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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Blaise170 on Tue, 08 December 2015, 18:59:56

Title: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Blaise170 on Tue, 08 December 2015, 18:59:56: I have a particular professor who has helped me a lot throughout the time he has been here. He fondly remembers "clicky" keyboards and bought himself one of the Rosewill boards with Alps clones. He had a lot of problems with it and he went back to a genetic dome board. As appreciation, I'd like to buy him a keyboard that won't fall apart on him like the cheap Rosewill did. My budget is not very high, but I don't really have a specific max. What would you all suggest? A vintage board will be just fine so long as I can get it compatible with AT/PS2/USB. I might get a Model M since it's the classic mech but I'm afraid it might be too large for his desk. I can also do repairs so condition is not extremely important.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: trenzafeeds on Tue, 08 December 2015, 19:06:42: To be honest I think Model M would be amazing... freaking amazing, and for a great price. Not that much extra room on the desk.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Nover on Tue, 08 December 2015, 19:08:36: Get him the Model M. You already considered it and with good reason. It is indeed THE keyboard that comes to most people's minds when they think of a mechanical, clicky keyboard.
If the desk is too small for it, he'll have to make room or get a new one!
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: chyros on Tue, 08 December 2015, 19:45:52: Who wouldn't make room for something as majestic and great-to-use as a Model M?
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: trenzafeeds on Tue, 08 December 2015, 19:47:24: I mean you could always get an M spacesaver, but that's not exactly inexpensive...
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 08 December 2015, 19:51:42: I think that there have been multiple Ms at great prices listed here in the past week.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Tue, 08 December 2015, 19:58:01: Model M fits the clicky requirement, price requirement, and presumed nostalgia requirement. What's not to love? :3
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: ctm on Tue, 08 December 2015, 21:32:20: If Model M is too large, you can consider Unicomp Ultra Classic. It has smaller frame than Model M. It also has native USB interface and windows key.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: ideus on Tue, 08 December 2015, 21:42:57: I'd say Unicomp.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Snowdog993 on Tue, 08 December 2015, 21:43:58: Everyone here is telling you right! It's an impressive keyboard!
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: E3E on Wed, 09 December 2015, 00:11:11: Blaise, I think it's time to go dumpster diving for SSKs. ;)
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Blaise170 on Wed, 09 December 2015, 12:26:46: What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Dernubenfrieken on Wed, 09 December 2015, 12:59:04: Quote from: Blaise170 on Wed, 09 December 2015, 12:26:46
What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.

For something reasonably cheap, a Quick Fire Rapid is pretty great, although the caps leave something to be desired
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 09 December 2015, 13:02:40: Not sure what your budget is but it is hard to go wrong with the fullsize leopold with side print pbt caps and mx reds if you want a full size board.

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1400
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 13:39:33: Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

(http://i.imgur.com/TfgtR1y.jpg)
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Neo.X on Wed, 09 December 2015, 14:56:09: Quote from: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 13:39:33
Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/TfgtR1y.jpg)

Yes, this rocks.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 15:03:13: It's a chimera though.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Altis on Wed, 09 December 2015, 20:26:11: I've been wondering the same thing for a few people I want to gift keyboards to. Can't seem to find much for a reasonable price for a gift.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: chyros on Thu, 10 December 2015, 02:43:20: "Quality but inexpensive" pretty much means second hand if you ask me. Obviously it depends on how much you want to spend but a second hand M or Alps board if you want to spend a little less aren't that much or hard to find I think :) .
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Blaise170 on Thu, 10 December 2015, 07:44:16: Yeah secondhand is fine. I have enough MX and Alps keysets that I don't need to worry about that and I can fix most broken PCB traces, etc. Just seeing if there was anything that was around for a decent price but also decent quality.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: SamirD on Wed, 16 December 2015, 09:38:05: Quote from: ctm on Tue, 08 December 2015, 21:32:20
If Model M is too large, you can consider Unicomp Ultra Classic. It has smaller frame than Model M. It also has native USB interface and windows key.
This would be my vote. If you can find one secondhand too, it won't break the bank. You may also be able to find an original M for the same price, but it might take some searching.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Jixr on Thu, 17 December 2015, 11:02:07: Kinda related, I've given away a few keyboards as gifts, and I'm lucky and can find them used all the time, and just spend a few bucks and get them a spacebar from WASD with their internet name, gamer tag, or something like that put on there. Cheap and personal gift for tech lovers.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: losing_ctrl on Fri, 18 December 2015, 07:58:35: Quote from: Blaise170 on Wed, 09 December 2015, 12:26:46
What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.

For inexpensive non-clicky I would include the higher-end KeyTronic keyboards into consideration. I had one of these...

http://www.amazon.com/104KEY-PS2-Keyboard-Black-Wmembrane/dp/B000M0HUNI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1450447026&sr=8-6&keywords=keytronic+keyboard+Designer

...and was VERY impressed. These are simple membrane boards but I found them to be very comfortable and pleasing to type on. KeyTronic offers tons of models of super cheap boards that I haven't tried, but these higher-end Ergo boards are worth the extra money.

Also, we would probably all agree that the best clicky switch is a very personal choice, and it may be hard to match your prof's preference.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: chyros on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:29:23: Quote from: losing_ctrl on Fri, 18 December 2015, 07:58:35
Quote from: Blaise170 on Wed, 09 December 2015, 12:26:46
What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.

For inexpensive non-clicky I would include the higher-end KeyTronic keyboards into consideration. I had one of these...

http://www.amazon.com/104KEY-PS2-Keyboard-Black-Wmembrane/dp/B000M0HUNI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1450447026&sr=8-6&keywords=keytronic+keyboard+Designer

...and was VERY impressed. These are simple membrane boards but I found them to be very comfortable and pleasing to type on. KeyTronic offers tons of models of super cheap boards that I haven't tried, but these higher-end Ergo boards are worth the extra money.

Also, we would probably all agree that the best clicky switch is a very personal choice, and it may be hard to match your prof's preference.
Eh, to each their own I guess. I don't mind a rubber dome keyboard if it's really good, but all the Key Tronics I've found (and that's a fair few) didn't feel special at all. I've found a few really good rubber dome boards but I wouldn't count any Key Tronics among them.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Altis on Fri, 18 December 2015, 17:08:43: Quote from: chyros on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:29:23
Eh, to each their own I guess. I don't mind a rubber dome keyboard if it's really good, but all the Key Tronics I've found (and that's a fair few) didn't feel special at all. I've found a few really good rubber dome boards but I wouldn't count any Key Tronics among them.

I suspect there could be a wide range of them. I've tried many that are nothing special, but I've tried some that are strikingly similar to the feel and even sound of a Realforce 87U in 45g.

I actually keep one in my work car that I use for when I need an external keyboard while on-site (technician-style job). Quite like it, and it was free so I'm not worried about what will happen to it.

Having said that... I'm not sure I'd gift one and I have no idea how the new ones are. I've only used older ones.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: losing_ctrl on Fri, 18 December 2015, 18:56:45: Quote from: chyros on Fri, 18 December 2015, 09:29:23
Quote from: losing_ctrl on Fri, 18 December 2015, 07:58:35
Quote from: Blaise170 on Wed, 09 December 2015, 12:26:46
What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.

For inexpensive non-clicky I would include the higher-end KeyTronic keyboards into consideration. I had one of these...

http://www.amazon.com/104KEY-PS2-Keyboard-Black-Wmembrane/dp/B000M0HUNI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1450447026&sr=8-6&keywords=keytronic+keyboard+Designer

...and was VERY impressed. These are simple membrane boards but I found them to be very comfortable and pleasing to type on. KeyTronic offers tons of models of super cheap boards that I haven't tried, but these higher-end Ergo boards are worth the extra money.

Also, we would probably all agree that the best clicky switch is a very personal choice, and it may be hard to match your prof's preference.
Eh, to each their own I guess. I don't mind a rubber dome keyboard if it's really good, but all the Key Tronics I've found (and that's a fair few) didn't feel special at all. I've found a few really good rubber dome boards but I wouldn't count any Key Tronics among them.

Your point is well taken. I guess I was thinking that this could be a board that is given with the caveat of, "Here is a membrane board that doesn't suck, to use until you make your next mechanical keyboard investment, because there are so many awesome choices that it could take you awhile before you settle on your next choice." Or something like that. That being said, my personal opinion of this KeyTronic keyboard is that it is truly a cut above - it's been awhile since I had it (I don't remember what happened to it), but I'd like everybody here on GH to try it because it is a great cheap keyboard that made my fingers happy every time I typed on it. FWIW, my two favorite keyboards are my Silver Label Model M, and my RealForce 87U 55g.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: SamirD on Sun, 20 December 2015, 23:55:08: I too would recommend the Keytronic as a cheap gift, although the better ones are in the same price range as a good vintage board.

I own two vintage Keytronics and they're quite nice--a little lighter than the IBM rubberdome M, but just as much 'snap' so you know when the keypress is occurring. Keytronic is still around, so I'm sure the same board feel would be available.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Snowdog993 on Mon, 21 December 2015, 09:54:10: Whoa! I need a drink! How did it go from Model M to rubberdome?
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: livingspeedbump on Mon, 21 December 2015, 16:53:40: The MK.com branded keyboards are really good for the price. They are all essentially Ducky keyboards.

KBP makes good, cheap boards. For more popular brands, Cooler Master has been my "go-to" cheap boards for a while. Very good for the money.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 21 December 2015, 16:57:12: I'm still a fan of the full size Leopold, it comes with thick PBT caps and has a dampened case for only $120 and its simple and not flashy.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Mon, 21 December 2015, 18:10:16: Quote from: Blaise170 on Tue, 08 December 2015, 18:59:56
I have a particular professor who has helped me a lot throughout the time he has been here. He fondly remembers "clicky" keyboards and bought himself one of the Rosewill boards with Alps clones. He had a lot of problems with it and he went back to a genetic dome board. As appreciation, I'd like to buy him a keyboard that won't fall apart on him like the cheap Rosewill did. My budget is not very high, but I don't really have a specific max. What would you all suggest? A vintage board will be just fine so long as I can get it compatible with AT/PS2/USB. I might get a Model M since it's the classic mech but I'm afraid it might be too large for his desk. I can also do repairs so condition is not extremely important.

A keyboard is a very personal thing. You may try to get a few words of a hint in the right direction before going out and making a purchase. It's like buying a handbag, wristwatch, or winter coat for a person. These are things the owner really has to choose for themselves.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 21 December 2015, 22:18:29: GO unicomp,, because if you get an M, there's a chance it's disgusting, and dirty, and you have to clean all the 70s and 80s jizz off of it.

New Unicomp, it works, it has usb, you're good to go.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: piemancoder on Mon, 21 December 2015, 22:57:56: You could try and get a Unicomp or even an older Model M and do a floss mod if he wants a quieter board.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: crj3012 on Wed, 30 December 2015, 13:45:42: Don't forget to check thrift stores and Craigslist for Model M's.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: SamirD on Thu, 31 December 2015, 10:32:53: I just saw that some brand new Keytronic boards are going for <$8 from the official store:
https://keyboards.keytronic.com/home/shop/shop.asp?h_ck=T48502

That's a deal on a really nice rubberdome.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: livingspeedbump on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:16:17: Ive tested a few of the MK.com branded keyboards. They aren't massively cheap, but they are cheaper than their direct competition and have proven to be quite good.

Used Model M's often go for $50 or so on Ebay, and that is a great deal for what you get.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: livingspeedbump on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:17:27: Also, if you buy a Model M and it doesnt work, chances are you can get it working for quite cheap. Unicomp still sells everything from the spring housings to the membrane assembly and replacement keycaps, all for quite cheap :thumb: Their shipping is also really fast :D
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:25:13: Quote from: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 13:39:33
Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/TfgtR1y.jpg)

Quote from: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 15:03:13
It's a chimera though.
Make one (still needs work):

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20151231/5cccddaf58f010731690df5c61fdd4b9.jpg)
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: livingspeedbump on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:28:35: Quote from: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:25:13
Quote from: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 13:39:33
Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/TfgtR1y.jpg)

Quote from: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 15:03:13
It's a chimera though.
Make one (still needs work):

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20151231/5cccddaf58f010731690df5c61fdd4b9.jpg)

whoa. need more pics :eek:
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:33:35: Quote from: livingspeedbump on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:28:35
Quote from: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:25:13
Quote from: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 13:39:33
Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/TfgtR1y.jpg)

Quote from: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 15:03:13
It's a chimera though.
Make one (still needs work):

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20151231/5cccddaf58f010731690df5c61fdd4b9.jpg)

whoa. need more pics :eek:
I'm working on it as I find time between works and kids, usually after midnight. It should be done soon, all the electronics are done, just still making the case even smaller.

I think I'm going to approach CPTBadAss about putting it in tactile zine before I post a full log here. My biggest issue is finishing the case since I have no experience in filling/painting, which will be necessary given how much I have to cut away.

@OP this can be done easily too.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: SamirD on Thu, 31 December 2015, 18:36:34: Quote from: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:33:35
...about putting it in tactile zine...
What's this? Link?
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: livingspeedbump on Thu, 31 December 2015, 18:39:09: Quote from: SamirD on Thu, 31 December 2015, 18:36:34
Quote from: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:33:35
...about putting it in tactile zine...
What's this? Link?

CAPTBadAss does it all himself :thumb:
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: SamirD on Thu, 31 December 2015, 18:52:37: Quote from: livingspeedbump on Thu, 31 December 2015, 18:39:09
Quote from: SamirD on Thu, 31 December 2015, 18:36:34
Quote from: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:33:35
...about putting it in tactile zine...
What's this? Link?

CAPTBadAss does it all himself :thumb:
Very cool. How does one read it?
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 19:01:25: Quote from: SamirD on Thu, 31 December 2015, 18:52:37
Quote from: livingspeedbump on Thu, 31 December 2015, 18:39:09
Quote from: SamirD on Thu, 31 December 2015, 18:36:34
Quote from: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:33:35
...about putting it in tactile zine...
What's this? Link?

CAPTBadAss does it all himself :thumb:
Very cool. How does one read it?
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70769.msg1709824.msg#1709824

It's awesome
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: Blaise170 on Thu, 31 December 2015, 19:03:04: Quote from: SamirD on Thu, 31 December 2015, 10:32:53
I just saw that some brand new Keytronic boards are going for <$8 from the official store:
https://keyboards.keytronic.com/home/shop/shop.asp?h_ck=T48502

That's a deal on a really nice rubberdome.

Thanks for the suggestion but I really wasn't looking for rubberdome. ;)
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: ideus on Thu, 31 December 2015, 19:08:46: Quote from: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 15:25:13
Quote from: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 13:39:33
Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/TfgtR1y.jpg)

Quote from: ideus on Wed, 09 December 2015, 15:03:13
It's a chimera though.
Make one (still needs work):

Show Image
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20151231/5cccddaf58f010731690df5c61fdd4b9.jpg)

It is looking cool so far.
Title: Re: A quality, but inexpensive keyboard
Post by: neverused on Thu, 31 December 2015, 19:10:50: Quote from: ideus on Thu, 31 December 2015, 19:08:46

It is looking cool so far.

Thanks! My plan is to make that chimera come to life soon, but with a better layout. More info shortly.