I currently use the g915, but switching to Linux means no Logitech software so im looking for some alternatives.
I really like the 5 programable keys on the left, but I can't seem to find any other keyboards that have that feature. I also like that its Bluetooth and has music control, but I mainly want the programmable keys
I got myself one of System76's Launch Keyboard. Mostly because they are a Linux first company and wanted to sponsor them a bit. I will say that the keyboard is not cheap, but it does feel quit nice and sturdy. It does have a built in dock; which is pretty nice.
I don't know if there is any love for Ducky here in the community, but I am very happy with my One 3 with Baby Kangaroo switches. You can program makros on it without any software, which is pretty nice. No separate keys, though. You would have to use combinations.
Look at kbdfans.com, a lot of custom keyboards are configured with QMK, which means every key is a programmable key. So you'd just need a keyboard with a spare cluster somewhere.
Admittedly last time I looked at kbdfans I wasn't satisfied with the product lineup. But things like the Charybdis from bastardkb aren't cheap and aren't what you are looking for.
I looked at that site hoping they'd have proper Unix-y layouts, but still no luck.
I'm looking for a backlit keyboard with Ctrl, Super, Hyper and most rare of all a Compose key. Currently I'm typing on a Steelseries Apex something, Which is ok, but with a regular Windows layout. I think I'll just have a set of keycaps custom made.
Anything that supports either Via or preferably VIAL is fully configurable in Linux (and windows). Both use QMK firmware for the keyboards, although it has to be compiled to support either Via or VIAL, this is usually done for you. QMK is open source, so a nice fit for Linux and device longevity.
I believe a large chunk of Keychrons support Via with a firmware flash, but I haven't tried those.
I use a G915 using the onboard memory with preset G Keys. If I need to change the key functions then I need to go back onto my Windows which is dual booted. Will look into piper as the commenter above did.
RGB controls work with openrgb, no programmable buttons but that's fine, keyd allows for remapping wherever I want. The keys are very "clacky" on hard press and "clicky" with softer presses, with some gentle resistance, equivalent roughly to half the spring strength of an OG XBox trigger.
Edit; just saw your final point was "mainly want the programmable keys"; this isn't the one for you unless you wanna remap a row with keyd
Check ZSA website for ergo or checkout Nuphy website for traditional mechanical slim ones. The softwares they use are OS agnostic and save settings in the firmware....so you can bring your keyboard anywhere and connect to anything and still have all your custom shortcuts / macros.