Mechanical Keyboards - Are you a convert?

[ignatzatsonic]

Some examples of typing only toe dippers:

(Blue)
Amazon.com: Das Keyboard Model S Professional Mechanical Keyboard: Computers & Accessories

(Brown)
Amazon.com: Das Keyboard Model S Professional Silent Mechanical Keyboard: Computers & Accessories

(Brown)
Amazon.com: White Filco Ninja Majestouch-2, NKR, Tactile Action, USA Keyboard FKBN104M/EFW2: Computers & Accessories

(Blue)
Newegg.com - Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard RK-9000 with Cherry MX Blue Switch

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.

 

[Joan Archer]

Before my current generation mechanical keyboard, I preferred the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000

After switching jobs and working nearly 100% from a laptop and wanting to have more deskspace at home, I switched back to a non-ergo keyboard. A while later I made the switch to a mechanical keyboard and generally prefer them now over any soft-dome keyboard.

That's my keyboard, the only problem is that it's a USB connection rather than PS/2 which my others are and which I'd prefer so releasing one of the back USB ports.

 

[pparks1]

^ I have 4 of those keyboards.

 

[Joan Archer]

I love it it's so comfortable to use. Trouble is though that my pull out shelf under my desk for the keyboard is not really big enough for it. It fills the width and I have to have it pulled right out with the keyboard over the front edge to be able to see the top buttons, which means I have to have the mouse on the desk so I don't have the keyboard pulled right out much so I can reach the mouse.

 

[pparks1]

I moved away from using it because it just consumes so much desk space. i don't need or use the extra multimedia buttons. So, I went with a much more compact mechanical keyboard that has a much smaller physical footprint.

 

[thefabe]

I have always used the Logitech MX5000 wireless keyboard and mouse.

I like them so much I have purchsed a bunch of them (new in the box) and replace them whenever they wear out.

And I gone through a few over the years.

Fabe

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I'm confused are the scissor springs over the rubber button an example of a mechanical keyboard?
Logitech - Illuminated Keyboard

 

[pparks1]

The scissor style is neither the rubber dome membrane, or a mechanical keyboard. It's kinda right in the middle.

I played a bit with those keyboards before I bought my recent keyboard and liked them a fair amount.

 

[smarteyeball]

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.

You're welcome mate. They were just some example of brands that are pretty easy to find at most online retailers. They're also the 'cheaper, but better build quality' than other brands.



And yes geekhack.org is indeed the groundzero for the mech enthusiast

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.

I didn't mention buckling springs as these are generally harder to come by, especially the Model M. They tend to pop up on ebay now and then but with a price tag to match. Some of the of the oldest models also require an AT to PS/2/adapter. Obtaining a Unicomp or other clone is only marginally easier.

(Clones and Alp switch boards are rare as hens teeth here in Aus)

I didn't mention Alp switches because of the availability factor as well.

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.

For strength actuation of model M's, the MX Blacks are probably the closest in 'feel' to the weight required. (Which is hard to compare if ones never used an MX Black )

I concentrated on Cherry switches from an availability/range point of view - the vast majority of 'major brands' offer a Blue Switch model.

As for the noise - some people are bothered by the noise, others think they might be. It's entirely personal preference. Personally I love the sound of them and so too does my partner. She loves hearing me type on my mech boards.

However, if the sound really is something that bothers users (or co-workers for example) - there are o-ring dampeners/landing pads available. They are placed under the keycap and stop keys from bottoming out, thus eliminating the 'clack' sound.

One downside is that they do create a bit more resistance which requires more effort to key presses.

Ordinary "rubber dome" keyboards are all linear as far as I can tell

.

True. Even scissor switches are linear.


A


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.

Hmm. That might be worth looking into

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.

To grab a Model M for cheap, goodwill-esque stores are indeed your best bet for that. (same applies to older Alp switch/used Duckys, leo, Flcos Das etc).

Even if you keep your eye out on ebay, or craigslist etc for 2nd hand boards.

If you do stumble on something that catches your eye and would like a second opinion, I'd be more than happy to do so if you wish.




Basically I'm not saying mech keyboards are a must have for everyone.

I'm simply letting those who've never heard them know that they exist and for some, are definitely worth a look and could potentially be a big improvement over what they currently have, or are thinking of buying.

(I wish someone told me about them before spent $150 on a Saitek Cyborg Commando 'gaming keyboard' a few years ago. My god that was an expensive POS )

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I'm trying to resist this keyboard.

It's a brand new IBM Model M clone with buckling springs made by Unicomp. This sells for only $59 plus shipping in the USA and is the least expensive way to get a high quality mechanical keyboard experience.

Unicomp clones normally sell for 79 plus shipping, but these particular models were made as a promotion for the University of Kentucky.

Here's an unboxing on youtube:

A "Rather Unique" Model M Keyboard - YouTube

Here's the link at Unicomp:

Unicomp, Inc. Kentucky Wildcats Buckling Spring PS2 Keyboard

Here is a long review thread at geekhack with more pictures:


Unicomp Wildcat Keyboard Unboxing

Whaddya think, Smarteyeball??

I'd kinda like to run down an IBM buckling spring Space Saver without the ten key section, but those aren't easily found and would likely not be in "new" condition.

 

[strollin]

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.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

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?

 

[strollin]

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.

 

[M1GU31]

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.

 

[V43L1N]

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.

 

[Trucidation]

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.

 

[smarteyeball]

Whaddya think, Smarteyeball??

I'd kinda like to run down an IBM buckling spring Space Saver without the ten key section, but those aren't easily found and would likely not be in "new" condition.

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

 

[V43L1N]

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.

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.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Whaddya think, Smarteyeball??

I'd kinda like to run down an IBM buckling spring Space Saver without the ten key section, but those aren't easily found and would likely not be in "new" condition.

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

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.

 

[pparks1]

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.

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.

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

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.