The hate this is getting is a bit unnecessary. I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with using mouse switches, and someone should try it (with full size keycaps) for fun if nothing else!

But something to consider is that the mouse switch is only part of the equation here. Mouse buttons rely on a sneaky compliant mechanism (bendy plastic) in conjunction with the switch. Notice how the part you press with your finger is not directly over the switch itself; it’s a centimeter or two offset, usually. This adds travel distance to the click and leverage to the part pressing the switch, and the bendy plastic creates a cushion effect.

So to do this properly you’ll need some bendy plastic sitting between the mouse switch and the keycap, which will require some 3D printed parts, probably. And some leverage will be required, so the switch might be offset or configured indirectly somehow.

Done properly I don’t see why this couldn’t be a viable choice, and there would be many different ways to adjust the feel of the keys. Then the question would be about limitations and cost.

Objectively mac keyboards are among the worst ever made. (switch malfunctions aside) My work place got mac pros from 2005 to about 2014. Came with the keyboard that is very similar to the macbook ones. Not a single person out of about 70 chose to use it, they opted for $8 microsoft keyboards instead. In the end try tried to give them away as xmas gifts and no one wanted them. I took one to my cnc shop to use there cause, hey free keyboard, and it bent in half after falling off the desk once, but that is a different discussion…

It is a safe bet that whatever apple does for a keyboard, I want 100% the opposite :)

Nah

My Model F-104 is easily the best typing experience I’ve ever had on a keyboard. I’m faster, more accurate, and more comfortable. It’s basically the opposite of the switches you’re talking about.

There’s nothing “objective” about this at all

You should totally design and build a keyboard based on mouse switches. First, it’ll be fun. Second, you’ll get to validate your hypothesis. Might even learn something you didn’t expect.

That’s funny, you talk about being objective in a subjective way and base everything on your preference and opinion as facts.

Not sure if that’s a troll post or not.

Also I disagree with your take.

Mmmm finger pain. why not just get a laser keyboard and slam your fingers on your desk?

this take is so hot I don’t even want to touch it, ultimately you do you bro.

one thing I do want to point out to you since you like low travel, MX Choc switches exist. Maybe you should build a keeb that uses those and see if it’s for you.

Mouse buttons are good on mice. I am using a keyboard now with very short travel and it’s one of the things I don’t like about it. I like longer travel on a keyboard because I can type faster and more accurately.

This is a terrible idea but why not make one and the world (or at least the three other people who might agree with you) will beat a path to your door.

Yooo… I disagree. Fully. On literally every thing you said.

If those butterfly keys from the 2015 macbooks had been more reliable and more sturdy, they’d be the best keys ever made for typing.

Absolutely not. I got into mechs because I enjoy the sound and feel. It’s what helps make a mundane, boring task somewhat enjoyable. These little butterfly keys can not provide me with that feeling whatsoever. So have a buttload of other people. That’s why people tune their boards’ sound and do typing tests.

No one has ever put cherry MX brown mechanical keyboard switches on a mouse

They have.

But aside from personal habits, the most objectively ergonomic option (and for most new users, the most pleasant option) seems like it should be a key that balances the most tactile feedback possible, with as little excess pressure and travel as possible, in the most sturdy package possible.

Also good sound. Good feel. An experience you can tune to your personal taste.I type exclusively on linears. The tactile feedback of a Mac (or Macbook) keyboard doesn’t match my preference. Of course I can only speak for myself, but there are other linear enthusiasts out there.

Also, butterfly switches aren’t sturdy. MX style switches are.

So I don’t get why no keyboard makers seem to be striving for this goal?

Because they’re trying to make good, reliable keyboards that are enjoyable to use.

I think I’ve actually seen a youtube video of someone making a mouse switch board and it’s the most cursed thing ever.

that’s an interesting take. i prefer a bit more travel on my keys, but i get where you’re coming from. different strokes for different folks, right? peace!

It does seem like an unpopular opinion, but I bet it’s possible to replicate the travel and the stiffness. Maybe fashion a floor inside the switch to shorten the travel distance to just after operation point?

Are you stupid OP?

I’m sorry this is one of the worst takes I’ve ever seen. It’s cool that you like short travel keyboards but a mouse is used for different things than a keyboard and that’s why it’s inherently designed differently. Mouse buttons are more efficient at one thing and that is being fast and repeating quickly—this is not what a keyboard is for. Preferring short travel like on the butterfly keyboard is one thing and that is absolutely personal preference but calling it the ideal ergonomic solution is something else entirely and just plain incorrect. There is a reason why keyboards haven’t trended to lower and lower travel—I can see the argument that 4mm may be a little long, but 0.5mm isn’t enough. On the other hand, I have zero problems with the 1mm travel on my current mbp.

they’d be the best keys ever made for typing

As someone who had a fully working butterfly keyboard Mac at work, absolutely fucking not. Type for extended periods on it and legit hurts my fingers. For short bursts, it is probably faster but you pay for it in comfort. I can’t say this enough: the low travel is actively uncomfortable and jarring and a poor ergonomic choice. And I am someone who was totally used to it. To your point on balancing tactility and excess pressure: this is WHY the butterfly keyboard is a poor ergonomic choice. The harsh bottom out adds excess pressure to your fingers. The actuation force may be less but if you’re talking ergonomics it’s not about that, it’s about the force on the thing doing the typing (fingers)

Mice don’t have long travel switches because that’s not what they’re used for. I almost feel like this post has to be a troll because it is incredibly obvious that quickly clicking on things one at a time (or double clicking, or in games with rapid clicks) necessitates responsiveness and a different type of feedback than typing.

Bad take all around, but if you want short travel just get choc switches.