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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: michael_engel on Sun, 29 May 2016, 12:13:06

Title: AEK 1/2 or IBM model M for flawless MAC/WIN setup
Post by: michael_engel on Sun, 29 May 2016, 12:13:06

Hi all.

Im new to this forum.
Im an Electronic Engineering student from Denmark. I have been studying electronics for only 6 months by now.
I LOVE the old mechanical keyboards - i grew up using an Amiga 500 which has a great sound and feel.

I need some advise on how to choose (and hack) the best keyboard for my modern desk.
I am using a Retina Macbook Pro and a Apple Thunderbolt Display. I am running both OSX and WINDOWS 10 via BootCamp.

Currently i am using a Danish layout Logitech K750 for practical reasons, but i would love to have an American layout IBM model M or one of the Apple extended keyboards for programming.

SO... The ideal finished solution for me is:
- Vintage mechanical keyboard (preferably an iconic model as the Model M or AEK 1 or 2)
- Windows and Mac compatible
- Flawless hack (no ghosting)

Which setup and hack do you guys recommend and why?

Thanks!

Michael

Title: Re: AEK 1/2 or IBM model M for flawless MAC/WIN setup
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 29 May 2016, 12:16:33

I prefer the AEK to the AEK2, but really I am an IBM guy who has used the Model F for several years.

If you are an Apple enthusiast, get an AEK and something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Griffin-iMate-ADB-to-USB-adapter-/222098267320?hash=item33b6169cb8:m:m56yBREdTTlOZpBnHKSRSvw (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Griffin-iMate-ADB-to-USB-adapter-/222098267320?hash=item33b6169cb8:m:m56yBREdTTlOZpBnHKSRSvw)

Title: Re: AEK 1/2 or IBM model M for flawless MAC/WIN setup
Post by: y11971alex on Sun, 29 May 2016, 12:17:33

I rather think the Model F might overwhelm the aesthetic that you created with the Macbook Pro and the Apple Display.

Title: Re: AEK 1/2 or IBM model M for flawless MAC/WIN setup
Post by: klennkellon on Mon, 30 May 2016, 00:29:43

The AEK 1 uses orange ALPS which are arguably better than the dampened cream ALPS found in the AEK II, but the AEK 2 has a few nicer features.

Title: Re: AEK 1/2 or IBM model M for flawless MAC/WIN setup
Post by: chyros on Mon, 30 May 2016, 02:52:04

Neither the AEK nor Model M have ghosting, but then again I've never heard of a board that does. If you mean blocking, i.e. you want n-key rollover, neither has it.

Title: Re: AEK 1/2 or IBM model M for flawless MAC/WIN setup
Post by: michael_engel on Mon, 30 May 2016, 09:55:14

Thanks for your inputs!

Quote from: chyros on Mon, 30 May 2016, 02:52:04

Neither the AEK nor Model M have ghosting, but then again I've never heard of a board that does. If you mean blocking, i.e. you want n-key rollover, neither has it.

I just read some solutions where the keyboard didn't work 100 % as it should because of the adaptor.

Title: Re: AEK 1/2 or IBM model M for flawless MAC/WIN setup
Post by: chyros on Mon, 30 May 2016, 10:09:46

Quote from: michael_engel on Mon, 30 May 2016, 09:55:14

Thanks for your inputs!

Quote from: chyros on Mon, 30 May 2016, 02:52:04

Neither the AEK nor Model M have ghosting, but then again I've never heard of a board that does. If you mean blocking, i.e. you want n-key rollover, neither has it.

I just read some solutions where the keyboard didn't work 100 % as it should because of the adaptor.

I've never heard of anything like that Oo . My own AEKs and Ms never gave any problems as long as I used the right converter.

You can buy model M converters commercially, they're easy to find and are quite cheap. There are also commercial AEK adapters, but they're very expensive - however, you can also make one yourself with some tinkering :) .

Title: Re: AEK 1/2 or IBM model M for flawless MAC/WIN setup
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 05 June 2016, 01:30:09

I use Model M keyboards under both Mac and Windows.  I have an orihalcon SDL to USB cable which works perfectly.

Alternatively a PS/2 to USB adapter like this one also works well: http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/usb-to-ps2-serial-multimode-adapter