Evening all,
This is my first post although I have been reading this forum for the past few months.
A little background history; I am in my third year (second career as well) in a small software firm. I work mostly with Microsoft tools, such as Access, SQL, VB, and DOTNET. I type quite a bit and have long days, and I find most "cheap membrane" keyboards very dissatisfying. I have tried all of the keyboards (pretty much) that you can find in stores (MS Ergo flavors, Logitech, Kensington, Keytronic, ...). I have been wanting to try out the mechanical keyboards but I really had no idea which one to start with. Since I really enjoy typing, I figured that I might as well treat myself to something nice. And the more I read this forum the more I get confused about what I really want.
So for the past few months I have been checking out the local computer stores and Goodwill and Flea Markets in hopes of landing something mechanical to get a taste before I make an expensive purchase.
Last Saturday, I finally found one; an IBM Model M2 13953000, 1993, for $7 in a local Computer store. I had the store clerk test it, and guess what,... yeah, it is one of those that fails... The Caps Lock and Scroll Lock lights came on, but it didn't register any key-presses. I still bought it, took it home, and thought that at least I would type on it just to get a feel for the Buckling Springs.
I of course fired up the iPad, cracked open a beer, smoked a couple of cigarettes, and started browsing geekhack for possible fixes. Bingo! Some german dude has posted a how to "Repairing the IBM Model M2". A few minutes later, I had the thing apart and the keys in soapy water with a little bit of 409 for good measure. Again a few minutes later, I was on my way to Radioshack to buy myself 2 flux capacitors (thank you lowpoly,
http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:5065), to build my time-traveling machine (back to the 1990's).
A little bit of welding later, a little burn, and I put the thing back together. After much cussing and a little bit of luck, I had the M2's springs back in order); it's working!!! I have no idea if the repair will hold, but in the meantime I get my first taste of a mechanical keyboard for $10 and I am loving it. The keyboard is in good shape, and the pinging is moderate. The M2 does not have a steel plate, and I think that the case construction, although solid, amplifies the pinging a little bit. Altogether, I love it!!! It keeps me company as I type, and I love getting into a rythm with it. I actually welcome the audible feedback; I know that I missed a strike without looking at the screen. Very cool. I also am trying to learn to use it without bottoming out, which is even more pleasant. I lost a bit of speed, but I feel that it will get better with practice. So, now that I am hooked, where do I go from there?
Since I do like this Model M2, I would like to try the 1391401; good old rock solid from what I hear, will last a while, and I would love to do the usual mods with it (bolt mod, and dying some of the keys to make it mine). My only worries are spending $100 on a keyboard that is almost 20 years old. I don't mind the modding; I am a hobbyist and put together many computers for myself or a little beer money. My concerns are reliability (which is why I am concerned with this M2 keyboard), and size (why can't Unicomp resurrect the real Space saver? They would probably sell so many of those they would be back-ordered for well over year. Somebody needs to send these guys a geekhack invite and they should probably hire Ripster).
I also considered the Unicomp 101 with the Linux layout which repositions the CTRL key to the CAPS LOCK ley, but also unfortunately repositions the ESC key, which I am not sure I would like. (I use that damn CTRL key about 2 hours a day, no joke, and not having to bend my pinky so much would be welcome).
I don't think that I need the 104 model because quite frankly Microsoft never really pushed the envelope on the use of the Windows key and the Right-click key. It is barely useful, and the ALT key is much more useful in all programs I use. I use the right-click quite a bit in SQL but that's about it. I can really do without, and since the M2 is a 101, I really dig the bigger CTRL key and the way longer Spacebar a lot more.
The Filcos are out (too much money period), and the Leopold are too fresh and seem to be hit and miss. I also considered the KBC Poker with the Cherry Reds, for a light and quiet typing experience, but the fact that that they put the FN key to the right (I am left handed) is a real turn off for me, and I know I will need to press the damn thing every 2 minutes, and my right hand is also my ball hand (trackball that is). Put the hand on the ball, take the hand the FN key, put the hand back on the ball, bring it back to the FN key, etc... not sure about this.
There is of course the Evil Razer Blackwidow (since the Rosewill Rk-9000 is out of stock at Newegg and Chiefvalue). I would get to try out the Cherry Blues (which I expect would be quieter that the BS I am typing on now and maybe a little bit of a lighter switch), and I can order it for $69 with no shipping charge from Compusa and return it to the store if I hate it. I also wonder of the Macros would be of help for the shorcuts I use all day long, CTRL+A, CTRL+X, CTRL+C, CTRL+V, CTRL+F, CTRL+H, CTRL+Z when I do something stupid, .... seriously, all day long. Blackwidow seems like the cheapest Blue around, and I know I can pull the right ALT key and file it down a bit if it hits the spacebar (seems lie the common geekhacker gripe).
So, here are my choices; keep my Model M2, go for the heavyweight 1391401, the plasticky and in need of Botox Unicomp 101 in Linux layout, or the shiny Blackwidow if the Cherry switches are really that much better. All are around the same $69 to $79 (the real unknown is the Model M, since clickykeyboards.com is asking for $80 and the adapter is $18, plus shipping).
Thank you again to all of you for the wealth of information you provide in this forum. Thanks again to lowpoly for the tutorial on how to fix my Model M2.
Happy switching.
