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So ... I take a lot of heat here for my "prolific" posting and I pointed out that I just type very quickly, where I can type almost as quickly as I can think, and that it takes me no time at all.  Someone asked what my typing "stats" were, and I finally decided to take a typing speed and accuracy test.

I was averaging about 89-92 WPM (words per minute) with 98% accuracy, which is considered "superior" and well above "professional" range, for which 80+ WPM and 95% accuracy would qualify.

Now ... one little tip for others who might ask, is that this would not be possible for me were I not using a "mechanical keyboard".  As with everything else they started to "cheap out" on keyboards in order to maximize their profit margins, you know, to save a dollar or two per keyboard.  Keyboards used to have these mechanical switches, and the key there is that you get this tactile feedback, so you can feel whether you did or did not apply sufficient pressure to actuate the key, where with a membrane type of keyboard you're constantly guessing.

I get these Keychron keyboards with the "Banana" switches, as I find those to be the best for touch typing speed and accuracy, although they are a bit loud.  They recently developed these "silent banana" that are supposed to give you the same kind of feedback but much more quietly.  Drawback of the loud keyboards is that you either have to mute yourself or limit your typing during meetings, since it can easily be heard by the meeting participants.

Yes, they're a lot more expensive, but when you type pretty much for a living, it's indispensable, and I believe that the amount of extra productivity I get in just one single week of using this keyboard vs. a cheap membrance one already pays for the thing, AND these things will outlast the cheapos 10 to 1.  If the switches wear out, for $15 you can get a set of new switches.  You can also easily replace the keycaps, if you wanted to, say, switch languages, or have see-through keys for keyboards (like mine) that have little lights in them so that you can find your "home" position even when you're sitting in the dark.  This thing is solid and made out of metal, and you could use it as a weapon if need be.

After I tried a co-worker's mechanical keyboard, I couldn't go back to the mediocre membrane keyboards. Much more satisfying to type on, and my typing accuracy improved. I ended up buying a custom mechanical keyboard called the Tex Shinobi that's made to look like a ThinkPad keyboard, and even has the mouse buttons and functioning trackpoint. Everyone who hasn't should try a mechanical keyboard, even if it's a "cheap" one.

There are a couple of mechanical keyboards around here. I'll have to keep this in mind.

I like the lights, but that's about it. I have become desensitized to the extra noise, but everything around here is pretty noisy, so it would be different with fewer people around.

I was surprised at how heavy the box was ... this keyboard weights about 8 pounds and it's solid metal.  If someone came into your office going postal, you can defend yourself as this would block most medium-caliber rounds and if you swung and made contact, you'd clobber someone senseless.

I don't personally mind the clicking, and actually like it, since it actually gives you and bit of extra audio feedback to indicate that, "yes, you got that key" ... but I've had people comment during work meetings even about the much quieter membrane keyboards, so you just have to be mindful of that.