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Offline Phaedrus2129

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Rank favorite keyboards
« on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 11:31:40 »
Rank your top ten favorite keyboards, including ones that you've tried or no longer own. Don't list ones that you haven't actually used.


1. Cherry MX SPOS (MX brown)
2. IBM Model M13 1994 (BS)
3. XArmor U9BL (MX blue)
4. Cherry G80-8200 (MX brown)
5. IBM Model M 1988 (BS)
6. Das Professional S (MX blue)
7. XArmor U9W prototype (MX blue)
8. PC Reveal KB-7061 (clicky white Alps)
9. Cherry G84-4100 (ML)
10. Compaq MX-11800 (MX brown)
Daily Driver: Noppoo Choc Mini
Currently own: IBM Model M 1391401 1988,  XArmor U9 prototype
Previously owned: Ricercar SPOS, IBM M13 92G7461 1994, XArmor U9BL, XArmor U9W prototype, Cherry G80-8200LPDUS, Cherry G84-4100, Compaq MX-11800, Chicony KB-5181 (SMK Monterey), Reveal KB-7061, Cirque Wave Keyboard (ergonomic rubber domes), NMB RT101 (rubber dome), Dell AT101W

Offline keyboardlover

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« Reply #1 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 11:40:09 »
I don't have a top 10, but...
My top 5:

1. Topre Realforce 103UB variable force
2. Topre Realforce 103UB 55g
3. Filco Majestouch tenkeyless (cherry mx brown)
4. Compaq MX11800 (cherry mx brown)
5. Dell AT101W (Black alps)

The first 2 I currently own and the last 3 I previously owned but no longer own.

Offline itlnstln

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« Reply #2 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 11:58:05 »
1) ?????
2) HHKB/RF 103/G80-1863/G80-3000

If that's any indication, I have keyboards that are very good, but none are perfect.

HHKB layout, RF build quality and Cherry browns would get there.


Offline panda-R

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« Reply #3 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:00:11 »
i have a top 1... that would be my Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless (Blues)... its my only board sadly..
DO YOU FEEL THE BEAT? I DO.
One Keyboard to DOOM them all, REALFORCE.

Offline Rajagra

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« Reply #4 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:04:12 »
Favourites:
  • Realforce 87U variable force.
  • HHKB Pro.
  • Das III Ultimate.
  • Compaq MX11800.
  • Belkin Nostromo N52te.

I have to include the N52 as a favourite as it never leaves my desk. I have to exclude my IBM model Ms as I don't actually use them. I respect them but don't love them.

Honourable mentions (places 6 to 10?) go to:
  • IBM model M 1391406.
  • Unicomp Customizer.
  • IBM Ultranav Travel.
  • Typematrix 2030.
  • Dell AT102.

Quote from: panda-R;247573
i have a top 1... that would be my Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless (Blues)... its my only board sadly..

That isn't sad at all.
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:07:48 by Rajagra »

Offline MissileMike

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« Reply #5 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:05:03 »
1. Filco Majestouch 104 key brown
2. IBM Space Saving 84 Key
3. Matias Tactile Pro 3.0
4. Unicomp Customizer 104 / IBM 42H1292 Model M
5. IBM 1391401 Model Ms
6. NMB R101 Space Invader Switches
7. Cherry POS Brown Keyboard
8. Dell Quietkey domes
9. ABS M1
10. Dell AT101W
BS: 5 Space Savers  ||  9 42H  ||  10 1391401 or similar  ||  1x 1390131  || AT&T 305b  ||  Dell Model M
Cherry: Leopold FC200RC/AB  ||  3 Ducky 1087  ||  PLU ML87 ||  Cherry G80-8113LUVEU-2  browns
Alps: Filco Zero Tenkeyless (fukka)  ||  ABS M1  ||  3x Dell AT101w  ||  Ancer KF-191  ||  6 Vivanco Compact
Misc: NMB RT6855T+  ||  NMB RT101 Space Invader  ||  Dell Quietkey  ||  Ge Fanuc Industrial Metal

Offline Kairxa

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« Reply #6 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:26:17 »
Haven't got the chance to own them all, but here's the keyboards I've ever tried:

1. Razer Blackwidow (tried, love how the keys felt)
2. Filco blues with 104 keys (currently owned)
3. Powerlogic Zen Z200 (only tried, doubt you'll find em in the US market)
4. Filco browns (only tried)
5. Filco blacks/Steelseries 6Gv2 (tried)

Meanwhile, by their sound or personal hypes:

1. Topre Realforce variable
2. Razer Blackwidow
3. Filco zero
4. Filco blues 104 keys
5. Filco browns
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:31:03 by Kairxa »

Offline mr_a500

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« Reply #7 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:27:42 »
 :blank:
« Last Edit: Wed, 04 July 2018, 11:02:48 by mr_a500 »

Offline MissileMike

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« Reply #8 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:28:49 »
Man if a Vic 20 made your list, I would hate to see the ones that didn't.  That was one terrible keyboard.
BS: 5 Space Savers  ||  9 42H  ||  10 1391401 or similar  ||  1x 1390131  || AT&T 305b  ||  Dell Model M
Cherry: Leopold FC200RC/AB  ||  3 Ducky 1087  ||  PLU ML87 ||  Cherry G80-8113LUVEU-2  browns
Alps: Filco Zero Tenkeyless (fukka)  ||  ABS M1  ||  3x Dell AT101w  ||  Ancer KF-191  ||  6 Vivanco Compact
Misc: NMB RT6855T+  ||  NMB RT101 Space Invader  ||  Dell Quietkey  ||  Ge Fanuc Industrial Metal

Offline elbowglue

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« Reply #9 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:30:13 »
Clicky:
1) SMK-88 Cherry blues
2) Desko BMOS PCB mounted Cherry blues (switches came from G80-3000LSCRC)
3) Filco Tenkeyless cherry blues
4) Siig Minitouch blue monterey
5) Filco full sized, Cherry blues
6) Cherry G80-3000LSCRC-2
7) Laser Clicky (smk) keyboard
8) Siig Minitouch white alps
9) Chicony KB 5181 blue monterey
10) Any Buckling springs
11) Chicony KB 5191 Fake cherries

Nonclicky:
1) Ricercar SPOS
2) Compaq MX 84u
3) Cherry G80-1863
4) Compaq MX 11800
5) Filco full sized Cherry browns
6) Topre 86u
7) Topre 101 key
8) Cherry MX8100
9) Dell AT101w
10) Anything with cherry blacks

For me it's #1 switch, #2 layout and form factor.
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:40:00 by elbowglue »
My keyboards: Filco Cherry Blue Tenkeyless(daily home), Compaq MX11800 (modded to blacks), Compaq "MX 84u",  Wellington\'s Dampened Endurapro, Pinkalicious Filco Blue Cherry, Chicony KB-5191, Chicony KB-5181, Desko MOS 5023 UP "elbowglue" spos (modded to blues), Siig Minitouch (monterey blue), SMK-88 (blue cherries), Ricercar SPOS
Smallest to biggest keyboards in inches (Length X Height) - Length is most important for a midline mouse position

KBC Poker: 11.6 x 3.9 - HHKB: 11.6 x 4.3 - Siig Minitouch (Geekhack Space Saver): 11.6 x 6 - Deck/Tg3 82: 12 x 6 - Noppoo Choc Mini 12.4 x 5.3 - Compaq "MX 84u": 13.1 x 7.5 - Filco Tenkeyless: 14 x 5.3 - Cherry "ricercar spos" G86-62410EUAGSA: 14 x 7.75 - Topre Realforce 86u: 14.4 x 6.65 - Desko "elbowglue spos" MOS 5023 UP: 14.5 x 8.4 - IBM Model M Spacesaver: 15.3 x 7 - G80-1800: 15.9 x 7.1 - Adesso MKB-125B: 16 x 7.3 - Compaq Mx11800, Cherry G80-11900: 16.25 x 7.5 - Filco Standard: 17.3 x 5.4 - Unicomp Endurapro: 17.9 x 7.1 - Adesso MKB-135B: 18.3 x 6.0 - Cherry G80-3000: 18.5 x 7.6 - IBM Model M, Unicomp Customizer: 19.3 x 8.27

Offline patrickgeekhack

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« Reply #10 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:31:35 »
Quote from: panda-R;247573
i have a top 1... that would be my Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless (Blues)... its my only board sadly..


Actually, you are in a good position. Too many choices cause paralysis. Sometimes you can get into a loop where you can't decide which keyboard you want to use.

Offline HaaTa

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« Reply #11 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:34:05 »
Hmm, really hard as this changes hourly for me...

But it'll usually end with the Model F AT and μTRON at the top.
Kiibohd

ALWAYS looking for cool and interesting switches
I take requests for making keyboard converters (i.e. *old keyboard* to USB).

Offline mr_a500

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« Reply #12 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 12:36:01 »
Quote from: MissileMike;247588
Man if a Vic 20 made your list, I would hate to see the ones that didn't.  That was one terrible keyboard.

Like many mass produced computers of the era, there were many variations and versions. The one I have feels great. It beats my two "Made in USA" AEK II keyboards.

Offline Fwiffo

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« Reply #13 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 13:07:33 »
I guess I can just list all the keyboards I've used for more than a day and actually remember...

1. Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless (MX Browns)
2. HHKB Lite 2
3. That old mechanical Mac keyboard, whatever it was called
4. Model M (can't say which one)
5. Honeywell rubber dome
You can call me... Keyboard Otaku... or not quite...

Offline microsoft windows

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« Reply #14 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 14:11:29 »
Here're my keyboards, from best to worst.

BEST

1. IBM Model M5-2
2. Focus FK-9000
3. Compaq MX1800
4. Dell Quietkey
5. NEC RT101
6. Cheap old rubber dome from Gateway2000
7. Cheap old rubber dome from Micron PC
8. Micron laptop keyboard
9. Dell laptop keyboard
10. Crapple Rubber Domes

WORST
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 November 2010, 14:14:10 by microsoft windows »
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Offline ManjyomeThunder

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« Reply #15 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 15:54:59 »
1. Dell AT101W (Black Alps)
2. Unicomp Customizer 104
3. IBM Model M
4. ABS M1
5. Razer Lycosa
6. ASUS island-style laptop keyboards
7. Sony island-style laptop keyboards
...
9999. Any Apple keyboard.
Current Favorite:  Noppoo Choc Mini with Cherry MX Blues
"Storage": ABS M1, Unicomp Customizer 104, Razer Lycosa, (3) Dell AT101W, GeekHack Space Saver
Other stuff: Razer DeathAdder, eXactMat

Offline 7bit

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« Reply #16 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 16:50:27 »
Cherry G80-3000LPCEU-2 (best switches I've ever used, wrong layout, but one gets used to it over time, ... somehow)
.
Sun Type 4 (just for the layout's sake, can't recall if it was well for typing)
.
.
.
SGI Granite (didn't like the layout, did like its cool design, didn't know it's mechanical in those days)
.
my good old model F style Comodore board (RIP; rubber dome, but I loved the function keys being at the right place (left actually) and no stupid extra arrow keys, 2nd best layout)
.
.
.
.
Wintech ... (best rubber-dome keyboard I've ever used in terms of typing feeling (@10EUR only), wrong layout)
.
Cherry G83-61?? (still the wrong layout)
.
.
.
.
.
.
Cherry G86-???? (worst keyboard ever, except for the media keys which where great for terminal switching; I used it for 1/2 a year, made me finally go the other direction and buy a real keyboard)
Buy key caps here: Round 5
Buy switches here: CherryMX

Offline NewbieOneKenobi

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« Reply #17 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 17:23:13 »
I'd have trouble ordering them around in terms of what I would say to be my favourite.

On the other hand, judging by the frequency of use by me:

1. Model M (~406)
2. The Hama scissors board from my sig
3. Dell black Alps (hard to tell which)
4. Black Cherry G80 with touchpad

A very honourable mention goes to the rubber dome IBM SK-8820, which is my fastest-typing keyboard that I'd probaly be using, had I not discovered mechanical kyboards.

Now I can tell you there's a lot of things I don't like in the M, particularly how I end up using too much force because of the increased needs of the spacebar (I've learned to type as fast as normal with merely barely pressing the letter keys, truly minimal force necessary, but the spacebar destroys the rhythm by requiring a solid thump). I also prefer the feel of the black Cherries to the black Alps for sure but the typing outcome is basically a bit too uncertain to rely on.

All in all, weren't it for the spacebar, the M would be my favourite without questions, I believe. Brown Cherries would be a strong competitor without their 80g spacebar as well.

I've just got the blue sliders NEC off Sixty and I have a hunch it could become one of my favourites.

I'll probably have to keep looking anyway. The spacebar will be one of the most important factors or even the most important one in my choice. (So much that if anybody can recommend a tactile clicky keyboard with a particularly good spacebar, please PM me.)

Offline hfcobra

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« Reply #18 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 18:05:09 »
i only have one board, but i love it!  the XArmor U9BL with cherry blues.   Hoping to try out cherry browns next year though when i have some money saved up and the brown version of this board comes out.
Own/Love: REɅLFORCE 87UB EK Edition 45g

Have owned/used: Realforce 103-UB, XArmor U9BL, Filco Majestouch 104-key with Cherry MX Blues, Browns, and Reds, Steelseries 6gv2, Leopold with Browns

Offline Sam

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« Reply #19 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 18:11:27 »
1. Ibm pc at
2. Ibm pc at
3. Ibm pc at
4. Ibm pc at
5. Ibm pc at
6. Ibm pc at
7. Ibm pc at
8. Ibm pc at
9. Ibm pc at
10. Ibm pc at

Edit: why won't this message board software allow me to properly write it as "IBM PC AT"?  Maybe a filter for people who type text in all caps.

Offline keyboardlover

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« Reply #20 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 18:23:07 »
Quote from: Sam
Maybe a filter for people who type text in all caps.


That's exactly what it is.

Offline elservo

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« Reply #21 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 18:35:44 »
HHKB Pro 2
Filco Majestouch
...
Profit!
Majestouch Tactile Click (Work)
AEKII(Home)

Offline theferenc

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« Reply #22 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 20:09:29 »
1. HHKB Pro 2
2. Custom Unicomp Customizer 101 (UNIX Layout)
3. Dell AT101W
4. IBM Model M
5. Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless (Brown)
6. AEK II -- don't know why, but it's much less comfortable than the Dell.
7. Sun Type 6 USB -- rubber dome, but still nice

I *loathe* any and all chicklet keyboards.

For me, switch and layout are equally important. Which is why I rank them in the order which I do. While I can adjust to the ANSI layout fairly quickly, I find the UNIX layout so much easier to use. Especially when coding.
HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline kriminal

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« Reply #23 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 21:51:47 »
Filco tenkeyless brown, (plate mounted ftw)
IBM pc XT (arguably the smoothest model m)
IBM model m
...
to be continued
Geekhacked Filco FKBN87M/EB modified with Brown, black and blue cherries, doubleshot keycaps
Deck KBA-BL82 with Black cherries
Cherry G84-4100LCMDK-0 Cherry ML switches
Cherry G80-8200hpdus-2 Brown cherries
IBM Lexmark 51G8572 Model M Keyboard
Geekhacked Siig Minitouch KB1948
IBM Model M Mini 1397681

Offline mr_a500

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« Reply #24 on: Tue, 16 November 2010, 23:01:51 »
Quote from: theferenc;247827
For me, switch and layout are equally important. Which is why I rank them in the order which I do. While I can adjust to the ANSI layout fairly quickly, I find the UNIX layout so much easier to use. Especially when coding.


Layout is important to me, but I didn't consider layout in my ranking. If I did, only 3 or 4 keyboards would still be in my top 10.

Offline theferenc

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« Reply #25 on: Wed, 17 November 2010, 00:32:11 »
Quote from: mr_a500;247900
Layout is important to me, but I didn't consider layout in my ranking. If I did, only 3 or 4 keyboards would still be in my top 10.


And you wonder how a rubber dome made it into my top 10.

For me, layout can make huge productivity gains while coding. So it's a time spent vs. comfort spending it thing.
HHKB Pro 2 -- Custom UNIX layout Unicomp Customizer 101 -- IBM Model M 1391401 (modded to UNIX layout) -- IBM 1397000 (also UNIX layout) -- SSK in UNIX layout -- Model F 122 key in UNIX layout (Soarer USB "native")
 
CST L-TracX trackball -- Kensington Expert Mouse trackball

Offline ricercar

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« Reply #26 on: Wed, 17 November 2010, 00:52:45 »
(1) The keyboard I just finished modding
(2) The second most recent mod.
(3) Kinesis Contour - ergonomic Cherry browns [unless this falls in slot 1 or 2].
I trolled Geekhack and all I got was an eponymous SPOS.

Offline 8_INCH_FLOPPY

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« Reply #27 on: Wed, 17 November 2010, 01:16:51 »
Everyone should be required to post pictures.
Notable Switches I have tried:
black cherry, blue cherry, brown cherry, clear cherry, cherry M84, white alps, black alps, cream alps, Monterey blue alps, Fujitsu Peerless, Gateway2000 rubber dome, Keytronic rubber dome, Model M buckling spring, Model F buckling spring, futaba, black space invader

================================================
HAPPY HUNTING
================================================

Offline dissident

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« Reply #28 on: Thu, 18 November 2010, 20:16:32 »
my favorite, the filco with cherry browns, has started shorting out where the wire comes out from the keyboard. it's used as a HTPC in the living room and gets moved from the couch to the floor in use. Logitech mice suffer the same problem, they short out where the wire comes out from the mouse. Meanwhile, my sennheiser HD555 headphones have withstood YEARS of being carried around by the cord, tossed about, and still work great.

Sucks when the weak point of a piece of quality equipment is the cord, and they can't make them sturdier, able to withstand some abuse.

Offline dissident

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« Reply #29 on: Mon, 06 December 2010, 23:48:01 »
thanks for the post, I'll give it a try. :)

Offline spronkey

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« Reply #30 on: Wed, 08 December 2010, 04:12:31 »
Microsoft Windows' idea of using colours was neat, so I'll borrow it :)

Of the keyboards I have *actually* used:

BEST

1. Ducky DK-9008 (Cherry MX Brown)
2. Apple PowerBook G3 PDQ Model (ALPS? Scissors)
3. Apple Extended II (ALPS Clickies)
4. ThinkPad X31 (NMB Scissors)
5. Apple Design Keyboard (Circa 1998 - Domes?)
5. Dell SK-8110 When New (Domes, wears out quickly)
6. Apple MacBook Pro Unibody Chiclet
7. Dell QuietKey
8. BTC Keyboards Circa 2002

WORST

I particularly enjoyed the scissor keyboards of the earlier PowerBook G3s - http://guide-images.ifixit.net/igi/gh4Wg2MinFWnlbTK.medium is a reasonable picture of them. The black boards with the PDQs were notably better than the translucent bronze boards of the PBG3 Lombard and Pismo and the Apple notebooks that have followed.

Interestingly, my ThinkPad X31 also has a much better keyboard than my ThinkPad T60 - it's notably more solid, and much quieter. The X31 has NMB switches while the T60 has ALPS.

Heh, I've been a keyboard nerd for way longer than I thought... cool :]