IBM Model M is the winner EVERY TIME. I'd take a Model M over ANY Cherry based board, every single time. AT102W is a close second to the IBM, but as I am typing on the only replica there is of a genuine IBM - the Unicomp, I have to tell you nothing compares to PROPER keyboards, made in the good old fashioned bombproof way, with PROPER loud, tactile feedback.
They're not called the best keyboard for nothing. The older devices are better because they weren't attempting to be sleek or hipster or "geek chic", or any of that pretentious drivel - they were built WELL, to do a job WELL, and to survive WELL. As fashion (supposedly) moves forward, common sense and well thought-out design principles move backward. Machines used to built to survive and do something to the best that they could, because the designers were PROPER engineers, and the companies that hired them were extremely proud and very serious indeed about building a product that lasted, not half-distracted on the next badly thought out, flimsy junk they will be producing next year, whilst still half way through the current design process.
You often hear the age old phrase "quality is more important than quantity"; sorry, have companies suddenly lost all interest in their reputation? Marketing means nothing, when your flimsy disposable junk belies the sales hype & empty promises you push at people.
They say that computers are "advancing"... show me an example, it's an illusion.
