I'm a high speed developer, I write a LOT. All keyboards are still in working order after 6 -12 months, but the key storked become "hard" and they start damaging my fingers. I typically have to give my keyboard to someone that writes slower, and inget a new one that is "soft"
Then the solution to me seems obvious to buy a good quality keyboard (or put one together yourself) with hotswap switches and If the keycaps become too hard, just buy a new set of caps.
I am a software developer myself and found that the best keyboard for me is a wireless low profile split keyboard. They're not cheap but the parts are changeable so it will last a long Time.
Nope. That sounds like even more money with a lot of extra work and time that I don't have. I need very soft keyboard keys or I get very painful RSI attacks. Used Logitech K800, but with those discontinued, I'm now using MK540
Looks down at his second-hand, 13 year old HP 5309U product code GM321AA and thinks "Damn dude. Sure my keyboard has nine keys that are worn so much that most are missing the print on them. And sure, it's not a mechanical keyboard. But I didn't have to spend a dime for it and it's still working just fine for me.