this post was submitted on 30 Apr 2025
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Mechanical Keyboards

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I currently use the g915, but switching to Linux means no Logitech software so im looking for some alternatives.

I really like the 5 programable keys on the left, but I can't seem to find any other keyboards that have that feature. I also like that its Bluetooth and has music control, but I mainly want the programmable keys

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[–] metaStatic@kbin.earth 0 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I would check out Solaar before sending it to landfill.

Thought I was in the same boat as OP but with a mouse, this fixed it for me.

[–] Thebigguy@lemmy.ml 0 points 1 year ago

OP wouldn’t have to throw it away, he could also give it to some one

I have the g815 - same keyboard, wired version.

You can use Piper to configure your macro G-keys.

Music control works out of the box.

[–] sentient_loom@sh.itjust.works 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I love Keychron's keyboards.

[–] circuitfarmer@lemmy.sdf.org 0 points 1 year ago

+1 for Keychron. Esp the QMK ones.

[–] overload@sopuli.xyz 0 points 1 year ago

I use a G915 using the onboard memory with preset G Keys. If I need to change the key functions then I need to go back onto my Windows which is dual booted. Will look into piper as the commenter above did.

[–] InternetCitizen2@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago

I got myself one of System76's Launch Keyboard. Mostly because they are a Linux first company and wanted to sponsor them a bit. I will say that the keyboard is not cheap, but it does feel quit nice and sturdy. It does have a built in dock; which is pretty nice.

[–] rammjet@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago
[–] Sanctus@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Look at kbdfans.com, a lot of custom keyboards are configured with QMK, which means every key is a programmable key. So you'd just need a keyboard with a spare cluster somewhere.

Admittedly last time I looked at kbdfans I wasn't satisfied with the product lineup. But things like the Charybdis from bastardkb aren't cheap and aren't what you are looking for.

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I looked at that site hoping they'd have proper Unix-y layouts, but still no luck.

I'm looking for a backlit keyboard with Ctrl, Super, Hyper and most rare of all a Compose key. Currently I'm typing on a Steelseries Apex something, Which is ok, but with a regular Windows layout. I think I'll just have a set of keycaps custom made.

[–] Sanctus@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You just buy those keycaps and put them on. My super is a wizard hat.

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Sure, you can just put on anything else, that's another way to do it. I've thought of doing that as well.

[–] Sanctus@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I dont understand. You can actually buy a keycap set that says "super" on the keys instead of the windows logo. Like thats how you would normally "do it". Then its a Unix board, QMK will handle it. If you can't find a keycap set you like on there, you can try Novel Keys.

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Super is the one you can usually find. The other ones... not so much. And then it usually doesn't fit with the other keys. So you have to replace them all. Which is why I'm just considering redesigning the whole set.

[–] Sanctus@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Never had that problem tbh. Last set I copped was this wizard set from drop.com or something. What size keyboards you usually go for? Maybe thats the difference in keys? Mine are usually 60, 65, or split kbs.

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago

Doesn't fit in style.

They're printed in a font that stands out.

[–] theblips@lemm.ee 0 points 1 year ago

Keychron is great as a gateway to mechanical keybs, they work great out of the box and have wireless and such from the get go

[–] tankplanker@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago

Anything that supports either Via or preferably VIAL is fully configurable in Linux (and windows). Both use QMK firmware for the keyboards, although it has to be compiled to support either Via or VIAL, this is usually done for you. QMK is open source, so a nice fit for Linux and device longevity.

I believe a large chunk of Keychrons support Via with a firmware flash, but I haven't tried those.

[–] blackris@discuss.tchncs.de 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I don't know if there is any love for Ducky here in the community, but I am very happy with my One 3 with Baby Kangaroo switches. You can program makros on it without any software, which is pretty nice. No separate keys, though. You would have to use combinations.

Much love. Very cool hardware but doesn't beat dedicated button IMO. but key combos still have their place.

[–] randomname@sh.itjust.works 0 points 1 year ago (2 children)

any QMK/VIA compatible keyboard should work, right?

[–] Amaterasu@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago

Underated comment

[–] Mandarbmax@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago

Linux user, can confirm they do work