Recommend me a keyboard please!

[acidBurn]

Hi everyone!

Now that I'm not detrimentally broke anymore, I'm looking for a new keyboard.  My trusty old AT101W took a dump on me not too long ago and I've been stuck with this mushy/yucky Inland thingy for awhile.  I'd like something new.  I'm not much of a gamer, this keyboard would be mostly used for administrative tasks and coding-type things.  Here are some requirements:

Essential stuff

• Linux layout similar to the Unicomps (This is somewhat negotiable since I COULD just remap it)
• NOT tenkeyless (I use them often)
• SHOULD have key labels
• Mechanical (not sure which switches would be ideal for me - what do you think?)
• 100 USD or less

Stuff that would be nice but not essential

• No extra media buttons
• As little extra 'empty real estate' as possible (see the Unicomps for an example of what I'd rather not have)
• A black keyboard would be nice, but... whatever

Thanks in advance for your help!

[N8N]

What happened to your AT101W?  I have one laying around that's yours for shipping if it will help you fix yours.

Did you really like the AT101W?  If so probably cherry blues or one of the blue stem Alps clone "mechanical gaming keyboards" that are new on eBay now.  I'm thinking Rosewill RK-9000?  But nothing really feels like the Alps but Alps, Cherry MX even the clicky ones are subtly different in a way that you may or may not like.

[SmallFry]

Heh. Mess with the best, die like the rest. I am ZeroCool.

[acidBurn]

What happened to your AT101W?  I have one laying around that's yours for shipping if it will help you fix yours.

Did you really like the AT101W?  If so probably cherry blues or one of the blue stem Alps clone "mechanical gaming keyboards" that are new on eBay now.  I'm thinking Rosewill RK-9000?  But nothing really feels like the Alps but Alps, Cherry MX even the clicky ones are subtly different in a way that you may or may not like.

 
I liked it well enough but planned to replace it at some point anyway, and I've heard one can do much better.... although what this really means is still a mystery.  As far as what happened to it, I'm ashamed to say I spilled some protein shake on it.  We were able to get it cleaned to the point where keys that were not working worked, but then suddenly the A key stopped working mysteriously (where it had worked before cleaning).  It's interesting as it seems to work when I remove the switch and manually press the spring down, but does not work with the switch installed.  I haven't tried swapping switches with another key, though I might do that.  If you've got any thoughts as to what might be wrong, I'd love to hear them... although I'll probably still replace it at some point in the near future anyway.

[Clickey]

HHKB, go check them out, sounds like a perfect fit for you.

[MrAndersson]

Check out the 6Gv2 or the 7G from Steelseries, awesome keyboards without any needless extras

[SBI]

If he liked the Dell, I doubt blacks are exactly his cup of tea.

[acidBurn]

Thanks for all the responses!

HHKB, go check them out, sounds like a perfect fit for you.

I checked this one out and it looked like a solid choice, although I didn't care for the rather 'unique' backspace configuration.  I did notice you can switch this using dip switches on the board, so I'll keep it in mind.
 

Check out the 6Gv2 or the 7G from Steelseries, awesome keyboards without any needless extras

I really liked these.  Thank you!

If he liked the Dell, I doubt blacks are exactly his cup of tea.

Any specific reason why?

[N8N]

Any specific reason why?

Because Alps-based boards have a distinct tactile point, more crisp than any Cherry-based board.  Cherry MX black are stiff and linear - like a clear but without the tactile point.  Not a *bad* switch - lots of people swear by them - but about as different in personality from an Alps as you can possibly get.

[N8N]

I liked it well enough but planned to replace it at some point anyway, and I've heard one can do much better.... although what this really means is still a mystery.  As far as what happened to it, I'm ashamed to say I spilled some protein shake on it.  We were able to get it cleaned to the point where keys that were not working worked, but then suddenly the A key stopped working mysteriously (where it had worked before cleaning).  It's interesting as it seems to work when I remove the switch and manually press the spring down, but does not work with the switch installed.  I haven't tried swapping switches with another key, though I might do that.  If you've got any thoughts as to what might be wrong, I'd love to hear them... although I'll probably still replace it at some point in the near future anyway.

I'd personally just replace that one switch and see if it comes back.  My offer still stands if you want to try it.  My board has been cosmetically cleaned and the case has the usual yellowing but is otherwise really nice - but the keycaps are quite shiny, showing lots of use, and the switches feel very frictiony so they likely need a good cleaning and lubing, and I have plenty of other things to work on before I get to that point.  It'd make a good parts board though, and if your case is less than perfect, this case is pretty nice.

[fusillijerry]

Essential stuff

• Linux layout similar to the Unicomps (This is somewhat negotiable since I COULD just remap it)

 
Maybe I missed this, but why not just get a Unicomp? It sounds like it has what you're looking for, and the price is right, too.

[SBI]

And you can get the Space Saver, which would also elimate the size criticism. I also think the distinct tactile feel of the buckling springs would be something you might like.

[acidBurn]

Maybe I missed this, but why not just get a Unicomp? It sounds like it has what you're looking for, and the price is right, too.

And you can get the Space Saver, which would also elimate the size criticism. I also think the distinct tactile feel of the buckling springs would be something you might like.

A valid question.  The answer is simply that the Model M/Unicomp (and then the AT101W when I found it buried in the parents' basement) were the only mechanical keyboards I knew of, and wanted to see what else is out there.

[False_Dmitry_II]

If that means you've used the buckling spring switch alot then there's a good chance that you won't much like what else is out there. There are people here who have tried plenty of switches and generally stick to their buckling spring boards. I rotate mine (now that it's back together and usable again. See my thread about a case to see what I did to it.) with a bunch of other boards. There are also other people who do this as well. Using it right now.