Keyboards are fascinating. It is based on technology that is over 200 years old, its inefficient layout is over 100 years old, and it is called a keyboard despite being a board of buttons because the first iterations of the input device were laid out like piano keys.

I recently visited Mecha, a keyboard enthusiast shop in Bandar Sunway, the first of its kind I’ve ever been to. I wanted to get a new keyboard to rekindle my passion for writing again; at least, that was the official excuse anyway.

In addition to selling ready-made keyboards, the folks at Mecha also offer parts for custom keyboards, parts to modify keyboards, and various services, from assembling custom keyboards to tuning one to perfection.

Finding the right keyboard was a daunting task. Assistance from one of the many helpful folks at the shop was necessary. While budget would be the most logical place to start, I didn’t know what a good amount of money would be, and I just wanted to get the most out of my money instead.

My requirements for a keyboard were simple: It must be compact while having most of the navigational and function keys, the switches must feel and sound good, and each key cover must be easy to read and durable.

To the keyboard enthusiast, this translates to a keyboard being between 87% and 75% in size, having clicky keys, and having good legible PBT keycaps.

For me, wireless connectivity, coloured lights, construction, material, and fit and finish, beyond a certain level, are not necessary. But to others, they could be.

While what I was looking for in a keyboard was straightforward, my options were limited because of circumstances. Clicky switches are not popular, even among writers. So shops don’t stock them up, while those who like clicky switches buy them all up.

Ready-made keyboards are the best place for beginners, as they have the best balance of convenience and price. However, of the many ready-made keyboards available, only one model had clicky switches; it was on the small side and the last one.

I could also get a different ready-made keyboard that would better fit my size requirement, but I would have to buy separate keys and replace them myself, which bumps the price.

My third option was to buy all the components of a custom keyboard and either assemble it myself or pay the folks at Mecha to do it.

In the end, it was my friend who went to the shop with me who ended up with a new keyboard, a Keychron V3 Pro with Gateron Jupiter Banana switches. It is a highly recommended and customisable TKL keyboard—standard layout without a number pad—with switches that have two tactile feedback when pressed, wireless connection options, and coloured lights.

While it was almost perfect, I knew of another option that would better fit my requirements and at a lower price. While it is not a keyboard enthusiast’s keyboard, I got the Fami Edition 8BitDo Retro Keyboard from Impulse Gaming instead.

While it lacks coloured lighting, uses the typical top-mounted construction, and is Windows-centric, typing on it sound lies the tippy taps of raindrops, the build quality is excellent, the keyboard’s look is unique, and the price is right.

This is my first typing session with the 8BitDo Retro Keyboard, and I hope to write a review on it soon after I have some time with it.