Author Topic: Looking for keyboard similar to IBM Spacesaver II.. but with better switches.  (Read 4832 times)

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Offline sbrain

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I'm trying to replace my aging IBM Spacesaver II and upgrade in the process.
I'm wondering if there is a keyboard out there that meets these criteria:

- Tenkeyless, compact design, with inverted T arrow keys. (87 key layout)
- Black with readable lettering
- A Num lock key that activates a number "keypad" so that the letters on the right side of the keyboard become a keypad. This is a feature of the IBM Spacesaver that i don't want to give up.
- Non-clicky key switches with a mechanical feel (mx brown maybe, but I'm open to suggestions)

I've seen many keyboards with various subsets of these features but none that meet all of them.

Have I overlooked something? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Offline 7bit

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Quote from: sbrain;370258
I'm trying to replace my aging IBM Spacesaver II and upgrade in the process.
I'm wondering if there is a keyboard out there that meets these criteria:

- Tenkeyless, compact design, with inverted T arrow keys. (87 key layout)
- Black with readable lettering
- A Num lock key that activates a number "keypad" so that the letters on the right side of the keyboard become a keypad. This is a feature of the IBM Spacesaver that i don't want to give up.
- Non-clicky key switches with a mechanical feel (mx brown maybe, but I'm open to suggestions)

I've seen many keyboards with various subsets of these features but none that meet all of them.

Have I overlooked something? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 
Any Cherry-based keybaord will do!

Don't forget to buy key caps in the upcomming group buy Round 4!

To be serious:

Get something with Cherry blacks. They will feel super-light when comming from a buckling spring keyboard!

Ducky, Filco, Leopold, Poker, NoPoo!

The list of 80% or tenkeyless keyboards with Cherry switches is endless!
« Last Edit: Wed, 29 June 2011, 17:32:28 by 7bit »
Buy key caps here: Round 5
Buy switches here: CherryMX

Offline redpill

  • Posts: 503
I know my Realforce 87UB at home does the numberpad thing, and it otherwise kicks major ass.  A bit pricey and tough to find though.  It has lettering, dunno how readable you'd find it though.

^ Current Favorite ^  Topre Realforce 87UB 55g  |  Topre Realforce 103UB 55g | KBC Poker/Browns/Sanded KeycapsDucky 1087 | Filco MajesFoam-2 | IBM Model M 1390131 Feb '87 | Still Love: Microsoft Trackball Explorer x3 | Now Unused:  Microsoft Natural Ergo 4k x2

Offline sbrain

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  • Posts: 2
OK thanks - I have looked at all those manufacturers but I just can't seem to find a make/model keyboard that meets *all* the criteria.
I'll keep digging around.

Offline The Solutor

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What part is missing on, say, a nopoo chock mini ?
The problem with quotes on the Internet is you never know if they are true  (Abraham Lincoln)

Offline alaricljs

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bad memory I have.. sheesh  make that 'readable lettering'  at least it's unpredictable whether it will be readable.   The layout isn't '87 key tenkeyless' but it is a compact layout.
Filco w/ Imsto thick PBT
Ducky 1087XM PCB+Plate, w/ Matias "Quiet Click" spring-swapped w/ XM Greens

Offline oayhyc

  • Posts: 9
Getting a Ducky 1087  will be a cheaper option other than getting an Realforce 87UB.

However, my dream keyboard is Filco tenkeyless with integrated track point from IBM, and is a wireless/Bluetooth keyboard which is powered by solar energy. Ha, I know I am dreaming :(

I am looking forward the upcoming group buy Round 4 of keycaps as well.

Offline sordna

  • Posts: 2249
I second Solutor, Noppoo Choc mini and a set of nice readable keycaps to satisfy requirement #2. And it's available with different kinds of switches (clicky, tactile, linear) to choose from.
One caveat: it doesn't work nice with a Mac.
Kinesis Contoured Advantage & Advantage2 LF with Cherry MX Red switches / Extra keys mod / O-ring dampening mod / Dvorak layout. ErgoDox with buzzer and LED mod.
Also: Kinesis Advantage Classic, Kinesis Advantage2, Data911 TG3, Fingerworks Touchstream LP, IBM SSK (Buckling spring), Goldtouch GTU-0077 keyboard