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Author Topic: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey  (Read 3880 times)

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Offline theryaner

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IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« on: Mon, 11 July 2016, 10:02:30 »
Hello, I was wondering if anyone here has experience with both of these keyboards. I'm currently using the Dell Quietkey and it's definitely a very solid RD keyboard but I'm just curious to know how well it stacks up to the RD version of the model M.

I know this is strange question because I'm aware that the majority of people here are mechanical keyboard users, but after using many mechanical keyboards (IBM model M/F, dell at101w, AEK1&2, fk-2001...) I always end up switching back over to a quality RD keyboard for some odd reason. Anyway, I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

PS. Feel free to name some of your favorite RD keyboards as well.
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Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 11 July 2016, 10:13:40 »
IIRC, I really liked the Model M Rubber Domes. They were quite tactile and springy. Not too mushy. But I still prefer a DT35 if I have to go rubber dome.
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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 11 July 2016, 10:26:07 »
The original Quiet Keys (made in Thailand or Malaysia or wherever, rather than the later Chinese ones) are very good.

The IBM KB-8923 is pretty comparable in feel, and more sturdy in build. If you decide to take one apart, take several screws out from the back, then pull the caps and you will find a couple of more screws going through from the front.

Compaq also made some excellent rubber domes in the late-1990s and very-early-2000s.
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Offline chyros

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 11 July 2016, 10:42:17 »
I found a set of 9 rubber dome Unicomps recently. I've had many Quietkeys.

I don't like the rubber dome Ms, they're very heavy, which is not something I'd want for rubber domes. The Quietkey, especially the NMB version, is better IMO.
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Offline theryaner

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 11 July 2016, 21:38:46 »
Quote from: fohat.digs on Mon, 11 July 2016, 10:26:07
The original Quiet Keys (made in Thailand or Malaysia or wherever, rather than the later Chinese ones) are very good.

The IBM KB-8923 is pretty comparable in feel, and more sturdy in build. If you decide to take one apart, take several screws out from the back, then pull the caps and you will find a couple of more screws going through from the front.

Compaq also made some excellent rubber domes in the late-1990s and very-early-2000s.

Yup, I have the Thailand one and it's great. I have tried the KB-8923 and while the build quality was nice, I thought the keys were extremely mushy. Maybe I got one that was used to death.
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Offline dante

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 12 July 2016, 07:16:55 »
My favorites:

tenkeyless: HP Mini USB (KU-0901)
fullsize: Dell KB-522 or Cherry Evolution Stream XT
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Offline vivalarevolución

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #6 on: Tue, 12 July 2016, 07:46:21 »
Rubber domes are quieter than most mechanicals so there is that advantage.

A few rubber dome Model Ms have come my way.  Very robust.  For a rubber dome, you can't ask for much more.  Plus, you can convert it to bucking spring if you get the springs, flippers, and key caps. 
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Offline tipo33

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #7 on: Tue, 12 July 2016, 07:57:36 »
I just recently purchased a rubber dome M (by accident).  It is not a bad keyboard cosnsidering the technology.  I owned a Dell Quietkey quite a long time ago, but do not recall it enough to make a comparison.
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Offline dante

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #8 on: Tue, 12 July 2016, 17:06:25 »
Quote from: tipo33 on Tue, 12 July 2016, 07:57:36
I just recently purchased a rubber dome M (by accident).  It is not a bad keyboard cosnsidering the technology.  I owned a Dell Quietkey quite a long time ago, but do not recall it enough to make a comparison.

Dude!  Nice to see you again! :D
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Offline klennkellon

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #9 on: Tue, 12 July 2016, 18:35:23 »
Use it to practice a bolt mod, it's construction is almost identical.
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Offline theryaner

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 13 July 2016, 02:08:35 »
Thanks for the recommendations, I'm still on the fence on whether I should pick one up or not because they aren't exactly cheap on ebay.
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Offline tipo33

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Re: IBM Model M (Rubber Dome) VS Dell Quietkey
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 13 July 2016, 06:10:33 »
Quote from: dante on Tue, 12 July 2016, 17:06:25
Quote from: tipo33 on Tue, 12 July 2016, 07:57:36
I just recently purchased a rubber dome M (by accident).  It is not a bad keyboard cosnsidering the technology.  I owned a Dell Quietkey quite a long time ago, but do not recall it enough to make a comparison.

Dude!  Nice to see you again! :D

Yhea, it's been a while, but I'm back :D
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