A quality, but inexpensive keyboard

[Blaise170]

I have a particular professor who has helped me a lot throughout the time he has been here. He fondly remembers "clicky" keyboards and bought himself one of the Rosewill boards with Alps clones. He had a lot of problems with it and he went back to a genetic dome board. As appreciation, I'd like to buy him a keyboard that won't fall apart on him like the cheap Rosewill did. My budget is not very high, but I don't really have a specific max. What would you all suggest? A vintage board will be just fine so long as I can get it compatible with AT/PS2/USB. I might get a Model M since it's the classic mech but I'm afraid it might be too large for his desk. I can also do repairs so condition is not extremely important.

[trenzafeeds]

To be honest I think Model M would be amazing... freaking amazing, and for a great price. Not that much extra room on the desk.

[Nover]

Get him the Model M. You already considered it and with good reason. It is indeed THE keyboard that comes to most people's minds when they think of a mechanical, clicky keyboard.
If the desk is too small for it, he'll have to make room or get a new one!

[chyros]

Who wouldn't make room for something as majestic and great-to-use as a Model M?

[trenzafeeds]

I mean you could always get an M spacesaver, but that's not exactly inexpensive...

[fohat.digs]

I think that there have been multiple Ms at great prices listed here in the past week.

[HoffmanMyster]

Model M fits the clicky requirement, price requirement, and presumed nostalgia requirement.  What's not to love?  :3

[ctm]

If Model M is too large, you can consider Unicomp Ultra Classic. It has smaller frame than Model M. It also has native USB interface and windows key.

[ideus]

I'd say Unicomp.

[Snowdog993]

Everyone here is telling you right!  It's an impressive keyboard!

[E3E]

Blaise, I think it's time to go dumpster diving for SSKs.

[Blaise170]

What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.

[Dernubenfrieken]

What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.

For something reasonably cheap, a Quick Fire Rapid is pretty great, although the caps leave something to be desired

[SpAmRaY]

Not sure what your budget is but it is hard to go wrong with the fullsize leopold with side print pbt caps and mx reds if you want a full size board.

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1400

[ideus]

Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

[Neo.X]

Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image

Yes, this rocks.

[ideus]

It's a chimera though.

[Altis]

I've been wondering the same thing for a few people I want to gift keyboards to. Can't seem to find much for a reasonable price for a gift.

[chyros]

"Quality but inexpensive" pretty much means second hand if you ask me. Obviously it depends on how much you want to spend but a second hand M or Alps board if you want to spend a little less aren't that much or hard to find I think .

[Blaise170]

Yeah secondhand is fine. I have enough MX and Alps keysets that I don't need to worry about that and I can fix most broken PCB traces, etc. Just seeing if there was anything that was around for a decent price but also decent quality.

[SamirD]

If Model M is too large, you can consider Unicomp Ultra Classic. It has smaller frame than Model M. It also has native USB interface and windows key.

This would be my vote.  If you can find one secondhand too, it won't break the bank.  You may also be able to find an original M for the same price, but it might take some searching.

[Jixr]

Kinda related, I've given away a few keyboards as gifts, and I'm lucky and can find them used all the time, and just spend a few bucks and get them a spacebar from WASD with their internet name, gamer tag, or something like that put on there. Cheap and personal gift for tech lovers.

[losing_ctrl]

What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.

For inexpensive non-clicky I would include the higher-end KeyTronic keyboards into consideration. I had one of these...

http://www.amazon.com/104KEY-PS2-Keyboard-Black-Wmembrane/dp/B000M0HUNI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1450447026&sr=8-6&keywords=keytronic+keyboard+Designer

...and was VERY impressed. These are simple membrane boards but I found them to be very comfortable and pleasing to type on. KeyTronic offers tons of models of super cheap boards that I haven't tried, but these higher-end Ergo boards are worth the extra money.

Also, we would probably all agree that the best clicky switch is a very personal choice, and it may be hard to match your prof's preference.

[chyros]

What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.

For inexpensive non-clicky I would include the higher-end KeyTronic keyboards into consideration. I had one of these...

http://www.amazon.com/104KEY-PS2-Keyboard-Black-Wmembrane/dp/B000M0HUNI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1450447026&sr=8-6&keywords=keytronic+keyboard+Designer

...and was VERY impressed. These are simple membrane boards but I found them to be very comfortable and pleasing to type on. KeyTronic offers tons of models of super cheap boards that I haven't tried, but these higher-end Ergo boards are worth the extra money.

Also, we would probably all agree that the best clicky switch is a very personal choice, and it may be hard to match your prof's preference.

Eh, to each their own I guess. I don't mind a rubber dome keyboard if it's really good, but all the Key Tronics I've found (and that's a fair few) didn't feel special at all. I've found a few really good rubber dome boards but I wouldn't count any Key Tronics among them.

[Altis]

Eh, to each their own I guess. I don't mind a rubber dome keyboard if it's really good, but all the Key Tronics I've found (and that's a fair few) didn't feel special at all. I've found a few really good rubber dome boards but I wouldn't count any Key Tronics among them.

I suspect there could be a wide range of them. I've tried many that are nothing special, but I've tried some that are strikingly similar to the feel and even sound of a Realforce 87U in 45g.

I actually keep one in my work car that I use for when I need an external keyboard while on-site (technician-style job). Quite like it, and it was free so I'm not worried about what will happen to it.

Having said that... I'm not sure I'd gift one and I have no idea how the new ones are. I've only used older ones.

[losing_ctrl]

What would you all recommend for non clicky? I'm not sure if the noise will bother others sop I'll have to discreetly ask him later.

For inexpensive non-clicky I would include the higher-end KeyTronic keyboards into consideration. I had one of these...

http://www.amazon.com/104KEY-PS2-Keyboard-Black-Wmembrane/dp/B000M0HUNI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1450447026&sr=8-6&keywords=keytronic+keyboard+Designer

...and was VERY impressed. These are simple membrane boards but I found them to be very comfortable and pleasing to type on. KeyTronic offers tons of models of super cheap boards that I haven't tried, but these higher-end Ergo boards are worth the extra money.

Also, we would probably all agree that the best clicky switch is a very personal choice, and it may be hard to match your prof's preference.

Eh, to each their own I guess. I don't mind a rubber dome keyboard if it's really good, but all the Key Tronics I've found (and that's a fair few) didn't feel special at all. I've found a few really good rubber dome boards but I wouldn't count any Key Tronics among them.

Your point is well taken. I guess I was thinking that this could be a board that is given with the caveat of, "Here is a membrane board that doesn't suck, to use until you make your next mechanical keyboard investment, because there are so many awesome choices that it could take you awhile before you settle on your next choice." Or something like that. That being said, my personal opinion of this KeyTronic keyboard is that it is truly a cut above - it's been awhile since I had it (I don't remember what happened to it), but I'd like everybody here on GH to try it because it is a great cheap keyboard that made my fingers happy every time I typed on it. FWIW, my two favorite keyboards are my Silver Label Model M, and my RealForce 87U 55g.

[SamirD]

I too would recommend the Keytronic as a cheap gift, although the better ones are in the same price range as a good vintage board.

I own two vintage Keytronics and they're quite nice--a little lighter than the IBM rubberdome M, but just as much 'snap' so you know when the keypress is occurring.  Keytronic is still around, so I'm sure the same board feel would be available.

[Snowdog993]

Whoa!  I need a drink!  How did it go from Model M to rubberdome?

[livingspeedbump]

The MK.com branded keyboards are really good for the price. They are all essentially Ducky keyboards.

KBP makes good, cheap boards. For more popular brands, Cooler Master has been my "go-to" cheap boards for a while. Very good for the money.

[SpAmRaY]

I'm still a fan of the full size Leopold, it comes with thick PBT caps and has a dampened case for only $120 and its simple and not flashy.

[jcoffin1981]

I have a particular professor who has helped me a lot throughout the time he has been here. He fondly remembers "clicky" keyboards and bought himself one of the Rosewill boards with Alps clones. He had a lot of problems with it and he went back to a genetic dome board. As appreciation, I'd like to buy him a keyboard that won't fall apart on him like the cheap Rosewill did. My budget is not very high, but I don't really have a specific max. What would you all suggest? A vintage board will be just fine so long as I can get it compatible with AT/PS2/USB. I might get a Model M since it's the classic mech but I'm afraid it might be too large for his desk. I can also do repairs so condition is not extremely important.

A keyboard is a very personal thing.  You may try to get a few words of a hint in the right direction before going out and making a purchase.  It's like buying a handbag, wristwatch, or winter coat for a person.  These are things the owner really has to choose for themselves.

[tp4tissue]

GO unicomp,, because if you get an M,  there's a chance it's disgusting, and dirty, and you have to clean all the 70s and 80s jizz off of it.

New Unicomp, it works, it has usb, you're good to go.

[piemancoder]

You could try and get a Unicomp or even an older Model M and do a floss mod if he wants a quieter board.

[crj3012]

Don't forget to check thrift stores and Craigslist for Model M's.

[SamirD]

I just saw that some brand new Keytronic boards are going for <$8 from the official store:
https://keyboards.keytronic.com/home/shop/shop.asp?h_ck=T48502

That's a deal on a really nice rubberdome.

[livingspeedbump]

Ive tested a few of the MK.com branded keyboards. They aren't massively cheap, but they are cheaper than their direct competition and have proven to be quite good.

Used Model M's often go for $50 or so on Ebay, and that is a great deal for what you get.

[livingspeedbump]

Also, if you buy a Model M and it doesnt work, chances are you can get it working for quite cheap. Unicomp still sells everything from the spring housings to the membrane assembly and replacement keycaps, all for quite cheap  Their shipping is also really fast

[neverused]

Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image

It's a chimera though.

Make one (still needs work):

[livingspeedbump]

Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image

It's a chimera though.

Make one (still needs work):

Show Image

whoa. need more pics 

[neverused]

Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image

It's a chimera though.

Make one (still needs work):

Show Image

whoa. need more pics 

I'm working on it as I find time between works and kids, usually after midnight. It should be done soon, all the electronics are done, just still making the case even smaller.

I think I'm going to approach CPTBadAss about putting it in tactile zine before I post a full log here. My biggest issue is finishing the case since I have no experience in filling/painting, which will be necessary given how much I have to cut away.


@OP this can be done easily too.

[SamirD]

...about putting it in tactile zine...

What's this?  Link?

[livingspeedbump]

...about putting it in tactile zine...

What's this?  Link?

CAPTBadAss does it all himself 

[SamirD]

...about putting it in tactile zine...

What's this?  Link?

CAPTBadAss does it all himself 

Very cool.  How does one read it?

[neverused]

...about putting it in tactile zine...

What's this?  Link?

CAPTBadAss does it all himself 

Very cool.  How does one read it?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70769.msg1709824.msg#1709824

It's awesome

[Blaise170]

I just saw that some brand new Keytronic boards are going for <$8 from the official store:
https://keyboards.keytronic.com/home/shop/shop.asp?h_ck=T48502

That's a deal on a really nice rubberdome.

Thanks for the suggestion but I really wasn't looking for rubberdome. 

[ideus]

Get him a modern kishaver... If you find one.

Show Image

It's a chimera though.

Make one (still needs work):

Show Image

It is looking cool so far.

[neverused]

It is looking cool so far.

Thanks! My plan is to make that chimera come to life soon, but with a better layout. More info shortly.