Keyboards that a keyboard enthusiast should have?

[bigpook]

While we all have our favorites, what keyboards would you guys consider to be
the epitome of keyboard form and function?
Something that could stand the test of time.

My focus is narrowly defined, but I would have to go with the original IBM model M, the 1391401.
I think this keyboard will be still be talked about and maybe still in use 50 years from now.
I will be dead by then, but the Model M could conceivably still be around.

So what are your picks?

[zwmalone]

The model m, 1391401.  None of that lexmark crap either,  It has to be an original IBM keyboard, it doesn't matter if its AT or PS2.

[iMav]

The Model M is certainly a classic.  I believe the modern-day classic keyboard is the HHKB Pro.  Great layout, great build quality, switches that should last for decades.  The HHKB series has been a cult classic for over a decade now at least.  I think it will definitely stand the test of time.

Lucky us that current versions of BOTH are being manufactured today!

[bhtooefr]

Technically, there's no such thing as a factory AT 1391401 - the 1391401 implies the PS/2 cable, and 1390131 is the AT version.

Anyway, the 1391401 definitely counts. The 42H1292 and other successors just weren't QUITE as good, and while I've not typed on a Customizer, I'm liking my EnduraPro less and less, and liking my 1391401 more and more.

I don't know that the HHKB will count. See, the 1391401 had the advantage that it was widely spread. For several years, almost every new IBM PC came with one. That's a lot of keyboards. Even today, you can get some used for $5 or so at the thrift store.

The HHKB is a niche market keyboard that only geeks buy. A few will remember it 20 years from now, but chances are, it won't be well known. In fact, I don't know that there ever will be another widespread cult classic keyboard like the 1391401 is now - the best current production keyboards don't have near the penetration of the other widespread cult-classic keyboards, the Northgate OmniKey and the Apple Extended Keyboard (including 2.) I shudder to think what will be out in 20 years... maybe the Dell QuietKey will be a cult classic, because it'll have better build quality and typing feel than everything else?

[iMav]

the fact that I wanted one (a HHKB, that is), for over a decade before purchasing speaks volumes.  It was the original HHKB I first lusted after early in my IT career.  

I also think you discount its popularity overseas.  The fact is, the HHKB has ALREADY stood the test of time...and I believe will continue to do so.

[graywolf]

Chuckle...

Talk about cross purposes. The M is the grand daddy of all those 101 and 104 key keyboards. It is the standard. It was the standard when computers were office equipment, not toys.

The HHKB is a hacker's delight. Especially a Unix hacker's delight. But it is not an ikon. It is a specialist's tool, and like most specialist's tools it is very good at what it does.

I doubt either is perfect, but I am willing to read everyones' opinion. They seem to be diametric opposites, the extremes in opposite corners. Diagonally from them you have the gamer's keyboards, and the POS keyboards.

Which brings me to something I have never really understood. Why point of sale keyboards are often so much better than mainline keyboards?

[Korbin]

Which brings me to something I have never really understood. Why point of sale keyboards are often so much better than mainline keyboards?

It's because point of sale keyboards are used constantly. Employee shift after employee shift.... a regular membrane keyboard would probably only last 12 months as a point of sale keyboard.

And plus most people really don't do a lot of typing on a computer. The whole point in software is to reduce work and increase time effeciency. That will translate to less typing. These days it's normally writers and programmers that have to do a lot of typing at a computer.

[xsphat]

I think a true enthusiast should have a Model M (any variant), a Northgate 101 or 101P, a Filco and a 'board that uses Topre switches like the HHKB Pro or the Realforce 86, 101 or 103. The first two are timeless classics that are still made after 20+ years and the HHKB has been around for at least 10 years and so has Filco. Plus, this list has some of the best switches ever made, though I can't think of a single must-have keyboard with cherry blues ...

And one truly god-awful keyboard to compare the rest to from time to time.

[lexicon]

The Model M is the Nikon F (the original, from 1959) of keyboards.  The Nikon set the standard and pattern for the modern SLR.  The M set the template for all keyboards that followed, and did it with simplicity and elegance.

And yeah, there's a notable downward slope in quality from the 1391401 through the Lexmarks to the Unicomps.

[victheslik]

-

[iMav]

Why point of sale keyboards are often so much better than mainline keyboards?

The classic example being the Cherry ML4100.  I've purchased over a dozen of these through eBay and typically give them away to those without decent keyboards.  They are fun to type on and those switches just keep going and going and going . . .

[lowpoly]

I think a Cherry MX board is a modern classic as well. They must have been around sind 20+ years with the case almost unchanged. One of my Cherry MYs is from 1986, IIRC. That's the MX's little brother. Mechanical switch on membrane.

[meltie]

I think a Cherry MX board is a modern classic as well. They must have been around sind 20+ years with the case almost unchanged. One of my Cherry MYs is from 1986, IIRC. That's the MX's little brother. Mechanical switch on membrane.

I totally agree. A true keyboard enthusiast needs a Model M and a Cherry MX.

[itlnstln]

I just need a Cherry 'board to round out my trifecta (BS, Alps, Cherry).  I would like to find an ergonomic in each as well (if I can afford it )

[xsphat]

I totally agree. A true keyboard enthusiast needs a Model M and a Cherry MX.

So I'm out because I don't like Cherry switches. I'm such a faker.

In truth, I think my favorite Cherry switches are the blacks. Isn't that funny?

[ashort]

In truth, I think my favorite Cherry switches are the blacks. Isn't that funny?

What's funny is that next week it'll be blues.

:-D

[xsphat]

Doubtful. I really didn't like them when I tried them.

[xsphat]

I don't even own anything with Cherry switches, except maybe my car.

[zwmalone]

Technically, there's no such thing as a factory AT 1391401 - the 1391401 implies the PS/2 cable, and 1390131 is the AT version.

Anyway, the 1391401 definitely counts. The 42H1292 and other successors just weren't QUITE as good, and while I've not typed on a Customizer, I'm liking my EnduraPro less and less, and liking my 1391401 more and more.

I don't know that the HHKB will count. See, the 1391401 had the advantage that it was widely spread. For several years, almost every new IBM PC came with one. That's a lot of keyboards. Even today, you can get some used for $5 or so at the thrift store.

My 1391401 had 2 cables included with it when I bought it, a PS/2 Cable and an AT cable, which is my backup along with one of those 'bullet' lookng AT to PS/2 adapters.