What was your keyboard progression?

[kgrad5]

My first mech keyboard was a QFR TKL with blues, mainly to try it out as I got into it and because it's a not-expensive board.
I then wanted to try browns and picked up a DAS keyboard. After using this for a while, I stumbled upon geekhack and wanted to try clears. That's also when I got interested in smaller / 60% ish boards.  So I picked myself up both an FC660M with clears and a Poker II with browns.

That brings me to the present, where I am now thinking about trying Topre but haven't yet pulled the trigger!

What about you? Go!

[terrpn]

model m and then all you know what broke lose..............

[SpAmRaY]

I think there are a couple threads just like this...

[alosec]

Blackwidow Ultimate 2012 (blues)  -$120
WASD Switch Sampler                    -$15
Leopold FC200r (reds)                   -$110
Leopold FC660c (Topre)                 -$200
Filco MJ2 White Ninja (browns)      -$110
IBM Model M (buckling springs)      -$50
DSA blank keycap set                    -$43
Leopold FC660m White (blues)     -$130

All in all, $778

[SpAmRaY]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49882.0

[terran5992]

Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja > Unicomp Model M > Black Widow ultimate > Quick Fire TK > Topre RealForce > Happy Hacking > (Soon) Korean Custom

[aicrono]

I started with some old awful Gateway rubber domes then I found a couple of Model M's in my attic with production dates older than I am and never turned back. Just the weight and construction felt great and I knew that I was on to something. Since then I have bought a Rosewill RK9000 with browns(which are now clears) and a Das with blues. I am looking into building a keyboard out of the spare switches I have from my Rosewill and getting a topre keyboard. If only Phantom plates weren't so hard to come by.

[czarek]

Keyboards I used as daily drivers for longer periods:

Cherry G80-3000 (MX Blue) -> Filco Tenkeyless Otaku (MX Brown) -> IBM Model M 1390131 -> Unicomp EnduraPro -> IBM Model M SSK -> Unicomp Spacesaver M -> HHKB Pro 2 -> Topre Realforce EK edition (45g) -> QFR MX Reds -> Filco Metallic AI (full size MX Blue) with thin blank PBT keycaps.

Some of those I sold, some I still keep in my collection. I also own (and owned) keyboards I never used as daily drivers as I like their looks / feel but I don't like something about them (layout of vintage boards, IBMs / Unicomps are too tiring to work on, Topre I no longer like, Space Invaders I can't connect to my Mac).

[kgrad5]

Keyboards I used as daily drivers for longer periods:

Cherry G80-3000 (MX Blue) -> Filco Tenkeyless Otaku (MX Brown) -> IBM Model M 1390131 -> Unicomp EnduraPro -> IBM Model M SSK -> Unicomp Spacesaver M -> HHKB Pro 2 -> Topre Realforce EK edition (45g) -> QFR MX Reds -> Filco Metallic AI (full size MX Blue) with thin blank PBT keycaps.

Some of those I sold, some I still keep in my collection. I also own (and owned) keyboards I never used as daily drivers as I like their looks / feel but I don't like something about them (layout of vintage boards, IBMs / Unicomps are too tiring to work on, Topre I no longer like, Space Invaders I can't connect to my Mac).

out of curiosity, why did you switch from the fancy topre boards to the qfr with reds?

[Emospence]

Filco Majestouch 2 (MX brown) → Rosewill RK-9000 (MX blue) → HHKB Pro 2

Hope to add Realforce 87UW 55g to it soon

[czarek]

out of curiosity, why did you switch from the fancy topre boards to the qfr with reds?

I didn't like this switch, reds felt scratchy and I gave it time to break in but they still feel scratchy. I went back to my origins and bought myself filco with blues, which felt nicer than my G80, especially after I put on PBT keys.
I like this combination so much that switching back to HHKB when I'm travelling is not a pleasant experience. Topre feels sluggish and very rubbery. Yes it's smooth and tactile but it just doesn't feel mechanical, and I miss the sparkly, snappy and sharply tactile blues when I use HHKB... Unfortunately there are no 60% keyboards with MX switches and usable layout - I absolutely need 2 command and 2 option / alt keys on both sides of the keyboard, easily accessible ESC, ` and \ keys for work.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

M4-1>Model M>TG3-BL82>Ducky DK1087 w/Blues>two more Model Ms>SiiG MiniTouch w/White XMs>QFR w/Blues>Genius M1 w/Clears

^Order I bought them in.

Order I use them in:

QFR w/Blues + Ducky DK1087 w/Blues > Genius M1 w/Clears >Model M

Would use a Model M more often if it wasn't lent out at the moment...

[1pq]

Apple Chicklet --> Model M --> Das (Mac Edition, blues) --> FC660C (coming tomorrow)

Although my das is pretty nice, I'm very excited to check out topre switches

[BliTzKiN]

Lycosa > BWU > Filco Black > Filco Brown > Ducky TKL Blues > Filco TKL Browns > 65g Filco Ergo Clears/Filco TKL Blues > Phantom 62g Ergo Clear/Filco Blue/Phantom 55g Black > (On the way) Ergodox Ergo Clears

Just realized how much of a Filco fanboy I am after listing them out. hehe

[absyrd]

Chicony KB7000 > Model M > QFR MX Blue > Poker MX Brown, Black, Ergo Clear > Topre 55g > QFR MX Blue

[bueller]

Boards in red I sold and green are the boards currently in rotation. Plan on adding a couple of FACE60 boards in the next month or so, both with 62g clears

Quickfire Pro (Red) -> Quickfire TK (Brown) -> Filco TKL (Brown) -> TECK107 (Brown) -> KBT Pure (Ergo Clear)

I've actually been pretty restrained when it comes to keyboards in the year I've been using mechanicals, it's the keycaps that have been the real wallet killer.

[Hellmark]

For me, after I started using my own equipment, I had a few rubber domes, then I've been on a string of Model M's. Trying to get an XT model F going now, since that was the first keyboard I really used.

[Air tree]

I haven't bought the keyboard yet but my first keyboard is going to be straight to topre, HHKB pro 2. Quite a odd start

[Neo.X]

Bought mechanical keyboards from store: BWU, K70, Filcos....

Bought mechanical keyboards from GHers: Topre, Model M, Poker...

Bought mechanical keyboards from GHers: Korean Customers....

Current: stop buying after burning too much money......

[Lastpilot]

Race -> Poker X -> KMAC LE

Lightsaver next!

[soleusrex]

FC200r TKL (blues) --> FC660c

I also bought a WASD Code TKL and a FC700r TKL (reds) but ended up selling both when I found that I didn't like them as much as expected.

[Willy]

My first keyboard was some ****ty dell membrane keyboard that came with my household computer. My second keyboard was a Gigabyte Force K3(was a gift). It was membrane, but as far as membrane is concerned, I have no gripes with that keyboard. It was sturdy, heavy, and comfortable to type on. My third keyboard (first mechanical keyboard) is my QFR with blues. Now, I LOVE my QFR.

[SneakyRobb]

Thin apple white chicklet keyboard
CMSTORM mx cherry brown keyboard.
Unicomp buckling spring keyboard.
IBM model F terminal with archaic layout
IBM model F terminal 122 key is in the mail to arrive at some point soon

[BucklingSpring]

Mainframe terminals
IBM M Bucklingspring
Years of all sort of rubber dome junk
Keytronic better rubber dome
NMB even better rubber dome
IBM M Bucklingsping
NMB Space Invader
DAS MX Blue
Unicomp M Bucklingspring
Deck MX Black
Deck MX Clear
Filco TKL MX Blue
Topre 87U All 55g
TVS Gold MX Blue
xArmor MX Brown junk (will never buy iOne ish products again)
Topre 103U variable weight
Matias Quiet Pro
Unicomp M Quiet Touch (Rubber dome)
Filco AI II MX Blue
Matias Mini Quiet Pro
CM QFR MX Green Junk
CM Strom Trigger MX Green Junk (In replacement of the QFR, will never buy CM product again)
Ducky 9008G2 MX Green PBT Caps

And the next (the LAST keyboards I will ever buy). KMAC, Deck Francium and Deck Hassium ;-)

[jevvix]

Model M as a kid and growing up
Multiple different rubber dome 'gaming' kbs for a long time
Quickfire XT w/Blues, loved it so much I bought a...
Quickfire XT w/Reds on sale
Tandy Enhanced Peerless garage sale pickup (novelty)
... and full circle back to an IBM Model M 1391401.

[noisyturtle]

ITT the inevitable march towards customs

Filco MJ2 yellow - browns
Model F AT
Pure LE - blues
Ducky YotD - reds
Custom board - ergo clears

soon - Topre

[jevvix]

ITT the inevitable march towards customs

Must... resist... 

[calavera]

Too long to list really. My very first mech keyboard was a cherry 3000 QUERTZ board with black switches back in the mid 90's. I didn't even know about mech keyboards then nor were there any demand for it as there is now I think.

[terran5992]

ITT the inevitable march towards customs

Filco MJ2 yellow - browns
Model F AT
Pure LE - blues
Ducky YotD - reds
Custom board - ergo clears

soon - Topre

You cant resist topre

[Air tree]

ITT the inevitable march towards customs

Filco MJ2 yellow - browns
Model F AT
Pure LE - blues
Ducky YotD - reds
Custom board - ergo clears

soon - Topre

You cant resist topre

I can't resist it either and i haven't even bought a Cherry board

I guess i'm starting from the top in some eyes

[tp4tissue]

Poop (Black widow).....Blue Poop (Black widow ultimate)... Staggered qwerty rubbish ... Topre rubbish...  Aluminum rubbish.... More rubbish...

Salvation ....  Egdx....

[eyesmiles]

Model M (I believe it was) - Was not aware of what I was using being a child at the time. Typed on one while learning Lotus 1 2 3 (nothing else to do at the age of 5 in a server room while visiting my Dad's workplace)
Some Crap Dell RD
Logitech Media Center Elite - Was a nice RD. Lasted through many CS 1.5/1.6 scrims
Logitech Illuminated - Absolutely hated the thing
Leopold FC200R (MX Clear) - First mechanical keyboard I purchased for myself
Filco Majestouch 1 104 (MX Blue) - First taste of clicky, felt a bit light
Filco Majestouch 2 TKL (MX Red) - First taste of linear, felt too light
Filco Majestouch 2 TKL Yellow (MX Black) - Felt too heavy at that time of switch experimentation
Ducky 9008 G2 Pro (MX Green) - Was fun, but felt was exhausting after awhile
Modified the Filco MJ2 TKL (MX Black) to Panda Clears - One of my Daily Drivers
Tried an HHKB at a job site - Felt Underwhelmed at Topre
KBT Pure (MX Blue) - First PCB mount / First 60%, felt nice
Poker X (MX White 65g) - My friend's KB. I really like how 65g MX Whites feel. Will have them on one of my GH60s
Poker II (MX Brown) - Still dislike MX Browns
Poker II (MX Black) - Fun
FC660M (MX Clear) - Layout really grew on me. One of my Daily Drivers

GH60 & Sprit's 60% near future ...
Korean custom - Some day

After typing that list, I find it interesting how my tastes have change. Didn't enjoy MX Blacks at first, now I adore them. Still love stock MX Clears. Panda Clears are by far my favorite.

[Tony]

Compaq MX11800 x 3
IBM model M
Filco 104 brown
Filco 87 brown
Choc mini Blue + Red
Choc mini brown
QFR black
Choc mini Blue

[RabRhee]

IBM Model Fs. about 83-88
IBM Model Ms 86-2005
G15 2005-2013
Qpad MK-85 with blues for a month.
Neo KB-87 with ghetto greens.

[MKULTRA]

Various rubber domes -> Filco MJ2 -> A.87 (I rotate between this and my Filco)

[vivalarevolución]

-Started my keyboard journey with Logitech Wave
-Then Kinesis Freestyle and Goldtouch Adjustable
-First Mechanical with Kinesis Advantage w/Reds
-Then Maltron w/ Blacks
-Noppoo Choc Mini with w/ Blues
-Apple Extended Keyboard I with Orange Alps
-Bought a few Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard (aka Apple IIGS) with Orange Alps and White SMK
-Next came the Ergodox phase
-Then came a couple Model Ms and Unicomp
-Now I am in love with the Model F

Currently own a IBM Model M13, IBM Model F 122 key, two Ergodoxen, an Apple IIGS, a Chicony 5181 (Monterey Blue), and a Maltron.  I think that's it.

And I might be forgeting a couple.  Owned a few ergo mice as well--Rollermouse, CST Ltrac, Kensington Slimblade, and MouseTrapper.

What's next?  Probably a Topre board, that 60% Alps, and something else, and offload a couple of my other boards. 

[PointyFox]

Unknown > Dell keyboard > Dell keyboard  > Dell keyboard > CM Storm QF Pro > QFR > QFR > Majestouch 2 > Poker II

[Photekq]

[xmagusx]

First --
Apple M0116, M0118, Extended, Extended II
Then moved to PC --
Various 104 (plus various media key configurations) rubber dome keyboards
Then my hands hurt --
Microsoft Ergo 4000
Then I found this site --
ErgoDox (MassDrop gb3, clears)

[Grendel]

1st was a Cherry serial KB I was using w/ my 1st more serious computer, mid-80's. After that it's PC's:

IBM 5170 PC AT, back in the late 80's
IBM Model M during the 90's
IBM 8923 2000-2005
Deck Legend Fire 2005-2011
Unicomp Customizer 104/105 at work 2009-2013
XArmor U9BL-S 2011-2013

Currently using a Deck Legend Frost and Corsair K70 Brown at home and a CM Storm QF XT Green at work. Planning to build my own in the near future

[Hyde]

Das Keyboard MX Brown (Costar)
Filco Ninja 104 MX Red
Matias Quiet Pro
Cherry G84-4100
Topre Type Heaven
Poker II

For me I start with Das Keyboard because it was the cheapest full size Costar keyboard at the time.  I use number pad a lot so I always get full size keyboards.

Then after that my rule is I don't buy the same switches twice, because I want to try all the different switches if I can.

Poker is my first exception because MX Clear isn't available.  It's also my first non-full size keyboard.  This one is an impulse buy because I saw an aluminum case that I really like so I bought the case first then bought the keyboard.

[PointyFox]

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Looks like you've transcended the need for keys.  The next step for you will be an entirely thought-based keyboard.

[Puddsy]

Nothing

QFR

Ducky DK1087

MJ2 (both), HHKB, miniLA

Pure Pro

[Beca]

Leopold FC200R with browns > Leopold FC660M with clears > Poker 2 with blues > Noppoo Choc Mini with blues

I've already sold/given away two of those boards already (Leopold FC200R and Poker 2), but I'm hoping to one day sell all these boards and get a KMAC Mini and an HHKB.

[kgrad5]

ITT the inevitable march towards customs

So true. Those Gon's are soooo nice though!

[boost]

Duck TKL MX Brown
Filco TKL MC Brown
KMAC MX Black
The Cheat MX Clear
RF 10th AE 55g
RF 55g
KMAC MX Red
MX MIni Black
The cheat MX Green
KMINI MX Black
KPAD MX Black
LZ-MX MX Black
LZ-SE MX Black
356mini black MX Black
456gt MX Black
IBM SSK
356mini red MX Black
456gt MX Red
5 Phantoms
5 gh60

I know I'm missing a few

[Puddsy]

Duck TKL MX Brown
Filco TKL MC Brown
KMAC MX Black
The Cheat MX Clear
RF 10th AE 55g
RF 55g
KMAC MX Red
MX MIni Black
The cheat MX Green
KMINI MX Black
KPAD MX Black
LZ-MX MX Black
LZ-SE MX Black
356mini black MX Black
456gt MX Black
IBM SSK
356mini red MX Black
456gt MX Red
5 Phantoms
5 gh60

I know I'm missing a few

I take it MX blacks are your favorite switch?

[boost]

Duck TKL MX Brown
Filco TKL MC Brown
KMAC MX Black
The Cheat MX Clear
RF 10th AE 55g
RF 55g
KMAC MX Red
MX MIni Black
The cheat MX Green
KMINI MX Black
KPAD MX Black
LZ-MX MX Black
LZ-SE MX Black
356mini black MX Black
456gt MX Black
IBM SSK
356mini red MX Black
456gt MX Red
5 Phantoms
5 gh60

I know I'm missing a few

I take it MX blacks are your favorite switch?

Different flavors of MX blacks, from 50g-65g springs

[Fragil1ty]

Started off with a Blue Razer Blackwidow, progressed to a Noppoo Choc mini /w reds, progressed (lol) to a Keycool 84 w/ blacks and now I'm finally at that sweet point with a Keycool 84 /w Browns.

Still prefer reds though.

[SamirD]

Started out on the Texas Instruments 99/4A, then a Commodore 64, then an IBM M that came as part of a IBM 30-286, then a Keytronic for our first 486, and then back to the IBM M since I found someone selling them for 50 cents each and grabbed about 20.