Newb/Lurker taking a leep - ABS M1

[firestorm]

I've been lurking around, reading others thoughts on keyboards and listening to recordings - all very "helpful" information, if you believe that sending my mind in circles and bring me to the verge of insanity "helpful"!

Back in the day, my K-12 had true blue blooded IBMs in the labs, so I had a good 6 years of typing on Model M boards, not to mention learning touch typing on those.  Today, I just wanted something with a better feel, but something a bit quieter than the M.  I'm not sure that the ABS M1 fits the latter, but we'll see.

Currently, our main machine has one of the original MS Natural keyboards on it - something my parents bought me as a graduation gift in 1995.  After 14 years, it has held up extremely well, save for some yellowing.  It's an OK keyboard, with reasonable tactile feel.  It developed some sticky and stiff keys 10 years ago, but that was quickly remedied with a bit of graphite from a pencil - my old trick for a readily available, reasonable and nearly permanent lube.  It hasn't been apart since.

I've had no real complaints, and we would probably be happy with something like the Dell RT7D50 that I'm typing on right now (at work.)  It feels a little stiff, but it's much better than the newer model Dell I had.  We don't do a lot of typing at home, but if we're going to go back to a non-ergo board, I wanted something with better keys - not necessarily the best, just better.

FWIW, I've otherwise had mostly Keytronic boards, from lowly OEM boards that were OK to a higher end KB101 Plus that I still have sitting in the basement.

We don't type that much, and we're both right around 80-90 WPM, so I'm hoping the ABS M1 will be a good fit performance wise, even with its issues.  The main concern is the noise, which I suspect won't bother me but may bother my wife.

I'll give the M1 a couple weeks, at which point I may give a Felco a try, or otherwise start rummaging around the local PC recycler.  I work in IT, and we unfortunately have not had any mechanical boards in the 9 years that I've been here.  All that is left is a few IBM terminal BS keyboards.

[itlnstln]

You're probably not going to find anything with a better feel than a Model M, but you can go lighter.  The ABS M1 is probably going to be a disappointment.  It doesn't feel nearly as good as the M and it's louder (both IMO).  Pretty much anything with ALPS switches (or compatibles) are going to be just as loud, if not louder, and not feel as nice.  Cherrys are smoother (still not quite like the M), quieter (blues are softer but high-pitched), and lighter in most varieties, so you might want to check out a Filco.
 
Another thing you might want to consider is greasing the springs on the Model M.  This will make them quieter and a little lighter.  Check out the Keyboard Modifications forum for details.  You certainly won't want to grease them too much.

[GenEric35]

I have a ABS M1, there is no click noise but the keys do rattle quite a bit and ping when released, which does cause some noise. I remember when I bought it, I liked it alot, aside from the rattle, the casing is very solid and a good quality cable, it's fun to type on too, a good value.

[Chao]

Seconding the Filco, since you said you may try one after a few weeks anyway. You'll probably end up liking it better than the ABS anyway. The Simplified ALPS can feel really weird.

itlnstln saying the ABS is "louder" and GenEric35 saying "no click" beings up something I'm curious about regarding the ABS. The Newegg spec page says there is both a Linear and Tactile model, which must be the source of your discrepancy on the sound, but which one is actually for sale there?
I'm correct to assume the two switches in question are Simplified ALPS Black and Simplified ALPS White?

[mp29k]

I did quite a bit of research on this board, and came to the conclusion there is only one switch for it, which is a Simplified Alps (Fukka) Black switch.  This is a tactile switch, but with no click.  

I ended up going with a Filco with blues though.

[itlnstln]

My ABS (and the all of the others people have had here) had simplified ALPS black.  The loudness comes from the rattle and bottoming out of the keys.

[Chao]

Ah alright. Just making sure I have my facts straight. It's odd, then, that the specs on Newegg list two options for the switch.

[ch_123]

itlnstln saying the ABS is "louder" and GenEric35 saying "no click" beings up something I'm curious about regarding the ABS. The Newegg spec page says there is both a Linear and Tactile model, which must be the source of your discrepancy on the sound, but which one is actually for sale there?
I'm correct to assume the two switches in question are Simplified ALPS Black and Simplified ALPS White?

They're not officially a clicky switch, but they're still loud nonetheless. And they're simplified Blacks.

[firestorm]

We'll see I guess.  I have rather low expectations.  I certainly don't expect it to be as good as a BS board.  I'm not really on a quest for the perfect keyboard either, 'though I'd bite if one existed.  I mostly opted for the ABS M1 for the layout, the profile/look and the price.  Aside from the logo, it's definitely a good looking board.  If it's even halfway between a typical membrane board and the Model M, I think I'll be happy enough.  I'm even more concerned about the noise though, if it really is as loud or louder than a Model M.  I think I'm more looking to avoid the clicking sound.  I've been trying to decide if the clicking of blue cherries would bother me.  It's been 10 years since I've typed on a mechanical board at all, with the exception of very little time on BS boards here.

I'd really like to talk my boss into buying a few Filcos for work, where I could really appreciate a good board.  I had one of those lousy new black Dell boards for 6 months.  Yuck.  I did some fishing, and she doesn't appear to remember those days quite as fondly.  All she can think of is the noise and the cost.  He reaction to me buying a mechanical board was, "...like those things that used to cost $100?"  Uh, yeah, they still cost that much (technically less after inflation, but that doesn't seem to matter.)

[mp29k]

 I've been trying to decide if the clicking of blue cherries would bother me.  

I just got one after not using mechanical boards for over 10 years.  The Blue Cherries are LOUD in my opinion, and not in a nice "THONK" kind of loud, more in a grating, pingy high pitched kinda little dog loud.  

I love the feel, don't get me wrong, and I don't mind when the baby is awake because I can just crank the tunes, but late night, they get pretty grating.

More reason for me to try the browns, greased BS, topres, AEK2...

[GenEric35]

my abs m1 was to upgrade the default keyboard that came with dell systems at work, was much worth it

btw, ever heard of the 'old' dell at101? it uses the same style of switches as a abs m1, but with dampers, and has a standard layout, a unicomp would be loud, but it's a nice buckling spring board imo, if you really need to quiet down a buckling spring board just do the grease mod and you can quiet it as much as you want, can't say about the cherry switches as i don't have any, but someone compared the click of blue switches to pressing and depressing the button on a Bic pen,

[patrickgeekhack]

As someone who has tried the Dell AT101W, the ABS M1, the Customizer 104, the Filco (brown Cherries), and the G80-3000 (blue Cherries), here is my opinion:

The Dell AT101W does not have rubber dampers by default. It can be loud if you are in a very quiet environment.

The Customizer is nice to type on, but can be loud as well. You can try the grease trick, but keep in mind that it will change the feel completely. It will not be the same keyboard at all. I tried that a few weeks ago, and can wait to find time to remove all the silicone grease.

The ABS M1, although nice to type on, can be very loud. Most of the noise comes from the rattles, and also from springing back into position.

Brown Cherries are quieter than the ones mentioned above, subtle tactile feel.

Blue Cherries (my favourite) is louder than brown Cherries, but less than buckling spring or Alps. They have a  very distinct tactile point which is nice for some. They are not very loud if you don't use a lot of force and don't bottom out heavily.

Topre capacitive switches - a completely different breed. You need to try one to know the feeling for it's impossible to describe it accurately. That being said, there's always a risk of being disappointed as some have been. Personally, it's my second favourite behind the blue Cherries. They will not annoy anyone around you if noise is a concern. I'm currently using this as my daily driver at home because of my baby sleeping in the other room. If I were not typing mostly at night, I would still be using my blue Cherries keyboard as my daily driver. The Cherry is the only keyboard that I bought a second as a backup. This tells you how much I love it :-)

[firestorm]

The ABS M1 just arrived and I'm typing on it right now.  I can say that it is just about what I expected, 'though that doesn't mean it was exactly what I was hoping for.  At times, it really doesn't seem that loud, but it is louder than I hoped.  Sure, it's clacky, but kinda like *that* sound.  I am noticed the ring in the board that others have described and, to me at least, sounds a lot like the ringing I remember hearing in the old Model M boards - just a resonance inside the keyboard.  It's much better if I type lightly, but having been accustomed to bottoming out keys for well over a decade, that is something I may have to get used to.  At the moment, it is surprising easy to do though - I just have to be very conscious of it.

I obviously haven't done much typing on it, but it feels pretty good so far.  For the price, I think I may be able to live with it.  I do like the weight of the keys.  We'll see what the wife thinks.  I did do a quick typing test on it, and it doesn't seem that I'm any faster on it, but, then again, I've done very little typing on it so far.

[itlnstln]

You're probably not going to be able to type without bottoming out on the ABS (or pretty much any ALPS 'board).  They tend to be a little too tactile.  I call it the "tug-o-war" effect: you have to push so hard that when the tactile leaf finally gives way, you crash to the bottom.  It's like the other team just letting go in a tug-o-war - you just fall on your ass.

[patrickgeekhack]

You're probably not going to be able to type without bottoming out on the ABS (or pretty much any ALPS 'board).  They tend to be a little too tactile.  I call it the "tug-o-war" effect: you have to push so hard that when the tactile leaf finally gives way, you crash to the bottom.  It's like the other team just letting go in a tug-o-war - you just fall on your ass.

They are like Wellington likes to call them meaty. Some people like them, some don't. I don't think I'm among those who do. I think I prefer Cherry MX switches.

[firestorm]

*sigh*

I've been home for a while now and just posted a rather long thread on another forum.  The more I type on this thing, the more I think it's going back to newegg.  I thought I liked the weight of the keys, but it almost seems laborious to type on.  Maybe that's not it - it's not as fun as it was for the first hour I guess.  It's not bad, but I can imagine it being better.  I'm starting to notice differences in keys, and the space bar has started to screech here and there - sounds like a dog whistle.  Disappointing.

It just seems more clunky now than it did earlier today.  It's almost like some keys are binding slightly; almost like they're not quite going down straight.  It also seems even louder on this desk, probably because this desk isn't littered with papers, equipment and etc...  I'd still like to think it's pretty decent for the price, so I just have to decide if it's decent enough for me, or whether to go ahead and send it back in favor of the Filco with browns.  I've never returned anything purchased over the 'net - one reason I usually buy locally.

[patrickgeekhack]

*sigh*

I've been home for a while now and just posted a rather long thread on another forum.  The more I type on this thing, the more I think it's going back to newegg.  I thought I liked the weight of the keys, but it almost seems laborious to type on.  Maybe that's not it - it's not as fun as it was for the first hour I guess.  It's not bad, but I can imagine it being better.  I'm starting to notice differences in keys, and the space bar has started to screech here and there - sounds like a dog whistle.  Disappointing.

It just seems more clunky now than it did earlier today.  It's almost like some keys are binding slightly; almost like they're not quite going down straight.  It also seems even louder on this desk, probably because this desk isn't littered with papers, equipment and etc...  I'd still like to think it's pretty decent for the price, so I just have to decide if it's decent enough for me, or whether to go ahead and send it back in favor of the Filco with browns.  I've never returned anything purchased over the 'net - one reason I usually buy locally.

Just wait until you're close to the end of the time frame allowed for requesting RMA. You'll have a better idea then. My Cherry took some time before taking the number one spot. Once there, it has stayed there.

[patrickgeekhack]

It's not bad, but I can imagine it being better.  I'm starting to notice differences in keys, and the space bar has started to screech here and there - sounds like a dog whistle.  Disappointing.

The spacebar problem is quite common. A bit of grease will fix that, but you may need to open it up to get easier access thereby voiding the warranty.

[firestorm]

I read about the squeak.  I was just hoping I could get by for a while without it occurring.  I really don't want to open this up during the warranty, but I most certainly don't want to open it when I may want to return it.

Funny enough, my wife seems less bothered by the noise than I am.  I was watching TV while she did a little typing, and I had to turn the volume up.  She said it was fine when she was watching TV while I typed, 'though her and my son were watching a movie with the A/V system running.  It really wasn't as loud, from where I was sitting, as I thought it would be.  

All she had to say was, "It's too springy."  She wasn't on very long though.

I did a bit more typing on it and got to a point where I wasn't really thinking about the keyboard anymore, so maybe I can get used to it.  I really wish I could compared it side-by-side with a Filco.  I have no problem spending $109 on a keyboard, I just wish I could know for sure it would be better than this.  If it's at least similar, but quieter and with a more consistent feel, then that may be the answer.  I won't give up on this just yet though. (Grr... there's that squeek again.)

[patrickgeekhack]

I read about the squeak.  I was just hoping I could get by for a while without it occurring.  I really don't want to open this up during the warranty, but I most certainly don't want to open it when I may want to return it.

Maybe you can get by by just using silicone lube since it usually comes with a tube.

I did a bit more typing on it and got to a point where I wasn't really thinking about the keyboard anymore, so maybe I can get used to it.  I really wish I could compared it side-by-side with a Filco.  I have no problem spending $109 on a keyboard, I just wish I could know for sure it would be better than this.  If it's at least similar, but quieter and with a more consistent feel, then that may be the answer.  I won't give up on this just yet though. (Grr... there's that squeek again.)

The Filco with brown Cherries is completely different. It's much lighter, and produces a different kind of noise. Unfortunately, unless you know someone who has one, there's no other way to try one than buying one. I like mine for sure, but each person is different. You can have a good idea of what it sounds like here.

[elservo]

Yeah, I don't think you're finished when it comes to mechanical keyboards, but it seems like the ALPS switch might not be what you're looking for.  We all know the Filco is a little more expensive, but in my case I can say that I'm so happy I got a Filco that I can be slightly annoying about it.  I am using the Cherry Blues, which are quite clicky, but from what these guys have shared about Cherry Browns, they seem to be exactly what you want in a keyboard.  Go for that.

[patrickgeekhack]

The ABS M1 can be a nice keyboard if it's used in a fairly noisy environment. Other than that, the noise can be annoying. I'm currently typing on one in the living room with the TV on. The noise does not seem to bother anyone. Of course, I would not be using this keyboard when everyone is sleeping at night. From time to time, it's nice to have a meaty keyboard.

As for the OP, like I said earlier, I would just use it until the tiem frame to request an RMA is nearly over. By then, I would have a better idea.

[firestorm]

Maybe you can get by by just using silicone lube since it usually comes with a tube.

The ABS M1 comes with a tube?

The squeaking isn't bothering me today.  I'm not sure how much of it is the spacebar being better today and how much of it is me not being tired.  I was making up crap to type yesterday and really putting it through it's paces, so I was probably getting a little sensitive to all the quirks and etc...

[ch_123]

I'd reiterate previous comments about Alps switches... they aren't that great. You'd probably be much happier with a brown switched Filco.

[microsoft windows]

Brown Cherry switches aren't too bad, but they feel just about the same as a good rubber dome. I don't get what's so special about them.

[ricercar]

The feel of Brown cherries is like good sex. A rubber dome is like bad sex with a condom.

[msiegel]

that would make buckling springs like... loud, mechanical sex on a squeaky mattress

[patrickgeekhack]

The ABS M1 comes with a tube?

No, but the silicone lube spray does.

[patrickgeekhack]

Brown cherries: the average girl next door. She isn't pretty but she isn't ugly either.
Blue cherries: the second rate hooker down town
Buckling springs: see msiegel
Topre: the expensive ***** but god was it worth it
Beam spring: You are not gonna get her

Then I must like the second rate hooker downtown. To each his own :-)

[patrickgeekhack]

Brown Cherry switches aren't too bad, but they feel just about the same as a good rubber dome. I don't get what's so special about them.

I don't think brown Cherries are about the same as a good rubber dome. My Filco with brown Cherries feel completely different from any rubber dome keyboard I've used. It's much better. The only keyboard with rubber dome which is very good is the Topre (or HHKB).

[firestorm]

No, but the silicone lube spray does.

Gotcha.  I didn't think the keyboard would, but I didn't catch your meaning.

I think have some excellent precision lube that I usually use for fans that would probably do the trick.  It's non-conductive and doesn't collect or otherwise attract dust.  ATM, the spacebar seems to be doing OK though.

I really just need to get my wife to do some more typing on it and get her to make her judgment on it.  Lately, she's just been tending her farm on Farmville.

I do think the browns would be a good fit for us.  That's the direction I was leaning, but with all the money we've been spending in the last 6 months for Christmas and birthdays, my wife was holding me back on purchases.  $50 is fairly negligible, so I got a green light for the ABS.  $109 (I don't think we need NKRO) is just in another territory, budget wise - not high, but high enough to cause hesitation.

[patrickgeekhack]

I really just need to get my wife to do some more typing on it and get her to make her judgment on it.  Lately, she's just been tending her farm on Farmville.

My wife was addicted to Farmville when she was on maternity leave. She does not have time to play Farmville anymore.

I do think the browns would be a good fit for us.  That's the direction I was leaning, but with all the money we've been spending in the last 6 months for Christmas and birthdays, my wife was holding me back on purchases.  $50 is fairly negligible, so I got a green light for the ABS.  $109 (I don't think we need NKRO) is just in another territory, budget wise - not high, but high enough to cause hesitation.

My first mechanical keyboard was my Customizer. I then got a Dell AT101W for work. When I told her I was getting another one, she said what would I do with yet another keyboard. She did not say anything for the rest. She even said that the Topre was quite different from any other keyboard. If you are happy with the ABS M1, then keep it. There's a high chance you won't be disappointed with the Filco if you decide to go this way and return the ABS M1. From what I have seen, you are the type of persons who will get one keyboard and forget about it. But who knows, you may well be on your way to build a collection, but my think your wife will be a good help in preventing that. Personally, I wanted to try a few different types of keyboards to decide which one I like best.

[firestorm]

My problem is more than I'm a little obsessive by nature, and particularly with purchases.  I'm half Dutch by blood (100% by upbringing), so I'm "thrifty" as well, but that doesn't mean buying junk - just finding value.  Almost nothing I buy is something I just went out and picked up.  I spent days researching the purchase of the LCD I'm staring at right now, as well as the printer that sits next to it.  I rarely take the cheap option either, but I tend more toward the sweet spot.  I look for that spot where spending more money begins to have diminishing returns, and pick products in that range.

I don't think I'll be starting a collection, 'though it's not entirely out the question.  The only way it would happen is if I went to the local PC recycler and found a bunch that I could pick up cheap.  I'll probably hang on to that MS Natural forever though... I've already had it for 14.5 years!  I've had the Keytronic KB101 Plus for 12.

[patrickgeekhack]

Almost nothing I buy is something I just went out and picked up.  I spent days researching the purchase of the LCD I'm staring at right now, as well as the printer that sits next to it.  I rarely take the cheap option either, but I tend more toward the sweet spot.  I look for that spot where spending more money begins to have diminishing returns, and pick products in that range.

I tend to do that sometimes. The reason I found this forum was because I was researching whether or not the Das was a good keyboard to buy. Like you, I did the same thing for my current LCD monitor.  I've been burned a few times going the cheapest route. I try not to do that anymore. Sometimes this can backfire. This is especially true for baby products. The cheapest ones are not the best and will likely need to be replaced sooner than later.

[firestorm]

It's been a few days now and I'm still not quite sure about this keyboard.  That, in and of itself, may be enough for me to send it back in favor of getting the Filco.  It seems that the only time I really appreciate this keyboard is after typing on the Dell membrane board at work all day long.  

I did find a Dell AT101W at work; not sure how I missed it before.  It needs to be cleaned up a bit and I haven't bothered to bring it home with me yet.  Unfortunately, I can't play with it at work either, since Dell Optiplex workstations don't have PS2 ports anymore (and i don't have a USB adapter.)

I'm still leaning toward the Filco with browns, but I do wonder how the tactile feel compares to boards I've typed on.  I'm not sure if I care if I feel it, so long as it's there.  When just poking around on the ABS M1, then tactile point doesn't seem to harsh, but once you type with any speed at all, it really does just cause you to bottom out the keys.  I don't think that's necessarily bad, but it certainly adds to the noise level.

FWIW, from just racking my fingers on the AT101W, I expected it to be different than the ABS M1, but I'm surprised just how much different the keys feel.  Granted, I'm sure it has some miles on it, but it was just our CEOs keyboard that he had at home on a docking station - hardly heavy use.

[firestorm]

I've been comparing the recordings ever since I found this forum/community.  I'm sure I've typed on at least Blues in the past, but that would've been a good 10 years ago and I wouldn't have known what I was typing on (switch wise).  Unfortunately, the only switch I've had considerable time on is BS, and even that was more like 14 years ago.

I am little worried that I may find the browns too light, but at the same time worried I'd find the blues too clicky.  It's really hard to get a sense for what to set my speaker volume to.  With any luck, I'll head over to the PC recycler tomorrow and see what I can find there.  I have doubts that I'll find anything, but we'll see.

[ch_123]

The blues aren't too loud, certainly quieter than the BS, but they do make a sort  of plasticky sound that some might find annoying.

This is the best recording I've heard around. Just use your usual volume, it should give you an accurate indication of noise level.

[firestorm]

Oh yeah, I've watched that a good dozen times by now, including once more before I composed my first post today.

[firestorm]

Well... I brought the Dell AT-101W home last night.  My wife, who is rather indifferent about the sound of the M1, immediately said that the Dell does have a less annoying sound.  I'd also have to say that the sound of the AT101W is closer to what I had hoped the M1 would be.  I might even prefer the slightly lighter tactile feel of the AT101W, which at the very least leads me to not bottom out quite as hard.  

From the listening that I've done, the Filcos with browns sound a lot like the AT101W... less rattling, but has a similar toc toc toc sound.  Neither seems to have the resonating ring that the M1 has.  Is that a fair assessment?  How does the tactile point compare between the two?  If the Filco is similar to the AT101W at all, I'm sure I'd be happy with it.  What about the key weight?  Is the Filco still considerably lighter than the AT101W as well?

I had both hooked up last night and switched back and forth several times.  There's still something about the ABS M1 that feels better, but I think it has more to do with the quality of the board and keys themselves more than the switches.  Between that and liking the lighter feel of the Dell, I think I'd be all set with the Filco+browns.  In other words... similar sound to the Dell, lighter feel than the M1, but with the quality build feel of the M1.  Does that make any sense?  FWIW, I do want the toc toc toc sound... I don't want a truly quiet keyboard.  It's the ringing and heavy clacking I'm not favoring well with the M1.

Oddly enough, I'm on the M1 right now, but at work, and it does in fact sound quite a bit different here.  But I have paper work, a computer, screens, etc... not to mention insulated/padded cubicle walls.  Considering the potential cost for return shipping and likely a restocking fee, it's a little tempting to keep this puppy for work.  My neighbors have noted that they could hear it though.

[microsoft windows]

I don't think most wives will be happy to see their husband's income going towards expensive keyboards.

[mp29k]

Or, "Wow, this is the LAST keyboard I'LL ever buy".

This one is dangerous, she just might hold you to that... I have so many more switches to try before I die!

[itlnstln]

Notice he said "I'LL" ever buy.  If you use your wife's credit card, technically she bought it.*
 
 
*I would never condone using your wife's credit card without her permission.  Just because she said "yes" when you twisted her arm behind her back does not mean she gave you permission.

[itlnstln]

ItlnStln, I really need to send your GF a Geekhack Invitation so she knows what you're REALLY like.

Oh, she knows...  That's why she loves me.  I learned that in my last relationship.

[itlnstln]

Why would I bury the body in the backyard?  That's just plain irresponsible, especially when there is plenty of uninhabited land in TX.

[firestorm]

Well, my wife has said she really doesn't care.  She finds the whole thing a little silly, but that's just about it.  She has said that the M1 is loud, but she can deal with it and get used to it if I wish to keep that board.  I don't think she really likes typing on it though, and since I'm not too sure about it myself, it looks like it's going back and we'll get the Filco.

Part of me wishes I had just waited, but I have a feeling I'd be wondering about the ABS if I hadn't at least tried it.  I'm not sure what it's going to cost to send it back.  They sent it in a HUGE box, and if I use the same one for return, I can't imagine that's going to help keep the cost down.  I think a 5% restocking fee may apply as well; not sure.  I'm tempted to throw it on Craigslist and see if anybody local has any interest, but I kind of doubt that too many people looks for keyboards there.

[firestorm]

Meh.  I don't really care what Newegg thinks.  I know they have a good return policy and, as far as I'm concerned, it should be considered part of doing business online.  They're part of the reason so many things are hard to find in brick 'n' mortar stores any more.  I'm more thinking... if it costs $15 to send it back, netting me $35, I may just consider keeping it.  It'd either make a good backup, or I could use it at work where the noise was much less noticeable.  But I have yet to determine what it'll cost to send back.

[patrickgeekhack]

Part of me wishes I had just waited, but I have a feeling I'd be wondering about the ABS if I hadn't at least tried it.  

This is how I ended up with a keyboard collection. One of the many reasons behind this collection has been what does this or that keyboard feel like.

[patrickgeekhack]

Meh.  I don't really care what Newegg thinks.  I know they have a good return policy and, as far as I'm concerned, it should be considered part of doing business online.  They're part of the reason so many things are hard to find in brick 'n' mortar stores any more.  I'm more thinking... if it costs $15 to send it back, netting me $35, I may just consider keeping it.  It'd either make a good backup, or I could use it at work where the noise was much less noticeable.  But I have yet to determine what it'll cost to send back.

Just find out how much it's going to cost you to return it first. Speculating is sometimes a waste of energy in my opinion. Once you have the real cost, then you can make a better decision.

[firestorm]

FWIW, it was going to cost me a little over $20 to send it back.  With being prepared to keep it, I fired up a chat with a Newegg CS rep and stated my case.  It looks like the occasional squeak from the space bar will get me out of return shipping and the 15% re-stocking fee.  Of course, it hasn't been squeaking today.

I was chatting with my cube neighbor (hey, there's that squeak), simply because I noticed that her Dell L100 keyboard was as big a POS as the one I had.  I showed her the ABS M1 and she's going to take it home and give it a test drive.  She didn't think the noise wouldn't bother her, but I suggested she get it into the environment that she's going to use it in.  Like I said, these padded cube walls make a big difference in the sound.  I'm finding it to actually be gratifying to type on here, especially compared to the Dell boards.  If she likes it, she'll take it off my hands.