It was 18 years (or so) ago when I was given my first computer. A Hyundai 286AT, complete with a low profile case, custom 5.25" floppy, 40MB HDD, branded B/W monitor and, of course, branded 101-key mechanical keyboard with a big, L-shaped enter key.
6 system upgrades later, and that keyboard was still the best piece of computer interface I'd ever used. I couldn't actually put my finger on it (pun intended
but there was something about the tactileness (tactility?) of the keys that I just could not find in any rubber dome cheap/expensive/exotic/gaming/whatever keyboard I could find and try. With one exception. I had heard of the thinkpad laptops then built by mighty IBM which were famous for their keyboards! I bought a T40 model and was indeed impressed with the keyboard feel. The question for a desktop keyboard that would satisfy my Hyundai-spoiled fingers still lingered though.
Enter the DataHand. I can't remember how I came across this...contraption yet I managed to grab one in ebay for less that 300 euros. The potential for ergonomic computing rig configurations was mind boggling, even though the learning curve was rather steep. Right about then I started working as a resident doctor and all my free time was rerouted to sleeping. The datahand still lies in my closet, waiting for my mood (and my time) to shift.
Fast forward to this autumn when I got completely frustrated with my Logitech flat and decided to once more clean my Huyndai mech and reinstate it to its rightful place before my monitor. (Not an easy job, the cleaning, mind you)
At the same time, my ebay window shopping somehow started including the words "mechanical" "clicky" "ibm model m". One thing lead to another and the geekhack.org forum started appearing in google's results about keyboards, switches, mods etc.
Buckling springs, ALPS, Cherry colors. Things I'd never heard of, though always knew I was interested in. And steampunk mods. Did I mention steampunk mods?
It's been a month since I received my GHSS in the mail (it took a month to get here as well!) and it was with great grief that it took the Hyundai's place on my desk. The kiddo is amazing! The sound and feel are simply intoxicating, and it is with pride that I look upon the kiwi green G,H and Geek Hack keys.
I know save for the next piece of my collection which will be Cherry-flavoured. I still haven't decided on blue or brown
To sum up.
An 18-year old Hyundai-branded mechanical. Still working and rocking.
A DataHand (personal edition)
Three thinkpads (after the T40 I got me an X40 and this summer an Edge 13)
A Geek Hack Space Saver
...many more to go
I guess Geekhackers are born, not made. I'd never heard of mech keyboards before 2010 (I'm 32 now), yet I've known that's what I want to type on since I was 13.
It was nice to find you guys
