HOT! PS/2 Keyboard with Mechanical Key Switches - $24 at newegg

[GnatGoSplat]

I think the IBM Model M keyboards are the best.
Someone had mentioned the trackpoint ones. Are those buckling spring as well? At some point after Lexmark started manufacturing the Model M, they went to rubber domes.

 

[takhyon]

The Trackpoint IIs (101 keys) are buckling springs. The Trackpoint IVs (104 keys) are not.

 

[Coca-cola Bear]

For strictly tactile feedback the old style mechanical switches just are untouchable. I remember being in my high school drafting classes which we used IBM PS2's (Computer not keyboard) which had those keyboards. They typed great. But now that I have my own keyboard I really can't stand the clicking anymore. So if your looking for a membrane model the "shudder" microsoft keyboards have a real good feel for them being membrane. I don't know about the mac keyboards. They definately are better than the old ones which had the raised home key indicators on the wrong key but, it feels a little too small. I keep hitting the wrong keys. Anyways I despise any keyboard that doesn't conform to the standard key placement. I include the additional keys in the num pad and the the navigation keys between the num pad and main keyboard area. IE " MS Office Keyboard sucks"

 

[Branded]

The only thing I care about on a keyboard is that function keys are on the side. I am a programmer and like to debug apps with the function keys. The one I am using now is an ergologic keyboard that has f1-f12 keys on the side. Its a shame MS decided that ergonomics meant moving the function keys out of reach (to the top) and now nobody makes keyboards with function keys on the left anymore.

 

[GnatGoSplat]

Thanks takhyon, do you know if the same rules apply to the black IBM Trackpoint keyboards? I don't believe they were called "Trackpoint II", but they only have 101-keys. I've always wanted a Modem M buckling spring keyboard in black!

Branded, I don't believe Microsoft moved the F-keys, I think it was IBM. When they came out with the IBM PC/AT, it had a 101-key keyboard with the F-keys moved to the top. This was the first IBM Model M buckling spring keyboard, BTW. Previously on the PC/XT's they used 84-key keyboards with F-keys on the left. IBM had their own PC-DOS at the time, so I don't think MS had anything to do with it.

 

[Flair]

Nothing is worse than hearing the clickety clack of a co-worker banging on one of those old antique keyboards. They are fine if you work alone, but please don't bother all of your co-workers with all that noise. Ok, I feel better now.

 

[sync]

<< IMHO, nothing beats the old Northgate keyboards. I'll give mine up only when they pry it from my cold, dead hands.

Steve >>


I love my Northgate keyboard. I've had it about 15 years now.

 

[solo]

Unless all your co-workers are geeks like yourself and you all work in cubicles conviniently placed off to one side of the building where people are less likely to stumble into...

 

[Branded]

GnatGoSplat, I remember lots of PC/AT keyboards with the function keys on the left. I think it was MS trying to move people away from command line stuff towards graphical user interfaces that came out with the function keys on the top. Unless it was the IBM PS2 line of computers that started the trend.

 

[WarSong]

OMG!! I used to have and LOVE that FK-2001 keyboard! When i spilled coke in it I thought I'd never find one again! Good one!

 

[theNEOone]

you guys have got to be kidding me...

 

[solo]

Apparently, theNEOone, you've never tried a "real" keyboard...

 

[WarSong]

he must be a hunt-and-pecker

 

[Jono182]

i got my old ibm keyboard back in 84...its the one component of my computer ive never replaced and i love the loud clicky keys!

 

[Nack]

I've got about 5 of those IBM clicky keyboards circa 1987-1992, two of which are in service, two new spares, and one slightly beat up one for spare parts. I have found them here and there at computer shows. Every now and then a dealer will try to sell a "new" (but very old) IBM 486, complete. I don't know where he gets them. Last time I offered him $10 for the keyboard only, and he took it (think he wanted $50 for the puter). The thing was still in the original IBM plastic wrap! They are the best. I also have a northgate which is about 90% as good as the IBMs, but there is just something about the originals that the copies don't quite match...

Nack

 

[nipster]

yes, garage sales are great places to pick up old IBM keyboards

also old office supply stores, they sell surplus ibm stuff usually, also if you could find an extended IBM keyboard from a mainframe console, they are great!

 

[crazyjoekuta]

i was interested in getting an Apple Pro keyboard... can someone confirm it would work w/ a pc?

/edit: also there is no insert, print screen/sysrq, scroll lock, or pause/break keys (labeled)? are they just labled wrong when used w/ a pc?

 

[QTPie]

man, oh, man.
Y'all make me feel so dumb. This time I have to "think outside the box".
Been using computer too long but I've never really paid attention on this stuff. Thanks for all the good info.

BTW, anyone happens to know where can I get a keyboard that has the button keys feel like the laptop keyboard?
Mechanical switch sounds nice but kinda noisy.

I like my HP keyboard. It has one big wire to the computer for keyboard, microphone and headphone and of course some programable buttons too. But it's so noisy when I type fast. Wanna have a quiet one. Dell quiet keyboard is crappy.

 

[takhyon]

GnatGoSplat, there are IBM M's in black as well. The membrane 101's, I dont know if they called them M's are quite rare, and I dont know if they were available in black.

QTPie, the NMB 8255 (if you can find one) is very quiet despite being a mechanical keyboard and has an excellent feel, like so many have attested. The Focus 2001, 5001 and 9000 (last 2 out of production) are louder, but not as loud as the IBM M's.

There are full size keyboards with the look and feel of Laptop keyboards. I've seen them in some computer shows. One Laptop feel keyboard I can recall is the Acer Wireless keyboard which is not full sized though.

 

[JesseKnows]

Another source for IBM keyboards is my town's (or your town's) Recycling Depot (AKA dump). I have 5 IBM AT and PS/2 keyboards from there, quite clean. Price - $0. The problem is they are 101 keys, and I sometimes miss the <win><E> Explorer shortcut.

 

[MillionaireNextDoor]

In the olden days, my IBM clicky keyboard drove my roommates NUTS

 

[QTPie]

<<In the olden days, my IBM clicky keyboard drove my roommates NUTS >>
I know exactly what you mean, hehehe

 

[takhyon]

<< In the olden days, my IBM clicky keyboard drove my roommates NUTS >>



He probably got one for himself.

 

[takhyon]

I got the Datadesk Smartboard today. Excellent feel, feels very comfortable, but what's special is the layout. I have to relearn a few keys like the 'R'. Let's see how it goes.