Thanks
I am not sure if it's a mechanical keyboard, from Wikipedia:
A special case of the computer keyboard dome-switch is the scissor-switch. The keys are attached to the keyboard via two plastic pieces that interlock in a "scissor"-like fashion, and snap to the keyboard and the key. It still uses rubber domes, but a special plastic 'scissors' mechanism links the keycap to a plunger that depresses the rubber dome with a much shorter travel than the typical rubber dome keyboard. Typically scissor-switch keyboards also employ 3-layer membranes as the electrical component of the switch. They also usually have a shorter total key travel distance (2 mm instead of 3.5 – 4 mm for standard dome-switch keyswitches). This type of keyswitch is often found on the built-in keyboards on laptops and keyboards marketed as 'low-profile'. These keyboards are generally quiet and the keys require little force to press.
Scissor-switch keyboards are typically slightly more expensive. They are harder to clean (due to the limited movement of the keys and their multiple attachment points) but also less likely to get debris in them as the gaps between the keys are often less (as there is no need for extra room to allow for the 'wiggle' in the key as you would find on a membrane keyboard).
Technically, all keyboards are mechanical... but usually the term mechanical keyboard is used to refer to keyboards that have separate switches under each key, as opposed to a sheet of rubber domes over a membrane. Of course, there are many grey areas. Most people would agree that scissor switch keyboards are just normal rubber dome keyboards with a scissor mechanism added, and not a true mechanical keyboard.
Nice try
The keyboard of my first PC, 1997, looks a lot like these, but no thanks
I don't think most PCs made in 1997 would've still come with a mechanical keyboard. So maybe they look similar, but the ones snowdog posted would feel far superior to your fingers.
+1 to this.
Although it's hard to find and quite expensive usually if you do manage to find one. Have you considered trying a mechanical keyboard, perhaps something with MX Browns?
I have used a lot of scissor boards in the past, some decent, some terrible. My favourites were definitely the older IBM laptop boards, but I can't stand any of the more modern scissor boards. The only other one that's come close has been the board on my 2009 MacBook Pro. That's pretty decent for a scissor board, especially considering it's also chiclet, which I didn't like at first. It grew on me.
But I now have a board with plate mounted modded MX Clears at work and another at home, which are MUCH better than scissor switches, IMHO. Especially with a nice set of thick heavy keycaps on.
Honestly, I don't like MX Browns. They don't even come close to having the tactility of the ThinkPad keyboard or other good rubber domes. The "tactile" point is so small that to me it feels like a linear switch with some sand caught inside the switch lol. I'd imagine MX Clears to be much better, although they are relatively rare so I haven't had a chance to try them yet.
My 2008 MacBook Air had a decent keyboard (very similar to the one in the new MacBook Pro), but the new Air have such shallow keyboards with almost no key travel. The keys in the new Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic keyboard are decent too. But none are quite as good as the old ThinkPad keyboard.
Oh wow, thanks for the references. Although I guess these are to be considered collectibles? Would still love to get my hands on one...
Yes, I agree the Thinkpad keyboard was the best, I haven't yet had the pleasure to see how it compares to the one on the X1 Carbon, that they say it tries to reforge its glory
The keyboard on the X1 Carbon is similar to the ones on all the new ThinkPads, except maybe a little bit shallower. You can go into any computer store that sells ThinkPads and try out the feel of the keyboard - if you're ok with it despite the island style keys, you can get the USB version that's still in production.
Otherwise the "collectible" versions as you say can sometimes be found on Craigslist, Kijiji, or eBay for under $100. Usually around $60-70, which isn't bad at all considering that a replacement laptop keyboard itself, without the USB casing, is around $60.
Don't get it from Amazon... it's a whopping $350
http://www.amazon.com/ThinkPad-USB-Keyboard-with-TrackPoint/dp/B002ONCC6G