There are 3 major form-factor in keyboards: ① ergonomic 2-sections. ② ergonomic 2-pieces split. ③ normal (straight).
If you don't care for ergonomic ones, then, i think this is the best among straight, for programers, because:
Mechanical key switch. It uses Cherry MX Brown switch, best for typing. (majority of mechanical gaming keyboards go for Red or Black. Red is not bad, but i definitely didn't like Black) 〔☛ Keyboarding: Effect of Mechanical Key Switches on You〕
A roller for sound level control. This is much better than using buttons to control sound.
Physical multimedia keys. One finger hits next song. Beats those virtual ones with Fn. Those with Fn is close to useless, 2 fingers plus groping!
6 extra programmable function keys. There's your copy, cut, paste, undo, redo.
Full modifier key set, including a right ❖ Win key and ▤ Menu key. This means, you can have your Meta❖ SuperHyper in Linux or Emacs. You can have a layer for inserting math symbols or APL Keyboard.
Full number pad. This means, you can press 1 to switch to emacs, 2 to browser, 3 to terminal, 4 to switch workspace, …, and single keys for prev/next tabs/windows/apps. Basically 15 programmable keys in your control. 〔☛ Keyboard Tip: One Key to Switch to {Firefox, Emacs, Terminal}〕
Backlighting. Not something programer might care, but those sys admins in the dim lit corner….
Not super expensive! just $99.99.
You can compare this with lots other mechanical keyboard in straight form. First, they all start about at least $70, and lots of them are over $100, many at $120 without much features. Many of them don't have any multimedia keys, nor sound wheel. Some don't have function keys.
