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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: nrp on Sun, 11 November 2007, 16:43:57

Title: Need hints from the specialists
Post by: nrp on Sun, 11 November 2007, 16:43:57

Hi there folks. I've been lurking here for a couple of month and now it is time to address you asking for help.

I'm a mechanical keyboard fan. I have two Model Ms (one is at work, the other is a backup), a model M mini that I use at home and a Omnigate that is also kept as a backup (it is good, but not a model M).

I have two questions.

First, I'd like to try the SMK85 to see if I like it. Where should I go to buy one?

Secondly, I'm searching for a GOOD and very quite keyboard for an environment where mechanicals are not allowed. What would you guys recommend?

Thank you in advance?

NRP

Title: Need hints from the specialists
Post by: xsphat on Sun, 11 November 2007, 18:24:30

Hey, welcome to the board. The SMK 85 I rave about is not made anymore, but you may be able to find a vendor with some still in stock. The thing that makes my SMK so good is the black stemed "tactile" Alps sliders it has. The new ones have black linear switches by Cherry. Karl from DS International told me they changed the switches because customers complained about the how loud the switches are.

Now, for a mechanical keyboard suitable for quiet place, the only one I can recommend is the HHKB Pro series. It sucks because they are so expencive, but they are nice, nice keyboards and barely louder than membrane keyboards.

Title: Need hints from the specialists
Post by: mr_sf_applet on Tue, 13 November 2007, 00:04:42

But if you don't want to spend $280, and if you must get a silent membrane keyboard, you may wish to consider the IMB Space Saver II. It has basically the same layout as the old 84-key IBM Model M Space Saver, but it has Windows keys and a TrackPoint to boot. I think *this* would be the perfect keyboard if it had buckling sprihgs (although the Mighty Mouse with buckling springs that Unicomp will bring out next year will come awfully close).

But it's a rubber membrane non-mechanical board, so it has the virtue of silence. And it has many fans who admire its key action. See:

http://davidbau.com/archives/2005/05/21/worlds_best_computer_keyboard.html

It was discontinued a few years back and is no longer being made. http://www.clickyboards.com has been selling new ones for $125. New ones on eBay (search for "IBM Space Saver" or "37L0888") have recently been selling for anywhere from $70 to $100.

Title: Need hints from the specialists
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 13 November 2007, 00:23:18

The only thing about the Mighty Mouse keyboard I ddon't like is how far apart the left control and alt keys are. Tiny concern, and I will probably buy one anyway, even though the buckling springs aren't my favs ...

Title: Need hints from the specialists
Post by: iMav on Tue, 13 November 2007, 10:00:50

Quote from: mr_sf_applet

(although the Mighty Mouse with buckling springs that Unicomp will bring out next year will come awfully close).

Man, I can NOT wait for that bad boy!!!   :wink:

Title: Thank you
Post by: nrp on Tue, 13 November 2007, 21:32:07

I'd like to thank you all for your feedback. I'll definitely try to find a IBM Space Saver II.

I also decided to keep my 3 model Ms and sell the Dell Alps and the Omnikey (Alps also).

I'm going to list them on ebay soon.

Again, thanks for taking the time.

Nelson

Title: Re: Thank you
Post by: Whiskey in the Jar-o on Tue, 13 November 2007, 23:09:47

Quote from: nrp

I'd like to thank you all for your feedback. I'll definitely try to find a IBM Space Saver II.

I also decided to keep my 3 model Ms and sell the Dell Alps and the Omnikey (Alps also).

I'm going to list them on ebay soon.

Again, thanks for taking the time.

Nelson

BTW, there are a ton of French layout space saver II's on ebay. Apparently their key feel is crap compared with the English version (if you can find it).

Title: Re: Thank you
Post by: mr_sf_applet on Wed, 14 November 2007, 03:30:18

Quote from: Whiskey in the Jar-o

BTW, there are a ton of French layout space saver II's on ebay. Apparently their key feel is crap compared with the English version (if you can find it).

Yep, the English version with a PS/2 (not USB) connector -- Model No. RT3200, P/N: 37L0888 -- are the ones to get, apparently.