Your top 3 keyboards, and why....and as an added bonus...your dream keyboard.

[secularzarathustra]

Top three boards:

1) IBM Model M Space Saver
2) Northgate Omni Key 101
3) IBM Model M

Dream Boards:

1) IBM Model M15: I don't care how much it is, I'm getting the next one on ebay!

2) IBM Model M Space Saver hardwired for Dvorak...if only there were someway to mod one of mine...

[bhtooefr]

secularzarathustra: Well, it's not a SpaceSaver, but you might order a custom PS/2 board from Unicomp - they can do layout reprogramming on the PS/2 models (but not USB, for some reason.)

[secularzarathustra]

Hmm, I didn't know they could do a fully customized board...might be why it's called a "customizer".

I think you just found my wife's xmas gift to me

Thanks for the info

[bhtooefr]

The only thing that might be a problem is the keycaps. But, for a $10 upcharge, you can order a board with blank black keycaps. (Which, on a Customizer/SpaceSaver 104, is still $50 less than a Das 3 Ultimate. )

[qk6339zmdm]

Wasn't the 3278's keyboard one of the first buckling spring keyboards?

(As well as the 5251, IIRC.)

Maybe you're right - I remember the 3278's kb being quieter than the model M though.  IBM patented the buckling spring in 1978 but made the Selectrics since the early 1960s.  What was it using before BS, was it microswitches?

[bhtooefr]

Some sort of horribly complicated setup involving gold contacts. I had downloaded a 3277 repair manual, that had diagrams, IIRC.

[megarat]

I have a 90 degree mini usb adapter. It came with my Motorola Razr, I think. The cable goes to the left with that.

Nice!  Thanks for the tip, I'll try to find one from a Motorola supplier.  That would be extremely useful.

EDIT:  I think I found it:  the Motorola SKN6182:



They're on eBay for US$4 shipped.  Thanks again.  Man, I love this forum.

[lowpoly]

2) IBM Model M Space Saver hardwired for Dvorak...if only there were someway to mod one of mine...

That's not too hard to do. Look here how to attach a new programmable controller:

Converting a Toshiba T5200 laptop keyboard to USB

It also does PS/2 and even supports a second layer through function key.

EDIT:  I think I found it:  the Motorola SKN6182:

That's the one.

[xsphat]

Nice!  Thanks for the tip, I'll try to find one from a Motorola supplier.  That would be extremely useful.

EDIT:  I think I found it:  the Motorola SKN6182:

Show Image

They're on eBay for US$4 shipped.  Thanks again.  Man, I love this forum.

That would work great for this set up:

[lowpoly]

That's where I use it, except that I have a Toshiba P20.

[itlnstln]

Hmm, I didn't know they could do a fully customized board...might be why it's called a "customizer".

I think you just found my wife's xmas gift to me

Thanks for the info

I wish they could customize my a*s a Model M15!  

[bhtooefr]

Anyway, the programmable controller method has one issue - you lose the numpad functionality.

[lowpoly]

How does that work originally?

With the prog. controller you can define a meta key like caps lock and put all the keys you want on the second layer.

And the keys will be re-ordered for Dvorak, probably re-ordering the numpad as well.

[bhtooefr]

Shift-Scroll Lock turns on Num Lock. The numeric keys are in the same place as the main keyboard, just like a laptop.

[lowpoly]

Ah, OK. That wouldn't work with the controller I suggested. You could just define a meta key, similar to the HHKB. And put the numpad where it is in the original layout. But you'd have to press the meta key while typing on the numpad.

[megarat]

That would work great for this set up:

Show Image

That's exactly how I use it.  And if you re-read my post, you'll see that I call that method, "Xsphat-style".  :)

[xsphat]

I call that method, "Xsphat-style".  

I'm fatter ... I mean, flattered. Thanks.

[iMav]

Show Image

Both of those are now gone from the xsphat household, correct?

[cchan]

#1 favourite: IBM 1391401. I have four of these (unfortunately, only two of which I can find right now) and they are the most solid keyboards I have ever had the pleasure of using. I'd probably like one even if it used rubber domes - it's just that well constructed and I never feel like I'm going to break the board no matter how hard i type.
#2: Cherry ML4100. This is the first night I'm using it, but it feels pretty nice. I'm not sure I like the sound of the switches though.
#3: MacBook keyboard. Hands-down the best laptop board I've used. I have a Dell AT101 coming soon though, which is probably going to knock the Cherry to #3 and kick the MacBook keyboard off the list.

My dream keyboard: Model M spacesaver, stealth black with black-lettered keycaps, buckling springs, and a Trackpoint IV. So far, I'm not missing the tenkey on the ML4100, but I'm not sure I like the compressed layout all that much.

[itlnstln]

I liked the Cherry over the Dell, but the Dell is nice.  I would imagine that you might leave the Cherry at #2 and the Mac 'board would drop off the list.  If you want a 'board that rivals the build quality of the Model M, try a Northgate/CVT.  My Northgate Evolution feels noticably more rugged and solid than my Ms; it also weighs significantly more.  The whole case is steel with a plastic cowling over the top, you know, to make it look pretty.

[wellington1869]

I'm probably speaking too soon since my keyboard try-outs arent yet over, but so far it appears my 2 favorite boards are "old-school":
1) 1391401
2) any white alps board (smk 88 is what I'm going to own in a few days)
3) no third spot yet. There are a lot of boards I like but dont know if i'd call them a 'favorite'.

my dream board doesnt exist. It would be a 1391401 with the arrow cluster sawed out, with a shorter spacebar, usb, winkeys.  At some point I'll probably try (no doubt unsuccessfully) to fabricate my own version of this with parts from unicomp and old M boards.

[cchan]

I liked the Cherry over the Dell, but the Dell is nice.  I would imagine that you might leave the Cherry at #2 and the Mac 'board would drop off the list.  If you want a 'board that rivals the build quality of the Model M, try a Northgate/CVT.  My Northgate Evolution feels noticably more rugged and solid than my Ms; it also weighs significantly more.  The whole case is steel with a plastic cowling over the top, you know, to make it look pretty.

Thing is though... Any Northgate board is going to be pretty rare and followingly expensive. Model M's are a dime a dozen from people that don't know what they're selling. "Old annoying loud IBM keyboard... free." Anyone leet enough to have a northgate knows that they're rare and what price they command.

[eugenius]

Top 3:
1. Ergoplus G80-5000 + Numeric keypad G80-5700
2. Old model M (I don't know the series, it's in storage)
3. Cherry 4100

My dream board would be an Ergoplus modified like this:

Required:
1. Fully programmable
2. Symmetric (both parts equal size)  - see 3
3. On the left side instead of the anoying windows keys, two columns of programmable keys P1-P10
4. Layout mode switch with 3+ layouts stored onboard
5. USB connection with detachable cable and two strategically placed usb ports for the numpad.
6. Black

Optional:
7. Blue backlit with no light bleed between the keys. (I know I'm getting unreasonable here ... )

Special mention for the thinking man's gaming setup: Cherry 4100 + Razer Salmosa.

[megarat]

On the topic of dream keyboards:  One thing I really remembered -- and loved -- about the keyboard that came bundled with the NeXT cube, was that there was a thin rubber "bumper" around the outside edge.  That thing was terrific, it was a lovely touch, made they keyboard really comfortable to move around.

(Of course, the rubber degrades over time, so some of those keyboards today have bumpers that are pretty gnarly looking, but it's the thought that counts.)

Does anyone else has a fondness for a certain gee-whiz appointment on a keyboard that doesn't overall affect its typing experience?

[cchan]

Does anyone else has a fondness for a certain gee-whiz appointment on a keyboard that doesn't overall affect its typing experience?

Does overall brick-sxxthouse build quality count? I love really really sturdy keyboards I could use as weapons.

[wellington1869]

Does anyone else has a fondness for a certain gee-whiz appointment on a keyboard that doesn't overall affect its typing experience?

sure, as long as it looks neat  I'm as superficial as the next guy.
Actually the only accessory i've really appreciated on the new keyboards is backlighted keys. I dont really use anything else they stick on there (even the media keys for which I have autohotkey shortcuts). The calculator button was a nice touch but I've since made an AHK macro for it too.

[Chloe]

I don't have a top three; the keyboards I like, I like equally. My dream keyboard would be understated and discreet, much like a Filco or HHKB, matte black with black or no key legends. I haven't decided on the layout or type of switch.

[ch_123]

Thought I'd dig this one up to see what people dream keyboards would be...

I'll hold off judgement of my three favourite keyboards until I get my Blue Cherry Filco, and possibly get a Happy Hacking keyboard later this year, but my dream keyboard would have to be a Model M spacesaver, with Model F style buckling-springs, a Trackpoint IV and a HHKB-style USB hub and detachable connector. Black keys, industrial grey finish

[itlnstln]

I would like a Filco with the same finsh as the charcoal grey Realforce.  I would also like the textured keys the Realforce has.  Some understated volume controls would be nice, too.

[itlnstln]

A G80-1800 would be nice, too.  I love that layout.

[wellington1869]

a round red ESC key would be the bees knees!

[ch_123]

Just like -



I read somewhere that pulling one of those things would drive a plastic spike through the main power line that fed the mainframe and it's constituent parts. Not sure if that's true or not, but it's a pretty awesome idea nonetheless.

[wellington1869]

Welly,  since I think you teach writing or something you must have a good reason for "bees knees" a phrase even my Grandma wouldn't use:

.

lol, no i teach history. I picked up 'bees knees' (and a variety of other 1930's to 50's phraseology -- "Heavens to Murgatroyd!") from my ex-gf who was, for some reason, really into old-timey movies (and vintage clothing).  


It does endear me to the older generation tho, which has its advantages sometimes.  An older person who likes you tends to give you free stuff.

[itlnstln]

for some reason, really into old-timey movies (and vintage clothing).

Shopping for her must have been fairly inexpensive.  I would imagine she shopped the second-hand and thrift stores.

[chimera15]

1. siig minitouch with real alps white sliders.
2. siig minitouch with real alps sliders with dampers,
3. siig minitouch with fake alps sliders

Dreamboard:

black japanese Siig minitouch/filco version with blank letter keys, programmable macro buttons, true n-key rollover, red illuminated lettering for function/arrow/page navigation/number keys, with a red escape key, and  blue alps sliders.

[itlnstln]

Don't call me "Dear".
 
And I'll never give you anything for free. Well, maybe a web link or two.

Are you saying you're old?

[wellington1869]

Are you saying you're old?

...and grumpy, evidently

Don't call me "Dear".

Can I call you shirley?  

[itlnstln]

Can I call you shirley?

Yes you Mae.

[wellington1869]

When I need a "Big Button" keyboard somebody shoot me.

lol i feel that way too.   hell at that point I may off myself with a "Big Trigger" gun.

[Stevie Wonder]

When I need a "Big Button" keyboard somebody shoot me.

Man, you sick and need professional help.

[itlnstln]

When I need a "Big Button" keyboard somebody shoot me.

I like big butt(on)s, and I cannot lie...

[wellington1869]

I like big butt(on)s, and I cannot lie...

lols. I think you're in a Friday state of mind

[Stevie Wonder]

I like big butt(on)s, and I cannot lie...

You all sick.

You'd like my song, Boogie on Reggae Woman though.


Buy my record and you be da sunshine of my life.


It's FRIDAY!

[itlnstln]

I am so f*cking bored.  My new red Esc key was the highlight of my day (so far; until the GF and I get together later ).  I just want to go home.  I have nothing to do on Fridays.  If I have something to do on a Friday, something went horribly wrong at work.  I pretty much sit around all day posting on GH and playing Sudoku on my phone.  Lame.

[itlnstln]

"Sunshine of my Life" is one my all-time favorite Stevie songs.

[IBI]

lol, no i teach history. I picked up 'bees knees' (and a variety of other 1930's to 50's phraseology -- "Heavens to Murgatroyd!") from my ex-gf who was, for some reason, really into old-timey movies (and vintage clothing).  

Sometimes an old fashioned expression is an elegant sufficiency.

[itlnstln]

That IS sad - don't mention it to your girlfriend either.

I don't need to.  My GF is much nicer to look at than a red Esc key.  She kisses better, too.

[Hak Foo]

1.  1391401.  Reliable, consistent, available, and affordable.  Still an excellent tool.

2.  Focus FK-2001.  Had some great memories with Focus keyboards from my old college's surplus-goods-sales shop.  Lovely feel, very nice layout (sacrificing Right Shift is a fair tradeoff for big backspace AND big enter)

3.  Customizer 104.  I really thought it would be my dream keyboard, but the fit-and-finish issues hurt, as does the feeling the way it's built isn't as durable as the 1391401.

My dream board?  A Sun Type 5 layout with programmable keys for those which aren't in the 104-key standard.  Buckling spring keys.  Two USB ports.  Red LEDs.  And a small trackball that snaps on to one or both sides.

[patrickgeekhack]

Without any constraint, my favourite keyboard is currently the Cherry G80-3000. That may change as it had in the past.

However, my favourite keyboard is never free from any constraint. My favourite at work is not my my favourite at home, and vice versa. At any particular time, my favourite keyboad has to satisfy: key feel, key sound, and environment tolerance to noise produced by keys. For example, if at home, I like the Customizer 104 and the Cherry G80-3000, I cannot use them at work, and therefore neither is going to be my favourite keyboard there.  

At home, there are time when my favourite keyboard is a rubber dome. When my daughter is having a light sleep or on days following a migraine episode, a rubber dome is a nice to have.

[cchan]

hmm, I know this will change soon.

#1: Cherry MX8100. Oodles of programmable keys, integrated touchpad, and I can get used to the layout pretty easily.

#2: Cherry MX3000 with blues. It's just fun to type on with the clicks. And standard layout is nice too.

#3: hmm, this takes some thinking.

I'm going to have to say IBM Model M4. I just love the layout and how it's just that little bit smaller than a tenkeyless.

My dreamboard would be... Frameless IBM Model M4 with Cherry browns, native USB, right Alt under comma, arrows on Fn+IJKL, and a touchpad where the arrow keys are. And throw in a Windows key too. Oh and, the editing block rearranged this way:

Code: [Select]


|--------|
|    | PU|
|Del |---|
|    | PD|
|--------|
|Home|End|
|--------|