CODE Keyboard Review: A Blend of Classic and Modern
The Appeal of Mechanical Keyboards
The tactile experience offered by a quality keyboard is genuinely rewarding. Many users find themselves seeking an upgrade when faced with the unsatisfying feel of low-cost, standard keyboards.
For those dissatisfied with unresponsive keys and flimsy construction, a robust mechanical keyboard presents a significant improvement over the typical inexpensive models often bundled with computers.
Introducing the CODE Keyboard
This article details a comprehensive evaluation of the CODE mechanical keyboard, assessing its performance and build quality.
We will explore the features of this keyboard through rigorous testing, providing insights into its strengths and weaknesses.
Key Features and Construction
Mechanical keyboards distinguish themselves through their individual mechanical switches beneath each keycap. These switches provide distinct tactile feedback and often audible clicks.
Unlike membrane keyboards, which rely on pressure pads, mechanical switches offer greater durability and a more precise typing experience.
- Durability: Mechanical switches are rated for tens of millions of keystrokes.
- Tactile Feedback: Users receive a clear indication when a key has been registered.
- Customization: Switches can be swapped to alter the keyboard’s feel and sound.
CODE Keyboard Performance
During testing, the CODE keyboard demonstrated a responsive and accurate typing experience.
The keys registered consistently, and the tactile feedback was noticeable without being overly distracting.
The build quality appeared solid, suggesting a long lifespan for the device.
Overall Impression
The CODE mechanical keyboard offers a substantial upgrade for anyone seeking a more satisfying and reliable typing experience.
It represents a worthwhile investment for users who prioritize quality and performance over the lower cost of standard keyboards.
If you're looking to move beyond the limitations of a basic keyboard, the CODE model is certainly worth considering.
Introducing the CODE Keyboard
The CODE keyboard represents a unique partnership between WASD Keyboards, a keyboard manufacturer, and Jeff Atwood, the creator of Coding Horror, Stack Exchange, and Discourse. Atwood aimed to blend the strengths of classic mechanical keyboards with contemporary usability enhancements.
A significant number of keyboards available are of poor quality and manufactured with cost as the primary concern. While several superior mechanical keyboard choices exist, I found myself dissatisfied with all of them. Issues included a lack of backlighting, unappealing aesthetics, flawed designs, and the absence of essential features like media controls.
This led me to reach out to Weyman Kwong of WASD Keyboards in early 2012. I expressed my dissatisfaction with the current keyboard landscape and proposed a collaboration to develop a truly exceptional mechanical keyboard.
Even those critical of Atwood’s claim to have created a superior mechanical keyboard must acknowledge the validity of his initial observation: many keyboards are simply subpar. Furthermore, many users may have never experienced the feel of a high-quality keyboard.
Individuals who began using computers in the late 1990s or later are likely accustomed to the feel of modern, less responsive keyboards and may be unaware of the benefits of a crisp, mechanical action.
Our enthusiasm for mechanical keyboards is evident, and we make no apologies for it.
Evaluating the CODE Keyboard
How does the CODE keyboard perform when compared to other keyboards on the market? The following sections detail the straightforward setup process and our practical experience with the CODE keyboard.
Initial Setup and User Experience
The setup of the CODE keyboard is remarkably simple. It requires minimal configuration to begin use.
We will now share our detailed experience using the CODE keyboard, covering its features and overall performance.
- Key Feel: The tactile feedback is precise and responsive.
- Build Quality: The construction is robust and durable.
- Features: The inclusion of media keys and backlighting enhances usability.
The CODE keyboard aims to address common shortcomings found in other models, offering a refined typing experience.
A Focus on Quality and Design
Atwood’s vision for the CODE keyboard centered on eliminating the compromises often found in existing mechanical keyboards.
He sought to create a keyboard that excelled in all areas, from aesthetics and functionality to overall typing comfort.
The collaboration with WASD Keyboards allowed for the realization of this vision, resulting in a keyboard that stands out from the competition.
Initial Setup of the CODE Keyboard
Although the CODE keyboard operates on a plug and play basis, two unique setup procedures may be unfamiliar to those accustomed to standard keyboards. These steps demonstrate the meticulous design and extensive customization options offered.
The package includes the keyboard itself, a micro USB cable, a USB-to-PS2 adapter, and a specialized tool – a key puller – which we will discuss shortly.
Unlike many keyboards currently available, the cable isn't permanently attached. This necessitates manual connection but also simplifies cable repair should damage occur from pets, desk mechanisms, or other causes. Furthermore, it allows for precise cable routing through the channels located on the keyboard’s underside.
Examining the underside reveals substantial rubber feet. These are larger than typical peripheral feet (and there are six, rather than the usual four). Once positioned, the keyboard remains remarkably stable due to the effectiveness of these rubber feet.
After securing and adjusting the cable, one final step remains before connecting to your computer. A small recess on the lower left side of the keyboard houses dip switches:
These dip switches allow modification of hardware functions for different operating systems, keyboard layouts, and function key behavior. They enable switching between QWERTY, Dvorak, and Colemak keyboard configurations, alongside support for Mac functionality (Command/Option keys). A particularly useful switch, SW3, disables the Caps Lock key, preventing accidental activation. A complete configuration chart is available here.
For Windows users, a quick start involves verifying all switches are in the off position (as shown in the image) and then activating SW6 to enable media and backlighting function keys, effectively transforming the menu key into a standard function key.
With the dip switches configured to your preferences, connect the keyboard to a free USB port on your computer, or utilize the provided adapter for a PS/2 connection.
Design, Layout, and Backlighting
The CODE keyboard is offered in two configurations: an 87-key version, lacking a numeric keypad, and a standard 104-key model with a number pad situated on the right side. We characterize the arrangement as traditional due to its adherence to classic keyboard design principles.
Despite incorporating some contemporary features and shortcuts, the keyboard’s overall form factor—from key shape to spacing and positioning—remains fundamentally classic. Users will not be required to adapt to an unfamiliar layout or contend with unusually sized keys like a reduced backspace or relocated Page Up/Page Down buttons.
Modern Amenities Integrated
Although the layout is conventional, the keyboard doesn’t compromise on modern functionalities such as media controls. Additional features are integrated into the F11, F12, Pause button, and the 2x6 grid encompassing the Insert and Delete rows.
These include controls for keyboard illumination brightness, toggling the keyboard illumination on or off, muting audio, and standard media playback controls like play/pause, forward/backward, stop, and volume adjustment (+/-) within the Insert and Delete rows.
Initially, we were uncertain about the function-key system, particularly having recently used a Microsoft Sidewinder keyboard with a prominent volume control. However, adaptation proved swift, requiring less than a day to comfortably utilize the Fn key—located adjacent to the right Ctrl key—for on-the-fly media adjustments.
Exceptional Backlighting Performance
Keyboard backlighting often proves inconsistent, but the CODE keyboard excels in this area. It provides both pleasing and easily adjustable illumination that shines through the keycaps.
Furthermore, the key switches are mounted to a steel plate coated with white paint. This design allows sufficient light to reflect within the key cavities and diffuse across the white plate, resulting in uniform illumination between the keys.
Robust Construction and Build Quality
The steel plate supporting the keys underscores the keyboard’s overall construction. It is remarkably solid. The 87-key model, which we evaluated, weighs 2.0 pounds.
The 104-key version is heavier, weighing in at 2.42 pounds. The combination of the steel plate, a thick PCB board beneath it, and the durable ABS plastic housing contribute to a substantial and solid feel.
Coupled with the thick rubber feet, this keyboard offers a tank-like stability, resisting movement even during vigorous use.
Analyzing the Key Mechanisms
This segment of the review is specifically for dedicated typists and keyboard enthusiasts. We have already examined the keyboard’s layout and overall build quality. Now, let's focus on the keys themselves.
Conventional Keyboard Construction
A diverse range of techniques are employed in keyboard manufacturing. However, the majority of contemporary keyboards utilize a rubber-dome design. In this system, each key is positioned above a rubber membrane, with a small rubber dome situated beneath each key.
When a key is pressed, the rubber dome compresses, and conductive material within the dome makes contact with the circuit board. Despite its widespread use, this design is often criticized by users.
The Drawbacks of Rubber-Dome Keyboards
A primary concern with dome keyboards is the requirement for complete key compression to register a keystroke – a phenomenon known as “bottoming out.” Essentially, to register a character like "b", the key must be fully depressed.
This complete compression can slow typing speed and necessitate greater effort, leading to fatigue over extended periods of use and numerous keystrokes.
The CODE Keyboard and Cherry MX Clear Switches
The CODE keyboard incorporates key switches produced by Cherry, a manufacturer with a history in key switch production dating back to the 1960s. Specifically, it features Cherry MX Clear switches.
These switches maintain the established design of other Cherry switches, like the MX Blue and Brown lines, but offer a quieter operation. While it is a mechanical keyboard, it won’t produce the loud clicking sound often associated with such devices.
However, the keyboard still provides a noticeable audible feedback upon full key depression, though the switch mechanism itself doesn’t generate a sharp clicking sound upon activation.
Tactile Feedback and Enhanced Typing Experience
A key benefit of the Cherry MX Clear switch is the tactile “bump” that confirms the key has been pressed sufficiently to register the stroke. This subtle feedback is particularly valuable for touch typists.
It allows for a quicker transition to the next keystroke, potentially increasing typing speed. Even for those not focused on speed, the tactile bump provides a satisfying sensation.
Durability and Longevity
Beyond a more enjoyable typing experience, Cherry key switches are considerably more durable than rubber-dome switches. Typical rubber dome keyboards are rated for 5 to 10 million keystrokes.
In contrast, Cherry mechanical switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes. You would need to compose extensive literary works, translate them into multiple languages, and transcribe them repeatedly to even begin to approach the lifespan of this keyboard.
Key Removal and Maintenance
The classically styled keys can be easily removed using the included key puller. Simply slide the loop between the keys and gently beneath the desired key:
Gently rock the key puller back and forth while applying upward pressure to detach the key. This process can be repeated for any key, facilitating cleaning or the removal of debris like cat hair or crumbs.
Examining the Switch Mechanism
Once removed, the key reveals the underlying switch, responsible for the crisp action and tactile bump felt during each keystroke.
N-Key Rollover Functionality
The keyboard also features N-key rollover, a capability rarely found in non-mechanical keyboards. Even gaming keyboards often limit rollover to frequently used keys like WASD. What is N-key rollover and why is it important?
Standard rubber-dome keyboards typically register only the first two keystrokes simultaneously, with subsequent presses ignored. PS/2 keyboards offer unlimited rollover, meaning all keystrokes are registered regardless of speed.
Using the PS/2 adapter with the CODE keyboard unlocks this unlimited rollover capability. Even with a USB connection, the keyboard provides 6-key rollover, excluding modifier keys like CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT, which effectively prevents most users from exceeding the keyboard’s capacity.
The Value of Rollover for Serious Typists
N-key rollover is unlikely to be relevant for casual typists. However, for those who have read this far into a keyboard review, the quality construction and high-number key rollover are valuable features.
The Pros, Cons, and Final Assessment
The CODE keyboard underwent extensive testing, including gaming sessions, article writing, Reddit commenting, and general use to evaluate its performance and durability.
Positive Aspects:
- The build quality is exceptionally robust. It could potentially serve as a self-defense tool in an emergency, and still function flawlessly afterward.
- The Cherry MX Clear switches provide a superb typing experience. They strike a balance between the tactile feedback of louder mechanical switches and the quiet operation of standard dome keyboards, without compromising quality. Users proficient in touch typing will appreciate the subtle tactile bump.
- A dip switch system allows for easy customization of keyboard layouts and operating system compatibility. This is beneficial for users who switch between systems or wish to explore alternative layouts like Dvorak.
- The backlighting is fully adjustable, ranging from a subtle glow to a bright illumination. The white-coated steel backplate effectively diffuses the light, ensuring even illumination between the keys.
- Keycaps are easily removable for cleaning or layout modifications.
- The keyboard's substantial weight and thick rubber feet ensure stability on any desk surface.
Negative Aspects:
- The $150 price point is considerably higher than that of entry-level keyboards, which typically range from $20 to $60.
- Users accustomed to dedicated media keys may find the Fn-key based media controls less convenient.
Final Verdict: This keyboard is clearly designed with the needs of dedicated typists in mind. It’s ideal for programmers, transcriptionists, or anyone who frequently engages in extensive writing. While the $150 investment is significant, the exceptional build quality and enjoyable typing experience provide substantial value.
Compared to other mechanical keyboards, such as Das Keyboard, the CODE keyboard offers a more comprehensive feature set, including Cherry MX Clear switches, backlighting, and hardware-based keyboard layout switching.
If a keyboard upgrade is within your budget, particularly if you currently use a basic rubber-dome keyboard, the CODE keyboard is a worthwhile investment.
The key animation was created by Geekhack.org user Lethal Squirrel.