Your first keyboard! A thread for sharing your humble beginnings

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

Post a picture of where you started (your first mech)
and where you are now (your most recent / endgame mech)


My first mech, Unicomp 104; Buckling Springs

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My current mech (around 20 boards later), Ori60; built with Kailh Box Whites; Keycaps - SA Ashen

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Let's see what you've got! 

[Tom_Kazansky]

My first mech is CM Storm Quickfire Pro, Brown switch

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well... I sold it.

about several boards later:

JC65 built with Gatistotle + 65g springs and G20 Semiotic

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[chyros]

First; IBM Model F XT

Now; everything

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

First; IBM Model F XT

Now; everything

LOL, literally every keyboard.

[megnin]

My first mechanical keyboard was a 104 Bluetooth Filco Majestouch I had to order from a 3rd party buyer in Japan because the bluetooth didn't meet US FCC rules and wasn't importable.  The keyboard that got me started wasn't a mechanical, but a DAS Keyboard 1 which was a nice rubber dome keyboard.

[dante]

I started with a Leopold FC200R w/ MX Browns; now I mostly prefer a Dell KB-522 membrane rubber dome.

[0100010]

My first MK back in the 80s was an IBM Model F AT (at least I am pretty sure it was).



My current "end game" MK is my 4704 F107.

[ideus]

These are some pics of my first keyboard that was a Poker X I got around 2012 and sold in 2015.









I used this for a year or so. The Skull Squadron is a cool set but it is a dirt magnet.





I use this one now

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

My first MK back in the 80s was an IBM Model F AT (at least I am pretty sure it was).

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My current "end game" MK is my 4704 F107.

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That 4704 is awesome! Springs I assume?

[quasistellar]

My first keyboard was arguably the second worst keyboard ever made:

The IBM PC jr keyboard (non chiclet version)

My first mechanical was a a Lexmark (I think) Model M.

My current mech(s) are

Work:  Silenced Novatouch with Modern Selectric SA

Home:  Logitech G410 (ugh so ugly lol) with Romer-G.

I've come a long way.


Currently, I have some Kailh Coppers that I need to put in a board.  I'm actually thinking of getting one of those cheaper Team Wolf boards and trying them there to see if I like them, and then possibly build a board around them for home gaming use.  I like the Romer-G but it's killing me that I can't change the keycaps.

I've also got some orange Alps in an m0116 that I'd like to put in a different board.  I have an infiniti, but the plate it came with doesn't work for ANY of the alps keycap/stab combinations that I have (apple, tai hao, matias).  I'm guessing the plate was made specifically for the keycaps that came with the group buy and nothing else (SP Alps DSA, I think?).  Plus, after playing with a Pok3r for a while, I don't know if 60% is for me.  If I could get an Alps board with the Cherry 1800 layout I'd be in heaven.

[killyou]

My first keyboard was CM Storm Novatouch. Pretty good keyboard which could be awesome with few little tweaks like upstroke dampening. I got rid of it because I decided to use 60% keyboard for ergonomic reasons, decided on Pok3r with MX Clear switches. I also got Magicforce 68 with Outemu brown (very decent board) switches to keep me company while waiting for the Pok3r. Since them I got rid of Magicforce and acquired another Pok3r, now I have two of them, black and white. I guess I need to update my signature. No reason to provide any pictures, it's all stock and that's how I like it. I plan to update one of the Pok3rs with holtites, which I already acquired, for hot swappable switches.

[tornarchon]

I went straight into the deep end (for ergonomic reasons) and got myself a Diverge 3 about a year ago. Still my main driver, though I'm scratch-building a 60% with a heavily staggered layout at the moment.

[SBJ]

CM Storm Ultimate I believe it was called or something to that effect.

Still gearing up towards a custom.

Currently using a VA87M.

[0100010]

My first MK back in the 80s was an IBM Model F AT (at least I am pretty sure it was).

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My current "end game" MK is my 4704 F107.

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That 4704 is awesome! Springs I assume?

Model F (capacitive) buckling springs.

[Touch_It]

First working board was a chicony 5981 with monteray blues

first non-working board was a terminal model m.

not a bad way to start out.

Currently use an AEK with salmon alps at work.

IBM M goodwill find at home.

[jcoffin1981]

My I went from a Logitech Illuminated to a Cherry MX 3.0.  I loved the keycaps, but ultimately switched to a smaller board.  I now have switch between a Poker 3 and Leopold FC660M.

Still have the Cherry and am debating whether to sell it or hold on to it.

[WhyYouLikeDis]

Started out with a Ducky Zero with blues last year. Now I'm slowly turning it into a jailhouse blues board and I have side printed pbt caps coming soon so you can say I'm pretty damn near to my perfect keyboard.

Sent from my ONE A2005 using Tapatalk

[Petch]

First mech was a blackwidow in 2011

Then I wanted a 60%, sometime in 2013 I think - so I got the Ducky Mini that had just been released. It had dissapointingly poor build quality (maybe just mine?) so I imported a HHKB Type-S. that was great. Since then I've picked up a couple more detail boards, a Realforce and Pok3r.

Finally built my own custom at the start of the year - and now I'm waiting on a bunch of group buys  No pictures because I'm not near any of them atm. Looks like I need a keyboard to take photos of at work

[Corgi Butts]

My WhiteFox that I got last week!

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

First mech was a blackwidow in 2011

Then I wanted a 60%, sometime in 2013 I think - so I got the Ducky Mini that had just been released. It had dissapointingly poor build quality (maybe just mine?) so I imported a HHKB Type-S. that was great. Since then I've picked up a couple more detail boards, a Realforce and Pok3r.

Finally built my own custom at the start of the year - and now I'm waiting on a bunch of group buys  No pictures because I'm not near any of them atm. Looks like I need a keyboard to take photos of at work

Would love to see pics!

[fleischverpackung]

big highscreen tenkey with steel casing.

[monkeysontoast]

My first board was a KBD V60+, which I outfitted with some blank Galax-C caps (I still use this board with my gaming laptop):





My second and current board is a WASD V2 with a custom Avid editing layout, heavily inspired by Hyperfuse SA:

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

My first board was a KBD V60+, which I outfitted with some blank Galax-C caps (I still use this board with my gaming laptop):

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My second and current board is a WASD V2 with a custom Avid editing layout, heavily inspired by Hyperfuse SA:

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You made great use of the WASD keycap creator!

[manolo]

My first mech was a fullsize WASD Code with MX Clear.

Now my main keyboard at work is a KBP V60 with Matias Quiet Click switches. At home, it's a recently acquired (last week) TKL Topre Realforce with 55g switches and I'm loving it.

Long story short, I started with fullsize keyboards and springy switches. Now I'm TKL/60% and snappy switches person all the way.

[jamster]

No pictures, but I started with Model Ms and NEC clicky boards, and am now on Topre. It's better, I guess, but not light years different.

[web993]

My first board was this FC660M with MX Reds. https://www.instagram.com/p/BLR_t-vjP5J/

I loved it but hated the way they made it so difficult to mod switches, so I traded it for my KC60 with Greens which started my descent into madness over those switches.

Technical most recent is my Masterkeys, but I still feel bad about it so I don't have any photos.

[zslane]

My first mech board was a Filco Majestouch-2 w/ MX Reds and DSA Dolch:



I still have it, and will always keep it because it is a great keyboard. However, I have since moved on to silenced Topre switches and SA keycaps.

[knightjp]

My first keyboard that I got with my first Pentium 2 was just some ordinary keyboard. Don't even remember the name. Don't even remember typing on it. The second one is the one that I remember - HP 434821-087. I think it is because it was the first time that I really enjoyed working on one. We even used to fight for those keyboards at the company where I worked. Because they had the best feel, compared to the other DELL ones that were around. And for someone doing data-entry, a good keyboard was a good thing to have.

[DesktopJinx]

My first computer keyboard experience was on an IBM PC.
My current keyboard is an M15.
I like other keyswitches just fine, but the M15 buckling spring is my true love.

[SBJ]

My first mech board was a Filco Majestouch-2 w/ MX Reds and DSA Dolch:

(Attachment Link)

I still have it, and will always keep it because it is a great keyboard. However, I have since moved on to silenced Topre switches and SA keycaps.

I wish I had kept my first keyboard.
I gave it to a friend though and he's still using it.

[Coffee]

My first mechanical keyboard was a Filco MJ2 TKL with Cherry MX Blacks. They were great and wonderfully clacky but I now have it on a backup computer.

I currently rotate between an Anne Pro with gateron blues, Realforce full-size with variable weights, a Plum84 with 35g switches and a Corsair K70 with MX reds.

[Severe]

First mech was an HHKB Pro2, now a have a collection of them
Fell in love with the layout at first sight and had to have one

My current fetish is 40% though

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

My first mech board was a Filco Majestouch-2 w/ MX Reds and DSA Dolch:

(Attachment Link)

I still have it, and will always keep it because it is a great keyboard. However, I have since moved on to silenced Topre switches and SA keycaps.

I wish I had kept my first keyboard.
I gave it to a friend though and he's still using it.

Somebody borrowed my actual first keyboard and never gave it back

It was a Rosewill Helios with mx blues

[lordgiblite]

First Mech: Corsair K70 with MX Browns

Current Mech: Sentraq S60-X with Gat Browns

In progress Mechs: Let's Split with Tealios and Kona Classic with 67g Zealios

[maletero]

I was just logging on for the first time in a while to post a little about my mechanical keyboard journey!

I started with a Das MX Brown, back in 2010, give or take. Soooo many finger prints! At the time, I thought there's no way that I was going to be like so many here, spending hundreds of dollars on input devices, where others get by with (squishy) $10 models.

Well, I just bought my fifth (or maybe 6th) keyboard - a WASD 87 key, again in MX brown. I didn't think there was going to be much difference over a 104 key CoolerMaster Brown I was using at work, but oh boy. This will keep the habit alive!

[Pizzathehutt]

My first mechanical keyboard and build

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

My first mechanical keyboard and build

Wow! This is wild!

Can I get some more info on this?

[Pizzathehutt]

Sure thing, I didn't like the layout for these fancy macro boards and was using a Logitech g105 and decided to cannibalize it to make what I wanted. I'm using silent cherry reds with translucent black key caps. I also glued shadowed letters inside the caps. The three keys next to the mini space bar are doubled macro keys from easy use.

[OldIsNew]

A ZKB-2 I got with a Zenith Data Systems 386 machine. Still play DOOM with it on my 486 running MS DOS 6.22.

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

Sure thing, I didn't like the layout for these fancy macro boards and was using a Logitech g105 and decided to cannibalize it to make what I wanted. I'm using silent cherry reds with translucent black key caps. I also glued shadowed letters inside the caps. The three keys next to the mini space bar are doubled macro keys from easy use.

Wow, that must have taken a lot of work!
I'd like to try it one day 

That's pretty dope.

[chyros]

A ZKB-2 I got with a Zenith Data Systems 386 machine. Still play DOOM with it on my 486 running MS DOS 6.22.

(Attachment Link)

'Espect.

[badziew]

My first mech was Ajazz AK33, white, ice blue LEDs, with Zorro Black switches. I found the switches to be too light, the keycaps were a bit too high, and socket in the J keycaps broke on half after 2 months of use.

Right now I am waiting for Vortex Race 3 with MX Clears to arrive.

[mogo]

First mech, 2013: KBT Pure 60% with Cherry MX Whites

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Current mech, 2017: KBT Pure 60% with Cherry MX Whites

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¯\_(ツ)_/¯
 

I've got a few other boards at this point, but they don't see the usage that my Pure does. It's just the best keyboard ever. Fact.

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

First mech, 2013: KBT Pure 60% with Cherry MX Whites

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Current mech, 2017: KBT Pure 60% with Cherry MX Whites

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¯\_(ツ)_/¯
 

I've got a few other boards at this point, but they don't see the usage that my Pure does. It's just the best keyboard ever. Fact.

MX Whites are low key end-game material. Probably my favorite Cherry switch!

[Sangdrax]

First keyboard was the IBM KB-7953 that came with my first computer, an IBM station with a Pentium II in the 90's. Still have it laying around and the computer that goes with it.

Currently using even older stuff. 1978 Harris Series 800 and 1983 IBM 3278-2 Beamspring. One my favorite linear and one my favorite tactile/clicky. Solenoids in both for maximum clack when I want it.

[jnav]

First keyboard was the Apple Extended II, and it's still one of my favorites to this day.


Current keyboard(s)... All? The one I'm currently typing on is a Clueboard 66% with SA Penumbra + Zealios.

[lordgiblite]

First keyboard was the Apple Extended II, and it's still one of my favorites to this day.

I really want to get a hold of an Apple Extended Keyboard, just to try it out for myself.

[Joey Quinn]

WASD Code TKL that I owned for about 2mo before selling it and downsizing to a Poker II.

[Hyde]

Well I don't know if this counts as first keyboard but I bought a Razer Blackwidow for a week.



To be honest I didn't had too much issue with it and Razer isn't as bad as most people made it out to be.

EXCEPT I can't stand macro keys because I always hit the wrong key when trying to hit "ctrl" so I end up returning it and got a Das Keyboard Professional S (MX Brown).

I still use the Das Keyboard from time to time till this day.



So officially I'll consider Das Keyboard as my real "first keyboard".

Funny enough my second keyboard which is a Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 (MX Red) which I also still use from time to time till this day.



I think I own about 11-12 keyboards now and my first 2 (Das and Filco) are my favourite.

The one I spend the most money on turns out to be the least used haha.



I think I got Poker-II + bought LED separately + aluminum case + custom cable then in the end I realize I still like full size since I use number pad a lot LOL.

Then after that I think I use my Topre Realforce 104UW and Topre Type Heaven a lot.  But unfortunately I didn't take any nice pictures for them.

Maybe Topre in general just aren't the most stylish keyboard?  Though I think Type Heaven is nicely designed.



I swap keyboard regularly so I don't have an "end game" per say but I'm currently using Logitech K840 since I only got it about a week and half ago.

[superpiya]

My first mech board was a Razer Blackwidow TE with mx blue switches. Four keys had chattering within just a couple of months, so I gave it away. Unfortunately I didn't keep any of its photos.

I was just logging on for the first time in a while to post a little about my mechanical keyboard journey!

I started with a Das MX Brown, back in 2010, give or take. Soooo many finger prints! At the time, I thought there's no way that I was going to be like so many here, spending hundreds of dollars on input devices, where others get by with (squishy) $10 models.

Well, I just bought my fifth (or maybe 6th) keyboard - a WASD 87 key, again in MX brown. I didn't think there was going to be much difference over a 104 key CoolerMaster Brown I was using at work, but oh boy. This will keep the habit alive!

Holy.. congratulations on your first post in seven years!!  )

[dgneo]

My first two boards, CM QFR w/ MX Blues and a SteelSeries 7G. Replaced the keycaps on both with some eBay ones, but that was about it. That was about 5 years ago.

Currently:

Have a couple more boards on the way as well.

[vijucat]

What are those mousepad-like thingies you use for tenting the Diverge 3? I'm doing a trial of a Diverge 3 and I'm really liking it, but I need something more sophisticated than my kid's pillow to achieving the tenting 

[davkol]

Those are cut tennis balls just from looking at the photo.

[_rubik]

I really had to go digging for an old photo. I rocked the k70 with cherry browns for quite a while. I had JUST gotten my pok3r in this photo.



Now? I don't have any decent photos. But you can always check my sig 

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

I really had to go digging for an old photo. I rocked the k70 with cherry browns for quite a while. I had JUST gotten my pok3r in this photo.

(Attachment Link)

Now? I don't have any decent photos. But you can always check my sig 

That is a cozy little space you have there! 

I had actually forgotten about this thread, but, I just updated the look of my current-end-game recently so might as well show it off. Still an Ori60 with Box White switches.

[_rubik]

I really had to go digging for an old photo. I rocked the k70 with cherry browns for quite a while. I had JUST gotten my pok3r in this photo.

(Attachment Link)

Now? I don't have any decent photos. But you can always check my sig 

That is a cozy little space you have there! 

I had actually forgotten about this thread, but, I just updated the look of my current-end-game recently so might as well show it off. Still an Ori60 with Box White switches.

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That's actually my home desk from a few years ago. I've updated quite a bit since.... and moved to linux full time ;)

And I see we're actually building the exact same 60% SA Dasher board. Mine is going in a low profile royal glam black walnut case. Should be a really interesting combo.

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

I really had to go digging for an old photo. I rocked the k70 with cherry browns for quite a while. I had JUST gotten my pok3r in this photo.

(Attachment Link)

Now? I don't have any decent photos. But you can always check my sig 

That is a cozy little space you have there! 

I had actually forgotten about this thread, but, I just updated the look of my current-end-game recently so might as well show it off. Still an Ori60 with Box White switches.

Show Image

That's actually my home desk from a few years ago. I've updated quite a bit since.... and moved to linux full time ;)

And I see we're actually building the exact same 60% SA Dasher board. Mine is going in a low profile royal glam black walnut case. Should be a really interesting combo.

Box Whites are divine, you will love it!

[Visionaire]

First is a Razer Black Widow Stealth...

Quickly going down the rabbit hole towards building my own custom board. Haven't decided where I'm headed yet, but I gravitate towards the 68 key option.

[metalliqaz]

First childhood computer: FK2001 with that built-in cover


First mech as an adult: Leopold FC200R with MX browns


Now: Custom made boards of my own design

[Rinsaku]

I got into Mechanical keyboards around late 2011 and around then found out about geekhack. My first Keyboard was obtained from craigslist, a beige TKL Filco with Mx Browns.
Don't have a picture of it, and not sure what it is about Filco, but their browns feel better than other brands... or is it just me?

[Moufinure]

Oh boy...
I've always been on a quest to find a good keyboard to type on. I went through a awful lot of different domes keyboards but I never was satisfied with what I've got.

Once, I was reading about a dude who had a IBM Model M, and bragged about being able to gorilla fist his keyboard and still having it survive!
I then heard about mech keyboards, I went on Amazon and bought actually two Steelseries 6GV2 (just wanted one, but I made an order mistake and got 2), that was my first mech experience, and I never looked back again!

Since, I've got Topre RF, most of the main Cherry MX types, ALPS... and I recently got myself an HHKB. Yeah!
Notice that I still own all the mechs that I've got so far...

[Signature]

First: Ducky Shine 2 MX-Brown

Now: Some metal scrap from korea and a rubberdome from Japan

[anode]

My first mechanical was a 1987 Model M my friend rescued from an abandoned school in North Carolina back around 2010 or so. The school had left all of its IT and computer lab stuff in a locked barn out back, but you could sneak in a window that someone had broken. Piles of old servers and various Mac workstations were sitting there untouched, and all were sadly scrapped a few years later when the school was demolished. He mailed the keyboard up to me and I used it exclusively until some time last year.

His friend also stole an Apple IIGS from there at the same time, which his mom threw out for no reason a week later.

[OfTheWild]

My first mechanical keyboard was a Corsair K95 with MX Red... but my first real mechanical keyboard is my Sentraq 60X:

[microsoft windows]

ARE THERE ANY TYPEWRITERS HERE?

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

ARE THERE ANY TYPEWRITERS HERE?

I got a typewriter from goodwill! Do you have one you could post?

[_rubik]

My first mechanical keyboard was a Corsair K95 with MX Red... but my first real mechanical keyboard is my Sentraq 60X:

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I too have a purple 60% sentraq plate on my charcoal keys. I love the color pop. Using plates for accent colors is underrated imo.

[Rubbermilitia]

Ducky shine 4 silver w/ cherry MX red - still using it now. Going to be selling it soon since I have a GMMK 104 coming and I can't stand the mx red for anything but gaming

https://imgur.com/a/icnZK

[Rubbermilitia]

I really had to go digging for an old photo. I rocked the k70 with cherry browns for quite a while. I had JUST gotten my pok3r in this photo.

(Attachment Link)

Now? I don't have any decent photos. But you can always check my sig 

That is a cozy little space you have there! 

I had actually forgotten about this thread, but, I just updated the look of my current-end-game recently so might as well show it off. Still an Ori60 with Box White switches.

Show Image

Love the dasher/dancer sets wish I was around when they dropped :)
Do the box switches make the keycaps feel more stable/less wiggle? or is it purely to keep dirt out

[4pcx]

First Keyboard, came with the family's Adam Computer.  http://oldcomputers.net/adam.html

http://www.nightfallcrew.com/wp-content/gallery/adam-coleco-vision-family-computer-system-boxed/IMG_1710.jpg

nice and clackey as i recall...  so was the printer! I learned how loud the printer really was when I printed something at 2am waking my father! OOPS!!

[OfTheWild]

ARE THERE ANY TYPEWRITERS HERE?

Negative. That thread is here:

[funderburker]

This was my first mechanical keyboard. A great little and fully custom MA42 keyboard (thanks Joey Quinn for the inspiration!). Maybe some day I'll get to making another.

[invariance]

My first keyboard was part of the pc: a CoCo2.  For those not old enough, it is a Tandy/Radio Shack Colour Computer 2.
It is still in the original box with the cassette tape 'drive', dot matrix printer, joystick, some cartridge games and books at my father's place so I don't have a pick of it, but here is an equivalent from http://ianmav.customer.netspace.net.au/trs80/.

[DALExSNAIL]

First KB was a qfr with browns, kinda miss it.

Currently Using SGI Bigfoot at work, with dampened creams:
No pic avail, :travolta:

And at home Im using my 910:

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

I really had to go digging for an old photo. I rocked the k70 with cherry browns for quite a while. I had JUST gotten my pok3r in this photo.

(Attachment Link)

Now? I don't have any decent photos. But you can always check my sig 

That is a cozy little space you have there! 

I had actually forgotten about this thread, but, I just updated the look of my current-end-game recently so might as well show it off. Still an Ori60 with Box White switches.

Show Image

Love the dasher/dancer sets wish I was around when they dropped :)
Do the box switches make the keycaps feel more stable/less wiggle? or is it purely to keep dirt out

The box switch eliminates almost all wobble! I've said it once and I'll say it again, these switches are hard-endgame material.
I haven't wanted to type on another board after I built this one.

[daskeybo]

A Das!

Long gone.

[davkol]

It wasn't my first keyboard, but it was only the second non-basic keyboard I ever bought brand new (after Logitech UltraX). Noppoo Choc Mini in summer 2012.



I actually haven't bought another keyboard from a store ever since.

[whiskerBox]

First board was a filco tkl w/browns. I found geek hack when I saw a red esc key and it's been down hill ever since.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[Riverman]

First keyboard was the Apple Extended II, and it's still one of my favorites to this day.
(Attachment Link)

Current keyboard(s)... All? The one I'm currently typing on is a Clueboard 66% with SA Penumbra + Zealios.

An Apple Extended Keyboard II was my first keyboard, too!  I had one that was bought new with a Macintosh SE/30.  The keyboard dwarfed that little computer.  The keyboard cost about $150 new back in 1990 or so.  I still have two of those keyboards, but not the original one I had.

My current keyboards are a Cherry G80-3000 with brown switches and Matt3o's Dev/TTY keycaps for work, and a Mistel Sleeker with brown switches on my iMac at home.

[MGMorden]

My first mechanical keyboard:

A Smith Corona with Acer switches.   



Current:

Depends on the location. 

Home office: Unicomp Classic



Home bedroom: IBM Model M circa 1994


Work office:
At the moment I'm temporarily using a Logitech K840 as I took my previous board home to desolder the switches to replace them.

[Altis]

First one I remember that we had for the family computer around '92 was a rubber-dome Model M clone, probably Keytronic E03601QL. I seem to recall it being quite nice as I was disappointed when it was replaced with the next computer (and no idea why it was).

First I ever got for myself was a Logitech wireless that came in a combo with the MX700 mouse. It wasn't as bad as rubber domes get, but it was still bad enough.



My first mech boards were the BlackWidow Ultimate (MX Blue, 2012) and Das Keyboard S Ultimate (MX Brown)... almost the same time, so I'm not sure which was first.

Now I rotate a lot but I gravitate towards my QFR with MX Reds since it works well for gaming and look great. For typing I usually bust out a 45g Topre board (87U, HHKB).

QFR is the black one (Old pics, top is how the keyboards are currently though... Looks better in person as you can see the bright red backplate between the keycaps of the QFR):

[seville57]

My first mech k - board was a pink Zowie Celeritas Pro Cherry MX Brown with ISO/Nordic layout, bought for some years ago. Still have it.




Now: Some Ducky Shine 3, 4 and a pink Ducky One + Ducky One RGB YOTG Cherry MX Black.




Ducky Shine 3 with Royal Navy keycaps set.

[bitzie]

First "mechanical" was a Logitech G413. (Not my pic; I can't be bothered to dig out my G413 just for one pic.)



Very quickly got my first actual mechanical: the Vortex Core with MX Browns that I pretty much immediately put DSA Honeywell on.



Right now, after a couple grab bags from PMK, here's my Core.



Currently waiting for a BananaSplit V2 pcb to get here so I can actually do my first build.

[Chevy_Monsenhor]

New to the forums, so hello everyone!

First mech: Nixeus Moda V2 with Kailh Blues, replaced my long esteemed Dell L100 (which i still have as a spare).


Current mechs: ABNT Model M (in desperate need of a new cable), terminal RJ45 ANSI Model M (which i exchanged in a local forum for the Mantis GK2 in the picture, hasn't arrived yet) and a Obins Anne Pro with Gateron Browns (currently being held at the customs for tax deduction).

[letsfixitinpost]

My first board was a KBD V60+, which I outfitted with some blank Galax-C caps (I still use this board with my gaming laptop):

Show Image

My second and current board is a WASD V2 with a custom Avid editing layout, heavily inspired by Hyperfuse SA:

Show Image

Im typing on the more colorful OG v2 avid editing layout right now.  I love the color theme for yours.  The purple is perfect. 

[Khers]

.

[Kavik]

If I go way back, I suppose the very first mechanical keyboard I used was the Amiga 1000 keyboard. I gave it a go about a year ago, and the switches feel like crap: extremely mushy, not that I noticed back then.




My family also had various PCs, so whatever came with those. I have a still from a home video here, but I'm not sure what computer that is; it's not the Packard Bell I remember. Absolutely clueless on the keyboard.




As far as current mechs go, I ordered both a Rosewill RK-9000I (MX Blues) and CM QuickFire TK (MX Reds) at the same time. Those lasted me about three years until I got really tired of MX Blues and ordered a couple Model Ms. They're just stock, so I won't bother posting pictures.

Currently, at home, I've been switching between a V80 with TEX case and Matias switches and an M65-A with Zealios.





I'm not sure if a keyboard cake counts. My mom made this for my brother's 13th birthday.

[jdcarpe]

My very first keyboard came integrated into my very first home computer, the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A. Crap Stackpole switches, but nice, thick double shot ABS keycaps.




My first conscious purchase of a separate mechanical keyboard would have been around 2002 or so, when I ordered a NOS IBM Model M Keyboard (42H1292) from a seller on eBay. I still have that keyboard to this day.




Currently, I am using a WASD CODE TKL with MX Clears at home, and a Filco Majestouch-2 TKL with MX Blacks and Filco spherical (white on dark brown SA) keycaps at work.


Some of my current favorites are my KMAC, my LZ-GH, my GH60, and of course, my JD45.


KMAC


LZ-GH


KMAC
GH60 (Rev.B Prototype)
JD40


JD45

[Hyde]

I got into Mechanical keyboards around late 2011 and around then found out about geekhack. My first Keyboard was obtained from craigslist, a beige TKL Filco with Mx Browns.
Don't have a picture of it, and not sure what it is about Filco, but their browns feel better than other brands... or is it just me?

It's not just you, I kind of feel the same.

But I'm not sure if it's a brand thing or more like different batches of Cherry switches.  I own a Filco MX Red and Das MX Brown from 5 years ago and I haven't come across any new boards with MX Red or MX Brown that's as smooth as my old ones.  Maybe the QC was better back then when mechanical switches weren't as popular, these days they probably just pump out quantity over quality.

Hopefully after the new tooling it was be as smooth as it was back in the days.

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This was my first mechanical keyboard. A great little and fully custom MA42 keyboard (thanks Joey Quinn for the inspiration!). Maybe some day I'll get to making another.

Which mouse is this?  I miss the time when it was easier to find quality egg shaped mouse.

[KPrepublic]

my beginning is this. Durgod Cherry red switch.

[nogoodnames444]

Razer blackwidow chroma with these keycaps but i have moved long and far in only a year my current boards are a mk fission with mx clears with thick pbt sideprint keycaps a pok3r le with nature whites and thick light grey pbt caps side print a 1999 model m a kb v80 with matias clicks and a AEK 2 with salmon or orange alps idk
I am using my pok3r le right now 

[mogo]

The thread title doesn't say your first mechanical keyboard... 

[nogoodnames444]

The thread title doesn't say your first mechanical keyboard... 

Oh yee

[funderburker]

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This was my first mechanical keyboard. A great little and fully custom MA42 keyboard (thanks Joey Quinn for the inspiration!). Maybe some day I'll get to making another.

Which mouse is this?  I miss the time when it was easier to find quality egg shaped mouse.

Hmm, it's a Logitech V470 Bluetooth mouse. It was good but broke about a year ago. Was a good on-the-go one and the shape was nice.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[UnFocused]

My very first keyboard came integrated into my very first home computer, the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A. Crap Stackpole switches, but nice, thick double shot ABS keycaps.

The TI was also my first computer!

[ch_123]

Almost 10 years ago, I decided to splash out on a high quality keyboard, and narrowed down my choices to a Das Keyboard III, and a Unicomp Endurapro. The trackpoint nudged me towards the Unicomp, and I even joined an small forum of keyboard fans to ask a question about the layout options.

I guess it's fitting that my first acquisition of 2018 was a TEX Yoda II, which I've modded up with Pale Navy BOX switches + GMK caps

[phlm]

I've been lurking around here, now that my first real keyboard is in the mail I created account. Skipped all the MX variations and went straight to the Topre.

[mogo]

I've been lurking around here, now that my first real keyboard is in the mail I created account. Skipped all the MX variations and went straight to the Topre.
(Attachment Link)

What a wonderful start to mechanical boards (way to start with your dessert lol)

[phlm]

I've been lurking around here, now that my first real keyboard is in the mail I created account. Skipped all the MX variations and went straight to the Topre.

What a wonderful start to mechanical boards (way to start with your dessert lol)

Haha, yes. I am waiting for Tokyo60 to see what comes out of it. I will have just enough time to enjoy in my HHKB and then I will look for some Kailh Box clicky action. But Topre switches are really what I was after. (tried Type-S and compared it to keyboard with MX Blacks I had borrowed from a friend)

[Altis]

Keytronic Q03601QLPS2 in beige.

This is what I believe to be the same as keyboard that we got with our first family computer in 1992.

It is a rubber dome keyboard, but it's actually quite a good one. I'm a big fan of Topre and this doesn't give the same sensation or sound as that, but as far as membrane keyboards go, it's pretty good. Sounds alright, feels decent, and actually has a pretty nice overall build. The keycaps in particular seem solid with crisp legends. The keystrokes actually feel rather heavy, probably around 50g or a bit more. Certainly heavier than HHKB or 87U 45g Topres or 45g Cherry MX. The weighting is surprisingly close to the Model M with buckling springs. I'll see how this changes as the keyboard breaks in.

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

Keytronic Q03601QLPS2 in beige.

This is what I believe to be the same as keyboard that we got with our first family computer in 1992.

It is a rubber dome keyboard, but it's actually quite a good one. I'm a big fan of Topre and this doesn't give the same sensation or sound as that, but as far as membrane keyboards go, it's pretty good. Sounds alright, feels decent, and actually has a pretty nice overall build. The keycaps in particular seem solid with crisp legends. The keystrokes actually feel rather heavy, probably around 50g or a bit more. Certainly heavier than HHKB or 87U 45g Topres or 45g Cherry MX. The weighting is surprisingly close to the Model M with buckling springs. I'll see how this changes as the keyboard breaks in.

Show Image

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Super cool!

We had something similar on our first family computer, I wonder if it's in the attic somewhere...

[Altis]

Keytronic Q03601QLPS2 in beige.

This is what I believe to be the same as keyboard that we got with our first family computer in 1992.

It is a rubber dome keyboard, but it's actually quite a good one. I'm a big fan of Topre and this doesn't give the same sensation or sound as that, but as far as membrane keyboards go, it's pretty good. Sounds alright, feels decent, and actually has a pretty nice overall build. The keycaps in particular seem solid with crisp legends. The keystrokes actually feel rather heavy, probably around 50g or a bit more. Certainly heavier than HHKB or 87U 45g Topres or 45g Cherry MX. The weighting is surprisingly close to the Model M with buckling springs. I'll see how this changes as the keyboard breaks in.

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Super cool!

We had something similar on our first family computer, I wonder if it's in the attic somewhere...

Thanks! Yeah, have a look. I was pretty bummed to find the whole thing had been taken to the electronics recycle, keyboard included.

This Keytronic keyboard has a ton of tactility for a rubber dome, and is actually quite a heavy switch, too. Definitely not your everyday membrane board. I have come across a few other Keytronics that are a bit newer but similar style, and they all felt a little softer and considerably lighter.

Wrote up a 44 page lab report with it last week.

[☭]

[jdcarpe]

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Needs more ☭, comrade.





И добро пожаловать в Geekhack!

[mogo]

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Welcome to GH, comrade. That's not a bad start as all. Pretty tasteful as far as "gamer" boards go, in my opinion.

[☭]

Needs more ☭, comrade.

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И добро пожаловать в Geekhack!

Funny story, I actually owned this at some point.

[davkol]

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Needs more ☭, comrade.

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И добро пожаловать в Geekhack!

Promotion of totalitarian regimes and mass murder is rather imbalanced on keyboard forums.

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[Blaise170]

Recently had a discussion about this and thought we could use a thread here! I realize that some people's first keyboard was mechanical, but not everyone. I started on my first PC, a Compaq Deskpro EP/SB (Windows 95, Pentium II) with a decent rubber dome keyboard. Not my image, but the same keyboard:



My first mechanical was a Thermaltake Poseidon Z with Brown Kailhs.

[BobCarltheThird]

No pictures because I'm not home but my first board was a Ducky TKL with RGB backlighting and MX browns. Kind of regret not getting it with clears unfortunately.

[SpAmRaY]

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91055.msg2474703.msg#2474703

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Blaise170]

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91055.msg2474703.msg#2474703

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Great. 

[ander]

Great thread idea, Blaise.

My first keyboard? I typed on lots of typewriters, both manual and electric. Including IBM Selectrics, the only typewriters I can think about and swoon—and they had awesome keys too, of course:





And they were built by geniuses... What a concept, that spherical typing element!

But I take it you mean computer keyboards. That'd be the one built into my Radio Shack Model III, which I believe had linear Alps SKCC Cream switches:





I didn't have the floppy drives—which, at $400 or so each (in '70s dollars!) were only for wealthy folks. I saved the programs I wrote on cassette tape, and watched the asterisk flash on the display as it located each stored listing. And when it got cold, we rubbed two sticks together and make a fire.

Then, after mushing along on RDs and membranes for 30 years, like everyone else, my first modern mechanical was a Corsair Vengeance K70 with Cherry MX Reds:





I don't even remember how I learned MKs had made a comeback, or why I choose that one. I thought the metal case was awesome, though—and the K70 was the very first board with the free-floating key design that looked so futuristic, and made it so easy to keep clean. (Many manufacturers subsequently copied that look.) Then I got another K70 with MX Browns.

Then I got on here and got all snobby about boards you could find in big-box stores... Oh well. It's fun thinking about those first days of pulse-pounding geekdom. Maybe some of you experienced the same feeling when you found out about arcade-game emulation.

[dblack]

My first mech was a Razer board, i dont know which. Like many others Im here because of PC gaming. At some point I saw a youtube video about the HHKB and it compelled me to buy one and that lead me here; just doing random research about the board and how to mod it.

[Sup]

Poker II with Cherry MX Black switches.

[UnFocused]

My first mechanical keyboard was built into my first computer: a TI-99/4A that I bought in 1981 or 1982. I've had lots of computers and keyboards since then, but the only non-mechanical I've ever owned is a Maxi-Switch rubber dome / membrane that I bought in 1992 (and still have).

I used IBM Model M keyboards everywhere exclusively from around 1998 to 2012 when I discovered the mechanical keyboard scene and bought a QFR with MX blues (I now HATE MX switches with click jackets).

[Kyi195]

My first keyboard was some off-brand PS/2 membrane board that my parents gave me when I got the hand-me-down computer.  After that my first mech board was an old Model M I grabbed while working my first job in surplus.  Still have that sitting around in my closet actually.  My current mech board is a KBP V60 Mini with clears and a new cap set.  I hopped on the whitefox drop but I haven't finished putting it together due to being busy.  Gonna put 67g Zealios in it and then give the V60 to my friend.

My first mechanical keyboard was built into my first computer: a TI-99/4A that I bought in 1981 or 1982.

Duude, my grandpa gave me my uncle's old Ti-99/4A.  I don't have all the cables to get it running though and I don't really know what I'd do with it once I do get it running so it's kinda just sitting in my closet atm.  Might just set it on a shelf somewhere when I move out and keep it as a decoration piece.

[davkol]

Probably this, BTC rubber dome (over PCB) with discrete MX-mount sliders, branded as Packard Bell. I still use some of the keycaps.



Perhaps there was something else before it, but I can't remember.

[blackriver]

First official mech was a Black Widow tournament ed. Shortly there after I got my first respectable board which was an OLKB Planck.

[BobCarltheThird]

First official mech was a Black Widow tournament ed. Shortly there after I got my first respectable board which was an OLKB Planck.

That's one big jump! How long did it take for you to get used to it?

[blackriver]

Well the planck was also the board I learned to touch type on, but after only a couple weeks I was pretty proficent with layers and the ortholiner layout. I actually really don’t like the ortho layout anymore, but the planck does hold a special place in my heart.

[Kyi195]

My first mechanical was a Thermaltake Poseidon Z with Brown Kailhs.

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My mom used to talk about how much she enjoyed mech boards when she started using computers and so I saved up a bunch (back when I had a poor-paying job) and got her one of these with MX browns off NewEgg and she loves it!  Would have taken it to work but she bottoms out when she types and so says it's too loud.

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

My mom used to talk about how much she enjoyed mech boards when she started using computers and so I saved up a bunch (back when I had a poor-paying job) and got her one of these with MX browns off NewEgg and she loves it!  Would have taken it to work but she bottoms out when she types and so says it's too loud.

Dude when I got my first job I spent sooo much $$$$ on keyboard stuff.

[Blaise170]

It would be rather embarrassing to say how much I've spent on keyboards that I could have saved up instead.  )

[Kyi195]

It would be rather embarrassing to say how much I've spent on keyboards that I could have saved up instead.  )

My mom used to talk about how much she enjoyed mech boards when she started using computers and so I saved up a bunch (back when I had a poor-paying job) and got her one of these with MX browns off NewEgg and she loves it!  Would have taken it to work but she bottoms out when she types and so says it's too loud.

Dude when I got my first job I spent sooo much $$$$ on keyboard stuff.

Honestly.  I still use my V60 as my daily at home.  Sadly stuck with a Dell chicklet kb at work but I'm in the slow process of putting together a 40% for fun to use there.  But after that I'm going to have three boards.  the V60 which will be going to a friend, a WhiteFox that I still haven't gotten around to putting together, and that JD40.  And just between those, I'm going to be way more into it than I need.  And my mom just discovered artisan caps so it'll be interesting to see if she actually goes for anything.

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

Honestly.  I still use my V60 as my daily at home.  Sadly stuck with a Dell chicklet kb at work but I'm in the slow process of putting together a 40% for fun to use there.  But after that I'm going to have three boards.  the V60 which will be going to a friend, a WhiteFox that I still haven't gotten around to putting together, and that JD40.  And just between those, I'm going to be way more into it than I need.  And my mom just discovered artisan caps so it'll be interesting to see if she actually goes for anything.

Have you ever tried 40% before this? They are really cool! but it took me a while to be able to use one to any degree of efficiency...

[Kyi195]

Honestly.  I still use my V60 as my daily at home.  Sadly stuck with a Dell chicklet kb at work but I'm in the slow process of putting together a 40% for fun to use there.  But after that I'm going to have three boards.  the V60 which will be going to a friend, a WhiteFox that I still haven't gotten around to putting together, and that JD40.  And just between those, I'm going to be way more into it than I need.  And my mom just discovered artisan caps so it'll be interesting to see if she actually goes for anything.

Have you ever tried 40% before this? They are really cool! but it took me a while to be able to use one to any degree of efficiency...

Not yet, it'll be my first 40% ever which is funny since they were what got me into mech boards!.  I'm trying to pay attention to how I type and I'm using that to set up all the function layers.  It will be interesting typing with it though.  I was really just wanting to cut a buncha space off my keyboard space.  Might bring my numpad in for the times when I'm connected to various computers since their naming schemes are all number-based.

[f32h80fsd08h34r5]

Honestly.  I still use my V60 as my daily at home.  Sadly stuck with a Dell chicklet kb at work but I'm in the slow process of putting together a 40% for fun to use there.  But after that I'm going to have three boards.  the V60 which will be going to a friend, a WhiteFox that I still haven't gotten around to putting together, and that JD40.  And just between those, I'm going to be way more into it than I need.  And my mom just discovered artisan caps so it'll be interesting to see if she actually goes for anything.

Have you ever tried 40% before this? They are really cool! but it took me a while to be able to use one to any degree of efficiency...

Not yet, it'll be my first 40% ever which is funny since they were what got me into mech boards!.  I'm trying to pay attention to how I type and I'm using that to set up all the function layers.  It will be interesting typing with it though.  I was really just wanting to cut a buncha space off my keyboard space.  Might bring my numpad in for the times when I'm connected to various computers since their naming schemes are all number-based.

This is my JD40! The bottom left 3 keys are CTRL, WIN and ALT. And the "| \" on the right is the quotation mark key. (These are the only keys of which the keycap does not reflect the actual layer 1 function of the key) Everything else is under a easy to use function layer. I really love this layout.



oh and the sadster is backspace, appropriately

[Kyi195]

Honestly.  I still use my V60 as my daily at home.  Sadly stuck with a Dell chicklet kb at work but I'm in the slow process of putting together a 40% for fun to use there.  But after that I'm going to have three boards.  the V60 which will be going to a friend, a WhiteFox that I still haven't gotten around to putting together, and that JD40.  And just between those, I'm going to be way more into it than I need.  And my mom just discovered artisan caps so it'll be interesting to see if she actually goes for anything.

Have you ever tried 40% before this? They are really cool! but it took me a while to be able to use one to any degree of efficiency...

Not yet, it'll be my first 40% ever which is funny since they were what got me into mech boards!.  I'm trying to pay attention to how I type and I'm using that to set up all the function layers.  It will be interesting typing with it though.  I was really just wanting to cut a buncha space off my keyboard space.  Might bring my numpad in for the times when I'm connected to various computers since their naming schemes are all number-based.

This is my JD40! The bottom left 3 keys are CTRL, WIN and ALT. And the "| \" on the right is the quotation mark key. (These are the only keys of which the keycap does not reflect the actual layer 1 function of the key) Everything else is under a easy to use function layer. I really love this layout.

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oh and the sadster is backspace, appropriately

Nice!  I was gonna try to get a novelty for the Backspace that says "F#$K" or something overall just decided to hop onto the Pulse SA drop goin on on MD right now and use those for it.  I'm gonna use this setup but I'm probably just going to drop blanks on the "\" on the left and the meta key.  Beyond that the 40S child kit seemed to have everything I needed.  Also after looking at how I type and use the keyboard at work I don't really think I need much more than one layer so the only difference between Meta and Fn is that the top row is either number of function keys.

[iaso]

First keyboard? Probably some ****ty OEM board that came with the 286 my parents bought me.

First mech keyboard (that I knew off, I wasn't always aware of any differences). A CoolerMaster Pro L with MX Browns. Still have it, but the browns are now Box Jades and the keycaps are now nice PBT caps. The case and the pcb are solid.

[thealeinman]

I found the Model M I learned on from when I was 4 or 5 the other day sorting through grandpas trash electronic pile, good keys bad circuit board but I used the cable and alot of the other parts to make my 122 model m work flawlessly so it lives on.

[silverpanda94]

My first keyboard ever was a Dell branded Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro that came with my family's Dell XPS T700r.  I still have it to this day.


My first mech board was a 2013 Razer Blackwidow Ultimate with Cherry MX Blue switches.  Horrendous gamer font and all.

And my current board is a Topre Realforce RGB with a set of EnjoyPBT Hiragana dye-sublimed keycaps.