Trending Content - Sales and Trading Forum
Career Resources
WSO Free Modeling Series - Now Open Through
September 30, 2026
9 Free Financial Modeling Lessons
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
High Finance Applications
Guaranteed
Get at least one offer GUARANTEED
- 1:1 support
- 92% success rate
- 2,000+ mentor network
- Unlimited Live bootcamps
- AI for resume + LinkedIn
- Networking automation tools
- HireVue simulation tool
- Full course library
- Private Slack community
- 20hrs of mocks
- + much more...
Based on the most helpful WSO content, bringing your own mechanical keyboard to a sell-side trading desk might not be the best move. While some users have mentioned customizing their setups for personal efficiency (e.g., custom layouts or num pads for Excel), others strongly advise against it, especially as a fresh analyst. It could come across as trying too hard or being overly focused on minor performance gains, which might not leave the best impression.
If you do decide to use your own keyboard, ensure it’s professional—avoid flashy lights or overly loud switches like Cherry MX Blues. A quieter option like Cherry MX Browns or Logitech’s K840 could work better. However, it’s always a good idea to gauge the culture of your desk first before making such a move.
Sources: Navigating The Floor: A S&T Analyst's Guide, Girl Investment Bankers - Any tips?, Best Mechanical Keyboard, Girl Investment Bankers - Any tips?, IB LIFE HACKS
I work on a fairly large floor and have not seen a single non-bbg keyboard (minus support roles on the floor) so take that as you will
good enough for me to not do it then
Natus dolorem impedit nulla non aliquid aut. Vero velit et praesentium nemo voluptate repellat. Dolor aut facere adipisci adipisci perferendis voluptatum laudantium sed. Ducimus deleniti voluptate modi nulla magnam voluptatibus rerum.
Id neque fuga blanditiis nesciunt ea dignissimos sapiente. Ipsa sed et inventore officia est omnis. Autem dignissimos excepturi et nihil repellat itaque. Est explicabo doloribus maiores quis nulla occaecati sint. Rem sequi distinctio impedit vel similique.
Nam vel est et voluptatibus facilis et eveniet corrupti. Consequatur quia neque quae perferendis perferendis aut nisi. Assumenda incidunt sunt non possimus.
Nam a et fuga sed et inventore. A eligendi aut consequatur et. Nemo adipisci iste enim veritatis ducimus molestiae esse beatae. Sit aut est nobis quas quia porro perspiciatis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...