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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: tbc on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:27:09

Title: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: tbc on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:27:09
I have an aunt that used to use a typewriter and LOVED the feel and sound of it.  Not much of a computer user, but she could instantly tell the difference between a cheap dell and an mx black.

I was thinking of giving her my cherry mx green when i got my mx blues in, but now I'm thinking a unicomp might be a better choice?

I'm not bothering with ebay hunting model Ms cause I don't want to clean it first and the unicomp pricing is totally within limits for me.

thoughts?  mx green vs BS
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:32:12
She will love the Unicomp, and it comes with native USB.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:33:53
I have an aunt that used to use a typewriter and LOVED the feel and sound of it.  Not much of a computer user, but she could instantly tell the difference between a cheap dell and an mx black.

I was thinking of giving her my cherry mx green when i got my mx blues in, but now I'm thinking a unicomp might be a better choice?

I'm not bothering with ebay hunting model Ms cause I don't want to clean it first and the unicomp pricing is totally within limits for me.

thoughts?  mx green vs BS

Personally, I don't particularly like MX Greens, and being used to a typewriter she'll almost certainly prefer the BS.
Also less awkwardness when you give her a 'gaming' keyboard with branding on it. :thumb:
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: tbc on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:35:05
it's a CM storm stealth, so it's actually pretty low key besides the keycaps lol

EDIT:

is there a recommended model? i still think 104 key is best, but is ultra classic better or is spacesaver?  why does the latter have a $15 premium?  and yes, usb is mandatory.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: Danule on Wed, 09 October 2013, 21:17:43
Topre also feels like a typewriter. :D
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 09 October 2013, 21:29:28
Topre also feels like a typewriter. :D

Never used a typewriter, eh? :p
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: Tony on Wed, 09 October 2013, 21:39:24
Unicomp keyboard = Typewriter of the Internet Age.

(http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1366x768/2009/Brands_Nike_Just_do_it_014162_.jpg)
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: 0100010 on Wed, 09 October 2013, 21:44:52
it's a CM storm stealth, so it's actually pretty low key besides the keycaps lol

EDIT:

is there a recommended model? i still think 104 key is best, but is ultra classic better or is spacesaver?  why does the latter have a $15 premium?  and yes, usb is mandatory.

Ultra Classic 101 is what I use.  Their new 103 doesn't look half bad either.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 09 October 2013, 21:48:30
Unicomp or original Model M has a nice solid clicky feel to it.

Also with either of these you get the size and weight of a full keyboard, which would add to the overall impression.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: Linkbane on Wed, 09 October 2013, 22:01:00
it's a CM storm stealth, so it's actually pretty low key besides the keycaps lol

In fact, I'm typing on one right now. It's fine, but considering that she might (like I) have poor vision and want a typewriter-like feel, I and most recommend the Unicomp. They look pretty nice in a professional way, also.

Topre also feels like a typewriter. :D

Never used a typewriter, eh? :p

 :thumb:
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: tbc on Wed, 09 October 2013, 22:38:45
thanks for the help everybody.

looks like I'm going to pick up the white ultra classic (that black is very awkward looking); it has simpler legends, it has a windows keyset (didn't realize SS M was for 'mac'*), and it's cheaper as well

*are they seriously charging extra for the mac keyset?  i can't tell the difference between the two models otherwise.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:26:47
The closest you'll get to the typewriter feel is a Model F, but obviously that's not feasible.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: PrisonSex on Thu, 10 October 2013, 02:42:49
I think I've seen modded typewriters somewhere that functioned as a keyboard. That would be a cool gift.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: mr_schnrub on Thu, 10 October 2013, 03:50:53
Yep!

http://www.usbtypewriter.com/ (http://www.usbtypewriter.com/)
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: Danule on Thu, 10 October 2013, 08:23:02
Topre also feels like a typewriter. :D

Never used a typewriter, eh? :p
Have you never used a topre before? The weighted feel of the keys feel very similar to a type witer just not as loud. :)
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: Thimplum on Thu, 10 October 2013, 08:26:35
Topre also feels like a typewriter. :D

Never used a typewriter, eh? :p
Have you never used a topre before? The weighted feel of the keys feel very similar to a type witer just not as loud. :)

What the...
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Thu, 10 October 2013, 08:46:14
Topre also feels like a typewriter. :D

Never used a typewriter, eh? :p
Have you never used a topre before? The weighted feel of the keys feel very similar to a type witer just not as loud. :)

(http://i.qkme.me/36hfe4.jpg)


But to answer the OP, yes a buckling spring board is byfar the most typewriter-like...
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: 0100010 on Thu, 10 October 2013, 08:54:18
I think I've seen modded typewriters somewhere that functioned as a keyboard. That would be a cool gift.

They also used to to turn IBM Selectrics into terminal printers.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: Hellmark on Thu, 10 October 2013, 08:54:24
The only typewriter I have used that felt like a Topre was the later ones that were picking up basic word processors. At that point, you weren't working any real mechanism, since everything was electric and they were going cheap on the keyboard.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: Danule on Thu, 10 October 2013, 15:48:53
I guess I'm the only one here who thinks the actuation point being very heavy then progressivly becoming lighter on the realforce is similar to that of a type writer.  Just a quick note, I was not trying to say that buckling spring did not also feel like a typewriter perhaps more so.  I was just providing my opinion and another option.  No need to be rude.
Title: Re: buckling spring as typewriter replacement
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 10 October 2013, 16:03:08
By the way, is OP referring to a mechanical typewriter (with levers and springs etc.), a golf ball typewriter, or an electric typewriter?

They all have different feel and sound.