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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: sbrain on Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:28:12

Title: Looking for keyboard similar to IBM Spacesaver II.. but with better switches.
Post by: sbrain on Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:28:12

I'm trying to replace my aging IBM Spacesaver II and upgrade in the process.
I'm wondering if there is a keyboard out there that meets these criteria:

- Tenkeyless, compact design, with inverted T arrow keys. (87 key layout)
- Black with readable lettering
- A Num lock key that activates a number "keypad" so that the letters on the right side of the keyboard become a keypad. This is a feature of the IBM Spacesaver that i don't want to give up.
- Non-clicky key switches with a mechanical feel (mx brown maybe, but I'm open to suggestions)

I've seen many keyboards with various subsets of these features but none that meet all of them.

Have I overlooked something? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Title: Looking for keyboard similar to IBM Spacesaver II.. but with better switches.
Post by: 7bit on Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:29:52

Quote from: sbrain;370258

I'm trying to replace my aging IBM Spacesaver II and upgrade in the process.
I'm wondering if there is a keyboard out there that meets these criteria:

- Tenkeyless, compact design, with inverted T arrow keys. (87 key layout)
- Black with readable lettering
- A Num lock key that activates a number "keypad" so that the letters on the right side of the keyboard become a keypad. This is a feature of the IBM Spacesaver that i don't want to give up.
- Non-clicky key switches with a mechanical feel (mx brown maybe, but I'm open to suggestions)

I've seen many keyboards with various subsets of these features but none that meet all of them.

Have I overlooked something? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 
Any Cherry-based keybaord will do!

Don't forget to buy key caps in the upcomming group buy Round 4!

To be serious:

Get something with Cherry blacks. They will feel super-light when comming from a buckling spring keyboard!

Ducky, Filco, Leopold, Poker, NoPoo!

The list of 80% or tenkeyless keyboards with Cherry switches is endless!

Title: Looking for keyboard similar to IBM Spacesaver II.. but with better switches.
Post by: redpill on Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:35:22

I know my Realforce 87UB at home does the numberpad thing, and it otherwise kicks major ass.  A bit pricey and tough to find though.  It has lettering, dunno how readable you'd find it though.

Title: Looking for keyboard similar to IBM Spacesaver II.. but with better switches.
Post by: sbrain on Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:36:43

OK thanks - I have looked at all those manufacturers but I just can't seem to find a make/model keyboard that meets *all* the criteria.
I'll keep digging around.

Title: Looking for keyboard similar to IBM Spacesaver II.. but with better switches.
Post by: The Solutor on Fri, 01 July 2011, 09:49:02

What part is missing on, say, a nopoo chock mini ?

Title: Looking for keyboard similar to IBM Spacesaver II.. but with better switches.
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 01 July 2011, 09:50:02

bad memory I have.. sheesh  make that 'readable lettering'  at least it's unpredictable whether it will be readable.   The layout isn't '87 key tenkeyless' but it is a compact layout.

Title: Looking for keyboard similar to IBM Spacesaver II.. but with better switches.
Post by: oayhyc on Fri, 01 July 2011, 18:58:21

Getting a Ducky 1087  will be a cheaper option other than getting an Realforce 87UB.

However, my dream keyboard is Filco tenkeyless with integrated track point from IBM, and is a wireless/Bluetooth keyboard which is powered by solar energy. Ha, I know I am dreaming :(

I am looking forward the upcoming group buy Round 4 of keycaps as well.

Title: Looking for keyboard similar to IBM Spacesaver II.. but with better switches.
Post by: sordna on Fri, 01 July 2011, 19:04:06

I second Solutor, Noppoo Choc mini and a set of nice readable keycaps to satisfy requirement #2. And it's available with different kinds of switches (clicky, tactile, linear) to choose from.
One caveat: it doesn't work nice with a Mac.