noob question: compare switches to those in Model M

[belac]

Hey, just joined recently in pursuit of my first mechanical keyboard. About a month ago I noticed a coworker of mine switching out his keyboard for another one just like it he had brought from home. Upon closer inspection, I asked if it was a Model M and he said yes. Well, now he is letting me borrow one of his Model M's to see how I like it. Hooray for back-story!

There is not anywhere locally that sales mechanical keyboards that I know of, so I can't try out different switches. My question is how do the various Cherry switches compare to the Model M in terms of noise and feel. I say Cherry switches because I'm trying to keep the cost around $100 and the other ones I've seen mentioned on here seem to cost a bit more.

Possibly relevant info:
Using a 1991 Model M
Software Developer by day (and night sometimes)
Play games (poorly) on occasion

Thanks for any help/advice!

[esoomenona]

None of them really compare too much. People say MX Greens are close, but that's mostly in force. The sound is different, though there is sound. If you like the force and sound, try Greens. If you like the force, but no sound, try Blacks. If you like the sound but not so much force, try Blues. If you don't like any, try Reds/Browns.

[Techno Trousers]

I just had a chance to try out the Ultimate Switch Tester last night. Most of the Cherry switches don't match the tactility of buckling spring, but I was surprised to find that I the clears, and especially ergo clears, have a lot more tactility and are the Cherry switches that are closest in feel to buckling spring. Greens aren't a bad substitute either though, and they give more audible feedback.

But if you really like the Model M, you should consider getting a Unicomp at pckeyboard.com too! Newly manufactured buckling spring boards with Windows keys for under $100. Or even buy a used Model M, although that can be a crapshoot for quality--you'd need to be prepared to bolt mod it, if necessary, and perhaps get replacement key caps (Unicomp again for that).

Good luck in your hunt!

[belac]

Thx for the info! I don't really know what I like in terms of feel because I've only used this M and cheap rubber dome keyboards. I could do with less noise though. It doesn't bother me, but I think my coworkers might not like it too much.  The sound is cool though when I really get going...

[Thimplum]

Buckling spring is VERY unique.

[rowdy]

If you already have a co-worker using a Model M, then 1. ask him where he got it, maybe they have some more; 2. others at your place of work would be used to noisy keyboards (although 2 Model M working together might be a bit much).

BS doesn't really compare to most MX, just as most MX doesn't really compare to Topre.

Also consider Unicomp, who are making modern Model M keyboards.

[esoomenona]

Thx for the info! I don't really know what I like in terms of feel because I've only used this M and cheap rubber dome keyboards. I could do with less noise though. It doesn't bother me, but I think my coworkers might not like it too much.  The sound is cool though when I really get going...

Less noise but similar clicky and force? Try Whites.

[belac]

Well, today was my first full day typing on the M. My pinky fingers are definitely tired and sore tonight from hitting their respective control keys all day. It's mostly my right one because it has to take care of the control and the backspace, so it's getting more of a workout. The rest of my fingers feel fine. I'm going to give it a few more days, but right now I'm thinking I might need something with a little force required. Maybe I'll get used to it... I don't know.

[TimIsABat]

If you really want a Model M, just keep eBay in check. I found a couple for a pretty good price. Or just strike a deal with someone on here like I did.

[rowdy]

This post links to a sold Model M, but the seller seems to have a bunch more for sale.

[belac]

Thx. I don't know that I want a Model M and I'm not necessarily looking to duplicate its feel. It's simply my only point of reference for a mechanical board. That's why I was looking for general comparisons to it, so that I could make a semi-educated choice when I order a board.

[rootwyrm]

The closest you are gonna get to a Model M is a Ducky DK9008G2 Pro with thick PBT. Right weight. But action is totally different. But it's the closest by action weight and the Thick PBT is not an optional component of that. (Though I suppose ridic-thick double-shot ABS might also work but you don't want those if you want an M.)

Otherwise? That's it. Other MX Greens are heavier. Ducky found the golden ratio of keycap weight to switch spring. It still won't feel like buckling spring, but the weight's right, which is as good as you'll get.

[urbanus]

Cherry entered the home PC keyboard market with the G80-1000.  This was around the time IBM introduced the model M.  Cherry was clearly trying to create a competitor for the model M: it had the same layout and a similar shell shape.

The switch type that Cherry chose for this keyboard, to compete with the model M, was the MX clear.  I can see why: it has a similar weight and a tactile feel.  One difference is that it has the "advantage" of a silent mechanism.  The feel is not quite the same as buckling spring, but if you like a heavier switch you might appreciate it.

[Techno Trousers]

Urbanus, thanks for that history lesson. I didn't realize that clears were the "original" buckling spring competitor switch. Seems strange to me why they are so rare now in that case.

[rowdy]

Any less rare than Model M keyboards?

[Parak]

Cherry entered the home PC keyboard market with the G80-1000.  This was around the time IBM introduced the model M.  Cherry was clearly trying to create a competitor for the model M: it had the same layout and a similar shell shape.

The switch type that Cherry chose for this keyboard, to compete with the model M, was the MX clear.  I can see why: it has a similar weight and a tactile feel.  One difference is that it has the "advantage" of a silent mechanism.  The feel is not quite the same as buckling spring, but if you like a heavier switch you might appreciate it.

Perhaps you're thinking of MX White. Clears did not appear until a few years later, and not in 1000s either.

But yeah, there's really nothing that can replicate the IBM buckling spring feel, including other buckling spring variants (alps, chinese clones, etc).

[Tony]

I have all four Cherry switches and a Model M.

They have all different feel. Buckling spring is heaviest but their typing feel and typing sound is excellent. Reminded me of the old typewriter.

[Techno Trousers]

I have all four Cherry switches and a Model M.

Err... all four? Besides the "usual suspects" of brown, blue, red, black, there are also green, white, and clear. That doesn't even consider the differences in "vintage" variants.

[Techno Trousers]

Any less rare than Model M keyboards?

Rare in terms of availability in Cherry switch boards.

[urbanus]

Perhaps you're thinking of MX White. Clears did not appear until a few years later, and not in 1000s either.

Hm, I'm not sure.  I've got two G80-1000's.  I've taken apart the switches, and the stems have no click-slider.  And the plastic colour seems "clear" to me (i.e. the typical translucent white).

Details from one of them:
Article No: G80-1000 HEU / 06
Serial No: 01442 E12 (i.e. manufactured the 12th week of 1992)

Are you sure they were never manufactured with clears?

[TimIsABat]

IDK why you would want to switch over to Cherry MX switches so fast after trying out the model m. This keyboard just feels amazing and a dream to type on coming from using and trying many different Cherry MX switches and combinations. Then again, I really want to try out Topre.

[belac]

Well after 3 days on the Model M, my hands are very fatigued, especially my right pinky. I like the M but it is very loud, so I have to keep my door shut at work which I don't always like to do. I'm not sure why noone noticed the other guy's typing on his M, but it sounds like a machine gun when I use it. So maybe I should look at a red or brown switch since they are some of the quieter ones?

[SpAmRaY]

I have all four Cherry switches and a Model M.

Err... all four? Besides the "usual suspects" of brown, blue, red, black, there are also green, white, and clear. That doesn't even consider the differences in "vintage" variants.

And two grey variants also!

[Hypersphere]

I have used full-size Model M keyboards for many years, but recently, for various reasons, I decided  to switch to a smaller keyboard, such as a tenkeyless (TKL). Initially, I could not find the IBM version of a TKL board, the IBM SSK, and so I started acquiring contemporary boards with Cherry switches.

At first, the transition to Cherry-switch boards from a Model M was a kind of culture shock. The Cherry boards, even highly regarded ones such as the Filco Majestouch2 TKL, felt like cheap toys. I wanted a keyboard for grownups! Nevertheless, as I became more accustomed to modern keyboards, I started enjoying emptying my wallet on custom keycaps and decorating my keyboards to my liking.

My most recent acquisition among contemporary boards was a CoolerMaster QuickFire Stealth with Cherry mx green switches, which are similar to blues but with a stronger spring. Although typing on a Cherry-equipped board is nothing like typing on an IBM Model M, I appreciated the relatively hefty resistance provided by the green switches.

During my quest, I was fortunate to find a new-in-box (NIB) IBM Model M SSK on eBay, and I have returned to this as my main keyboard ("daily driver") for serious work. Not only do I prefer the look and feel of the IBM over other keyboards, I find that my typing speed and accuracy are far better on IBMs than on any other boards I have tried. Despite returning to the buckling spring, I have also developed a fondness for new keyboards with Cherry switches, and I rotate through them now and again to provide some variety. I am also interested in customizing them, and so I have been acquiring vintage Cherry, Wyse, and Dolch keyboards to harvest double-shot ABS keycaps. In addition, I keep an eye open for dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, because I prefer their durability and dry feel to the sometimes sticky or clammy feel of ABS plastic. BTW, the IBM Model M and SSK come with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.

Although I am probably all set with the IBM buckling spring keyboards, I still intend to try some boards with Alps switches and Topre switches. From what I have read, I do not anticipate liking these better than IBM buckling spring keyboards, but having come this far, my journey would not be complete without trying out these other major switch types. I am also intrigued by sub-TKL mechanical boards, ranging from 60% to 75% of full size.

Finally, some people find that Unicomp buckling spring keyboards work well for them. However, they did not work for me. I think if I were unable to find IBM Model M or IBM SSK keyboards in good to excellent condition, I would prefer to use a quality keyboard with Cherry switches, preferably mx greens, although this particular variety of Cherry switch is currently in short supply and available on only a few keyboards.

[belac]

Ok, so I think I'm narrowing it down to the greens, blues or browns. I know the browns are the quietest, but how loud are blues and greens compared to a Model M? I like the clicky/tactile feel, but I don't want a board as loud as the Model M I'm using. thx

[rowdy]

Blues are much lighter (in feel and sound) compared to Model M.

[Hypersphere]

Ok, so I think I'm narrowing it down to the greens, blues or browns. I know the browns are the quietest, but how loud are blues and greens compared to a Model M? I like the clicky/tactile feel, but I don't want a board as loud as the Model M I'm using. thx

I agree with the previous reply. After using buckling springs and developing a typing style that bottoms out with every keystroke, I can barely hear the light clicking of blues and greens. What I do hear is the bottoming out sound, and this varies with the acoustics of each keyboard. One of the quietest keyboards I have used is the CM QF Stealth with Cherry mx greens.  I don't mind the racket I make, but if I were concerned about the noise, I would consider doing an O-ring mod. I have done this on a couple of my boards, and I use one of them for taking notes during conference calls. However, in general I do not like the feel of the boards after installing O-rings.

 

[belac]

Thanks guys. I think I've decided on a CM Storm QuickFire XT for my first mechanical board. The only tactile switches they offer are blues and browns (at least that's my understanding). So, I guess I'm deciding between those two now.

On a related note... In simplified terms does a linear switch feel like typing on a rubber dome keyboard except you don't have to bottom it out?

[abdulmuhsee]

In my humble opinion, I think it would be great if you got a new Unicomp buckling spring keyboard instead of another mass-produced Chinese number like the CM Storm QuickFire.

With Unicomp, everything is made right here in the U.S. (with the assumption you are American), they seem to be hurting for business, and it's a shame that I'm only finding out about them now.  The only thing preventing me from getting one right this moment is because I'm looking for a tenkeyless.  The fact that it's essentially the original mechanical keyboard technology gives it some points as well.

My ALPS board sounded incredibly loud at first too, but I've acclimated to it since then, so if you can get used to the force and noise, I think your $79 would be much better spent on a Unicomp keyboard than something from Coolermaster.  Just my two cents.

[belac]

With Unicomp, everything is made right here in the U.S. (with the assumption you are American), they seem to be hurting for business, and it's a shame that I'm only finding out about them now.  The only thing preventing me from getting one right this moment is because I'm looking for a tenkeyless.  The fact that it's essentially the original mechanical keyboard technology gives it some points as well.

I'm American and a former Kentuckian even  but the buckling spring is too loud for work I think. I'm going to survey a few more of my coworkers though and see how they feel about it. I've been doing more planning/design/research and less coding over the past few days, so I believe that's skewing the annoyance factor. I was going to buy the QuickFire XT tonight, but Amazon doesn't carry it with the browns. So, I'm back to researching again what is a good 104+ key board with browns that Amazon sells. The vendor needs to be Amazon because I've got a bunch of reward points there.

[rowdy]

Thanks guys. I think I've decided on a CM Storm QuickFire XT for my first mechanical board. The only tactile switches they offer are blues and browns (at least that's my understanding). So, I guess I'm deciding between those two now.

On a related note... In simplified terms does a linear switch feel like typing on a rubber dome keyboard except you don't have to bottom it out?

Reds are closest to rubber dome, except that they feel smoother.

Blacks are much stiffer, and you know you are not on a run of the mill rubber dome keyboard when using them.

[belac]

Reds are closest to rubber dome, except that they feel smoother.

Blacks are much stiffer, and you know you are not on a run of the mill rubber dome keyboard when using them.

gotcha. I guess I'm going to just go ahead and order something and try it out and sell it if I don't like it. From what I've seen, most of these keyboards hold their resell value pretty well.

[rowdy]

Reds are closest to rubber dome, except that they feel smoother.

Blacks are much stiffer, and you know you are not on a run of the mill rubber dome keyboard when using them.

gotcha. I guess I'm going to just go ahead and order something and try it out and sell it if I don't like it. From what I've seen, most of these keyboards hold their resell value pretty well.

Provided they are not damaged, you can usually sell them for 80-90% what you paid.

If you are going from rubber dome to mechanical, reds would give the biggest "I don't see what all the fuss is about" feeling.  Almost anything else is a departure from the look, feel, sound and durability of rubber dome.

[TimIsABat]

Reds are closest to rubber dome, except that they feel smoother.

Blacks are much stiffer, and you know you are not on a run of the mill rubber dome keyboard when using them.

gotcha. I guess I'm going to just go ahead and order something and try it out and sell it if I don't like it. From what I've seen, most of these keyboards hold their resell value pretty well.

Provided they are not damaged, you can usually sell them for 80-90% what you paid.

If you are going from rubber dome to mechanical, reds would give the biggest "I don't see what all the fuss is about" feeling.  Almost anything else is a departure from the look, feel, sound and durability of rubber dome.

I actually disagree with this. When I used reds I felt a huge difference from rubber dome. I guess it depends what you are looking for. I found reds to be nice because of the linear lightness because I don't type particularly hard so it really didn't matter that it was light. I enjoy my reds to this day when I want to get a different feeling from tactile. Honestly it depends on what you want from a keyboard.

[belac]

Well I stumbled across a switch tester for $10 that has a brown, black, blue, and red switch on it that'll help me decide. It should be here in a couple of days. I know it's not the same as trying out a full keyboard, but this is the most practical option I have.

[Hypersphere]

Well I stumbled across a switch tester for $10 that has a brown, black, blue, and red switch on it that'll help me decide. It should be here in a couple of days. I know it's not the same as trying out a full keyboard, but this is the most practical option I have.

It is unfortunate that the switch tester does not include Cherry mx green as well as IBM buckling spring and Matias Alps-inspired switches. Nevertheless, at least you will be able to evaluate to some extent the most common types within the Cherry category.

[belac]

I'm typing on a '91 model m now :-) also, aren't the greens like blues except requiring more force?

[Hypersphere]

Greens are like blues with respect to having both aural and tactile feedback. Greens have both a higher actuation force and higher bottom-out force, resulting in quite a different feeling from that of blues. I have tried them on a CM QFS board, which has an overall feeling of a tight, solid machine. However, I think that the force-travel curve of greens is too heavy for sustained typing. What is needed is something in between a blue and a green. Some say that buckling springs and Matias switches are in this ideal range. In fact, I think I might go for a Matias board if the styling were better. As it is, I think I will stick with my IBM SSK.

[Hellmark]

I am in kind of the same boat.

I am wanting a new keyboard. Both of my model M's died, and I miss having the feel of a real keyboard. Also, I'm now a sysadmin, who spends a crap ton of time on a computer, so I want a decent keyboard. I am used to the M, and really want something better than the rubber dome I'm on now, or the laptop keyboards.

For me, the form factor and feel of the M is great. The Unicomp Classic 104 USB is at the top of my list for keyboards, but I did kinda hate how my model M's weren't all that repairable when they did break (one had the clip for a spring break for spacebar, and the other appears to have intermittant contact with the sheets, because it just acts like different random keys are being pressed all the time). I mean, I just hate that the actual guts of the board are sealed with melted plastic studs, and as far as I know, Unicomp still does it that way. If screws were used, I'd already have a Unicomp on order.

The other thing I'm seeing with a lot of mechanical keyboards now, that some (but unfortunately not all) model M's had, is the removable cable. I do kinda like that feature.

[Hypersphere]

I am in kind of the same boat.

I am wanting a new keyboard. Both of my model M's died, and I miss having the feel of a real keyboard. Also, I'm now a sysadmin, who spends a crap ton of time on a computer, so I want a decent keyboard. I am used to the M, and really want something better than the rubber dome I'm on now, or the laptop keyboards.

For me, the form factor and feel of the M is great. The Unicomp Classic 104 USB is at the top of my list for keyboards, but I did kinda hate how my model M's weren't all that repairable when they did break (one had the clip for a spring break for spacebar, and the other appears to have intermittant contact with the sheets, because it just acts like different random keys are being pressed all the time). I mean, I just hate that the actual guts of the board are sealed with melted plastic studs, and as far as I know, Unicomp still does it that way. If screws were used, I'd already have a Unicomp on order.

The other thing I'm seeing with a lot of mechanical keyboards now, that some (but unfortunately not all) model M's had, is the removable cable. I do kinda like that feature.

I am lucky with my IBM Model M and IBM Model M SSK keyboards; they are all in excellent condition. I was able to get one Model M and one SSK NIB. The SSKs have the removable cable, and I got a new direct SDK to USB cable from a seller on eBay. I need several keyboards, because I have two multiple-computer workstations at work and another similar setup in my home office.

Some years ago I got a Unicomp just to see if they could be a source of new Model M keyboards. However, I was so disappointed in the quality and fit and finish that I gave it away. I decided I would rather have a used IBM than a new Unicomp.

Recently, I tried a CoolerMaster QF Stealth with Cherry mx Green switches. It impressed me as a tight and solid board.

[belac]

Recently, I tried a CoolerMaster QF Stealth with Cherry mx Green switches. It impressed me as a tight and solid board.

I think I've settled on a CM QF XT. The reveiews here and elsewhere indicate it is a solid board. Just gotta decide on a switch now.

[Obakemono]

I am in kind of the same boat.

I am wanting a new keyboard. Both of my model M's died, and I miss having the feel of a real keyboard. Also, I'm now a sysadmin, who spends a crap ton of time on a computer, so I want a decent keyboard. I am used to the M, and really want something better than the rubber dome I'm on now, or the laptop keyboards.

For me, the form factor and feel of the M is great. The Unicomp Classic 104 USB is at the top of my list for keyboards, but I did kinda hate how my model M's weren't all that repairable when they did break (one had the clip for a spring break for spacebar, and the other appears to have intermittant contact with the sheets, because it just acts like different random keys are being pressed all the time). I mean, I just hate that the actual guts of the board are sealed with melted plastic studs, and as far as I know, Unicomp still does it that way. If screws were used, I'd already have a Unicomp on order.

The other thing I'm seeing with a lot of mechanical keyboards now, that some (but unfortunately not all) model M's had, is the removable cable. I do kinda like that feature.

Maybe taking your M's back to life is just a matter of changing some diodes/components, or did they suffered a deadly accident?

[N8N]

Compared to buckling springs, everything will pretty much feel light and quiet.  but I do like the feel of BS!

If you like the BS experience, just keep an eye out for a 1391401 in decent shape; alternately, for a keyboard that comes closest in feel but is quiet, check out a Matias QuietPro if you can get your hands on one, or if you work somewhere that has done graphics/CAD work for a long time, see if they have an old PS/2 SGI Granite board tossed in a corner somewhere (Alps Cream switches.)  An old Dell AT101 or AT101W with black Alps will feel similar but will NOT be quiet nor have the dampeners that will save your fingertips (although I did use one for years without apparent issue.)

If you are dead set on Cherry MX, then yes, clears are where it's at.  Toss on some PBT dye subs for a little extra style and that feel under your fingers, and keep on rollin'.

If you aren't certain if you like/want/need the tactility of the BS but just like the feel of a quality board, you might want to try a board with the "mighty Cherry blacks" which are fairly common on gamer boards.  Totally different feel, but they do appeal to some people; I have a Wyse terminal with blacks that I use occasionally and personally I've found that I prefer tactile switches but the blacks do feel nice every now and then for a change.  You might prefer them, and you're more likely to find a board with blacks in your local PC sellin' emporium than you are some of the other suggestions that I've made.

[Hellmark]

I am lucky with my IBM Model M and IBM Model M SSK keyboards; they are all in excellent condition. I was able to get one Model M and one SSK NIB. The SSKs have the removable cable, and I got a new direct SDK to USB cable from a seller on eBay. I need several keyboards, because I have two multiple-computer workstations at work and another similar setup in my home office.

Some years ago I got a Unicomp just to see if they could be a source of new Model M keyboards. However, I was so disappointed in the quality and fit and finish that I gave it away. I decided I would rather have a used IBM than a new Unicomp.

Recently, I tried a CoolerMaster QF Stealth with Cherry mx Green switches. It impressed me as a tight and solid board.

Which Unicomp did you try? From the ones I've seen, really the only one that appeals to me is the Classic. Ultra Classic, Endura Pro, and the others remind me of cheap keyboards.

Maybe taking your M's back to life is just a matter of changing some diodes/components, or did they suffered a deadly accident?

One I would totally have to tear apart, and replace the clip that holds the springs for the space bar. I lost most of my tools in a fire, and don't really have much that I would feel comfortable with to try and do the bolt mod. The other one, I'm not sure. When I've had that sort of behavior with rubber domes, it is usually because the membrane is breaking down.

Compared to buckling springs, everything will pretty much feel light and quiet.  but I do like the feel of BS!

If you like the BS experience, just keep an eye out for a 1391401 in decent shape; alternately, for a keyboard that comes closest in feel but is quiet, check out a Matias QuietPro if you can get your hands on one, or if you work somewhere that has done graphics/CAD work for a long time, see if they have an old PS/2 SGI Granite board tossed in a corner somewhere (Alps Cream switches.)  An old Dell AT101 or AT101W with black Alps will feel similar but will NOT be quiet nor have the dampeners that will save your fingertips (although I did use one for years without apparent issue.)

If you are dead set on Cherry MX, then yes, clears are where it's at.  Toss on some PBT dye subs for a little extra style and that feel under your fingers, and keep on rollin'.

If you aren't certain if you like/want/need the tactility of the BS but just like the feel of a quality board, you might want to try a board with the "mighty Cherry blacks" which are fairly common on gamer boards.  Totally different feel, but they do appeal to some people; I have a Wyse terminal with blacks that I use occasionally and personally I've found that I prefer tactile switches but the blacks do feel nice every now and then for a change.  You might prefer them, and you're more likely to find a board with blacks in your local PC sellin' emporium than you are some of the other suggestions that I've made.

I am not sure what I ultimately want to go with. I do know that I am not interested blacks or reds, because I do like something of a tactile feel.

[belac]

Well, my QuickFire XT came in yesterday. After ordering the switch tester and messing around with the four switches on it, I decided on the reds.  The click of the blues was too high-pitched for me, and the bump of the browns seemed like it would be unnoticeable at speed. I was a little apprehensive about laying down the money for a new board with reds because it didn't seem like the experience would be that much of a difference between typing on my cheap rubber dome board to my unrefined fingers.  However, now that I have this board I realize that is not the case at all. The fit and finish of this board is excellent, and typing on the reds is a real pleasure. Out of the box, my wpm is up 10-15 wpm and I'm loving typing on this thing.  Happy with my decision for now. Thanks to everyone for their help/advice leading to the purchase of my first mechanical board.

[Hypersphere]

Enjoy the QF XT!

BTW, my Leopold FC660C with Topre switches finally arrived, and I was able to test it today. I did not anticipate liking Topre switches, but I do. In fact, I like them better than any Cherry switch I have tried, and perhaps even as well as my IBM buckling springs. The only thing the Leopold FC660C needs is a source of high-quality dye-sub Topre keycaps, like those on the HHKB Pro 2 or RF 87u.

However, within the realm of keyboards with Cherry mx switches, I think CM makes some of the best, especially considering their relatively low cost.

[belac]

Thanks rj. I'll have to try some Topre switches one day. I'm really like the keyboard going on day 2 of using it. Even my wife who barely uses the computer told me today, "I like using that keyboard much better than using the old one." I guess that gives me the go ahead to buy another one since the one I just bought is for me to take to work. )

[mapple]

obviously every1 will have different feeling but mine comprasion lookslike that:

let's say for this initial feeling is Model M .

1) cherry mx brown - much lighter, non click, i had one time going from model m to browns i couldn't stay how less force it requires, after few days it was ok.... (little feeling of bump but when u fasttyping at least me couldn't even feel/say when bump was).

2) cherry mx black - still lighter but feels much different cause it's requires from keycap to go all the way down, no bum no click nothing

3) cherry mx red - i couldn't even say if i was already typing or not only letters poped on screen (none click/bump).
 
4) cherry mx blue - best switches for me, very much appricate sound (still more quiet than buckling springs), but when fastyping no way i can feel that bump, although that sounds for first it's perfect:P and second of all it provides excellent feedback.

5) cherry mx green - cool stuff for typing, sound very near BS, i can 100% feel bump and hear sound:). Although (there's always something:)), i did play sc2 a lot, not anymore but there's no way to keep up with big apm at this switches (unless u got little hammers on ur toes - same on model m). As for force required it's almost same for bs and green.

6) topre - i know that there are different colours but only possibility was to type on friends HHKB, it's crazy even less force required than on cherry red. For me not acceptable for work/games.

7) this might be strangest but that's my feeling. Bought Unicomp model m ........... and again FOR ME this is almost 180 around but it's very hard even to type on it, I thought since ibm model m is so great this one will feel same but it doesn't. Working way more harder. Sound is almost same. quality of keycaps is different.

again it's only my opinion.

[dgreekstallion]

With Unicomp, everything is made right here in the U.S. (with the assumption you are American), they seem to be hurting for business, and it's a shame that I'm only finding out about them now.  The only thing preventing me from getting one right this moment is because I'm looking for a tenkeyless.  The fact that it's essentially the original mechanical keyboard technology gives it some points as well.

I'm American and a former Kentuckian even  but the buckling spring is too loud for work I think. I'm going to survey a few more of my coworkers though and see how they feel about it. I've been doing more planning/design/research and less coding over the past few days, so I believe that's skewing the annoyance factor. I was going to buy the QuickFire XT tonight, but Amazon doesn't carry it with the browns. So, I'm back to researching again what is a good 104+ key board with browns that Amazon sells. The vendor needs to be Amazon because I've got a bunch of reward points there.

If you want a Buckling Spring but not the noise just do a floss mod.

[SpAmRaY]

I just put some tactile greys in a 3700 and for some reason they remind me a little of buckling springs.