I'm looking for a keyboard that is nice and comfy for writing

[Papershards]

I'm an aspiring writer and have been looking for a keyboard that is good for long writing sessions and is not super pricey. I can go up to about 60$ Any idea on what would be best for me to use? I do know that I want it to be a Mechanical keyboard and that browns or blues work for me I just don't know what's good for long writing sessions and still in my price range. I have been looking into IBM's model M but I'm not sure what to avoid on eBay and if it's even worth it considering that it's 30+ years old. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

[riotonthebay]

Model M is a great buy for writing. I'm not in a good spot to link stuff right now but I'm sure someone can give some examples of good ones that have gone recently on eBay.

[Papershards]

Sweet thanks!

[moh18one]

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_rsis_1_4?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=unicomp&sprefix=unic%2Caps%2C215

[riotonthebay]

Don't buy a unicomp. Buy a model m. For the love of Jesus on the day of his rebirth, just buy a model m.

[Papershards]

Understood!

[klennkellon]

If you don't mind a funky layout and paying more a Model F is even better. For just typing an AT Model F or the 122-key battleship should be fine.

[tp4tissue]

- Ergodox -

                   //Most Comfortable

[riotonthebay]

To expand a bit more, it's not that I actually hate unicomp. They inherited/bought IBM's model m patents and just do a generally worse job. It's a case of "they don't make em like they used to." A nice vintage model m will be sturdier, feel better, sounds better, and have nicer keycaps.

[klennkellon]

To expand a bit more, it's not that I actually hate unicomp. They inherited/bought IBM's model m patents and just do a generally worse job. It's a case of "they don't make em like they used to." A nice vintage model m will be sturdier, feel better, sounds better, and have nicer keycaps.

They aren't as good for sure but its nice not having to worry about rivets.

[tp4tissue]

To expand a bit more, it's not that I actually hate unicomp. They inherited/bought IBM's model m patents and just do a generally worse job. It's a case of "they don't make em like they used to." A nice vintage model m will be sturdier, feel better, sounds better, and have nicer keycaps.

This is not true.


As plastic ages , they tend to harden.. So whatever it sounds like now, is not identical to the original. 

So your current infatuation is merely opportunistic and arbitrary.


The new Unicomps are functionally identical.


If we take into account that the vast majority of old-model-m boards also need the bolt mod for rigidity purposes,  then Unicomp wins hands down on Hassle and Labor..


These mods while not difficult in terms of complexity is a huge time expense..



The only real value of going with an old model m is for the Hipster factor, just like how Tp4 clings to his x220 laptop..


There is absolutely NO meaningful greater  utility    or   build-quality in the old model m.

[riotonthebay]

[Entropia]

Unicomp keyboards feel like a piece of junk. A 10$ logitech is better built and has less defects. IBM Models M are much better. However, buckling springs aren't the more confortable mechanism for writing. They are hard to press, noisy, inconsistent and old-fashioned. No matter if they are old or new, I don't think they can be considered pleasurable to type on, at least for me, that I'm more and more fond of linear switches everyday. On the contrary, they are one of the best switches from the typing performance point of view. As regard IBM Model Ms, also consider that they are very large keyboards, that they look vintage and that they lack modern goodies such as the extra keys, the usb connection and the nkro.

[Targa-TV]

Hello fellow aspiring writer.
I'm new to the mech boards world too but let me tell you, non-lubed tactile switches are not ideal for long typing sessions.
My experience is limited to Cherry MX switches, in particular Black, Brown and Red.
Smashing keys on a tester for a few minutes is nothing like typing whole pages for hours and I'm learning it the hard way.
I come from using cherry mx red switches for three months to typing on cherry mx browns for a few days. And I already want to go back to the linears.
I mentioned non-lubed switches because I've read here that lubing the stems makes stiff switches smoother, but if you want a comfortable typing straight out of the box, so far my money is on linear switches.
Also, thick PBT keycaps feel so much better than thin ABS, there is no comparison. And I noticed that I make more spelling mistakes with the smoother top of the ABS keycaps because my fingertips sometimes slide when I'm touch typing or typing fast.
Off topic: I wanted to say some inspiring s* about keeping on writing when you don't win your first literary contests but it sounds pretentious and patronizing so I'll just say good luck with your writing.

[gazza341]

Kinesis Advantage 2 is a good choice for long hours at the PC

[need]

Use appropriately weighted linear switches to prevent RSI.

[fohat.digs]

There is a lot to be said for buying a new keyboard with a warranty, but many people here like vintage gear.

I use an ancient IBM regularly, but Alps switches are worth looking at because they activate high up and if you are touch typist you might get away with using very little force on them. The orange ones are not hard to find or terribly expensive in the Apple Extended Keyboard, but if you use them in place you will need an ADB-to-USB converter.

If you are good with your hands, the "jailhouse" mod for blue Cherry switches might be good for the same reason.