It's not mechanical, but the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 is worth trying because it sits comfortably in the lap. For me, this makes it better than any keyboard with a rectangular layout. No wrist arch. No "where do my elbows go?" In EMACS the symmetrical Alt and Ctrl keys are a huge advantage.

Like many Microsoft products, this is something that comes out of the fact that employees spend a lot of time typing at the computer. It's the kind of product that comes from dogfooding.

It's the AK-47 of keyboards.

I really like the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 but managed to kill two due exclusively to drink spillages. After my second then $40 keyboard went bye bye in a split second, I switched to the much more cost effective Microsoft Comfort Curve 3000 ($13/each).

The Comfort Curve 3000 isn't for everyone. It feels more likely a laptop keyboard and is definitely NOT what the OP is after (since it feels more like his Macbook Pro than the Ergonomic 4000).

I love the shape of the Comfort Curve, but the cheap rubbery keys played merry hell on my fingers. I eventually gave it up to the wife.

that seems to change over time. I just bought my fourth one, and comparing it to my third it's noticeably stiffer.

> It's the AK-47 of keyboards.

Perfect description. I also took off all the numpad keys on mine and taped a trackball there for maximum usability. It can sit on the desk or my lap and the keyboard / mouse is always right there.

Matias! http://matias.ca

I use Mini as my daily keyboard (http://matias.ca/minitactilepro/mac/)

The upcoming Ergo Pro looks great (if pricy) http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/

Looks like it only has one Ctrl key. Not ideal for Emacs.

The mini has two:

http://matias.ca/minitactilepro/mac/viewer/2.jpg

Buy a particular model for the form factor and any features you want or don't want. (I like tenkey-less without backlight)

But most important than anything is the switches. I have cherry MX greens, and I think they're great for typists.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_MX_Green

PS: One think you might not like about the Das Keyboard is that their USB models use multiple USB ports for n-key rollover and a USB hub and backlight and stuff like that, or at least the model a friend had did.

I have a Das Keyboard Model S Ultimate and I can vouch for the excellent build quality. Cherry MX Blue switches are loud (and I wouldn't use them in an office), but the tactile experience is immensely satisfying.

At work I have a Leopold Tactile Touch "Otaku" Keyboard (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=leopold,fullsize&...). The switches are Cherry MX Brown, which are quieter but not as satisfying. The build quality on this keyboard isn't quite as solid either.

I don't think Das Keyboard Model S Ultimate had a Brown MX ultimate at the time I bought the Leopold or I probably would have bought that. If noise is an issue I also recommend keyboard landing pads (https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,slpads&pi...).

Both keyboards are blank which has made me a better typist. I also enjoy the reaction it gets when people come to my desk.

I use a WASD keyboard with brown switches. Love it. You can customize your colors and layout too. I went with an all black with blank keys. Looks really nice.

http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/

you might wanna take a look at codekeyboards.com seems like the type you are looking for.

I highly recommend them if you are looking for a basic and clean looking mechanical keyboard with a backlight. I own CODE 104-Key Cherry MX Green and love the key feedback on it. The only negative is the price but I feel it is worth for the durability. My cat knocked it off my desk and it left a small dent in the floor.

Well i'll be buying the keyboard to last me for at least next 5 years. So far I like Code keyboards the best. Don't know much about switches though, I want something tactile but if it's super loud I don't know..

I second this. The price is premium, but so is the product.

that does look really nice. thank you

No problem at all, hope you found/find what you are looking for, i just hope the keyboards look standard enough :)

I'm using a KUL ES-87 Tenkeyless keyboard with Cherry MX Blue switches. I don't use numpads like.. ever.. so the desk space I saved by ditching it is way more useful to me. No backlight, though.

I love my unicomp (http://pckeyboard.com). Some people know it as the IBM Model M. No backlight, though.

Maybe the Corsair K70. It claims to be a gaming keyboard, but it is a fairly standard keyboard layout.

I have one - very happy with the quality and price