New
#21
Smarteyeball:
Thanks for those examples.
For the last 3 or 4 hours, I have been looking around, particularly at geekhack.org, which seems to be ground zero for the keyboard-obsessed. Forums, reviews, classifieds, ranting, the whole enchilada.
The most common recommendation seems to be, for a non-gaming complete newcomer:
IBM Model M or its clones (Unicomp) using buckling spring technology. These are a bit noisy and require a relatively heavy touch. Can be tiring if you type for hours on end.
Any keyboard using Cherry Blue switches. These tend to require a medium touch and are not as noisy as the IBM M. Maybe less tiring if you type constantly.
Some lingo:
A linear switch (eg: Cherry MX Black or Cherry Red) is like a doorbell - smooth travel with no bump; non-tactile, non-clicky. Cherry black and red have the easiest touch of the cherries. Ordinary "rubber dome" keyboards are all linear as far as I can tell.
A tactile switch (eg: Cherry MX Brown or Cherry Clear, black ALPS) is like a light switch - halfway through you feel a bump and then the light comes on. Cherry browns have the lightest touch of the cherries.
A clicky AND tactile switch (eg: Cherry MX Blue or Buckling Spring) is like a Bic pen - clicks AND you feel a bump. Cherry blues have a medium touch. White ALPS switches are tactile and clicky.
Some specific recommendations under $80 or so:
New:
Unicomp clones of IBM model M; still being made. Uses buckling spring technology just like the original IBM. About $79 from Unicomp direct.
Scorpius M10: uses Cherry blue switches; around $50. Sold at Amazon. Build quality can be shaky.
Used:
IBM Model M if you can find one at Goodwill. Refurbished, they tend to go for 70 on up.
Dell AT101W: manufactured up to about 2000. Uses black ALPS switches. Clicky and tactile. Good for typists. Lighter touch than IBM Model M.
Dell AT102DW: also uses black ALPS switches. Manufactured in the 1990s and maybe later?
Compaq 11800: not too common, but cheap when found, maybe $25 on Ebay. Uses Cherry brown switches. Has somewhat odd keyboard layout (function keys).
Northgate: No longer being made, but refurbished can be found. Uses ALPS switches. Very heavy, but durable.
Most of the others are above $80. I saw some keyboards over $400.
Being a cheap SOB, I'll probably see if I can get lucky at Goodwill as even $50 is more than I am willing to risk if I can't return.