Which M has best key feel?

[marrt]

I've read several times that certain M's have a slightly better key feel. I'm using a 1993 M at the moment made by Lexmark. I seem to remember the early M's had a different feel and sound. If I want to find one of the earlier IBM keyboards, what should I look for? Model number, year built, etc...

[iMav]

All three of my Model M mini's feel the same.  (the newest was assembled just last fall)

[bhtooefr]

Model number 1390120, 1390131, or 1391401. Those are the best three models, IMO (if you're looking for 101-key.)

My best keyboard for typing feel is a 1391401 built on June 3, 1993.

[xsphat]

my 1391401 feels like crap at the bottom, but the top of the stroke is pretty nice. But the Filco is still the best for typing ...

[Bluemercury]

i have two model M keyboards, made by lexmark, one is the M5-1 and the other the M5-2, the latter have better feeling, i assume because the M5-1 doesnt have two part pieces for the keys....

[Mikecase00]

Model number 1390120, 1390131, or 1391401. Those are the best three models, IMO (if you're looking for 101-key.)

Well said.  I type exclusively on 1391401s, but I hear that the 1390131 (which I've never had the pleasure to use) and 1390120 (which does not have LED lock lights) may be a slight step up in clicky key feel.  

Depending on how/how long the board was used there can be quite a bit of variance though.  Some, probably those with fewer miles,can have notchier action.

[bhtooefr]

And, I'll note that my 2 week old EnduraPro 104 has already softened up a lot on the keys I use the most - to the point that it's now softer than an IBM-made keyboard on most keys. It's different, but I LIKE it.

[alpslover]

i have a 1390131 and it's not noticeably clickier than my 1391401's.  i could swear that the 1390131 springs need just a tiny bit more force to buckle, but that could be in my head.  in a blind test i doubt i'd be able to pick it out from the other m's.

[bhtooefr]

There's also variation between individual keyboards, especially with how old these are.

My worst keyboard to type on (and that counts all of my laptops, a horrible Apple Extended II, and an Apple Keyboard II) is also a 1391401 - but water was allowed to get into the springs, and they rusted slightly.

[nrp]

I have the M.

The 1391401 is what I call the normal model M. It's in the middle of the pack here.

The space saver is a little bit stiffer.

And a newer version (forgot the model number), made by Lexmark, is the lightest.

They are all very good to type on. I don't use anything else but Ms.