Vintage Board Users, What Are Your Favorite Switches?

[Vectrex720]

I've recently gotten back into Mechanical Keyboards, and started using my Omnikey 102 again. My 102 has complicated white alps, and I'm quite loving the feel. While I enjoy various MX switches you can't beat the feel of vintage keyboards. So vintage keyboard users, what are some of your favorite switches? What are your favorite vintage keyboards?
My 102 as pictured

[Lurch]

Model F and Blue ALPS.

[jerue]

Do vintage MX switches count? vintage clears (ergo) and vintage blacks are my favorite, though I really want to try vintage blues.

I love how buckling spring feels on the SSK, and my amber Omron B3GS (alps clone) board is pretty nice.

[E3E]

Vintage MX blacks, ergo clears made with vintage or worn clear switches, green Alps, blue Alps. Absolute favorites. Linears are my overall favorite KIND of switch though.

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Buckling springs!

Model M in particular, possibly because I haven't tried a Model F yet.

[chyros]

Model F and Blue ALPS.

These, no question about it.

[Ludovician]

Blue alps, although I prefer to harvest them from the old boards and put them in new boards.

[darkspider]

All my collections is buckling spring, but when I'm asked to decide which is the best, I choose Model F switches.

[SamirD]

Buckling Springs because that's pretty much all I've ever used.  I have two vintage Keytronic boards and like their feel as well even though they are just rubberdomes, albeit very nice ones.

[bazh]

Linear T-mount APLS of the Apple M0110

[Jokrik]

Monterey blues

so soft, so click, so nice

[lolpes]

Vintage whites(clicky) and vintage blacks :3 also I have yet to try vintage clears

[Flyersfan1]

Nixdorf Blacks in this beauty:

[Hypersphere]

1. IBM Capacitive Buckling Spring (Model F).

2. Topre 45g and 55g, Silenced with Silencing Rings.

3. Complicated White Alps.

4. Matias Click.

5. Matias Quiet.

6. IBM Membrane Buckling Spring (Model M).

[eun]

I've recently gotten back into Mechanical Keyboards, and started using my Omnikey 102 again. My 102 has complicated white alps, and I'm quite loving the feel. While I enjoy various MX switches you can't beat the feel of vintage keyboards. So vintage keyboard users, what are some of your favorite switches? What are your favorite vintage keyboards?
My 102 as pictured

Show Image

LOVE ALPS GREEN AND VINTAGE MX BLACK

[chyros]

Btw this is assuming these are our favourites based on keyfeel. If it's about how interesting the switches are it'd probably be electromagnetic ones for me.

[Altis]

NMB Hi Tek Space Invaders, clicky.

One of the best switches, in my opinion, and I wish they'd go back into production.

Softer clicky Alps like Blue Alps or Monterey Blue switches are very nice indeed.

[Magna224]

I agree with the others Blue ALPS and Monterey Blues are very very nice. I found an old ADB keyboard with white SMKs locally that I'm going to swap for the Monterey blues from one of my other boards. That will be a really nice keyboard.

[fohat.digs]

I found an old ADB keyboard with white SMKs locally that I'm going to swap for the Monterey blues from one of my other boards.

Why? SMK whites are very nice and pretty much feel like SMK "Montereys" to me.

[Magna224]

Why? SMK whites are very nice and pretty much feel like SMK "Montereys" to me.

They feel noticeably different to me. I have seen a few people before complain that the whites had a strange feel after researching it a bit once. It probably has something to do with age/use because I think the only difference is minor change to the leaf between he blue and the whites. Or its possible that that change does make a small difference.

[Bucake]

do people really prefer the switches of a model M over those of a model F..?
because, in my opinion, the model F just destroys the model M. i really see no contest between the two when it comes to switches / typing experience.

[Mattr567]

Vintage Alps switches and BS. I'd say the best of each Alps switch type (clicky, tactile, linear) is SKCL Greens, SKCM Blues, and SKCM Oranges.

Salmon is somewhat close to Orange but Orange still feels smoother. (similar thing between SKCL Yellow and Green, and SKCM White and Blue) SKCM Amber is all on its own. Dampened Alps is meh. Also **** SKCM Black, worst switch by far.

Source: Have a bunch of different Alps switches for my switch tester I am building. Have a great opportunity to try out a lot of variety. Still sourcing SKCM/SKCL Browns.

[BucklingSpring]

Buckling Spring and Space Invaders/Black.

[kekstee]

I wish I had a Model F to test. The M sometimes eats input I thought I had pressed when typing too lightly. So lighter + capacitive sounds like the holy grail of BS.

[Snowdog993]

My favorite is buckling spring switches.  I do prefer the 101/102-key Model M keyboard overall.  I don't have to think, adjust, compensate, or in any way feel strange typing on them.  The comfort zone is there, and I don't need to worry about disturbing others when I use it.

Enjoy what you use!  I do!

[Hypersphere]

do people really prefer the switches of a model M over those of a model F..?
because, in my opinion, the model F just destroys the model M. i really see no contest between the two when it comes to switches / typing experience.

Although I much prefer the sound and feel of Model F switches over Model M, I think that Model M keyboards are more accessible for many people. By this I mean that Model M boards can easily be interfaced with modern computers, they have the standard ANSI layout that many prefer, and they are readily available. I still use my IBM Model M SSK because I very much appreciate its design -- but it would really be fantastic if it had Model F switches.

[CPTBadAss]

In no particular order:

Capacitive BS, Membrane BS, SKCM Blue, SKCL Green, SKCM Brown, SKCM Orange, Marquardt Butterfly, IBM Beamspring, Hall Effect

[ideus]

In no particular order:

Capacitive BS, Membrane BS, SKCM Blue, SKCL Green, SKCM Brown, SKCM Orange, Marquardt Butterfly, IBM Beamspring, Hall Effect

Which boards do come with each one?

[E3E]

In no particular order:

Capacitive BS, Membrane BS, SKCM Blue, SKCL Green, SKCM Brown, SKCM Orange, Marquardt Butterfly, IBM Beamspring, Hall Effect

Which boards do come with each one?

I think we know the first two. Most of us anyway!

I can help with these:

 SKCM Blue: Best bet? Leading Edge DC-2014, otherwise, check the Deskthority wiki and look for very low serial numbers on  those models. Many CAN have this switch; the hardest thing about blue Alps is that it's usually an easter egg hunt to find one, because many boards that can have them also used many other switch types.

 SKCL Green: Zenith anything. Zenith Z-150, Zenith ZKB-2. If you see PBT caps, you will have green Alps for sure. Look out for manufacturing dates below 1989 and beware of dot matrix printing. If you find one without a label on the back, it likely will have green Alps. 

Beware that is could also just be a peeled label.

SKCM Brown: Best source? IBM 5140 Convertible - Ask if the seller can part the keyboard by itself. I got mine for $34

SKCM Orange: Apple Extended Keyboard M0115, hands down.  SKCM orange and SKCM salmon run concurrently to each other in terms of production, so you will never know which you'll get in an AEK unless someone pops a cap. I've seen low serial # boards with salmons and higher serials with oranges. Be careful.

[SamirD]

do people really prefer the switches of a model M over those of a model F..?
because, in my opinion, the model F just destroys the model M. i really see no contest between the two when it comes to switches / typing experience.

I remember back in the day when I had Fs to type on at school and an M at home, I actually did prefer the M.  I can't recall why though.  It's been over 20 years since I've typed on an F.

[Bucake]

filthy M lovers!

[SamirD]

I do prefer the 101/102-key Model M keyboard overall.  I don't have to think, adjust, compensate, or in any way feel strange typing on them.

It's the same with me.  I'm not sure if it's because I started on the PC with an M or if it's just because it's the best for my hands, but either way the M is effortless to use.

[Altis]

I agree with the others Blue ALPS and Monterey Blues are very very nice. I found an old ADB keyboard with white SMKs locally that I'm going to swap for the Monterey blues from one of my other boards. That will be a really nice keyboard.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe that Monterey Blue switches can be swapped outright for Alps switches. I think the base pins are different.

[snoopy]

Capacitive BS

[chyros]

I agree with the others Blue ALPS and Monterey Blues are very very nice. I found an old ADB keyboard with white SMKs locally that I'm going to swap for the Monterey blues from one of my other boards. That will be a really nice keyboard.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe that Monterey Blue switches can be swapped outright for Alps switches. I think the base pins are different.

Correct. In fact I think SMK 2nds aren't compatible with ANYTHING else!

[jcoffin1981]

My favorite is buckling spring switches.  I do prefer the 101/102-key Model M keyboard overall.  I don't have to think, adjust, compensate, or in any way feel strange typing on them.  The comfort zone is there, and I don't need to worry about disturbing others when I use it.

Enjoy what you use!  I do!

Show Image

I have never used these switches and I am very curious.  Seems to be the switch of choice for many veterans.  One thing I notice from a practical point of view is that these things are freaking HUGE.  If you truly use your deskspace as a workspace, then that can not be convenient.  The 60% keyboard if I need the space I can push it aside, but these huge vintage boards there is no aside to push it to because it already occupies most of your desk.  I am not trying to sound like an elitist, simply trying to analyze. 

I bet if a company can create a switch with the unique feel of these buckling spring keys, yet take advantage of the smaller form factor, I'm sure they would be banking it.

[Altis]

My favorite is buckling spring switches.  I do prefer the 101/102-key Model M keyboard overall.  I don't have to think, adjust, compensate, or in any way feel strange typing on them.  The comfort zone is there, and I don't need to worry about disturbing others when I use it.

Enjoy what you use!  I do!

Show Image

I have never used these switches and I am very curious.  Seems to be the switch of choice for many veterans.  One thing I notice from a practical point of view is that these things are freaking HUGE.  If you truly use your deskspace as a workspace, then that can not be convenient.  The 60% keyboard if I need the space I can push it aside, but these huge vintage boards there is no aside to push it to because it already occupies most of your desk.  I am not trying to sound like an elitist, simply trying to analyze. 

I bet if a company can create a switch with the unique feel of these buckling spring keys, yet take advantage of the smaller form factor, I'm sure they would be banking it.

Unicomp (the company that bought the Model M tooling and still produces them) has forever told us that they're working on a compact/75%ish keyboard.

I hope they do it. I wouldn't hold your breathe though!

[fohat.digs]

yet take advantage of the smaller form factor, I'm sure they would be banking it.

The M2 took a stab at it and was partially successful.

[demik]

55g topre

[Vectrex720]

Thanks all for the replies! Now you've all mentioned switches, but what about keyboards? What are some great alps boards? Inexpensive boards, expensive and/or desirable boards are both welcome.

[E3E]

Thanks all for the replies! Now you've all mentioned switches, but what about keyboards? What are some great alps boards? Inexpensive boards, expensive and/or desirable boards are both welcome.

There's quite a few in the Alps category.

Vintage wise, the AT101 is a classic favorite. The oldest of which use salmon Alps, after which it was all black Alps. The Apple Extended Keyboard usually comes with SKCM orange switches, which are delightful to type on. It can also come with salmon Alps, however.

 The Zenith ZKB-2 has a variant of linear Alps, either yellow or green, and also has full NKRO. Same for its older brother, the Z-150, but that board comes in XT and AT variants, so make sure you get the right one!

For blue Alps, the Acer KB101A is lauded for its visual prettiness and its ANSI 101 layout. The Leading Edge DC-2014 is often sourced for its switches. It's tricky to use on a modern PC. The Leading Edge DC-3014 is what I consider the holy grail. AT protocol, really solid build quality, blue Alps, ANSI 101, and NKRO all in one package. I'm personally not a fan of its looks, but that is totally a personal preference.

THe KB101A has a white Alps cousin in the same case called the 6011. Some variants have the same case anyway, so if you like the case style and layout but want something less expensive and a little easier to find, there's that!

Of course, there's the old staple Northgate Omnikey. I don't like the look of those boards, but they are often seen as having the highest quality cases you can find for an Alps board. Also has NKRO, but is more likely to have white Alps over blues. Blues are usually only found in the 102 model with a gold label.
 
There are some old Chicony boards and NTC boards that can have blue Alps, but they vary so much in their switch type, that it is a HUGE gamble to bother with them.

The Chicony KB5170 is a charming little compact layout board though, with usually white or blue Alps, and as part of a luggable computer (it can be used alone ). There's one on eBay right now! I'd love to buy it and swap blue Alps into it, but eh.

[davkol]

And now for something completely different: Oki Tactile Gourd Spring. My favorite clicky switch. I don't mind vintage MX Blue either. And that comes from someone, who hates clicky switches otherwise.

I don't actually use vintage keyboards though, only vintage MX Black switches on my ErgoDox… and some keycaps.

[SamirD]

And now for something completely different: Oki Tactile Gourd Spring.

? ? ? ? ?

[davkol]

Blame MouseFan. I guess it might have something to do with the obscure spring shape.

[SamirD]

lol, that's the Japanese I guess.

It's great site though.

[chyros]

And now for something completely different: Oki Tactile Gourd Spring. My favorite clicky switch.

Interesting, I had heard of them recently but they didn't look like they'd be much good. Hmmm, might have to keep an eye open then .

And yeah, the name is pretty weird xD . Maybe if I discover an obscure switch someday I can give it a weird name too . I kinda like the weird names though, like ITW magnetic valve. Sounds amazing.

[E3E]

And now for something completely different: Oki Tactile Gourd Spring. My favorite clicky switch. I don't mind vintage MX Blue either. And that comes from someone, who hates clicky switches otherwise.

I don't actually use vintage keyboards though, only vintage MX Black switches on my ErgoDox… and some keycaps.

Where in the world do you find these? What boards do you know of that has them, and also, what makes them so special?

[davkol]

Some random thrift store or a recycler, I'm not really sure. As for the part of the world…

Location: CZ

Deskthority wiki has some info on the Oki Gourd Spring switches. My keyboard with them is just yet another 101key OEM keyboard with an AT Enter key; the only outstanding part is the switch type (very smooth with simple, rather soft click) along with PBT dyesubs, that look neat (spherical-looking cylindrical key tops, thick font).