deskthority

I'd like to get a keyboard with tactile (but not loud/clicky) switches. This would be my first mechanical keyboard.

I've typed on chicklet (mac) keyboards for years. Now I'm using a ThinkPad T470p at work, which also has chicklet keys, but of a heavier, more tiring variety. This has spurred me to look for something better.

I also recently tried a ThinkPad X1 Carbon and really liked the feel of its keyboard. Not mechanical, I realize, but it gave me an idea what I might look for in a mechanical keyboard. The keys had a nice resistance that felt springy but stable, and there was a satisfying little thump as you pushed through and the key registered.

I've tried a couple mechanical keyboards with linear switches, and didn't care for the feel (it felt like my fingers were trudging through tall grass).

I'm inclined towards the tenkeyless size, but beyond that I'm not sure where to start...

Many options, depending on your location some brands might be easier to procure than others.

If you like the X1's keyboard, they do make it as a standalone in both USB and Bluetooth flavors: https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/pd026745

Otherwise, something with Cherry MX Browns, or possibly MX Clears would be a decent starting point.

Dunno what your budget is but since you're looking for something quiet and tactile I would go for a Topre board. Maybe a Realforce 87U. I would avoid MX switches because in my opinion they don't really do anything well.

It's a bit of an "after market" effort (and addition expense) but an HHKB with BKE redux domes is the most tactile board I've experienced. It makes the thock a bit louder, but by adding silencing rings, it's below the stock level noise (a great and a compelling noise). I've got the BKE redux light replacement domes (sourced at KeyClack.com) in two HHKBs and it's a tactile dream. Many have said the BKE heavy domes are too much tactility.

The Box Navy switches are probably the most tactile experience you can get in the MX realm but they are loud...like buckling springs loud.

I'd look up Matias Quiet Clicks. They are not clicky, even if the name has 'click' in it. They have nice tactile bump and they are really quiet. KBP has boards with them and Matias themselves of course.
Others too maybe, don't remember.

ivan wrote: I'd like to get a keyboard with tactile (but not loud/clicky) switches. This would be my first mechanical keyboard.

I've tried a couple mechanical keyboards with linear switches, and didn't care for the feel (it felt like my fingers were trudging through tall grass).

Here's your Catch-22 situation.

You want a "Tactile" clicky switch but NOT loud? That's an idiot suggestion in this puerile world in which we all live in.

If you WANT "TACTILE" then that always comes with the Sound.

Don't get fooled into other switches all claiming to be "Tactile" yet have that analogous word of being "Quiet" .

If it's QUIET then it isn't "Tactile" hence when desiring anything with any real Tactility, you need that NOISE, otherwise step down into vacuous key switches all desperately claiming to be "Tactile"yet Quiet at the same time.

Trying not to snort utter contempt to anyone making these moronic claims .

Vintage Apple keyboards with orange, salmon, or dampened cream switches are tactile without being too loud, but if you are looking at current modern keyboards then Matias Quiet Clicks are probably your best bet.

If you are looking for an older keyboard, you could get a dell at101 with black alps. They are sturdy and fairly quiet for a tactile board. You can find one one on eBay for 40 or 50 bucks.

Brett MacK wrote: If you are looking for an older keyboard, you could get a dell at101 with black alps. They are sturdy and fairly quiet for a tactile board. You can find one one on eBay for 40 or 50 bucks.

While that is true, what must be emphasised is that used Alps SKCM can and often do feel horrible. Finding nice ones is a bit like a lottery.