Well, the Steelseries 6Gv2 didn’t last long. While I was able to adapt to the differences with the Meta vs Fn key, I could not adapt to the larger L-style enter key, the movement of the ‘|' key and the smaller right shift. So, I returned the Steelseries. While I expect the Steelseries may be better layed out for gaming, it just wasn’t for programming.
This is the the Leopold FC200RL. I decided to stick with the Cherry MX Black keyswitches, as those did have the kind of feel I was hoping for, and while I do still tend to bottom out some, I’m not convinced that the tactile keys would actually change my habits much.
This keyboard is very similar to the Steelseries G6v2, except it has the more traditional, smaller enter key and two meta keys. Both are tenkeyless keyboards (no numpads), as I think the last time I used the num pad was for Sid Meier’s Pirates in 2004.
I did still make one change to the keyboard… I flipped the space bar. I’m so used to just resting my left thumb on the space bar that the edge of the space bar was a little uncomfortable (just as it was on the G6v2.) Flipping the spacebar basically slopes the spaceboard to match my thumb perfectly, and doesn’t change how it types in the least. While it might look a little unusual if you stare at it, it’s not noticeable at first glance and it much more comfortable.
I do recommend this keyboard to anyone whose considering getting a nicer-than-Dell keyboard to thwack away on. I expect I may get one of these for home as well.
