ABS M1 showed up defective, Need help picking a new one.

[blesh]

I recently purchased the first mechanical keyboard I've had since the 90's, an ABS M1, and it showed up busted. Basically, the space bar squeaked and stuck every three or four presses.  Needless to say, I'm sending it back.

This is a (crappy) video of me demonstrating how defective it was:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbW4dUO8b3M

 - I'm a programmer and a gamer, and I tend to wear out my keyboards, so I want to get something solid.

 - I'm not into flashy things or spending a ton of money, but I'll spend whatever it takes to get a good 10 years out of a board. I know I'll use it a lot so money isn't a huge issue.

 - I'd prefer something non-clicky because my 1 yr old is a light sleeper and is the next room down the hall.

 - I won't buy from a company with no return policy.

Can someone here with some expertise point me in the direction of a solid keyboard?

[ruumis]

Maybe the one you got was a fluke? I too recently purchased an ABS M1 and have had no problems with it. The space bar does have a faint squeak but as others here have said, you can fix that by lubing the bracket underneath. Newegg and Chiefvalue both currently have them for sale at $50 shipped, which is a great deal.

[Mental Hobbit]

Probably it's just a dislocated stabilizer. So if you otherwise like the feel of the switches and would rather keep the board, pull the spacebar up carefully and see what's going on underneath.

[blesh]

Well, I'm actually okay with spending $100+ on a keyboard, I just want something I know I'll get a lot of mileage and enjoyment out of.

I'm hesitant to get anything from elitekeyboards.com, because, as I understand it, they have an "all purchases" final policy, and I don't feel like having to fix a keyboard because I can't return it. However, if I could be told with 99.999% confidence that any Filco I get will be flawless, I'd consider it.

[blesh]

Oh, and I've already sent the busted M1 back.

[itlnstln]

If you want to go 10 years with one keyboard I'd get a Cherry Brown keyboard like the Cherry Corp or the Filco.  Over 10 years it may not be cheaper than replacing a mushy rubber dome every 3 years but at least you'll be happier those 10 years.

Seconded.  Spend the extra dough.  You'll be happier in the end.

[Phaedrus2129]

Could go with a Das, they're pretty nice now that they've fixed the transposition issues. Only downside is the glossy finish needs constant cleaning. But they're solid, reliable boards.

[spolia optima]

If noise is a really serious issue for you, get something with PCB mounted brown cherries or a Topre if you're the ritzy type.

If noise isn't that big of an issue and you prioritize reliability and comfort, get yourself an IBM Model M or Unicomp SpaceSaver. I've done the "soft touch" thing with my M2 (adding a daub of grease to the springs) and the noise is pretty much cut in half.

I would imagine that your average p[rogrammer cares about 100% accuracy. If your typing skills are only average (like 40-50wpm), get the M because you won't ever make an accidental keypress. No special skill is needed to type completely by ear with confidence that you're hitting the right keys.

With the brown cherry / topre you gotta type gingerly cause those switches are hella low-force.

[ch_123]

If you want to indulge yourself, the Topre keyboards sound exactly like what you need. If you don't want to spend that much money, a Brown Cherry Filco would serve you just as well.

Squeaky spacebars are quite common with mechanical switch keyboards, even the Filcos do it, although probably not to the extent you described with the ABS.

[Viett]

I too purchased an ABS M1 and sent it back. At the time, ABS still claimed 6-key rollover, which was just a straight lie.

If you like the key action of the ABS, but want a keyboard with far superior build quality, get a Dell AT101W. Only downsides are that it's a little bigger, has PS/2, and can't be purchased new. It's incredibly cheap, though ($30 or less shipped).

Otherwise, putting up the money to get a FILCO or Das will probably be worth it.

[ruumis]

I must have just gotten lucky with my ABS M1. And in my opinion, the build quality is beyond reproach. My points of reference are various IBM and Lexmark Model Ms, which I still consider to be the absolute pinnacle of build quality.

If you're patient, you might consider waiting for the Adesso MKB-135B instead of the Das.

[hyperlinked]

I'm hesitant to get anything from elitekeyboards.com, because, as I understand it, they have an "all purchases" final policy, and I don't feel like having to fix a keyboard because I can't return it. However, if I could be told with 99.999% confidence that any Filco I get will be flawless, I'd consider it.

I had a really bad day a few months ago and I smashed my Filco with Browns with an open palm without thinking about what I was doing. I felt like an idiot right after I did it and I couldn't believe that I took it out on my keyboard.

I thought for sure I'd be breaking out a soldering iron and replacement switches within a few days. That was months ago. I still don't know where my soldering iron is these days.

[ch_123]

Saying that a Dell AT101W is better than an ABS M1 says an awful awful lot about the quality of the ABS M1...

[blesh]

Thanks for all of the advice!  I'm going to let these thoughts simmer for a bit while I make my decision.

[patrickgeekhack]

I'm hesitant to get anything from elitekeyboards.com, because, as I understand it, they have an "all purchases" final policy, and I don't feel like having to fix a keyboard because I can't return it. However, if I could be told with 99.999% confidence that any Filco I get will be flawless, I'd consider it.

Elitekeyboards stand behind their product. I was very happy with the service I got from them. You'll always get your questions answered.

[blesh]

Yeah I read their policy, and it seems that they've got a pretty standard 30-day return policy, and that they're willing to help with manufacturer's warranty issues, so that's a pretty good thing.  I also had some questions about NKRO, which I emailed them about and recieved a prompt response, so that makes me feel good about them.