perixx PERIBOARD-535BL Wired Ergonomic Mechanical Full-size Keyboard - Low-Profile Blue Clicky Switches - Programmable Feature with Macro Keys - Compatible with Windows and Mac OS X - UK English

Recently, I've upgraded my PC setup, giving me a lot more desk space and real estate to work with. As well as that, I've recently been suffering from wrist aches and pains, which I suspected was from using my keyboard all day without much in terms of support (it was one of those typical flat membrane jobs).I knew I needed something ergonomic, and I'm not one to cheap out when it comes to comfort, so I decided to go for this keyboard, figuring that if I didn't get on with its (admittedly strange at first!) design, I could always send it back.This is now by far one of the nicest keyboards I've used!Its design, though daunting at first, really helps you with typing in a much more natural position, and encourages efficient use of the keys by preventing you from reaching across the keyboard with the opposite hand to press a key. After about a week of using it, I totally forgot that it was even a funky design - it took a comment from a friend for me to remember that this isn't how every keyboard is designed (though I think it darn well should be!).The tactile feel of the keys (I chose the brown ones, which aren't silent but give a pleasant yet non-obtrusive click) is pretty spot on, giving me a definitive yet muted click in response to each keystroke. Whether this improves my typing speed or not I haven't the faintest idea, but one thing that I do know is that they feel very nice.Now there are a few things that I'll say that don't particularly work to my favour - the macro buttons, though I appreciate their inclusion, aren't of much use to me at all. In addition, my keyboard seemed to come pre-configured as a Mac layout, meaning that certain keys were swapped or different (such as my Alt and Windows keys), which confused me until I learned to switch it back. In addition, I'll say that this keyboard definitely isn't for those who struggle with touch-typing, as I think the learning curve would be just too steep. However, if you're reasonably proficient at using both hands on a keyboard in the correct manner, then I do think this could be a fantastic learning tool for you, as well as being ergonomic and comfortable to use for long periods.The only final criticism that I have is that the keyboard is VERY big - you're definitely going to need a full size desk to comfortably fit it! Make sure you measure beforehand to ensure you're not compromising on your mouse real estate on whichever side you use your mouse.All in all, I love using this keyboard for typing on. My wrist pains have all but disappeared, and I do genuinely appreciate the apparent quality that's gone into it. In fact, I think I might just purchase another one to use at work since it's just so darn comfortable!

I really enjoy using this keyboard. It's my first mechanical keyboard and it's so nice having all the keys respond in exactly the same positive way as each other, rather than the slightly random squishy feel of my Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 which I used for years previously. It's difficult to describe how mechanical keys feel if you haven't used them before, but it just feels better in every way! Having no numeric keypad means that I can position my trackball (or mouse) nearer to me, which reduces shoulder strain, but did mean I had to buy a separate keypad which I can place elsewhere. The whole device feels nice a solid and heavier than expected for its size.The only real downsides are the position of the Win Lock and Fn Lock keys just above the backspace key, which I have accidentally pressed on occasion. (The Win Lock key disables the Start key), and the fact that the wrist rest is too small and has a hard edge to it which is positioned just under the edge of the wrist, which was really annoying at first, but I don't tend to notice it anymore. (Though I am considering sticking a piece of leather to the wrist rest to improve it).8 MONTH REVIEW: After eight months I still like the keyboard just as much as when I first got it. The grey coating on the metal is starting to wear off just next to the up arrow key, which is odd, as I didn't know that I even touched the keyboard there, but now I've noticed that I actually rest a finger there when using the cursor keys. It's not a problem, but it's a shame it doesn't look quite so nice now. I no longer notice the edge of the wrist rest, so I guess that wasn't much of a problem after all. The Win Lock key got annoying enough that I 3D printed a piece to clip in under the key so that it can't be pressed any more.

It's a good keyboard. The mechanical switches do indeed feel very pleasant. It's not obtrusively loud but each keystroke has a reassuring click to it. It has a reasonably standard layout which I appreciate as I use this primarily for programming in Visual Studio / VS code.The ergonomic features are well done. It is very comfortable to type on. The tenting angle is slightly milder than the Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 that it replaces. That said, it's somewhat less forgiving than the MS 4000. The low travel distance and relatively light actuation pressure gives me quite a few more typing errors at speed thogh I am slowly acclimatising to it (and becoming a more accurate typist in the process). The wrist support isn't particularly big and is hard textured plastic rather than padded. I didn't expect to like it but found it to be OK. The cable is built-in and can't be substituted if a cable fault should ever occur in the future. Fortunately the cable quality used is first-rate, being tough and braided, so I wouldn't expect any problems for years.I do think it's a bit expensive for what it is, being mostly plastic (although it does feel very stable and quite well-built). That said I suppose it is competes reasonably well with the likes of premium keyboards from Logitech and Microsoft. I'd really have liked a switchable backlighting option (tricky with mechanical switches, I know). But that's a minor niggle really.In summary, I'm happy with this keyboard. Just be aware that it may take a little time to acclimatise.