Windows 7: Mechanical Keyboards - Are you a convert?

I have an IBM Model M keyboard that I got with an IBM computer in 1986. I have carried it forward to every new computer I've had since. It has been in daily use for the past 26 years and still works as if brand new. Try that with a rubber dome keyboard!

Many (myself included) consider the IBM Model M to be the best keyboard ever made.

Strollin':

I assume you have the PS2 interface?

Couple of questions:

Have you had any issues using it with an ordinary PS2/USB converter to a USB port?

I've got a PS2 motherboard now, but I expect PS2 to eventually disappear on motherboards.

I've heard of some difficulty with the converters, but not necessarily with the Model M.

Are you still using the original 26 year old non-detachable cable? Are they repairable/replaceable at a reasonable cost or would you just get a new keyboard if the cable died?

I use the original cable which has the the large Din connector. I then have an adapter to adapt that to a PS2 connection and another adapter to adapt that to USB since my current computer does not have a PS2 port. It works great, no issues whatsoever.

The cable on the Model M is heavy duty and is also detachable. I have a number of Model Ms so, if the cable died, I would be able to replace it easily. Since the cable is detachable, I suppose it's possible I could find a cable that had a PS2 end (I doubt I could find one with a USB) and eliminate one adapter but I never bothered with it as what I have works fine.

Only drawback is that the keyboard predates Windows so there is no dedicated Windows key which is why, to this day, even when I use a keyboard that has a Windows key, I never use it.

In the early days of PCs, people would contact IBM to ask if they could buy a keyboard to use with their home-built system. IBM's response was that they sold computer systems, not keyboards, so you could only get a Model M if you bought an IBM computer.

Never used them but I am fine with what I have now doesn't really matter to much to me. Maybe later idk, So i'm on the unbiased side so I just voted for the don't care choice. Anyways using a Microsoft USB Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 (IntelliType Pro) Which cost me $30usd when I got it and feels good to my hands.

I was a member of the 'Don't care. A keyboard is "just a keyboard" to me' club until quite recently. I had a chance at a LAN party to spend an hour or so playing SC2 with a Razer Black Widow Ultimate.

I went out and purchased one the very next day. I absolutely love it, and will never go back to dome style boards. It uses Cherry MX Blue switches, is backlit, and is extremely responsive for both gaming, and typing.

I thought there was an earlier post saying to stay away from the Razer Black Widow, longevity issues or something. Hopped down to the shops yesterday evening, nada All I could find was the usual suspects, ergonomics, and a couple of gaming keyboards. None of the brands mentioned here.

Great keyboard for the price - although personally the Wildcats motif isn't to my taste

I have not had any issues with the widow, but I've only owned it for a month or so.
However I do have 3 other pieces of Razer gear that are still going strong 4+ years later.

Like most here I will not purchase peripherals sight unseen. I need to get my hands on them and test the fit/feel before I spend that much cash.

Well---due to your instigation and my hopeless sales resistance I've ordered a Leopold Tenkeyless White, with Cherry blue switches, as shown below. It should be here tomorrow.

$89 plus $10 shipping from Elitekeyboards.com, on sale; normally $109. I guess a new model is imminent and they are discounting the current models.

I decided to not go with the Kentucky Unicomp as I have no use for the num pad and I'm not sure I would prefer that much racket.

Frankly, I am not sure if I have ever used a mechanical keyboard. I may have, in the 1990s, and not known it at the time. My fingers don't remember. If I did, it was likely a buckling spring IBM or maybe a Dell with ALPS switches.

Next task is to find a pry bar to pop off the escape key so I can replace it with the red one shown in the pic--included at no charge. I see some cave man methods mentioned at geekhack. I found a youtube video of a guy making a tool out of a large paper clip.

What I want is something with at least a medium touch. I'm not sure about the tactile feedback issue---it may be I am better off with a linear switch such as Cherry blacks, but they are supposed to be quite heavy.

I hope to not end up keyboard-obsessed like those at geekhack.org. Those guys are out of control.

Thanks for the guidance, Eyeball.

My coworker runs a Leopold with Cherry Blue switches and he absolutely loves it. Expect it to take a little time to get used to.

It's like anything else I guess. There are forums and places for all interests out there.

Hope you like the keyboard. I'm pretty sure that you will.