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Add to SafariWhen comparing Truly Ergonomic 209 vs Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, the Slant community recommends Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for most people. In the question“What are the best keyboards for programming?” Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is ranked 37th while Truly Ergonomic 209 is ranked 44th. The most important reason people chose Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is:
While the [RGB model costs $80](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010M53SLU/), it provides full per-key RGB lighting complete with different effects. While this doesn't offer any extra functionality, it adds some flashiness to your build.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Blank keys look sly
The 209 comes with blank keycaps, which looks great. It also helps learning how to touch type.
Pro Comfortable and ergonomic
The 209 is designed ergonomically, so it fits user's hands naturally, making it comfortable to use.
Pro Non-staggered keys for easier typing
This keyboard's keys are arranged in a non-staggered way. This allows for a more efficient, easier typing process.
Pro Key layout customization
The 209 key layout can be altered: users can move functions between keys as they please. Settings are firmware-saved, so they apply even if the keyboard is moved to a different computer.
Pro RGB model available under $100 as well
While the RGB model costs $80, it provides full per-key RGB lighting complete with different effects. While this doesn't offer any extra functionality, it adds some flashiness to your build.
Pro White backlight has adjustable brightness levels
The base model of the keyboard offers a white backlight (no RGB), and the brightness of the backlight can be adjusted to suit the ambient lighting.
Pro Choice of brown or blue switches
There are two switches to choose from: Kailh blue or Kailh brown. The blue switches offer a bump at the activation point as well as a click, while the brown switches offer a bump without the click. These switches are slightly heavier than the corresponding Cherry MX switches, but are similar in the way they act.
Pro Minimal, sleek looking design
The bezels of the keyboard are small, and the design of the board is minimal instead of gaudy gamer-focused designs. It has a volume roller in the top right accompanied by the mute button which makes the board feel more premium than it's price point would suggest.
The keys also appear to be floating - while most keyboards have their keys recessed behind the casing, these ones aren't. this leaves their side exposed, and makes for a more unique design than other boards.
Cons
Con Uses knockoff switches
This keyboard uses the Kailh switches instead of the more common Cherry MX switches. Kailh switches are made in China instead of Germany where the Cherry MX switches are made. The Kailh switches don't last as long, and the quality testing isn't as vigorous as Cherry's. The switch naming scheme is very similar, however Kailh switches are typically heavier than the comparable Cherry switches.
Con Not adjustable/programmable, and no macro support
Other than brightness levels (and lighting modes for the RGB model), this is a basic board. It doesn't support macros, and there are no profiles you can adjust. This will be fine for most users, however heavy users will miss these features.
