Some Keyboard Notes
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.
Three quick notes from keyboards I’ve actually used: a low-profile wireless board I like for work, a switch swap I probably wouldn’t do again, and a cheap wired keyboard that’s stayed reliable for years.
1) Keychron K5 Max (low profile mechanical keyboard for work)
What the listing emphasizes
- Low-profile mechanical keyboard with 2.4GHz / Bluetooth / USB-C wired
- QMK/VIA support for remaps, macros, and layers
- Hot-swappable low-profile switches
- PBT keycaps and internal foam for a cleaner sound
- High polling rate on 2.4GHz + wired (Bluetooth lower)
What I noticed after using it
The low-profile part is the actual win. It’s comfortable for long work sessions and it’s hard to go back to full-profile once you get used to the height. Wireless has been straightforward for me too (I mostly use it like a “normal keyboard,” not a gadget I want to babysit).
Two things didn’t match the “premium productivity partner” vibe as much as I expected. First: battery. It’s not bad, but it’s not huge either, I end up charging it about once every month or two. Second: RGB. It technically has lighting, but in practice it wasn’t “useful backlighting” for me. More like ambient glow.
Small, practical takeaways
- Low profile matters more than I expected: it’s the reason it stayed on my desk.
- QMK/VIA is worth it if you keep it simple: a few remaps and one “work layer” go a long way.
- Battery is fine, not endless: lighting makes the tradeoff obvious.
What I’d change
- A larger battery (or better lighting efficiency)
- Make the lighting feel more functional in real-world use
2) Gateron KS-33 Low Profile 2.0 Blues (switch swap notes)
Gateron KS-33 Low Profile 2.0 (Blue)
What the listing emphasizes
- Low-profile 2.0 switches (3-pin), RGB-friendly housing
- Factory pre-lubed
- Blue = clicky/tactile
What I noticed after swapping them in
I got the blues and I’m not really sold. I can see why clicky switches are going out of fashion (or at least becoming more niche) and why browns have stuck around longer. The extra noise feels a little artificial to me,like it’s trying to add “feedback” by volume rather than by feel.
Also, in low-profile form, the click didn’t sound that great to me. Not awful, just not satisfying. If I could redo it, I’d probably stick with browns,either the stock browns or a brown-ish alternative that keeps some tactility without turning everything into noise.
If you’re considering a switch swap
- Don’t commit to a full swap immediately,try a handful of switches on a few keys first.
- If you’re chasing “better typing,” louder isn’t automatically better.
Gateron KS-33 Low Profile 2.0 (Blue)
3) Logitech K845 (budget wired, full-profile, still reliable)
What the listing emphasizes
- Wired USB mechanical keyboard, full-size
- Aluminum top case + adjustable tilt
- White backlighting
- Switch choices (mine is Cherry Reds / linear)
What I noticed after years of use
This is a great budget keyboard if you’re okay with full-profile and linear reds. It’s been reliable and has held up for years. The main point here isn’t that it’s “amazing,” it’s that it’s predictable: plug it in and it works, every time.
The tradeoff is exactly what you’d expect: after getting used to low-profile, full-profile feels taller. If you go this route long-term, a wrist rest can help (not mandatory, but noticeable).
The other reason I keep it around is that full-profile has a much bigger ecosystem. If you like options,switches, caps, replacements, it’s just easier than low-profile.
FAQ
What’s a good low profile mechanical keyboard for work?
If you care about comfort over long sessions, low-profile can be a nice middle ground between laptop keyboards and taller mechanical boards. For me, the Keychron K5 Max worked mainly because of the low-profile height and the ability to keep customization minimal but useful.
Are clicky blue switches worth it?
Depends on what you want. If the sound is part of the fun, sure. If you’re trying to improve typing feel for work, the extra noise can feel like more distraction than benefit,especially in low-profile.
Why keep a wired keyboard around?
Reliability. It’s nice having at least one keyboard that never has a battery, pairing, or wireless mode to think about.