No Choice! One keyboard! That's it!

[user 18]

Of the boards I own, QFR with clears.

I'd probably go for a full size board if I knew it would be my only one though.

[Touch_It]

4704 107 key ansi mod with a solenoid.  So much goodness.

[jameslr]

While I didn't think it would ever happen, I'm hopelessly in love with my Duck Eagle with stock clears and cherry caps. It's so smooth. The only thing I would change about it is probably put a linear grey in the spacebar or maybe a vintage black. I don't really like having a tactile spacebar for some reason. The rest of the keys have to be tactile though.

[calvinhousecat]

Any fullsized keyboard with blue alps

[berserkfan]

My ideal boards aren't available yet, but I will only use my jailhouse ghetto greens on a split layout going forward. Am now approximating that with a Tipro 128.

The tons of money I spent on other keyboards and keycaps are now totally wasted. 

[Sent]

My 22Mini-EX.  I pretty much only use this board now, anyways.

[noisyturtle]

Jesus ****, the HHKB circle-jerk is strong with this thread. Surprised this thread hasn't drowned in it's own jizz by now.

[1391406]

The Model F had twice as many votes.

[skuko]

FC660C, BAM!

[Lunatique]

FC660C, BAM!

I love my FC660C too, but for a "one and only" board, it'll have to be a TKL for me, so I'll have to pick the RealForce 87U 55g, since it's not too loud, tactile enough, and has high quality construction.

[ShriekBob]

IBM Model M (15 if I had one)

[Fragil1ty]

I know quite a few of you have quite an extensive keyboard collection.  But then the hammer falls, and you can only use one keyboard for the rest of your days. 

What would you decide on?  Ouch!

No turning back or being wishy-washy.

My choice would be (suprisingly) my IBM 51G8572 (White Label) Manufactured for IBM by Lexmark.  It's my favorite keyboard.  A hint of nostalgia to me.  But then again I'm kinda biased toward one line of keyboards.

Noppoo Choc Mini, always and forever.

[JPG]

This thread is like:


1. Model F fan club
2. HHKB fan club
3. The rest


We have taste in here 

[Nai_Calus]

If it has to be one I own, well, I only own one that's actually in fully functional condition, so I guess my Monoprice 9433. The Kinesis Essential works, but has some bad switches that need replacing.

If I can get some money together and a month or two for things to actually come back in stock, something with browns, I think. I like lighter switches, and the browns on the Kinesis I like. I have wimpy baby fingers apparently.

[Huxley2500]

Filco forever!

[snoopy]

And if I could choose a board that doesn't exist yet, I would choose an Industrial SSK with Model F innards

[Lunatique]

Why is the model F so much more loved than model M? I know the innards are different (beam spring capacitive), but does typing on one actually feel different enough from model M or Unicomp (and I mean objective assessment, not crazy hyperbole)?

[jacobolus]

but does typing on [a Model F] actually feel different enough from model M or Unicomp

Yes, it feels and sounds quite different IMO.

(and I mean objective assessment, not crazy hyperbole)?

You’re the guy who got mad about the difference between 45g and 55g Topre domes being too minor, right? Well this is a somewhat comparable difference, so you’d probably be disappointed.

[CPTBadAss]

Why is the model F so much more loved than model M? I know the innards are different (beam spring capacitive), but does typing on one actually feel different enough from model M or Unicomp (and I mean objective assessment, not crazy hyperbole)?

Neither F nor M are beam spring. Beamspring =/= BS. It's buckling spring. If you hunt for some of dorkvader's posts, you'll get into discussions on whether or not the F mechanism actuates at a lighter force than an M. It *feels* that way even though M and F apparently have the same actuation force. I really like the lighter feeling buckling spring. I also find it feels a little crisper and is a bit more pingy in a good way.

[Jotokun]

Why is the model F so much more loved than model M? I know the innards are different (beam spring capacitive), but does typing on one actually feel different enough from model M or Unicomp (and I mean objective assessment, not crazy hyperbole)?

The switches feel lighter and crisper, yes. But they also have a more lively, poppy quality beyond that. It's a subtle difference, when I first tried it I was a bit underwhelmed. But within a week I found it hard to go back to the M because it felt muddy and lifeless by comparison.

[Touch_It]

Why is the model F so much more loved than model M? I know the innards are different (beam spring capacitive), but does typing on one actually feel different enough from model M or Unicomp (and I mean objective assessment, not crazy hyperbole)?

The switches feel lighter and crisper, yes. But they also have a more lively, poppy quality beyond that. It's a subtle difference, when I first tried it I was a bit underwhelmed. But within a week I found it hard to go back to the M because it felt muddy and lifeless by comparison.

I think CPTBadAss described the difference between M and F nicely.  I can't weigh in on beam spring but F's certainly feel lighter, and there is a lot more of a ringing or pinging to them vs M is more of a thud or thock.  I can't use my F on a daily basis yet, but I definitely appreciate both.

[jacobolus]

Beam spring is substantially different: less tactile than buckling springs, not as loud, much longer post-actuation travel, more snap on the upstroke. Personally I think IBM beam spring switches are fun, and the keycaps are awesome, but overall the switches aren’t among my favorites. (I’ve only typed on one for a few minutes though, so perhaps they’d grow on me.) Among switches with similar internal mechanisms, I like both Marquardt “butterfly” switches and Alps plate spring switches a bit better, but for different reasons.

[snoopy]

Why is the model F so much more loved than model M?

You have to feel and hear the difference. Then you know.

[Grill]

Between the two I own currently, I would have to pick my WASD v2 TKL. The poker II is nice and I like the size, but MX brown > MX blue for me by a lot. If it's near-ish future than the Ducky Zero with browns that should be at my door soon. I hope I don't have to stick with one forever though. That sounds like punishment.

[Macsmasher]

I want I want a TKL variable 45g - 55g programmable Topre keyboard with a dip switch for Colemak. Silencing is optional.

Second choice would be the above criteria in an HHKB with plate mounted switches.

[Lunatique]

Thanks for explaining the differences between Model F and M. It sounds like I would really enjoy Model F, since I like crisp, light, and tactile (which is why I like blue Cherry). I definitely like buckling spring on the Unicomp, and if it's more light and crisp and responsive than that, then it's an subjective improvement IMO. But it seems model F keyboards only come in hulking sizes and there are no SSK versions available? That's a deal-breaker for me, unfortunately.

[hwood34]

Thanks for explaining the differences between Model F and M. It sounds like I would really enjoy Model F, since I like crisp, light, and tactile (which is why I like blue Cherry). I definitely like buckling spring on the Unicomp, and if it's more light and crisp and responsive than that, then it's an subjective improvement IMO. But it seems model F keyboards only come in hulking sizes and there are no SSK versions available? That's a deal-breaker for me, unfortunately.

The closest you'll find is an unsaver, which has no numpad, but still has the 24F row like on terminals

[SavvyBird]

HHKB forever.

HHKB always forever.

HHKB

HHKB forever.

> OP asks for one keyboard
> people name 3


hhkb 4 lyfe.

HHKB or a Duck Viper w/ ergo clears

[FrostyToast]

Thanks for explaining the differences between Model F and M. It sounds like I would really enjoy Model F, since I like crisp, light, and tactile (which is why I like blue Cherry). I definitely like buckling spring on the Unicomp, and if it's more light and crisp and responsive than that, then it's an subjective improvement IMO. But it seems model F keyboards only come in hulking sizes and there are no SSK versions available? That's a deal-breaker for me, unfortunately.

The closest you'll find is an unsaver, which has no numpad, but still has the 24F row like on terminals

Unless of course he wants to go crazy and find a kishy.

[hwood34]

Thanks for explaining the differences between Model F and M. It sounds like I would really enjoy Model F, since I like crisp, light, and tactile (which is why I like blue Cherry). I definitely like buckling spring on the Unicomp, and if it's more light and crisp and responsive than that, then it's an subjective improvement IMO. But it seems model F keyboards only come in hulking sizes and there are no SSK versions available? That's a deal-breaker for me, unfortunately.

The closest you'll find is an unsaver, which has no numpad, but still has the 24F row like on terminals

Unless of course he wants to go crazy and find a kishy.

That might take a little longer )

[FrostyToast]

As for me, the board that I would take over anything else would have to be a LSV2 with an 1800 layout and nixie blacks, maybe with 62g springs.
Linear switches are just something that I probably won't get sick of ever and I won't annoy the **** out of people around me.

[rowdy]

I can't decide between HHKB for the feels or SSK for the sounds

[Moralless]

I can't decide between HHKB for the feels or SSK for the sounds

Just choose whichever you can put a drunken skull on

[rowdy]

I can't decide between HHKB for the feels or SSK for the sounds

Just choose whichever you can put a drunken skull on

My Drunken Skull is on HHKB.  Only got Checker Clacks on my Model M.  Haven't even got an SSK

[Moralless]

I can't decide between HHKB for the feels or SSK for the sounds

Just choose whichever you can put a drunken skull on

My Drunken Skull is on HHKB.  Only got Checker Clacks on my Model M.  Haven't even got an SSK

I feel your pain on trying to get a SSK in Australia But admittedly I've only been looking for 3 months )

I'd definitely go with the HHKB then, drunken skull is my second favorite clack(I assume it's your favorite from your avatar), my most favorite being the blank version of it 

[brimborion]

Unicomp Customizer 104. Especially if I can still get it repaired for some reason even though I am not allowed to buy a new keyboard.

I can only hope USB 2.0 will always be an option on the computers I will use for the rest of my life.

[E TwentyNine]

Thanks for explaining the differences between Model F and M. It sounds like I would really enjoy Model F, since I like crisp, light, and tactile (which is why I like blue Cherry). I definitely like buckling spring on the Unicomp, and if it's more light and crisp and responsive than that, then it's an subjective improvement IMO. But it seems model F keyboards only come in hulking sizes and there are no SSK versions available? That's a deal-breaker for me, unfortunately.

The closest you'll find is an unsaver, which has no numpad, but still has the 24F row like on terminals

Or one could acquire an AT and do some modding to get fairly close to an SSK layout (minus the position of the function keys).

[Snowdog993]

It's all good.  Just remember, there is only one you can choose.  So many out there.....

[demik]

HHKB forever.

HHKB always forever.

HHKB

HHKB forever.

> OP asks for one keyboard
> people name 3


hhkb 4 lyfe.

HHKB or a Duck Viper w/ ergo clears

HHKB GANG.

SQUAD UP.

[Keybatant]

HHKB GANG.

SQUAD UP.

Ah well, the only one, yes...
HHKB

[Dihedral]

I know quite a few of you have quite an extensive keyboard collection.  But then the hammer falls, and you can only use one keyboard for the rest of your days. 

What would you decide on?  Ouch!

No turning back or being wishy-washy.

My choice would be (suprisingly) my IBM 51G8572 (White Label) Manufactured for IBM by Lexmark.  It's my favorite keyboard.  A hint of nostalgia to me.  But then again I'm kinda biased toward one line of keyboards.

Noppoo Choc Mini, always and forever.

If you have to have the same board forever than you're going to hit some issues after 6 months.

[Snowdog993]

Is that so?  Maybe it depends on the board you get?  Good observation.

[Sygaldry]

HHKB forever.

HHKB always forever.

HHKB

HHKB forever.

> OP asks for one keyboard
> people name 3


hhkb 4 lyfe.

HHKB or a Duck Viper w/ ergo clears

HHKB GANG.

SQUAD UP.

Our world is in peril. Thorpie, the spirit of the Planet GH, can no longer stand the terrible keyboards plaguing our planet. She gives five magic rings to five special young people. From Africa, Sygaldry with the power of earth. From the North America, Carinaguts with the power of fire. From the Soviet Union, demik with the power of wind. From Asia, monotagary with the power of water and from South America, Sencha with the power of heart. With the five powers combined they summon Planet GH's greatest champion - CAPTAIN HHKB!

[Dihedral]

Is that so?  Maybe it depends on the board you get?  Good observation.

Well, those choc minis have a, shall we say, mixed reputation.

[HoffmanMyster]

From the Soviet Union, Demik

)

You hear that, demik?!  Who's the commie now??

[demik]

From the Soviet Union, Demik

)

You hear that, demik?!  Who's the commie now??

jokes on you, im demik. not Demik.

and this guy just called me a commie and im full of wind. well played.

[Snowdog993]

I'm just shaking my head.  I think I am doomed.  Maybe some more input from other folks will make sense of this thread again.

[Xonar]

Although it's a very close call between the Bigfoot XT and the 4704, I'll have to go with the 4704. If I were to choose only one keyboard, I'd have to go for a Model F with a full size ANSI layout, and so the 4704 (at least once I'm finished restoring mine) fits the bill.

The 4704 also has that lovely Piezo buzzer that makes it that much more satisfyingly annoying to others amazing.

[Sygaldry]

From the Soviet Union, Demik

)

You hear that, demik?!  Who's the commie now??

jokes on you, im demik. not Demik.

and this guy just called me a commie and im full of wind. well played.

hue hue

[Lunatique]

Once I'm done swapping domes between my RF 87U silenced variable weight and my RF 87U 55g, the resulting silenced 87U 55g will rule over all other keyboards I have.