys and macros. The remapping is essential if you want to ease typing.

# 10 Tips for Mechanical Keyboards for Typists Not just a keyboard If you're going to be typing all day long, your keyboard isn't just a piece of equipment. It's practically your work BFF. Here are ten tips for choosing a good mechanical keyboard that actually works. 1. Familiarize yourself with your switches. The switch is what makes up the keyboard. A linear switch (such as Reds) provide a slick feel, clicky switch (such as Blues) sound like tiny typewriter, while tactile switches (such as Browns) provide that slight 'bump'. Feel free to test-drive a switch! 2. Make sure you do not ignore the pressure needed for the keys to activate. Lighter keys are more comfortable as they take less energy, this can stop the user from getting a sore finger after using their computer for a significant duration. Heavier switches can prevent you from accidentally pressing another button. 3. Choose the ideal size. Full-sized keyboards include a numeric keypad, whereas "tenkeyless" (TKL) or "75% form factor" keyboards save space on your desktop. If you rarely use the number keys, buying a smaller keyboard is a nice way to improve your ergonomics (by positioning your mouse closer to your body). 4. Consider your office. Clicky switches are pleasant, but your colleagues might not think so. If you work in a shared office space, stick with a quieter switch or invest in O-rings and foam dampening. 5. Use a wrist rest. Thousands of keystrokes later, it counts to keep your wrists in a neutral position. A nice padded wrist rest is well worth it. 6. Keep the keycaps' material and profile in mind. The PBT keycaps are wear-resistant and have a pleasant texture, whereas the ABS keycaps are smoother and likely to shine earlier. If you are accustomed to laptops, you may like the low-profile caps better. 7. Consider an ergonomic or split-style keyboard. It'll feel odd to use it in the beginning, but being able to split that board means you can give your shoulders a rest. Give your adjustment period about two weeks. 8. Find out if you can hot-swap the sockets. These allow you to change switches without soldering. If you happen to get the wrong ones, it doesn't matter. Feel free to experiment. 9. Keep it clean. Crumbs, dust, and mystery gunk build up fast. Pop off the keycaps every few months, brush out the debris, and wipe things down. 10. Customize your layout. Many mechanical boards offer programmable keys and the capability for macros. Use these to turn unused keys into time-saving shortcuts for copy/pasting, launching programs, or inserting your most-used phrases. Final Thoughts Your favorite mechanical keyboard is the one that feels good to you. Don't get too caught up in the hype or all the forum discussions. Begin with a quality cheap board, learn what you like, and go from there. Your fingers will love you and you might even start searching for excuses to pound on your keyboard. Happy typing!

Ten Ways Mechanical Keyboards Can Be Better for Typists Your keyboard is much more than a device to type on. It is like having another co-worker. Below are ten suggestions for choosing and using a mechanical keyboard which will work well for you. Find out about your switches. Your switches are what make up the core of your keyboard. Linear switches (Red) will be smooth and quiet; tactile switches (Brown) will provide a slight "bump" when pressed; clicky switches (Blue) will produce a sound similar to that of a small typewriter. If possible, try them out first. Do not disregard the actuation force of your keyboard switches. Switches with low actuation force require less force to activate, thus reducing potential finger strain when typing for extended periods. Switches with higher actuation forces may assist those who consistently make errors while typing. Select the correct sized board. Boards with full-size will include a number pad, however boards with tenkeyless (TKL) or 75% layouts allow you to free up desk space. If you rarely use the number pad, then selecting a more compact option may help with posture as you'll be able to keep your mouse closer. Think about the environment in which you work. The loud clicking sound of mechanical switches can be very satisfying; however, your colleagues will likely not appreciate it. If you share a workspace with others, use quieter mechanical switches or add O-rings and/or foam padding to reduce the noise level. Get a wrist pad; the position of your wrist relative to the keyboard is important because you will be typing many times. A good wrist pad can help. Think about the type of keycap (profile) and the material it is made out of. PBT keycaps will not develop "shine" and have a nice texture. On the other hand, ABS keycaps are smoother; however, they wear out much faster than PBT. Additionally, if you have been typing on a laptop, low profile caps may provide you with a more comfortable typing experience. Consider a split or ergonomic keyboard. You may find this unusual looking initially; however, the use of a split keyboard allows for the relaxation of your shoulders. Allow yourself some time to become accustomed to the new layout. Choose hot-swappable sockets so that you can replace your switch with no soldering required. If you choose the incorrect type of switch, it is still possible to switch them out and try new things with your keyboard. Keep your keyboard free of dirt. It is amazing how quickly dirt such as crumbs, dust, and mysterious gunk will accumulate. Every couple of months, remove all of the keys from your keyboard, use a small brush to clean out the debris, and then wipe the entire keyboard down. Personalize your keyboard's arrangement. There are many mechanical keyboards that allow for customization (programmable keys and macros). You can change the function of keys you rarely use to functions you regularly use such as copying, pasting, and typing common phrases. Final Thoughts There isn't any "best" mechanical keyboard; the best mechanical keyboard is the one that is most comfortable for you. Do not let yourself become distracted by all the buzz around mechanical keyboards or the constant arguments on forums. Instead, begin with a good-quality, budget-friendly mechanical keyboard. After you determine what works well for you, adjust your setup accordingly. Your fingers will be grateful and perhaps you will find yourself wanting to do more typing. Happy typing!

# 10 Tips for Mechanical Keyboards for Typists When you work in an office and spend most of the day behind a computer screen, typing on a keyboard becomes your main activity. Therefore, a mechanical keyboard becomes your best co-worker. And here are some tips on how to choose the most comfortable device. **1. Learn about switch types.** The switch determines everything about your keyboard. There are linear, tactile, and clicky switches. For example, Reds are linear, Browns – tactile, and Blues – clicky. It is always better to test any switch before buying a keyboard with it. **2. Consider actuation force.** Lighter switches require less pressure, hence, can minimize finger fatigue during work. Meanwhile, heavier switches will be useful to those who often mistake. **3. Choose the size.** A full-sized board includes a number pad, and TKL (tenkeyless) and 75% layouts give you more desk space. In case, you rarely use a number pad, it is better to choose the compact model to improve your posture. **4. Consider your office.** Clicky switches may be very satisfying but can be distracting for other people in your workspace. If this is your case, consider using quieter switches or adding additional O-rings and foam dampeners. **5. Use wrist pads.** While typing, your wrists remain neutral. That is why a wrist support will provide you with comfort during thousands of keystrokes. **6. Think about the material and profile of your key caps.** For example, PBT materials do not scratch and have textured finish, whereas ABS caps look shiny but wear quickly. Low profile keycaps can be a good option for the people who switched to the mechanical keyboard from a laptop. **7. Try split and ergonomic layouts.** It looks awkward at the beginning but gives you the possibility to relax your shoulders. All you have to do is wait a bit (a couple of weeks). Your wrists will be grateful. **8. Opt for the keyboards with hot-swappable sockets.** Hot-swappable switches allow changing them easily, without soldering. If you have chosen the wrong ones, you are not obliged to stick with this decision. **9. Always keep your keyboard clean.** Debris and dust accumulate very quickly. So do not forget to unscrew keycaps and wipe the board every few months. **10. Create your own custom layout.** Most of the mechanical keyboards have the possibility to use programmable keys and macros. Map rarely used keys to useful commands such as copy, paste, your favorite phrases. ## Conclusion There is no such thing as the best mechanical keyboard in general. You have to find the most comfortable one for you. Do not waste your time on the forums and arguments. Buy a nice and relatively cheap device, test different variants, and customize.

# 10 Ways To Find The Right Mechanical Keyboard For You Your keyboard is your co-worker when you spend time on the computer. Here are 10 ways to choose and enjoy a mechanical keyboard that meets your needs. **Tip #1 - Learn About Switch Types**: The switch is the heart of your keyboard. There are linear, such as Red, that feel smooth and quiet; there are tactile, such as Brown, that give a slight "bump" ; and there are clicky, such as Blue, that sound like a small typewriter. If possible, try them out before you purchase. **Tip #2 - Actuation Force Matters**: If you prefer light switches (they require less pressure), they may decrease the amount of finger fatigue you experience after many hours of typing. Heavy switches may be helpful to avoid misspelling words. **Tip #3 - Size of the Board Matters**: If you prefer full keyboards that include a numeric keypad, then a TenKeyLess (TKL) or a 75% keyboard design will save you desk space. Additionally, using an alternate layout allows you to position your mouse close to your body, improving your posture. **Tip #4 - How Will Others View the Noise? ** While clicky switches are fun, others nearby may not agree. If you work in an open space where people sit next to each other, consider purchasing a board with quieter switches or add O-rings and foam dampeners. **Tip #5 - Add Wrist Rests**: Even though hundreds of keystroke happen daily, it is important to keep your wrists straight. Adding a comfortable, padded wrist rest will greatly assist with this. **Tip #6 - Select the Best Keycap Profile and Material**: You can select from two types of materials for keycaps. PBT caps do not show shine and provide a nice texture. ABS caps are softer to touch but will eventually wear faster than PBT caps. Low-profile caps can feel better than traditional-style caps if you transitioned from a laptop. **Tip #7 - Try Split or Ergonomic Layout Options**: Initially, an ergonomic design may seem unusual, however, the benefit of relieving shoulder tension is significant. Give yourself some time to adapt. **Tip #8 - Install Hot-Swappable Sockets**: With these options, you can replace your switches easily. This way, you won't be stuck with a set of switches you did not want. You can experiment until you find the perfect fit. **Tip #9 - Clean the Keyboard**: Crumbs and dust can quickly accumulate on a keyboard. Every so often, take apart your keycaps and vacuum up debris, then wipe everything down. **Tip #10 - Program Custom Keys and Macros**: If your keyboard supports programmable keys and/or macros, you should program custom keys for functions you perform repeatedly (such as copy/paste/your favorite phrase). ## Additional Thoughts Ultimately, the best mechanical keyboard is the one that provides comfort for you. Be sure to start with a solid keyboard and budget for upgrades later. Experiment and learn along the way.

# Ten Typist Tips For Mechanical Keyboards If you spend a lot of time typing, your keyboard is much more than just a tool. In essence, it’s your best co-worker. Here are ten tips for selecting, using, and enjoying a mechanical keyboard that works for you. **1. Be acquainted with your switches. Switches are the keyboard’s heart. There are linear ones which are smooth and silent like Reds, tactile ones which give a little bump like Browns, and clicky ones which sound like a mini typewriter like Blues. You should try before you buy if possible. **2. Don’t disregard this actuation force.** Switches with lighter actuation require less pressure, resulting in less strain on fingers. Using heavier equipment can help if you often mistype. **3. Choose an appropriate size full size boards contain number pad. Tenkeyless (TKL) and 75% layout free up desk space. If you seldom type numbers, going compact can help improve your ergonomics by getting your mouse closer. **4. Consider your workplace. Clicky switches sound delightful, but your colleagues might have other thoughts. If you share a space, choose quieter switches or add O-rings and foam dampening. **5. Maintain a straight wrist while you use your keyboard. A relaxing cushioned rest can truly make a difference. **6. Think about the profile and material of the keycaps. PBT keycaps (made from enhanced PBT) do not shine and have a nice texture to them, while ABS keycaps are smoother but wear off much faster. If you’re coming from a laptop, low-profile caps might feel better. **7. Consider trying a split or ergonomic layout. It may seem strange initially, but it helps to loosen your shoulders. Allow yourself a few weeks to grow accustomed. **8. Try to find hot-swappable sockets. These allow you to swap switches with no soldering. You are not stuck if you buy the wrong ones. Feel free to try. **9. Make sure to keep your workspace tidy at all times. Each few months, pop off the keycaps to brush out the debris and wipe things down. **10. Modify your layout. Many mechanical boards support programmable keys and macros. Change the key functions on the keyboard to functions that you actually use. For instance, copy, paste, or your most-typed phrases. ## Conclusion Note The finest mechanical keyboard is the one that feels great to you. Stay away from the hype and the never-ending debates in the forums which could certainly get stifling. It's about finding a good, affordable board, figuring out what you like, and going from there. Your fingers will appreciate it, and you might even find yourself looking for reasons to type more. Joyful typing!

# 10 Tips for Mechanical Keyboards for Typists A keyboard is not merely a tool if you use it all day—basically, it acts as your best colleague. The following ten tips will help you choose and make the most of a mechanical keyboard that works for you. **1. Familiarise yourself with the different switches.** The switches are the key part of the keyboard; linear ones (for example, Reds) have a smooth and quiet action, tactile ones (such as Browns) provide a small bump, and the clicky ones (for instance, Blues) make a sound similar to that of a small typewriter. If you can, try them out before making your purchase. **2. Do not ignore the actuation force.** Since lighter switches require less pressure, they can reduce finger fatigue over long periods; heavier switches, on the other hand, may be useful if you are prone to mistyping. **3. Choose the correct size.** Full-size keyboards come with a number pad, whereas tenkeyless (TKL) and 75% layouts save desk space. For people who don't type in numbers a lot, using a compact keyboard can help with your posture since it keeps the mouse nearer. **4. Consider the office environment.** Although clicky switches provide a satisfying tactile response, your colleagues might not agree with this. If you are sharing an office, then choose quieter switches or fit O-rings and foam damping devices. **5. Use a wrist rest.** It's important to keep your wrists in a neutral position after thousands of keystrokes, and a comfortable padded wrist rest can make a real difference. **6. Think about the shape and material of the keycaps.** PBT keycaps do not shine and have a pleasant texture, whereas ABS keycaps are smoother but wear more quickly. Those that are low profile might be preferable if you're coming from using a laptop. **7. Use a split or ergonomic layout.** At first it may seem odd, but using a split keyboard will help to relax your shoulders. Allow yourself a few weeks to get used to it. **8. Look for sockets which are hot-swappable.** This way you'll be able to replace the switches without having to use solder. If you select the wrong ones, you won't be committed and can carry out your experiments freely. **9. Keep it clean.** Crumbs, dust, and that kind of gunk accumulate quickly, so every few months remove the keycaps, sweep out the debris, and wipe everything down. **10. Customize your layout.** A number of mechanical keyboards offer programmable keys and macros; you can reassign keys that are used infrequently to shortcuts which you actually use, for example copy, paste, or the phrases that you type most often. ## Final Thoughts The most suitable mechanical keyboard is the one that pleases you personally. Avoid becoming overly influenced by the hype or the constant discussions in online forums. Begin by getting a reliable and inexpensive keyboard, then discover what you prefer and make adjustments accordingly. Your fingers will appreciate it, and you may even start to look for reasons to type more. Happy typing!