Home > Consumer Reviews > Adesso CAD-PRO Programmable 142-Key Mechanical Keyswitch Keyboard ( MCK-142Pro )

First off, I'm a keyboard freak. I have had tons of famous keyboards including the legendary Northgate and IBM M type. I'm a software engineer and typing is part of my life. I have purchased 6 of these MCK-142 pro. (Food dropped into them) They are under different brands but share the same part number.

This keyboard is simply the best investment you can give to yourself, especially for heavy typists. The keys are slightly larger than normal so you need to extend a little. The programmable keys are Godsend. You can program the 24 keys to type long variables, addresses, names, signatures, or even launching applications because these programmable keys can record special key combinations, such as ctrl-Ecs. There's no software, no driver, because all the programming is sone on the keyboard. Many people have gone through pain to get outdated Northgate drivers and the MCK-142 pro is much better, believe me.

The only thing I wish it'd have is a switch like Northgate Omnikey pro where you can change the key layout (qerty/dvorak) and swap control key and caps lock key. otherwise, it's perfect.

Not to mention the mechanical key switches. Yes it's loud but it's much more accurate and you will type faster and faster with it. Once you go mechanical, you will never go membrane again.

If you want mechanical keyboard without paying big bucks, go with Benq or Acer "Accufeel keyboard" or Focus "2001" keyboard. They are real inexpensive. You can also go with old IBM M type which is selling at a website but i find them a little tiring after long use.

Why would you buy a $100+ keyboard when you can buy one for 5 bucks? Your wrists will thank you. You will type faster. You will finally know what a real keyboard feels like.

I've really enjoyed using the Adesso MCK-142Pro Keyboard. The only issue I've encountered is that the lettering on the top of the most used key caps wears off after a few weeks. The manufacturer sent me a full set of replacement key caps as part of the warranty and advised that the only solution to the problem is to apply finger nail polish to each replacement key cap to slow down the wear. I'm disappointed that such an expensive keyboard won't hold up to normal use, and that there is not a better remedy.