Got my ABS M1 today

[patrickgeekhack]

Newegg.ca had this keyboard for $60.00 and free shipping. I could not resist although I did not really need yet another keyboard. What can I say? It's wonderfully built, and the keys feel much better than my Dell AT101W which I also like a lot. It's very heavy too. However, there is a ring after each keypress. I can only hope that I will get use to it. I think I will once I learn to apply less pressure on each keypress.

That being said, instead of making myself happier, I'm probably making myself more miserable. Don't get me wrong. I like my new keyboard. I like all of my keybaords actually. But, now I wil have a  very hard time deciding on which one to use. I've been swapping keyboards on a regular basis lately although I leaning towards lighter key switches. I still like my Customizer, but my fingers get tired after some heavy typing.

Now I can understand why itlnstln had so many good things to say about this keyboard.

[rdjack21]

Newegg.ca had this keyboard for $60.00 and free shipping. I could not resist although I did not really need yet another keyboard.

That being said, instead of making myself happier, I'm probably making myself more miserable. Don't get me wrong. I like my new keyboard. I like all of my keybaords actually. But, now I wil have a  very hard time deciding on which one to use.

Looks like we have another red pill taker Be careful or the ones you do have will not be enough. If you have found a board you like stop while you can But who can stop at just a few boards. You really need at least one board for each of the switch types before you can really say what it is you like or don't like.

Once you have decided on a switch and or board all those other boards are still hard to let go because they are all nice even if you will not be using them every day. Look at my collection and I have a small collection. Even though I have found I prefer a particular switch type I still can't let go of the other boards because there is some redeeming feature that prevents me from selling them.

[patrickgeekhack]

How's it compare to your Cherry board?  I think you have the Chinese printed blues??

Trying to have a selection of sub-$100 boards to recommend to new members.

- Ripster

Yes I have the Chinese printed G80-3000 (Cherry MX Blue).
I'll be able to tell you more once I have been using it for a few days. In less than hour with the board, I cay say that the keys feel wonderful especially if someone is looking for lighter keys. I'm getting used to the ring after each keypress already just like I got use to the ring from my Cherry.

I will try to summarize the differences, that I have noticed so far, between the two keyboards in point form.

- The ABS has a smaller footprint.
- They are both noisy, but somehow I think the ABS' noise will be more acceptable in an office enviroment (like the Dell AT101W). Edit: The keys feel very very nice.
- I'm starting to hear an annoying squeek when pressing the spacebar on the ABS
- The spacebar and the backspace don't need a bit more force like on the Cherry.
- They could have done a better job on the ABS logo. I don't dislike the logo itself, but the paint quality is not the greatest.
- The ABS does not have a "lip" which can be handy for those who want to use a wrist pad. I don't rest my wrists when typing, so the "lip" on the Cherry does not bother me at all.
- The ABS does not have scooped J and F keys, which take some getting used to.

All in all, they are two different keyboards, so it's hard for me to decide which one I like best.

[patrickgeekhack]

Once you have decided on a switch and or board all those other boards are still hard to let go because they are all nice even if you will not be using them every day. Look at my collection and I have a small collection. Even though I have found I prefer a particular switch type I still can't let go of the other boards because there is some redeeming feature that prevents me from selling them.

Could not have said it better myself. Lately, I've found myself preferring lighter keys than the Customizer BS. But, I cannot bring myself to sell it even though I know I will only use it rarely. Keyboards, at least for us here, have a sentimental value.

Thank God my wife did not say anything when I told her that I bought yet another keyboard. After my first two keyboards, she asked me why I needed another keyboard. But now, she has given up on me I guess :-)

The funny thing is I need to replace my chair because the compressed air cylinder is dying on mine. Yet,  instead of buying a chair, I bought another keyboard :-)

I promise. It's the last keyboard...until next time. Seriously, I need to calm down a bit. I started to look into mechanical keyboard in February, and I have been buying one every month on average.

[bigpook]

I have been swapping pretty often too. I can't decide at all anymore.I like them all for one reason or another. Using the unicomp spacesaver, yes, with numpad...I just love the feel and sound of this keyboard. In a couple of days, it will be the HHKB, then the filco with brown cherries. I keep thinking it will all settle down and I will pick just one and be done with it. But I don't see that happening.

[rdjack21]

Thank God my wife did not say anything when I told her that I bought yet another keyboard. After my first two keyboards, she asked me why I needed another keyboard. But now, she has given up on me I guess :-)

LOL... Mine started to give me those looks when I had oh about 4 boards. Then I took a little break (2 weeks) then all of a sudden 3 boards showed up at the door then I got the look and a talking to That's when I had to admit that 3 more would be at the door the next day and a couple more a few more days out. And that the cream of the crop would be showing up in about 1~2 weeks (87U). At that point she just shook her head and walked off (I hadn't told her how much I spent on the 87U yet). So things were fine for a few days then I told her how much I spent on the 87U and I could not believe it she just shook her head and mumbled something then laughed and told me she hoped I liked it. She has tried all of them herself and every time she does she just shakes her head. That is until the 87U showed up after she tried that one I was told that all my boards were forgiven as long as I let her keep the 87U I finally got it back from her and told her if she wanted one she could buy one and that I would be more than happy to help her get it. She has not gotten one yet but she still uses mine when I'm not using it that is. I think she is having a hard time deciding if she wants it bad enough to spend the money on it.

[rdjack21]

What about the relative lightness of key force of the Cherry Blues vs. Black Alps?  I don't have an Alps keyboard.

I know the question was not addressed to me but I much prefer the cherry switches over the Alps switches. I think the Black Alps is kinda between the blues and browns but I prefer the feel of the cherry switches.

[ozar]

Thank God my wife did not say anything when I told her that I bought yet another keyboard. After my first two keyboards, she asked me why I needed another keyboard. But now, she has given up on me I guess :-)

lol... mine didn't say too much about my boards coming in until I purchased several $300+ boards in a row.  Now she's not even talking to me!  :lol:

[patrickgeekhack]

The comments about keyboards and wives made me smile. My wife does not care much about keyboards. As long as it's not an ergo keyboard, she's fine.

[patrickgeekhack]

What about the relative lightness of key force of the Cherry Blues vs. Black Alps?  I don't have an Alps keyboard.

Hard to describe how they feel different. I think it's very subjective. Personally, I think the Cherry MX Blues are lighter. Others might not agree. The sudden change in resistance is more pronounced in the Cherry also. That being said, the tactile feeling is more pronounced on the ABS than on the Dell AT101W.

I think the difference in "noise" also contributes to the overall feeling. Right now, I like the Cherry Blues the best. But if you ask me the same question sometimes down the road, I may well tell you that the fake ALPS are my favourite just like a month ago, buckling spring was my favourite.

[patrickgeekhack]

I keep thinking it will all settle down and I will pick just one and be done with it. But I don't see that happening.

I don't see this happening in my case either. If I had just one keyboard in the house, then yes but I don't :-) And if I keep visiting this forum, who knows what will happen next :-)

[Viett]

Have you tested the rollover on the board yet? I'm interested to know if you've experienced a rollover issue as I had.

[patrickgeekhack]

Have you tested the rollover on the board yet? I'm interested to know if you've experienced a rollover issue as I had.

I don't know how to test that to be honest, but here it goes:
adfs
adfs
adfs
adfs
adfs
iou
iou
iou
iou
iou
iou
iou
iou
iou
Nothing on TYU together.
Nothing on DFG together.

I may well have a rollover issue, but it does not really affect me since I use this keyboard mainly to type. I don't play computer games at all.

Does this help answer your question? Please let me know.

[itlnstln]

Patrick, the squeak on the spacebar seems to be normal for Costar 'boards.  I have that squeak in both of the ABSs.  I have it in the Filco, too, but not as pronounced.  I found that when I am typing at full speed, that the squeak is almost non-existent.

[patrickgeekhack]

I'm getting used to it. I think over time it should be less noticeable considering it's a friction noise. I think I heard a squeak when I listened to the Das sound.

[itlnstln]

Despite the squeak, one thing I really like about the Costar 'boards is how solid the spacebar feels. In many keyboards, the spacebar feels loose and light. While not prohibatively so, the spacebar on the Costars feels heavy and pressing it feels solid and tight.

[patrickgeekhack]

Despite the squeak, one thing I really like about the Costar 'boards is how solid the spacebar feels. In many keyboards, the spacebar feels loose and light. While not prohibatively so, the spacebar on the Costars feels heavy and pressing it feels solid and tight.

The keyboard overall looks and feels solid. I like the matte finish of the keys too. I took my ABS to work today

[o2dazone]

ABS M1 is black alps right? Newegg is always sending promos to buy that keyboard for $45...I just never picked it up, because I was unsure how I'd like them. Too early for a consensus?

[ozar]

Patrick, the squeak on the spacebar seems to be normal for Costar 'boards.  I have that squeak in both of the ABSs.  I have it in the Filco, too, but not as pronounced.  I found that when I am typing at full speed, that the squeak is almost non-existent.

Ditto what he said with my Costar boards, as well.

[itlnstln]

ABS M1 is black alps right? Newegg is always sending promos to buy that keyboard for $45...I just never picked it up, because I was unsure how I'd like them. Too early for a consensus?

Get one.  Period.  Especially at $45.  It is exactly like your Filco, but with black Alps.  Rollover is disappointing, but it shouldn't cause any problems if you are just typing on it.  Read my review, d*ammit!!!  

[o2dazone]

I've been saving myself for an HHKB, but your review is tempting. Looks like I'll have another board to buy when the next promo code rolls in

[itlnstln]

There may not be another promo code.  Maybe they're trying to get rid of these.  If they're gone, you can't buy one.  Then what are you going to do???
 
/peer pressure

[o2dazone]

I guess I'll just have to settle with getting an HHKB The world is so cruel...

[nerp]

I have been swapping pretty often too. I can't decide at all anymore.I like them all for one reason or another. Using the unicomp spacesaver, yes, with numpad...I just love the feel and sound of this keyboard. In a couple of days, it will be the HHKB, then the filco with brown cherries. I keep thinking it will all settle down and I will pick just one and be done with it. But I don't see that happening.

Dude. I'm contemplating buying another space saver to replace my customizer because I love my spacesaver so much. This is getting ridiculous!

[bigpook]

Dude. I'm contemplating buying another space saver to replace my customizer because I love my spacesaver so much. This is getting ridiculous!

I have gone on about my dislike for numpads, I know, I know. But the thought has crossed my mind to get another unicomp spacesaver also, but this time in white.
The one I have has a slightly different feel then the IBM's I have but I am digging it. They are great keyboards and as a plus, can be had for under a 100 dollars. Whats not to like?

[patrickgeekhack]

I guess I'll just have to settle with getting an HHKB The world is so cruel...

Cruel world indeed...some can afford a HHKB and I can't :-)

[bigpook]

Pook, you send your Das 3 back and you can almost afford TWO Unicomp spacesavers (one black, one ivory) or ONE mint IBM spacesaver.

My wife is using the das 3 : ) I don't think she will be giving that up anytime soon. If I make a move on it, I will get the look. If you are married, you know what 'the look' is.
I try to avoid that whenever I can.

I have a black unicomp spacesaver and two MINT model m mini's and also a very, very nice used mini. I think I am covered. I white unicomp spacesaver would be nice to have.

[patrickgeekhack]

My wife is using the das 3 : ) I If you are married, you know what 'the look' is. I try to avoid that whenever I can.

Ah, The Look!!! The one thing I don't like is "Go ahead." You know there will be retribution

[bigpook]

Ah, The Look!!! The one thing I don't like is "Go ahead." You know there will be retribution

See, I told you so. All us married guys have experienced 'the look'
The 'go ahead' is its evil twin. I innocently stumbled into 'go ahead' on a few occasions. Not pretty.

[ozar]

I rather like "the look"... oh, and thanks, webwit!

[bigpook]

I rather like "the look"... oh, and thanks, webwit!

Show Image

you know, I just realized she is wearing glasses.

[bigpook]

Such good boys. If I throw a stick, will you fetch it?

Show Image

That depends.

[ozar]

I'm not certain, but I'd almost swear that's Geek-Girl out of costume!

[Hak Foo]

See, I told you so. All us married guys have experienced 'the look'
The 'go ahead' is its evil twin. I innocently stumbled into 'go ahead' on a few occasions. Not pretty.

What's amazing is that *every* female is capable of it.  You don't have to be married, merely have some emotional relationship.

A female relative asked me "Do I have one of those big keyboards at work?", knowing I went over to pick up a new one recently.

"Yes."  (A ~'92 or '93 1391401)  "I brought it from home."

"So how many does that make?"

"Well, two [Lexmarks] for parts, two with detachable cables ('90 and '91 or '92 1391401s), one without ('93 52Gxxxx) and the new one ('09 Customizer 104)"

"Do you think that's enough?"

[bigpook]

What's amazing is that *every* female is capable of it.  You don't have to be married, merely have some emotional relationship.

A female relative asked me "Do I have one of those big keyboards at work?", knowing I went over to pick up a new one recently.

"Yes."  (A ~'92 or '93 1391401)  "I brought it from home."

"So how many does that make?"

"Well, two [Lexmarks] for parts, two with detachable cables ('90 and '91 or '92 1391401s), one without ('93 52Gxxxx) and the new one ('09 Customizer 104)"

"Do you think that's enough?"

Well, two can play that game. Just ask them how many pair of shoes they own : )

That works for me and puts the conversation to rest.

[Viett]

I don't know how to test that to be honest, but here it goes:

...

I may well have a rollover issue, but it does not really affect me since I use this keyboard mainly to type. I don't play computer games at all.

Does this help answer your question? Please let me know.

Yeah, sounds like the typical ABS with faulty rollover. You should never get no output, even if your rollover is minimum of 2. I agree, if you like the ABS for typing, it can be great, but it's a bit pricey. If they advertise it as 6KRO, it should work as advertised.

[Manyak]

Yeah, sounds like the typical ABS with faulty rollover. You should never get no output, even if your rollover is minimum of 2. I agree, if you like the ABS for typing, it can be great, but it's a bit pricey. If they advertise it as 6KRO, it should work as advertised.

The first manufacturing run of that keyboard had a problem with rollover, and you could only press one key at a time. An RMA with ABS will take care of it.

[patrickgeekhack]

The first manufacturing run of that keyboard had a problem with rollover, and you could only press one key at a time. An RMA with ABS will take care of it.

Although mine does seem to have a rollover issue. It is not as bad as the one keypress at a time issue. I can do CMD + TAB on Mac and ALT+TAB on Windows. I can do the copy and paste shortcut too. So, to me, the keyboard is working fine. That being said, I can surely understand those who play games. As Viett pointed out, if it is advertised as a 6-key rollover, it should do it.

I considered the benefits and cost of RMA'ing it. And it is more beneficial to me to keep it. I would have to pay about $15.00 to ship it back to Newegg. Even if they do send one that has the 6-key rollover capability, this does not change anything for me since I won't be using this feature.

[patrickgeekhack]

The 'go ahead' is its evil twin. I innocently stumbled into 'go ahead' on a few occasions. Not pretty.

I nearly killed myself laughing when I read your comment.

[patrickgeekhack]

No no no. I protest. We've been through this before (medicine). It's a disease originally artificially constructed for women watching tv shows and commercials. The wise woman and the not so wise guy. And then real men started to live up to it..

Face it guys. Go and stand on a square in the middle of a big town. Look around. Regard the architecture. The men who built it. The cars. A plane in the distance. An orchestra playing Beethoven announced on a poster.
This world was made by men. Without them, the women would still be living in caves. Be proud! Be men! Stare at her shoes and cosmetics collection.

I wish I could quote you in my first assignment essay :-) I taking a Philosophy course this term: Gender Issues.

[patrickgeekhack]

I rather like "the look"... oh, and thanks, webwit!

Show Image

I don't know who she is, but she's beautiful. Just because I'm married does not mean I cannot watch God/nature's great marvels :-)

[o2dazone]

Strange, it doesn't look cold out there

[patrickgeekhack]

What about the relative lightness of key force of the Cherry Blues vs. Black Alps?  I don't have an Alps keyboard.

After two days with my ABS, I can say that (at least to me) the Cherry MX Blue switches feel much lighter. It can been seen when I took a typing test. With the Cherry, I more often than not close to the 90 WPM whereas with the ABS I'm close to the 75-83 WPM. I think the speed will increase as I spend more time with the ABS. Even when compared to my Dell AT101W the keys require more force.  I have put away my Customizer and my Cherry keyboards so that I'm not tempted to swap keyboards a few times within the same day.

That being said, it's still a nice keyboard to type on. I especially like the small footprint. Maybe one day I'll buy a keyboard without a numpad and a separate numpad for when I need it, which happens at least once a day, when I have to enter all my "funds out."

[patrickgeekhack]

That's kinda what I was expecting.  Nobody seems to complain about the Cherry Blue's key force - just the high pitched clicking.

I think there's a good reason why the Cherry Blues came out on top in the switch poll.

(As the ALPS HORDE descend on Ripsters head....)

Show Image

Terrific movie BTW - just awesome.

I guess I like the Cherry Blue better. But it's like food. Just because I have a favourite dish does not mean that I don't like the other ones :-)

[itlnstln]

you know, I just realized she is wearing glasses.

I almost fell out of my chair when I read this.  Strong work, pook.

[itlnstln]

Hmm obviously she has some strong points going for her, but I'm not really attracted to the east-European women.

I just started dating a girl of Ukrainian descent.  I have a new found appreciation for Eastern-European women.  She is hot.

[MR.B0y]

Ordered an I-Rock and found out it didn't have a windows key!!! Canceled and reorded the ABS M1 from Newegg, I'll let you know what it's like for me, should be here by Friday! So glad I found this site it is the only place you can get good info on the keyboards and if it really matters to you like it does me we are extreme geek hacks for sure.

[patrickgeekhack]

I just started dating a girl of Ukrainian descent.  I have a new found appreciation for Eastern-European women.  She is hot.

Good for you...all the best.

[patrickgeekhack]

I'm not sure if Patrick simul-posted or is congratulating you on the ABS.

I hate to mention this since you already canceled once from Newegg but did you look at the Filco White Alps copy $70 keyboard at elitekeyboards.com??  

That one does have N-key (Sorry Patrick, but Alt-Tab doesn't really impress me).

Tradeoff is probably key force but I'm no expert on Alps or their copies.

I was congratulating itlnstln.

As far as the N-key rollover, I don't know if I mentioned it here or in another thread. ABS M1 does have some issues with that, but I use it for typing only and not gaming at all. Therefore, it does not affect me. This is even more true since I use mine at work, no gaming there LOL.

[bigpook]

I would bet that you are correct.