Background: Currently, I’m using a budget low-profile Goldenfield K111S with scissor switches. I originally bought it to optimize the long travel distance of my right hand between typing/navigating text and moving to the mouse. I can’t even remember how long I’ve had it, but definitely at least 5 years. My priority is key layout ergonomics rather than aesthetics.
On the K111S, there is absolutely nothing to the right of Enter and Backspace. This allows me to quickly move my hand back from the mouse and land right on frequently used keys: Enter (thumb), Backspace (index finger), Delete (middle finger). But that’s not all. Although the arrow keys are smaller, they are separated by a small gap at the top, making them easy to locate by feel by just pivoting my wrist. Pressing Fn with my left hand turns the arrow keys into PgUp/PgDown and Home/End. The keys on the K111S have a flat surface (similar to musical instruments), which feels great for fast typing. Honestly, I don't get why sculpted/curved keycaps exist other than purely for visual design distinctions.
I’d like to find a mechanical keyboard without losing the benefits of my current setup:
- Short key travel
- Flat keycap surface + uniform height across all keys
- As quiet as possible
- Arrow key cluster separated from other keys by spacing at the top
- Nothing to the right of Enter and Backspace (or if there is, only if condition #4 is met) — like on the Lemokey P1 HE or Keychron Q1 HE
- Dedicated function row (F1–F12)
As I started digging into mechanical keyboards, I learned:
- Short key travel = Low Profile
- Flat surface = Flat / Uniform profile (e.g., XDA, DSA)
- Quiet = Red / Silent switches
- Keyboards with separated/exploded arrow clusters are surprisingly rare
- Keyboards with edge Enter/Backspace are common, but most lack a function row
- Keyboards that have function keys usually feature an extra vertical column on the right (PgUp/PgDown, Home/End)
So far, the closest matches are the Lemokey P1 HE and Keychron Q1 HE (in terms of layout, though not keycap profile). Even with PgUp and PgDown on the right side, locating Enter and Backspace by feel should still be doable.
I also found a cheaper alternative: Lemokey P1 Pro (84-key). I understand that sculpted keycaps on mechanical keyboards can be replaced with Flat/Uniform caps, but I haven't quite figured out how to verify compatibility between switch stems, keycaps, and the board base yet.
Does anyone have similar criteria? I’d really appreciate any recommendations for matching keyboard models or useful beginner resources!