So, I’ve been on this journey to find the perfect keyboard in Austin, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure. I needed a new keyboard, something that just feels right, you know? I started out just like anyone would, by hitting up the usual spots, searching all over.
First, I went to Facebook Marketplace. I looked around, hoping to find a good deal on a used keyboard. I browsed through tons of listings in Central East Austin. I saw all sorts of keyboards, but nothing really caught my eye. They were either too worn out or just not what I was looking for. Plus, buying used can be a gamble, right?
Then, I moved on to checking out some local stores. I visited a few places like Switched On, PianoWorks, and Capital Music Center. I thought maybe I’d find a hidden gem in one of these spots. Switched On had some interesting stuff, but it was more about music gear, not really what I needed. PianoWorks was cool, but again, it’s more for pianos, not computer keyboards. Capital Music Center had a decent selection, but nothing really clicked.
After that, I expanded my search to include online retailers. I looked at gaming keyboards, especially those with blue switches. I thought, “Why not? Maybe a gaming keyboard is what I need.” I saw these keyboards with adjustable 16.8M LED lighting and 104 keys, which looked pretty awesome. I even checked out some Razer keyboards, like the Huntsman Mini Special Edition. That 60% form factor seemed interesting for gaming, especially for games like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant where you need a lot of mouse space.
But I wasn’t just looking for gaming keyboards. I also considered Bluetooth keyboards. The idea of a wireless keyboard was appealing, especially for keeping my desk tidy. I found some listings for those in Austin, but they didn’t quite hit the mark. I wanted something that felt good for typing, not just for looks.
I started thinking about what I really needed. Was I hunting down opponents in a game? No. Was I typing up TPS reports all day? Not really. I just wanted a keyboard that felt good under my fingers, something durable and maybe a bit customizable. That’s when I started looking into mechanical keyboards. I learned that they have individual switches under each key, which makes them more durable and easier to repair. There are different types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. I figured a 75% mechanical keyboard, with about 84 keys, might be the sweet spot for me. It’s compact but still has most of the keys I need.
My Realization
- Exploration: I started by searching for both new and used keyboards on Facebook Marketplace and local stores.
- Store Visits: I visited several local shops, but they didn’t have what I was looking for.
- Online Search: I looked into gaming keyboards with cool features like LED lighting and special editions.
- Consideration: I thought about Bluetooth keyboards for a cleaner setup but decided against them.
- Decision: I realized I wanted a mechanical keyboard, possibly a 75% size, for its durability and feel.
It’s been a long journey, but I think I’m finally getting close to finding the right keyboard. It’s not just about having any keyboard; it’s about having the right one for me.