I tried out an Epomaker TH80 Pro, with gateron pro yellow switches. Liked it, the feel of mechanical switches is great. I felt even the yellows were to “soft” for me though. So I tried one with black switches. I liked that better. I love the dial or “knob” on that keyboard. And I love the size (number of keys, it’s a 75% layout, plus “knob”). I’d say you’d probably need some type of wrist rest if you go that route though, the route of a non-low profile mechanical. In the end, I didn’t keep it. Another thing I don’t like about it, aesthetically, is the stupid key cap designs. Many of these mechanical keyboards have…just odd, “cutesy”, or childish, (some might say “fun”?) designs on them, from the factory. I just want them to have the actual key designation on them, personally. Also, the keyboard has led backlight with a million colors, yet they don’t come with shine through keycaps, and I’m just not willing to spend more than half the price of the keyboard on new caps.
So, I ended up getting what I knew I’d probably like, and probably should’ve gotten in the first place. The Logitech MX Keys Mini. It has nearly everything I want. I really wish it had wifi(!), instead of bluetooth, and a wired option - though it does say you can use it while charging, so maybe you can do that indefinitely. But I also got the Logibolt adapter (it’s just another form of bluetooth…I think, please correct me here if I’m wrong), but I don’t even know if I’m connected to it, hah. It’s thin, light weight, and has shine through keycaps. The software/app seems good and useful so far. It has very good backlighting features (proximity sensor is great, and ambient light sensor if you like that). I used the software to change the function of the dedicated “emojii” button (I just threw up in my mouth a little) to the windows “settings” button. But the actual keycap has a stupid emojii face on it, haha.
Honestly, I essentially wanted a 2012 Macbook Pro style keyboard and this thing is it. It’s like a standalone MBP keyboard. I will connect to practically any OS, including android and iOS.
I installed “SharpKeys” on my ThinkPad and swapped left control for left alt, and I’m already really liking this thing. Just ordered an another (amazon warehouse deal, lets hope it’s in great shape) for my mother to replace her lenovo membrane, $5 comes-with-the-pc quality keyboard. She liked the feel of the TH80 Pro, though. But she said “what the fuck are these key symbols?” too. Haha. Rocket ships and robotic arm symbols.
There’s a few more “very good” condition listings on amazon.ca warehouse deals, if anyone is interested.
Anyway, not a review. Just an update. This MX Keys mini is very nice.
on second thought, maybe not a good idea
