IMO the keyboard is the software engineer's most important tool. I feel most at home on a Chromebook keyboard (ctrl and alt keys on both sides with no win or cmd keys), but I can't find a good external Chromebook keyboard. Even if I could find one, it probably wouldn't be mechanical or wireless (two more keyboard features I love). I'm with Joe, today's keyboards make me sad.
I have got the same Thinkpad USB keyboard and I love it. I think it is very close to the keyboard of the X230 generation of laptops. While the layout has some flaws, I actually prefer typing on this compared to the "classic" pre-cliclet keyboard built into my X220 laptop. It has a very nice tactile response and my fingers find the right keys very easily. So it's "clicky" and "precise". The trackpoint is very useful, compared to the older model of my X220 it is much easier to comfortably travel long distances on a big screen. Only the trackpoint buttons are a bit too mushy for my liking.
I think you just made the decision for it going on my christmas list, I always loved the TrackPoint on my old thinkpad, not having to move hands from keyboard was a nice win and I still occasionally use that machine if I have to do a lot of typing and need to be away from my desk.
It's crazy that I'd pick an ancient R50E (Celeron 1.4Ghz feel the speed!) over my vastly more powerful 17" Vostro but the keyboard really matters.
They feel basically like the new Thinkpad keyboards (e.g. X1 Carbon). The only weak point is the USB port which can break pretty easily when you travel a lot with your keyboard, although with enough care it should not be a problem.
To me the Chromebook keyboard layout is a key feature. I thought the absence of a delete key would be a problem, this has not proven to be the case. The simplicity is a joy.
A keyboard that you might want to try is the Logitech K810. I accidentally bought the Apple keyed 811 variant and have decided to go for the PC variant as I have done so well with the 811 version. You can also get a case for it and nowadays that is what I travel with, leaving the laptop behind. I can use the Logitech keyboard on all devices that matter, swapping between desktop, phone and laptop with a simple keypress.
I also balance this keyboard over the keyboard on my laptop, it somehow doesn't affect the keys below and offers a better typing experience. The keystroke illumination is better than on the Chromebook Pixel, as is the keystroke mechanism feel, and I did have the Chromebook Pixel keyboard down as best in any laptop. For these reasons I am doubling down on the portable Logitech keyboard.
Another idea: maybe go for retro cool keyboards. For instance an SGI keyboard from back in the day. This is a totally standard keyboard without any Windows keys:
My all time favorite keyboard is my apple //e. Last time I was home visiting my parents, they mentioned it was in the basement. Went down and typed a few things just for the feel. Still my favorite.
Modern mechanicals don't compare in the slightest.
That said, I vastly prefer my MacBook Pro keyboard to modern mechanicals. It's last years model. Never tried a MacBook that I recall, so I have no opinion there.
But my last MacBook Pro was great for me for 5 years, and I plan on hanging on to this one for a while.
What is it that you like in particular about the //e keyboard that the current mechanicals are lacking? Looks like it has a fairly stiff linear switch.
I don't know that I can express it. If I had it with me and could perform a live comparison to my mechanical here I could probably say.
Next time I visit my parents (new years maybe) I'll give it a try.
From memory, which may not be accurate, I would say it felt more like playing a piano. The feel had a certain weightiness to it, and there wasn't some peak resistance/click midway through the travel.
The nice thing about my MBPr is that the keyboard doesn't even enter my mind when I'm using it. I just type. I have to make an effort to specifically pay attention to it.
And that is really how I like it. I don't type because I want to feel the keyboard. I type because I want to write something.
I think people are mistaking familiarity (or lack thereof) with the goodness or badness of a keyboard.
I use a 60% Vortex Pok3r with Cherry MX Clears and it perfectly fits my needs. Looks wonderful in my setup, feels very good, and I enjoy typing. Working in vim is definitely an advantage, though.
