looking for modern "clicky" keyboard like the old IBM model M

[GunsMadeAmericaFree]

Can anyone guide me to a modern keyboard that has a "clicky" feel like the old IBM model M?

At least I'm pretty sure that was the model. The one I used to have (until a few days ago) had a non-removeable cord that was damaged, and the board no longer worked as a result. I might have tried repairing it, but my oldest son
went gung-ho on it and smashed it to pieces with a hammer. It had a fantastic feel and clicky sound that reminded me somewhat of the old portable typewriter I had in high school, where I had to really press on the keys.

Yesterday I got a used (new to me) Lenovo Core I5 system set up, and it came with a generic keyboard. After trying to use it for a day, I ended up getting rid of it. I simply can't type with it. I don't necessarily need as much of a clicky sound,
but evidently I at least need the feel of the old keyboard. I'm probably eccentric, perhaps a bit on the autism spectrum, or maybe just a bit set in my ways, but I dislike most of the cheaper keyboards I've tried that don't have the tactile feedback that I like.

Can anyone else out there with experience in this area tell me what you found that you were able to put up with? It would be greatly appreciated. I don't necessarily need to track down $200 original model boards, but something a step (or two?) above the
feel of most of what I see out there would be fantastic. Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[VirtualLarry]

I'm probably eccentric, perhaps a bit on the autism spectrum, or maybe just a bit set in my ways

LOL. I must be too, then.

I dunno, don't think that you have to be Autistic to be a fan of "mechanical keyboards" (that's what you'll want to search for).

In fact, there are a number of lower-cost Chinese / Taiwanese boards, using mech. switches (usually clones), that aren't too bad, and the price is right. (I'm using an "A-Jazz" White/Silver short mech. board, with "Black" switches. Cost me $30.

TBH, I don't think that there are really any more mfg's of "Buckling Spring" switch boards, other than Unicomp (check them out), but most mech. boards use "Cherry MX" switches, which come in a variety of styles, denoted by "colors". And clones of those switches, like Kailh and others.

I would recommend checking out some mech. boards with Cherry MX "Blue" or clones of that switch. They are the most "clicky", and IMHO, some of the best for typing, in terms of feedback and easy switch actuation.

I had a pair of IBM Trackpoint II keyboards, which are basically Model M's (M-13), but have a trackpoint widget too. I thought that they were great. Unfortunately, the cables on mine went bad too.

If you can spare $30, try this one out. It's not "the best", but it has mech. "Blue" switches, it's a full board, and it's (relative to more name-brand boards) inexpensive.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...echanical_keyboard-_-9SIA6YZ2J44005-_-Product

 

[ZippyDan]

Your interest is not at all eccentric. There is a large and active group of mechanical keyboard aficionados to this day, and plenty of manufacturers targeting that niche.

I can't answer your specific question, but I can point you in the direction of at least one online community that can: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards

Make sure to check out the Wiki links on the right-hand sidebar there before posting, as they might have enough information there to answer your questions.

 

[gorobei]

https://www.pckeyboard.com/

 

[SomRoy_9x]

Logitech G513 Carbon
- roughly $150.00
- slick design
- nice palm-rest
- minimalist
- RGB-lit mechanical switches

 

[SomRoy_9x]

CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2
- below $150
- slick design
- solid aluminum body
- genuine Cherry MX keyswitches
- per-key dynamic multi-color RGB backlighting
- USB pass-through port
- CORSAIR iCUE software enables vivid dynamic lighting control
- enables sophisticated macro programming

 

[GunsMadeAmericaFree]

Wow, I had no idea that there were a bunch of enthusiasts who were keyboard focused, similar to those who mess around with cars.
It is amazing to me!