ABS M1 Mechanical Keyboard $20 Newegg

[EarthwormJim]

Non-clicky? I was about to pull the trigger. That's why I wanted it.

It's a mechanical keyboard still. It just doesn't make a loud "Click" sound when you actuate the switch. You still have tactile feedback, just not auditory feedback too (at least not as much).

It's just not a "Clicky" in the sense that the IBM Model M and Cherry Blue, Brown, and White are. It does make more noise than a membrane keyboard though.

I'm replacing my IBM Model M with this keyboard if that tells you anything.

 

[EarthwormJim]

See the video from the above linked review to hear how "clicky" it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3vHVkRWBtw&feature=player_embedded

That sounds more like bottoming out rather than the switch actuating.

 

[qliveur]

Well, I'm intrigued. In for one. I'm in need of a good, cheap, plain, solid keyboard to go with that Logitech RX1500 mouse that I got the other week, and this is exactly what I've been looking for.

Thanks, OP.

 

[Nessism]

In for one too. Thanks to the OP. I love my old IBM keyboard but it's in the closet these days because it's so loud. The Dell keyboard at work is a real POS so hoping this one will provide some relief.

 

[Linflas]

In for one. I love my IBM Model M, but it's really too big and the noise is getting annoying.

Actually I can deal with all that but I am getting so used to using the Windows key shortcuts on every other computer I use that the lack of the Windows key is why I am trying this new one. I will miss the audible click though.

 

[ivan2]

In for one. I love my IBM Model M, but it's really too big and the noise is getting annoying.

this isn't like the IBM where the peak resistance and the click is at about the middle of the key travel distance. this is more like the ALPS style switch where u have to press further down to hear that "click". i have an alps and hated it =(

 

[killster1]

shit that thing is so clicky you have to live alone to buy it, but i think i might get one to annoy my wife =P or maybe one for my 4 year old, we all use g15's atm have 4 of them and a g11 but always wanted to try the super clicky keyboards since they are hyped by everyone (most them hypers paid 200$ for there generic looking clicky keyboards =P)

 

[s44]

It's just not a "Clicky" in the sense that the IBM Model M and Cherry Blue, Brown, and White are. It does make more noise than a membrane keyboard though.

Cherry Browns aren't clicky (except for bottoming-out).

I liked the complex ALPS Blacks in the ebay Dell AT101W I had, but am not sure how different the simplified ones on this keyboard are.

There's a video comparing the sounds of various switches here.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Buckling-Spring keyboards ("clicky key") is the best type of keyboard. I love my black Unicomp Model M clone with USB. I am sure this keyboard is very similar.

 

[s44]

Buckling-Spring keyboards ("clicky key") is the best type of keyboard. I love my black Unicomp Model M clone with USB. I am sure this keyboard is very similar.

No, they're switches but not buckling spring.

Read about the differences.

 

[nataku00]

For $20 (plus tax), I'll try one of these out. Might be a nice complement to my other keyboards.

 

[EarthwormJim]

Cherry Browns aren't clicky (except for bottoming-out).

I liked the complex ALPS Blacks in the ebay Dell AT101W I had, but am not sure how different the simplified ones on this keyboard are.

There's a video comparing the sounds of various switches here.

You're right, I confused tactile with clicky.

 

[EarthwormJim]

My ABS M1 came in today. It's definitely quieter than my Model M, but it makes what are in my opinion slightly more annoying noises.

There's next to no noise from the switches when you actuate the keys, all the noise comes from the keys rattling around. There's a ton of wiggle on the keys compared to an IBM which has next to no wiggle on the keys.

The space bar is very vague feeling, I'm not sure if I've hit it or not and it seems to take quite a bit of force to use.

The keyboard also makes this "ping" like noise from bottoming out. Almost like a tuning fork noise.

I really like the size and having windows keys, but I'm not sure if I'm going to like this anymore than my IBM Model M.

God the plastic is very cheap feeling too. I dont' think it would survive the dishwasher (including heated dry) like my Model M has :biggrin:



I think I'll just save up for a keyboard with real cherry switches (maybe some blues or browns).

 

[Corporate Thug]

I'm coming from a logitech wave and after 10 minutes of use, I love this thing. Very tactile feel compared to the logi. It's twice as heavy too. Seems much sturdier and of better build quality. I'm gonna have to buy one for my work machine too.

 

[Childs]

Its sold out.

 

[Nessism]

I agree that the key covers make noise. This is NOT a quiet keyboard so the people wanting a "clacky" keyboard should be happy. The keys have nice tactile feel so that's a positive, but frankly the noise is the reason I shelfed the IBM keyboard and this thing is just as loud.

Edit: been using this thing some more and the feel is just fantastic. A huge improvement over the typical generic keyboard commonly in use today.

 

[konakona]

Majestouch Tenkeyless! You know you want one!

My ABS M1 came in today. It's definitely quieter than my Model M1, but it makes what are in my opinion slightly more annoying noises.

There's next to no noise from the switches when you actuate the keys, all the noise comes from the keys rattling around. There's a ton of wiggle on the keys compared to an IBM which has next to no wiggle on the keys.

The space bar is very vague feeling, I'm not sure if I've hit it or not and it seems to take quite a bit of force to use.

The keyboard also makes this "ping" like noise from bottoming out. Almost like a tuning fork noise.

I really like the size and having windows keys, but I'm not sure if I'm going to like this anymore than my IBM Model M.

God the plastic is very cheap feeling too. I dont' think it would survive the dishwasher (including heated dry) like my Model M has :biggrin:



I think I'll just save up for a keyboard with real cherry switches (maybe some blues or browns).

 

[EarthwormJim]

Majestouch Tenkeyless! You know you want one!

Yes I'm considering a Filco, but with a numpad.

 

[BeatCrazy]

I'm coming from a logitech wave and after 10 minutes of use, I love this thing. Very tactile feel compared to the logi. It's twice as heavy too. Seems much sturdier and of better build quality. I'm gonna have to buy one for my work machine too.

That's what I use now, too. My M1 will be here tomorrow.

Its sold out.

Drats!

 

[gba]

Mine came today... I have never had an IBM model M so I cannot compare.. but I can say that I like the feel of this one a whole lot! Thanks again OP!

 

[Corporate Thug]

Its sold out.

That sucks. I'm sold on this thing with less than a couple of hours of use.

 

[dawza]

I picked this up just to see how the switches felt. I have used black, blue, and brown Cherry switches, old-school black and white Alps, as well as multiple BS keyboards. The switches in the ABS, while still far superior to standard rubber domes, are average at best when it comes to mechanical switches, IMO. Compared to any of the Cherry switches or BS, they do not feel as smooth when hit off-center. The annoying metallic noise is also a turn-off; if I am going to make a racket, I would much rather do it with a BS. The tactile bump is a bit more pronounced than that of a brown Cherry switch, but seems to occur much earlier in the cycle, with a more pronounced loss of resistance, such that bottoming out is almost inevitable.

I would feel ripped-off if I had paid >$40 for the board, but at $20, I really can't complain. It still beats the hell out of the vast majority of keyboards in terms of tactile feel and build quality.

 

[s44]

How's it compare to the old black ALPS?

 

[konakona]

I picked this up just to see how the switches felt. I have used black, blue, and brown Cherry switches, old-school black and white Alps, as well as multiple BS keyboards. The switches in the ABS, while still far superior to standard rubber domes, are average at best when it comes to mechanical switches, IMO. Compared to any of the Cherry switches or BS, they do not feel as smooth when hit off-center. The annoying metallic noise is also a turn-off; if I am going to make a racket, I would much rather do it with a BS. The tactile bump is a bit more pronounced than that of a brown Cherry switch, but seems to occur much earlier in the cycle, with a more pronounced loss of resistance, such that bottoming out is almost inevitable.

I would feel ripped-off if I had paid >$40 for the board, but at $20, I really can't complain. It still beats the hell out of the vast majority of keyboards in terms of tactile feel and build quality.

wow, thx for a detailed impressions there. I must concur on the resistance wearing off faster bit, and my filco does feel smoother and noticeably quieter as you say. Still, for $20 (or less if BCB comes) it suits my secondary computer quite well

 

[dawza]

How's it compare to the old black ALPS?

It feels a bit rougher, but that could just be from the old Alps-based board (AT-101W) being broken in. Along the same lines, the tactile bump may be just a bit more pronounced in the ABS.

I was never a big fan of the Alps switches. They just aren't very forgiving of off-center strikes- that is, the switch lets you know if you are off-center, and (to me) that is distracting. Still, I will take an Alps board over a standard rubber dome (and the overwhelming majority of scissor switches) any day of the week.