Too many choices, few good ones - help me pick a keyboard, pls.

[adamgoldberg]

I grew up using IBM Model Ms, and in 1986 bought an off-brand keyboard that I've been using until about 6 months ago (when it bit the dust).  Since then, I've been hobbling by with a cheap/came-with-the-PC Dell keyboard, and have been trying to find The Keyboard..

I tried a MKB-135B (because there's a Microcenter around the corner), but returned it because several keys would often repeat (hit  'j' once, yielding 'jjj').  It was ok, but kind of silly to take up two USB ports.  Took it back.

I ordered a Model M from clickykeyboards, but the one I got had an issue with the 'c' key -- it wouldn't generate a 'c' about 1-2% of the time (which was a drag -- my 24 year old keyboard does that with the 's' key, that's why it's been retired.  Three cheers for clickykeyboards taking it back without a hassle.  I liked the Model M feel and sound (and it made me nostalgic for high school), but kind of missed the Windows keys.

I believe I'd be happy with something like the Cherry Brown or Cherry Blue or similar.  I'd like some audible click, but it doesn't have to be LOUD like the M.

I type around 125wpm; it's very important that the keyboard doesn't transpose, drop or duplicate keystrokes (um, shouldn't that be a given for keyboards -- please, just output what I /typed/).

Cost no object (um, within reason -- I'm not going to spend $1000 for a keyboard).

Can you guys recommend a keyboard for me?  I'd like Cherry Blue or Brown (recommendations, assuming sound isn't a factor?), 104-key, standard layout.  PS2 or USB, with or without a USB hub.  I don't care about font, style, size, or type of keycap lettering.  No need for (but no philosophical objection to) random other keys (my Dell has a set of buttons above the F-keys, but I never use them).

Thanks a bunch.

[bakageta]

Sounds like the blues might be your best option, I don't know if it's all in my head because of the click, but they feel a little more crisp than browns to me. On the other hand, I'm one of the people that can't game well with blues (though many people can just fine), so I went with browns. I find they still feel great to type on, and this way I don't have to have two keyboards, one for typing and one for gaming.

If you don't game, or think that you won't have problems with blues while gaming, there's a few options. If you're after browns, they're a bit more limited at the moment. The Rosewill RK-9000 is nice, and it's fairly affordable, but only comes with blues. Another option is the Das Keyboard, which comes in blues or browns, and I believe they have a student discount if that would apply to you. There's also Filco, though there seems to be a shortage of them at the moment and they are a bit more expensive.

Personally, I own a Filco and absolutely love it, but both the Rosewill and the Das Keyboard are good options.

[fssbzz]

i think cherry blue will be the best choice.
brown will be too light

[bakageta]

There's always clears, if you want a stiffer switch... I haven't used them, since they're fairly uncommon and I like light switches anyway, but it might be worth checking into. Offhand, Deck makes a couple of keyboards with them, but I don't care for backlighting and they're certainly not cheap.

[laden3]

Unicomp.

[kidchunks]

Unicomp.

If you want to stay true to BS.

Browns are a little too light when coming from a BS (I'm trying hard to adjust).

Blues are yummy!

Rosewill RK-9000
If you want some blues with a decent click sound and solid build.
Newegg has them cheap.

[fssbzz]

alps switch are available as an option too.

[adamgoldberg]

There's always clears, if you want a stiffer switch... I haven't used them, since they're fairly uncommon and I like light switches anyway, but it might be worth checking into. Offhand, Deck makes a couple of keyboards with them, but I don't care for backlighting and they're certainly not cheap.

Unfortunately, the 105-key layout of the Deck makes them a no-go.  $169 wouldn't bother me, but there's no way I can adjust to a tiny Alt key.

If you want to stay true to BS.

Browns are a little too light when coming from a BS (I'm trying hard to adjust).

Blues are yummy!

What's a "BS" mean?

[kidchunks]

What's a "BS" mean?

Buckling Spring

[adamgoldberg]

Buckling Spring

Aaaaah.  d'oh.

I didn't have any trouble with the M or with the MKB-135B or going back & forth between them and the membrane cheap-o I'm currently using -- that is, in terms of adjusting.  The MKB is a Cherry Blue, I believe?

I think I'd be happy enough with a Blue, but I don't want one with 'issues' like my MKB had.

So, advice so far seems to be Filco, Rosewill and Das.... any others I should look at?

(You guys rock, btw, lots of advice/response quickly)

[kidchunks]

So, advice so far seems to be Filco, Rosewill and Das.... any others I should look at?

Ducky Channel <_<

[kill will]

Unicomp!

[msiegel]

Unicomp!

+1, if you liked the model m

[NewbieOneKenobi]

alps switch are available as an option too.

Cheap and well preserved Dell AT101W... Some of the 10 I've bought lately are quite good. I've even rinsed one for the sake of science. Rollover and transpositions is something I'd still have to test them for. There's a promo for ASK-6600 (white fukkas) at Notestation at $44 but I remember reading about their transposition problems.

[Azuremen]

I'd say you'd most like the Blues. Think of them as a lighter and slightly more crisp Buckle Spring. I honestly prefer them at this point to my Model M for day to day typing. And for gaming.

Browns are nice but they just don't feel as crisp, likely due to the slightly lower force required to actuate and the lack of the audio feedback. Certainly nice though if noise is an issue for your typing area.

The Rosewill RK-9000 is vastly better built than the MKB-135 (I briefly owned the MKB before sending it back) and fits in nicely with most black computer setups.

[KillerBee]

Revive your roots with style

Model M Space Saver! Woooo!!

[woody]

To the OP - get a Filco Blues, Filco Brown and an Unicomp SpaceSaver. Give them enough time to know your preference. Then give them another portion of time and evaluation to be sure. Sell the unneeded or just keep them for fun.
If you develop a keyboard fetish illness, you'll eventually want to try other switches just out of curiosity. I am one of the minority that find Cherry ML interesting. There's also the Topre switch.

[adamgoldberg]

To the OP - get a Filco Blues, Filco Brown and an Unicomp SpaceSaver. Give them enough time to know your preference. Then give them another portion of time and evaluation to be sure. Sell the unneeded or just keep them for fun.
If you develop a keyboard fetish illness, you'll eventually want to try other switches just out of curiosity. I am one of the minority that find Cherry ML interesting. There's also the Topre switch.

That's an excellent idea!

What's the difference between a Unicomp Spacesaver and Customizer?

[woody]

I don't own Unicomps yet, trying to order for some time but there's something broken in the loop. What I know though is basically:
  - different case, SpaceSaver is more compact
  - Customizer could be ordered with 101 keys, SpaceSaver starts at 104

The forum members who actually have them will chime in with more details.

[keyboardlover]

Or, you could save some bucks and buy a Realforce

[adamgoldberg]

To the OP - get a Filco Blues, Filco Brown and an Unicomp SpaceSaver. Give them enough time to know your preference. Then give them another portion of time and evaluation to be sure. Sell the unneeded or just keep them for fun.
If you develop a keyboard fetish illness, you'll eventually want to try other switches just out of curiosity. I am one of the minority that find Cherry ML interesting. There's also the Topre switch.

That's my plan.  I ordered a Unicomp Customizer (I want the huge case), and plan to order a Rosewill RK-9000 asap (for the Blues).  Headscratching on which Brown to pick.

[woody]

You can't go wrong with the Filco brownies. I like the Filco particularly because they have choices of tenkeyless vs full, selection between MX blue, brown and black (nevermind the Zero), 104/105 for different countries, sometimes colour choices. They're PS2/USB and that's handy. And they're not that hard to find/order, even if current stock of a particular item is out of stock. In other words - perhaps widest spectrum. Last but not least - they seem durable and high-Q.

Check TKC and see for yourself. You can even have a Filco in blue case if that turns you on.

I'd suggest you swap the Rosewill for a Filco. They might be the same (high) quality and assembled at the same place and even sharing components, and Rosewill could be bit cheaper, but that shouldn't be a reason. For sure I prefer having keyboards with different switches but exactly same shape, etc.

Whatever you pick, you're seeking for comfort. I am happy with the Filcos, without being fanboy. You will find your sweet spot soon, too. Happy shopping!

[TexasFlood]

Comparing is probably the best idea.  Lacking that my vote is for a Rosewill RK-9000.

[laden3]

I like Filcos because I actually view the matte look as it's strength.  

The Rosewill, Ducky, PooChoo (or whatever), Adesso,  iRocks, Steelseries 6GV2 are all kind of generic looking.

Filcos aren't generic looking?

[adamgoldberg]

So I've had the Unicomp for about a week now.  My wife just wandered in to my office as I was writing an email ...

"Wow!  That's LOUD!"

Excellent!!

[woody]

Let's see what you think of MX blues.

[adamgoldberg]

Let's see what you think of MX blues.

Blues awaiting Rosewill.  Anyone want to give odds that the price is going to drop from $99 anytime soon?

[kidchunks]

Blues awaiting Rosewill.  Anyone want to give odds that the price is going to drop from $99 anytime soon?

Dought it, it didn't drop during thanks giving so I don't think it will during the holidays to come. Maybe free shipping, but that $99 tag may stay.

[db_Iodine]

I wouldn't wait for any price drops.