How many keyboards do you (want to) own?

[Kraksx]

but I want to end up with 2 (one of each)

this. I'm deciding whether or not I should buy a cherry mx board, after having sold 3; currently I only have my HHKB, so hopefully I'll wait for a 60% board with mx clears to come out (paradise v60) or something else hmm

There's a group buy up right now for a poker ii with clears

[kohi]

There's a group buy up right now for a poker ii with clears

oh dang, just noticed this. it's perfect haha. do you know if the backlit version comes with pbt keycaps as well, or is it just the ABS ones?

[Kraksx]

There's a group buy up right now for a poker ii with clears

oh dang, just noticed this. it's perfect haha. do you know if the backlit version comes with pbt keycaps as well, or is it just the ABS ones?

Not sure, check it out
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/kbc-poker-2-clear

[davkol]

We're already on page 2 (50 posts/page) and so few 20+ hoarderds... T_T So mainstream.

[pasph]

Less

[IvanIvanovich]

Haha. If I didn't get rid of anything ever, I would probably have 70+ Cherry G80 models now along with 20 or so other various MX boards.

[eth0s]

I think a "collection" probably starts around 12 keyboards.  At 12, you pretty much have every kind of keyboard worth collecting.  Next I would say if you wanted to build a "serious" collection, you need about 25 keyboards.  25 is the number of keyboards you will need if want to have say for example, all the different permutations of the same keyboard, like all versions of Topre, and/ or all the MX switches, and a few others like IBM BS and a vintage Cherry or two.   Above 25 keyboards, you are building a "legendary" collection.  This is a great thing, don't get me wrong, but now you are venturing into extreme territory, and you will need to devote some serious space and money to your collection.   I would say the upper bound for a truly legendary collection is probably around 50.  Above 50 keyboards, you are hoarding more than collecting, and you should probably sell some of them so that others can enjoy them.  But that's my opinion.  Maybe your upper limit is 100?  I won't tell you that you're wrong.

How can you get to 25 or 50 or 100 keyboards?  It's easy.  IMO a truly "serious" collection of keyboards would contain at least the following:

IBM Model M BS keyboard, at least one, but probably 2-3 or more.
Cherry Vintage keyboards:  one of each at least of G80-1800 and G80-3000, preferably H and S series, and hopefully a G80-5000 as well.
Dolch Cherry Keyboard
A Cherry ML keyboard
Filco's with MX Blues, Browns, Reds and Blacks.
Keyboards with the other MX switches:  Greens, Clears, Greys.
At least one Leo, probably more.
Numpads:  Cherry, Leo and Filco
Korean Kustom(s)
Poker(s)
Other 60% keyboard(s)
Ergo Dox
At least one keyboard with modified MX switches, like lubed Clears with gold 62g springs.
A Keyboard with buttery smooth Vintage MX Blacks.
At least one keyboard that you made yourself, like LZ GH, etc.
RealForce 87U's: Silent-Variable, 45g, and 55g.
HHKB Pro 2 Type-S and regular.
Alps keyboard, at least 1 clicky and 1 linear, but probably more.
At least one Back-lit LED keyboard (but don't let anybody know you have it). 

As you can see, if you really want to do this hobby right, you can very easily get to 25 keyboards, and probably more.

However, with that said, 2 keyboards is an excellent "starter" collection.  One Topre and one MX is a great way to begin.  2 keyboards, however, is simply not enough keyboards.  I'm sorry, it's just not.  3?  better.  5?  Probably 5 is the right number for the OP, at this point in his life.  But, I think 12 is probably where he will end up.

[kenmai9]

I think two is sufficient. One for home, one for portable. Eventually when I get a real job, I'll probably keep one at the office.

[eth0s]

Haha. If I didn't get rid of anything ever, I would probably have 70+ Cherry G80 models now LOL.

LOL. Yes, I was going to guess that you have about 80-100 Cherry keyboards stored someplace.  But if you insist that you sold some of them, I guess I will say I believe you, even though I don't.

[fohat.digs]

Cherry Vintage keyboards:  one of each at least of G80-1800 and G80-3000, preferably H and S series, and hopefully a G80-5000 as well.
Dolch Cherry Keyboard
A Cherry ML keyboard
Filco's with MX Blues, Browns, Reds and Blacks.
Keyboards with the other MX switches:  Greens, Clears, Greys.
At least one Leo, probably more.
Numpads:  Cherry, Leo and Filco
Korean Kustom(s)
Poker(s)
Other 60% keyboard(s)
Ergo Dox
At least one keyboard with modified MX switches, like lubed Clears with gold 62g springs.
A Keyboard with buttery smooth Vintage MX Blacks.

Alps keyboard, at least 1 clicky and 1 linear, but probably more.

A perfect example of the bizarre nature of collecting. I have a dozen Alps keyboards, many heavily modified and changed, and I have not even ventured into may peoples' favorites, such as classic green (I have a bag of modern XM greens that I will sell you very cheap!).

I have owned several Cherry keyboards, but they just don't turn me on. Currently, I have one, a G80-11900.

Roughly paralleling my music collection: I have several boxes containing hundreds each of "Rock" and "Jazz" with a single box containing "Classical and Electronic" (ie old squeaky-bonky stuff, including minimalist, but not modern "techno") and a final box of "Blues, Folk, Popular, Soundtrack, etc"

You should collect and enjoy what you like, and ignore the rest. Life is too short.

[IvanIvanovich]

No really... all I have right now in G80s:
Commodore Cherry G80-0499
Schlumberger Cherry G80-1246
Goupil Cherry G80-1861HAU
Cherry G80-2500HAU (Polish)
Cherry ESA-3000HASRO
Cherry G80-3000HAU semi custom to reds, in switch lock lights and has an 'unusual' set on it
Cherry G80-3600LYCJA semi custom with Peacock casebody, US/UA dyesubs and purple doubleshot mods

I've gotten rid of everything I had that were common 1000 based, 1800, 3000, all of my ISO ones (though I kept a couple of the cooler keycap sets), along with some that weren't so much like Compaq 1838, some winkeyless POS models and the Amiga.

[dorkvader]

I think a "collection" probably starts around 12 keyboards.  At 12, you pretty much have every kind of keyboard worth collecting.  Next I would say if you wanted to build a "serious" collection, you need about 25 keyboards.  25 is the number of keyboards you will need if want to have say for example, all the different permutations of the same keyboard, like all versions of Topre, and/ or all the MX switches, and a few others like IBM BS and a vintage Cherry or two.   Above 25 keyboards, you are building a "legendary" collection.  This is a great thing, don't get me wrong, but now you are venturing into extreme territory, and you will need to devote some serious space and money to your collection.   I would say the upper bound for a truly legendary collection is probably around 50.  Above 50 keyboards, you are hoarding more than collecting, and you should probably sell some of them so that others can enjoy them.  But that's my opinion.  Maybe your upper limit is 100?  I won't tell you that you're wrong.

How can you get to 25 or 50 or 100 keyboards?  It's easy.  IMO a truly "serious" collection of keyboards would contain at least the following:

IBM Model M BS keyboard, at least one, but probably 2-3 or more.
Cherry Vintage keyboards:  one of each at least of G80-1800 and G80-3000, preferably H and S series, and hopefully a G80-5000 as well.
Dolch Cherry Keyboard
A Cherry ML keyboard
Filco's with MX Blues, Browns, Reds and Blacks.
Keyboards with the other MX switches:  Greens, Clears, Greys.
At least one Leo, probably more.
Numpads:  Cherry, Leo and Filco
Korean Kustom(s)
Poker(s)
Other 60% keyboard(s)
Ergo Dox
At least one keyboard with modified MX switches, like lubed Clears with gold 62g springs.
A Keyboard with buttery smooth Vintage MX Blacks.
At least one keyboard that you made yourself, like LZ GH, etc.
RealForce 87U's: Silent-Variable, 45g, and 55g.
HHKB Pro 2 Type-S and regular.
Alps keyboard, at least 1 clicky and 1 linear, but probably more.
At least one Back-lit LED keyboard (but don't let anybody know you have it). 

As you can see, if you really want to do this hobby right, you can very easily get to 25 keyboards, and probably more.

However, with that said, 2 keyboards is an excellent "starter" collection.  One Topre and one MX is a great way to begin.  2 keyboards, however, is simply not enough keyboards.  I'm sorry, it's just not.  3?  better.  5?  Probably 5 is the right number for the OP, at this point in his life.  But, I think 12 is probably where he will end up.

I disagree entirely.

For example, HaaTa's collection is without most of those cherry boards you mentioned. They are all pretty similar, and as a serious collector, he has a wide variety of very different stuff.

[engicoder]

Before GeekHack, I had 4 keyboards...a couple rubber domes, a Model M and an OmniKey 102.
After GeekHack, I have 14 and rapidly climbing.

Originally, the only reason I kept the model M was to use with computers that didn't support USB in bios.

[davkol]

snip

I disagree entirely.

QFT

I'm not even hardcore and most of my keyboards have some sort of Alps or obscure semimechanical switches... although all I use are scissor switches and three or four keyboards with linear Cherry MX.

[HoffmanMyster]

Haha. If I didn't get rid of anything ever, I would probably have 70+ Cherry G80 models now LOL.

LOL. Yes, I was going to guess that you have about 80-100 Cherry keyboards stored someplace.  But if you insist that you sold some of them, I guess I will say I believe you, even though I don't.

He actually does not have that large of a collection.    Lots of unique keycap sets though!  His apartment is tiiinyyyy.   )

[clacktalk]

Reading all these somewhat makes me feel like a Vegas casino employee who develops a spending habit after mostly being around vacationers, high rollers and other people just in the mood to burn through money. At least my spending will be sustainable compared to that of my hypothetical blackjack dealer.

Disclaimer: before GH, all I really had was Twitter. Now I can't tell if my posts are chill or word barf.

[HoffmanMyster]

Reading all these somewhat makes me feel like a Vegas casino employee who develops a spending habit after mostly being around vacationers, high rollers and other people just in the mood to burn through money. At least my spending will be sustainable compared to that of my hypothetical blackjack dealer.

Disclaimer: before GH, all I really had was Twitter. Now I can't tell if my posts are chill or word barf.

Heh.  We really do egg eachother on and inspire terrible spending habits.  But that's half the fun!  Screw wallets.

[deltuhhh]

I only have one right now so of course I'd want more. Though the one I REALLY want is basically any custom keyboard that I get to build myself.

[Vibex]

Screw wallets.

Words to live by.

[ShawnMeg]

I have 5 keyboards (if rubber domes are counted) but just use 3:

IBM Model M (work)
IBM Model F XT (waiting for keyboard to arrive)

Apple Pro Keyboard (home Windows Box)
Apple Pro Keyboard (work attached to laptop)
Logitech MK710 (still in box)

I recycled the Apple Pro's from an old iMac and a G3 in which the keyboards were heading to the recycling bin.  I bought an old Dell Vostro box off of Craigslist, and it came with a Logitech MX3200 Keyboard/Mouse.  I enjoyed it, but the keys stuck.  After contacting Logitech, they replaced it with the MK710 (Keyboard and Mouse).  The wireless and hotkeys are sweet. 

Recently, nostalgia got the better of me so I purchased a couple of Model M's off of Craigslist for $20 each (sold one).  I'm awaiting a model F (from my school days in the computer lab).  I longed for the sweet sound/feel of the buckling springs and more so the sound/feel of the F.

The only thing lurking inside of me for another keyboard is a Unicomp 122 Emulator with USB.  If I get this, I may sell my Model M.

So for now, I can see having 5-6 at most. 

[strafe]

I want to get a Novatouch when they are available, and an SSK would be nice, too . 

Also thinking about getting a Dell AT101W and installing Matias Switches  .

2 x CM Quickfire Rapids (Black Switches)
1 x Phantom (Vintage Black Switches)
1 x KBT Pure (Black Switches)
1 x Choc Mini (Brown Switches)
1 x FC200R (Red Switches)
3 x Model M
1 x Chicony 5161 (White Alps)
1 x G80-11900
1 x G80-3700
2 x G81's (Olivetti and Old White on Black)

[uns211]

Right now I own 2 QFRs (brown and blue) and a G81-something with Cherry MY. I'm considering the KUL 87 with clears. I'd like to own keyboards with Topre, buckling springs, and Matias quiet click switches.

[rowdy]

I'm too indecisive to end up with just a few.

Although my list of new keyboards to get is not getting any longer lately, which is probably a good thing.

[Permeability]

Too many. I always end up going back to one daily driver which is bad

[deltuhhh]

Screw wallets.

Words to live by.

I fear the day when I spend more money on keyboards than the things I actually need to live.

[rowdy]

Screw wallets.

Words to live by.

I fear the day when I spend more money on keyboards than the things I actually need to live.

You mean that's not happening already?

[deltuhhh]

Screw wallets.

Words to live by.

I fear the day when I spend more money on keyboards than the things I actually need to live.

You mean that's not happening already?

Man, I wish. I'm only 16 lol. Rather than saving money like every other teenager I decided to spend my money on a Ducky Shine 3. And I REALLY want one of those custom Korean keyboards. Oh god please help.

[rowdy]

Screw wallets.

Words to live by.

I fear the day when I spend more money on keyboards than the things I actually need to live.

You mean that's not happening already?

Man, I wish. I'm only 16 lol. Rather than saving money like every other teenager I decided to spend my money on a Ducky Shine 3. And I REALLY want one of those custom Korean keyboards. Oh god please help.

Just wait until you grow up and have to juggle family, transport costs, utility bills, rent, food (for a family), and try to fit your hobby/s in somewhere

[hrinfinity]

I've gotten into a terrible habit of telling myself "this is the last keyboard I'll ever need". Then new stuff comes out, and I never learn..

Fortunately, I recently cut my collection down to 3 keyboards (2 of which I use daily). I haven't really messed around with any vintage boards or ALPS switches so I may have to go down that path next.

Screw wallets.

Words to live by.

x2  )

[bueller]

I try and only keep keyboards that I have nice key sets for. With Penumbra coming that means I need a fourth to add to the stable

EDIT: Oh yeah and I want a Novatouch if they're half decent when they come out, once I've tried Topre I'll be happy. Buckling spring doesn't do it for me (had like 6 SSK's) and I'm too much of a keycap **** to go Alps without some nice caps to go on them.

[fohat.digs]

I'm too much of a keycap **** to go Alps without some nice caps to go on them.

Whoa!

That is quite a statement of priorities.

[Wildcard]

Looking over my shoulder I can see the cases for 6+ Topre boards, my shelf is full of keyboards of all types. Half a dozen Filco's, a bin of Model M's, a bin of Model F's, a pile of Dolch units, Cherry keyboards ready to give up their switches, keycaps, and stabs for future projects. My phantom boards, of which I've yet to assemble. A bin of cases and "project boards". And an entire bin of keycaps. I keep telling myself I'll have time to eventually work on everything, but the reality is I don't have time anymore

I have my 2 favorite boards. Both Topre 45g silenced in aluminum cases that are my daily drivers for work and home. I occasionally take the FC660C out as I really enjoyed the layout, minus the lack of dedicated function keys. I keep telling myself I'll use my HHKBs, but I'm starting to believe that less and less.

It's a fun hobby when you have the time, but when you don't it turns to dust collecting pretty quick.

[bueller]

I'm too much of a keycap **** to go Alps without some nice caps to go on them.

Whoa!

That is quite a statement of priorities.

GMK4LYFE SON!

[dante]

I've bought/sold/rebought/resold over 100 boards since 2011 and I'm close to being done - simply because I'm running out of things I haven't tried.

Here are my top three:

Topre Type Heaven ~ Liked it so much I bought two.  While it doesn't feel as high quality as the Realforce [for me] it feels so right.  Lack of keycap options doesn't bother me - that's how content I am with it.

IBM M2 ~ If it wasn't for fohat.digs I may have never run into this one .. for all its faults it is my favorite buckling spring board.

Cherry G80-3850 MX 3.0 ~ Doesn't get much respect since its predecessor sucked so bad.  For folks who hate wrist rests it stands alone in the market place.

Honorable mention:

Matias Quiet Pro ~ This would have been in the Top 3 4 if it weren't for the aesthetics.  I don't care what unobtanium durable plastic it's made out of - IT LOOKS CHEAP.

Keyboards to definitely still try/buy this year:

CM Storm NovaTouch
GON 108 ( w/ Kailh switches )
KBParadise V60MTS (Matias Quiet/Clicky Alps)



Over all ... want to stay under 10 boards max. (Currently at 6)

[fohat.digs]

IBM M2 ~ If it wasn't for fohat.digs I may have never run into this one .. for all its faults it is my favorite buckling spring board.

Is it really that different from the Unicomp Ultra Classic or Spacesaver? I have never owned either of those, but I would love to see and feel them side-by-side with an M2.

[CPTBadAss]

I think the M2 feels like a normal BS board but the design is more modern to me than a Unicomp or SSK. The thin bezel on the case and the case in general are more like keyboards you would get today.

[metalliqaz]

For me the bare minimum would be 4: one on work PC, one on each of my 2 home PCs, and 1 in the dugout.

Some people seem to think that collecting means getting every type of HHKB, for example.  I don't think so.  I just get the boards that I want to use and that I think look nice.  If you look at my collection, they are mostly TKLs, but different kinds and colors.  Switch types are spread out over the collection, and I don't even bother with switches I don't like.

[mapple]

IBM M2 ~ If it wasn't for fohat.digs I may have never run into this one .. for all its faults it is my favorite buckling spring board.

Is it really that different from the Unicomp Ultra Classic or Spacesaver? I have never owned either of those, but I would love to see and feel them side-by-side with an M2.

yep CPT is true on design but it feels very different than standard model m. Feels some kind "lighter" yet very satisfying sound and feedback.

[fohat.digs]

Feels some kind "lighter" yet very satisfying sound and feedback.

I liked the M2 a lot, but the non-standard keys and plastic stabilizers made it far less desirable.

[FoxWolf1]

I've got four at the moment, and there are at least 4-5 more that I would buy right away if I didn't care about money. But I should also note that the more keyboards I have, the more likely I get to try and attempt modding projects on them, which always results in dead keyboards. Because of that, I don't think it's possible for me to own more than 5-6 keyboards for any appreciable length of time.

[fohat.digs]

the more likely I get to try and attempt modding projects on them, which always results in dead keyboards.

I have been pretty lucky. I haven't killed more than 10%-20% of the keyboards I have worked on.

[infiniti]

The correct number of keyboards to own is established by the following formulas:

Number of keyboards currently owned = n
Number of keyboards wanted = N
Number of keyboards which will cause your spouse/significant other to divorce/leave you = p

Solve for N, where N=n+1 and N=p-1

Equating N=N:

p-1=n+1

Isolating p:

p-1=n+1 p-1+1=n+1+1 p=n+2

Therefore if you acquire keyboards one at a time, you will not reach p.

== == == == ==

Anyway, I currently own four keyboards: three mechanicals (full-size - brown, TKL - vintage browns, 60% - 55g clears) and...a rubberdome.

As far as keyboards I'd want to own are concerned, I want an aluminum TKL and num pad combo.  I haven't given it much thought yet but maybe a GON TKL and a GON PAD.

[jameslr]

I currently own 4, but I want at least one more. This breaks my rule of 4 keyboard maximum, but I must have a novatouch. I suppose I will sell my QFR so I can stay true to myself. I was so close to jumping in on that Poker II with clears drop, but honestly I think I'm pretty much done with MX.

[daerid]

You say that now (I know I did at one point)....

[clacktalk]

this is back

i now own 4 keyboards, one is hhkb

so does that count as -2 boards or what someone do the math for me

[ghostjuggernaut]

I have 7 functional, 1 unbuilt, 1 preorder, and will probably be picking up another kit soon.

Sounds like you have 4 bro.

Edit: forgot about one that is currently in the UK. So make that 8.

[trenzafeeds]

I am currently very near settling on two. A kmac mini layout with vintage blacks for gaming/typing when I feel like typing on mx, and an hhkb for when I feel like topre or for travel.

[Ciemnika]

I'd like to add a HHKB to my travel bag, but my one keyboard is solid. It's completely customized and is basically exactly like I'd want. It just weighs a ton so travelling with it is a pain.

[Bucake]

11:
one is a disassembled apple (alps cream) i got to try out the switches. (not a fan.) will probably sell or give away the parts at some point.
one is a cheap backup ps/2 rubber dome, in case i somehow end up needing it some time.
one is a disassembled F122 that i've ignored for months because of the corrosion.
one is a green alps zenith XT board that i failed to get working.
one is a linear space invader keyboard, but some switches are showing issues (and the switches are a bee to work with).
two are keyboards i should just sell, because i prefer others over them (variable topre and model m).
..leaves the four keyboards which i rotate:
KBT Pure Pro, HHKB, RF55, Model F XT

i'm failing at this hobby

[chuckdee]

I think the equation at the start of the thread is it for me.  The hard thing is, I think p varies by how my spouse feels, so it's a pretty changing number.  And p is only relevant as long as she remembers.  So when I get close to p, I switch what I'm collecting.  Then when I come back to this, p resets (or close to it).

I'm actually happy with what I'm using- but I still want to try more.  And own them.

I have a problem.