Love my model M, and need a quiet switch for the office. Any suggestions?

[now_caffeinated]

Hi All! Long time lurker but new to the forum. I picked up a Model M a few years back that I love typing on, and use as my primary keyboard at home. I've been grinding it out with a mooshy pathetic rubber dome at the office, but enough is enough! I've been trying to figure out a tactile but non-clacky switch type that would be the closest in feel to the BS while keeping me from being lynched by my co-workers. My reading so far has pointed toward MX clears or Matias tactile (non-clicky). Does anyone have experience with these to compare to BS? Are there other switch types out there that could be a good fit? Thanks in advance for any info you all can share.

[chyros]

If you're looking for something silent that feels just like BS, the short story is that it doesn't exist.

There are plenty of silent tactile switches out there that feel different but also good, but keyfeel is very much a matter of opinion so it's hard to give advice that will certainly work for you .

[merlin64]

I have to agree, there is nothing that will feel close to it. I also transitioned from a model m, and the lighter switches were just too light for me. These are the ones I liked best


Though if you're looking for silent switches, I've had good luck with:

Tactile:
Matias Quiet Click
Cherry MX Clear (may be a tad heavy)

Linear:
Cherry MX Black + O-rings (vintage even better)
Gateron Black + O-rings

[inanis]

If you are open to the Matias QC's, I go for those. They are great to type on. I had a V60 with QC's a little while back, it was very enjoyable to type on. I sometimes wish I still had it. Other than that, if you are open to building a board yourself (or having it assembled) you could check out the tactile Zealios. Those feel really, really nice and are MX Compatible. Those are both better choices then stock Clears imho.

Or...go end game and get a HHKB. 

[now_caffeinated]

Thanks for the thoughts so far. Merlin64, you mentioned clears being heavier feeling than BS? I've had a tough time finding reliable info on the actuation force of BS vs clears. My impression is that past the register point, BS gets lighter. Do the clears just keep getting heavier past the register point (bump)?

I'll have to read up more on the Zealios a bit. Are they a similar weight to the basic clears? It sounds like I'll have to accept the keys feeling different from BS, but my primary concern is having two KBs of such different switch weights that I just end up mashing the light ones to the bottom all the time.

[inanis]

I typed on a Model M first and for a long, long time, today my daily driver is a HHKB, which has 45g domes. The only switches I have trouble with are the really light ones. All the rest are usable, and each have a different quality. Don't over think it. And while you are never going to get something that feels like BS, unless it actually *is* BS, there are plenty of tactile, non clicky choices out there.

[CPTBadAss]

What about floss modding your BS board?

[inanis]

What about floss modding your BS board?

Funny story, this is actually how I started my journey here at GH. Floss modding a Unicomp. When I was done it was still too loud for the office, I lost 4 springs and I at least 3 keys no longer actuate. All my fault. I am an idiot. My private shame is now know to all of you. 

[jerue]

Topre or linear MX/mx-compatible switches. Tactile doesn't really do it for me IMO (as far as quiet is concerned), and my silenced Realforce is quieter than the rubber dome KBs issued here.

[merlin64]

I think on the Model M, I instinctively stopped pressing the key when I heard the click on a buckling spring, however on the Cherry MX clear, I would keep pressing until I hit the tactile point, and I noticeably experienced more fatigue on it. Though it went away after a week LOL.

Thus began my ergo-clear build..that hasn't taken off very much.

Disclaimer: My current keyboard uses Brown ALPS tactile with O-rings.

[Snowdog993]

Hi All! Long time lurker but new to the forum. I picked up a Model M a few years back that I love typing on, and use as my primary keyboard at home. I've been grinding it out with a mooshy pathetic rubber dome at the office, but enough is enough! I've been trying to figure out a tactile but non-clacky switch type that would be the closest in feel to the BS while keeping me from being lynched by my co-workers. My reading so far has pointed toward MX clears or Matias tactile (non-clicky). Does anyone have experience with these to compare to BS? Are there other switch types out there that could be a good fit? Thanks in advance for any info you all can share.

You could just get all Model M's, and your coworkers would be happy too.
Everybody just having a good-ol' time.
Talk them all into it.

[JimByr]

There is a quiet buckling spring Model M but they are hard to come by.
IBM model M Soft Touch (8184692)

http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/13192

[tronbeaver]

Try MX Greens!

[losing_ctrl]

Hi All! Long time lurker but new to the forum. I picked up a Model M a few years back that I love typing on, and use as my primary keyboard at home. I've been grinding it out with a mooshy pathetic rubber dome at the office, but enough is enough! I've been trying to figure out a tactile but non-clacky switch type that would be the closest in feel to the BS while keeping me from being lynched by my co-workers. My reading so far has pointed toward MX clears or Matias tactile (non-clicky). Does anyone have experience with these to compare to BS? Are there other switch types out there that could be a good fit? Thanks in advance for any info you all can share.

I think you may be yearning for two things: 1) a switch type that provides a tactility closest in feel to BS, but also 2) the pleasant feeling of typing on a quality keyboard. Your current cheap rubber dome office KB fails on both counts. My favorite switch is BS by far, so I feel your pain of trying to find something similar, but office-friendly. I would like to point out that if you could find a quality, quiet switch (that may fall well short of BS tactility) but on a rock-solid, quality keyboard, that may be good a compromise that works for you.

I have a CODE with stock Clear MX switches, and while the tactility falls well short of BS, the overall package feels very solid and pleasant to type on. And stock Clears seem to me to be quiet enough for shared offices. At my last job I brought my Model M to work, but got shut down pretty quickly as being too loud (like, a manner of minutes was all it took). So what I did was bring my Unicomp "quiet touch" rubber dome keyboard to work, and that was my solution. (I love the 101-key layout.)

http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/category/QTRD

The rubber dome switches on my Quiet Touch Unicomp do not feel very good, so I'm not recommending that board. 

I guess what I am saying is that a really quality built KB can still provide typing satisfaction, even if the switch is not your favorite.

[Bromono]

Topre 55g

its all you need.

[SamirD]

There is a quiet buckling spring Model M but they are hard to come by.
IBM model M Soft Touch (8184692)

http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/13192

They're actually not that hard at all, although people sometimes still want the same price as a clicky model M on ebay because they don't know the difference.

I have several of these and while they do take a hair to get used to, they are quite nice if you can't use a real M.  It's actually quite nice because the key arrangement and even the case is identical.  So you're able to go back and forth between the two without any adjustment.  But one caveat is that the IBM M rubberdome is noisier than a $5 rubberdome--something to keep in mind.

Another option is a keytronic.  We actually bought one for our 486 build back in the day because getting a real M like what was on our 30-286 was 'too expensive'.  We still have that keytronic and it still is quite nice for a rubberdome. 

Topre 55g

its all you need.

I used to roll my eyes at all the the Topre posts like this, but after getting a 45g board to try and sticking with it for a bit, I must say they are quite nice.  Solid tactile feel, smooth actuation, and slightly quieter than the M rubberdome, but definitely NOT scissor switch or $5 rubberdome quiet.

[JimByr]

Samir,

The 8184692 is not a rubber dome. It's a buckling spring board.

Jim

[chyros]

Thanks for the thoughts so far. Merlin64, you mentioned clears being heavier feeling than BS? I've had a tough time finding reliable info on the actuation force of BS vs clears. My impression is that past the register point, BS gets lighter. Do the clears just keep getting heavier past the register point (bump)?

I'll have to read up more on the Zealios a bit. Are they a similar weight to the basic clears? It sounds like I'll have to accept the keys feeling different from BS, but my primary concern is having two KBs of such different switch weights that I just end up mashing the light ones to the bottom all the time.

You're right though. Clears were specifically designed to be very heavy at the end, BS don't have that.

[Leslieann]

Regarding the tactility, it's not even close. Nothing matches a buckling spring, just as nothing can match scissor, each type has it's own feel.

My advice would be to try a Matias or just get Clears, as they are likely the closest in feel as you will get, but they are not the same.

[tuco]

I used a Model M for many years and then tried some Cherry MX switches. I like the blues, but they were too loud for the folks around me. I tried browns, and they ended up being just as loud or louder because I bottomed out so much. It wasn't until I found clears that I found a switch that was satisfying to type on and doesn't bother those around me that much.

[SamirD]

Samir,

The 8184692 is not a rubber dome. It's a buckling spring board.

Jim

Thank you for the correction.  I didn't look at the model number.  The rubberdome based versions I'm talking about are the 71G4644 and the other related model numbers.

[fohat.digs]

The rubberdome based versions I'm talking about are the 71G4644 and the other related model numbers.

It is always confusing that the rubber dome versions are the "Quiet Touch" and the grease mod versions are the "Soft Touch" since the names seem so similar.

[digi]

The rubberdome based versions I'm talking about are the 71G4644 and the other related model numbers.

It is always confusing that the rubber dome versions are the "Quiet Touch" and the grease mod versions are the "Soft Touch" since the names seem so similar.

Boys use lube, real men use grease!

[Pdub]

Hi All! Long time lurker but new to the forum. I picked up a Model M a few years back that I love typing on, and use as my primary keyboard at home. I've been grinding it out with a mooshy pathetic rubber dome at the office, but enough is enough! I've been trying to figure out a tactile but non-clacky switch type that would be the closest in feel to the BS while keeping me from being lynched by my co-workers. My reading so far has pointed toward MX clears or Matias tactile (non-clicky). Does anyone have experience with these to compare to BS? Are there other switch types out there that could be a good fit? Thanks in advance for any info you all can share.

If you are looking into building one, a friend has MX Zealios - Purples.

They are by far the best switch I have ever used.

To purchase

MX Clears and Black would be the best choice.

Good Luck!

[Oxid]

Your options for silence would be:
a) rubberdome
a) Linear switches
b) Tactile switches (I prefer these to linears)
c) topre switches, silenced (type-s or the silence ring mod thing)

A silenced topre board sounds the best imo; it's quiet, but definitely not silent.
I just built a 60% with 65g purple Zealios switches. They feel amazing, and they're quiet. Though I'd recommend maybe going with Zeal's new 78g tactile variant, as it's more tactile-y (warning, personal tactile bias here).

[Mattr567]

If you REALLY wanted to have a quite Model M in the office, (if you could find one) get a Soft Touch Model M, which is BS with greased springs. Rare and expensive, but if you really wanted..

Otherwise Dampened Alps are quite nice as others have suggested.

[SamirD]

If you REALLY wanted to have a quite Model M in the office, (if you could find one) get a Soft Touch Model M, which is BS with greased springs. Rare and expensive, but if you really wanted..

Otherwise Dampened Alps are quite nice as others have suggested.

But how much quieter are these?  A buckling spring makes a lot of noise just by design.

[Mattr567]

If you REALLY wanted to have a quite Model M in the office, (if you could find one) get a Soft Touch Model M, which is BS with greased springs. Rare and expensive, but if you really wanted..

Otherwise Dampened Alps are quite nice as others have suggested.

But how much quieter are these?  A buckling spring makes a lot of noise just by design.

Apparently they don't click from what I heard  Never seen a typing video however.

[SamirD]

If you REALLY wanted to have a quite Model M in the office, (if you could find one) get a Soft Touch Model M, which is BS with greased springs. Rare and expensive, but if you really wanted..

Otherwise Dampened Alps are quite nice as others have suggested.

But how much quieter are these?  A buckling spring makes a lot of noise just by design.

Apparently they don't click from what I heard  Never seen a typing video however.

I did some searches on it and from the description on clickykeyboards.com, the feel is actually much different than a traditional M.  Definitely a rare bird though.

I wonder if there's a way to mod a regular model M with the same type of grease?

[rowdy]

I was using an SSK at work and received some fairly strong criticism, so I switched to a CODE keyboard with MX clears.

The CODE is fairly straightforward, all black and white with white backlighting, so it doesn't look too gimmicky or gamey.

It is also the first keyboard that I don't bottom out on all the time.

No complaints so far.

I got some O-rings to install to make it even quieter, but haven't needed them yet.

[mingus2112]

I was using an SSK at work and received some fairly strong criticism, so I switched to a CODE keyboard with MX clears.

I did the same, but because I THOUGHT the clicky M was an issue.  Turns out that 1) I didn't like it as much as the M and 2) our secretary actually MISSED the sound of my M.  It's how she knew I was there!  So I switched back.  It doesn't really bother anyone and the M is actually a conversation piece.

The CODE keyboard with MX Clears was a great feel, though.  If I WAS in a situation where I couldn't use something as loud as the M, i'd switch back to the MX Clears in a heartbeat!

[now_caffeinated]

Thanks, everyone, for the replies! I think I'm leaning toward a board with MX clears now, largely due to availability of pre-builts. Definitely will consider zealios and matias for possible DIY builds in the future, once I make time to go down that path. The CODE keyboard seems to be one of the most popular models for the clears, so I may pick one of those up in the near future. Doesn't hurt that massdrop currently has a buy for them

[rowdy]

I was using an SSK at work and received some fairly strong criticism, so I switched to a CODE keyboard with MX clears.

I did the same, but because I THOUGHT the clicky M was an issue.  Turns out that 1) I didn't like it as much as the M and 2) our secretary actually MISSED the sound of my M.  It's how she knew I was there!  So I switched back.  It doesn't really bother anyone and the M is actually a conversation piece.

The CODE keyboard with MX Clears was a great feel, though.  If I WAS in a situation where I couldn't use something as loud as the M, i'd switch back to the MX Clears in a heartbeat!

That's one thing with a clicky keyboard - people can tell when you're working and when not )

Thanks, everyone, for the replies! I think I'm leaning toward a board with MX clears now, largely due to availability of pre-builts. Definitely will consider zealios and matias for possible DIY builds in the future, once I make time to go down that path. The CODE keyboard seems to be one of the most popular models for the clears, so I may pick one of those up in the near future. Doesn't hurt that massdrop currently has a buy for them

Be aware that many keyboards with MX clears "ping".  The spring resonates within the switch and sets up a little resonance with the plate or something.  Some CODE ping quite loudly, some don't.  Mine pings a little but, but I don't usually notice it.  When I do notice it, mine sounds like wind chimes at a distance.

[now_caffeinated]

Just for posterity, I ended up putting in an order for a KBP V80 with matias quiet clicks.

[robbles]

I use an unsilenced HHKB at the office and it isn't any louder than some of the Dell and Microsoft dome keyboards in the office. Nobody minds at all. I cannot recommend Topre enough! If you're coming from buckling spring, Topre might be the only thing left to feel good on your fingers. Or maybe Alps. All Cherry, even Gateron, feels cheap to me now. I had a Cherry Blues board and a Gateron Blues board and sold them both after getting the HHKB. I am really interested in trying a board with Zealios though.

[SamirD]

Thanks, everyone, for the replies! I think I'm leaning toward a board with MX clears now, largely due to availability of pre-builts.

What were all the models you were looking at?  Always interested in the alternatives to the BS. 

Just for posterity, I ended up putting in an order for a KBP V80 with matias quiet clicks.

Oooo...definitely do tell us what it's like! 

[klennkellon]

Matias Quiet Click switches, they are very tactile but even quieter than Topre.

[iLLucionist]

I have mx clears, browns, and topre.

I would say that clears are the most quiet, because you bottom out less often. Although Topre is hybrid, I still think it is relatively noisy because of the rubber collapse at the actuation point and the bottoming out. But I will take my realforce 87U to the office when it arrives..

That being said... I think the most quiet would be plate-mounted mx-clears + o-rings. But I have no experience with matias..

[now_caffeinated]

So, the KBP V80 with matias quiet clicks came on Friday, and I've been typing with it throughout the weekend. As a couple folks have mentioned in the thread, there just is no comparison to BS, but these switches are fantastic in a totally different way. This is my first experience with an alps switch, so part of my impression is based on how different of a force curve that this switch type seems to have compared to BS and the few cherry switches I've tried on other's keyboards.

On the switches specifically, I'd say that the matias are more tactile than the BS. This might have to do with the fact that my mind is focusing on the BS click rather than the tactile sensation, but with the "bump" so close to the top, I'm noticing it much more than on the BS. I think due to the dampers, the switches have a firm but not jarring feeling at the bottom, which is softer than the BS, but firmer than the mooshy bottom of most rubber domes I've typed on. Also, the matias has a fair amount more side to side play than the "steam piston" action of the M.

I'm liking the KBP a lot so far. Has a high quality finish and feel, nice weight, and no branding except on the bottom, which is a plus for me. Very nice braided cable too. Thanks all, for the suggestions. I think I may have to go down the rabbit hole to find a couple vintage alps now too 

[SamirD]

Interesting!  I never would have imagined the Matias Quiet Click as a switch I'd like, but I'll look out for it now that you've taken a liking to it.

[iLLucionist]

So, the KBP V80 with matias quiet clicks came on Friday, and I've been typing with it throughout the weekend. As a couple folks have mentioned in the thread, there just is no comparison to BS, but these switches are fantastic in a totally different way. This is my first experience with an alps switch, so part of my impression is based on how different of a force curve that this switch type seems to have compared to BS and the few cherry switches I've tried on other's keyboards.

On the switches specifically, I'd say that the matias are more tactile than the BS. This might have to do with the fact that my mind is focusing on the BS click rather than the tactile sensation, but with the "bump" so close to the top, I'm noticing it much more than on the BS. I think due to the dampers, the switches have a firm but not jarring feeling at the bottom, which is softer than the BS, but firmer than the mooshy bottom of most rubber domes I've typed on. Also, the matias has a fair amount more side to side play than the "steam piston" action of the M.

I'm liking the KBP a lot so far. Has a high quality finish and feel, nice weight, and no branding except on the bottom, which is a plus for me. Very nice braided cable too. Thanks all, for the suggestions. I think I may have to go down the rabbit hole to find a couple vintage alps now too 

Can you compare the feel with topre?

[rowdy]

So, the KBP V80 with matias quiet clicks came on Friday, and I've been typing with it throughout the weekend. As a couple folks have mentioned in the thread, there just is no comparison to BS, but these switches are fantastic in a totally different way. This is my first experience with an alps switch, so part of my impression is based on how different of a force curve that this switch type seems to have compared to BS and the few cherry switches I've tried on other's keyboards.

On the switches specifically, I'd say that the matias are more tactile than the BS. This might have to do with the fact that my mind is focusing on the BS click rather than the tactile sensation, but with the "bump" so close to the top, I'm noticing it much more than on the BS. I think due to the dampers, the switches have a firm but not jarring feeling at the bottom, which is softer than the BS, but firmer than the mooshy bottom of most rubber domes I've typed on. Also, the matias has a fair amount more side to side play than the "steam piston" action of the M.

I'm liking the KBP a lot so far. Has a high quality finish and feel, nice weight, and no branding except on the bottom, which is a plus for me. Very nice braided cable too. Thanks all, for the suggestions. I think I may have to go down the rabbit hole to find a couple vintage alps now too 

Can you compare the feel with topre?

Nothing compares to the feel of Topre

[chyros]

So, the KBP V80 with matias quiet clicks came on Friday, and I've been typing with it throughout the weekend. As a couple folks have mentioned in the thread, there just is no comparison to BS, but these switches are fantastic in a totally different way. This is my first experience with an alps switch, so part of my impression is based on how different of a force curve that this switch type seems to have compared to BS and the few cherry switches I've tried on other's keyboards.

On the switches specifically, I'd say that the matias are more tactile than the BS. This might have to do with the fact that my mind is focusing on the BS click rather than the tactile sensation, but with the "bump" so close to the top, I'm noticing it much more than on the BS. I think due to the dampers, the switches have a firm but not jarring feeling at the bottom, which is softer than the BS, but firmer than the mooshy bottom of most rubber domes I've typed on. Also, the matias has a fair amount more side to side play than the "steam piston" action of the M.

I'm liking the KBP a lot so far. Has a high quality finish and feel, nice weight, and no branding except on the bottom, which is a plus for me. Very nice braided cable too. Thanks all, for the suggestions. I think I may have to go down the rabbit hole to find a couple vintage alps now too 

Can you compare the feel with topre?

Topre feel exactly like what they are; very high quality rubber domes. They don't really feel much like mechanical switches at all.

[rowdy]

So, the KBP V80 with matias quiet clicks came on Friday, and I've been typing with it throughout the weekend. As a couple folks have mentioned in the thread, there just is no comparison to BS, but these switches are fantastic in a totally different way. This is my first experience with an alps switch, so part of my impression is based on how different of a force curve that this switch type seems to have compared to BS and the few cherry switches I've tried on other's keyboards.

On the switches specifically, I'd say that the matias are more tactile than the BS. This might have to do with the fact that my mind is focusing on the BS click rather than the tactile sensation, but with the "bump" so close to the top, I'm noticing it much more than on the BS. I think due to the dampers, the switches have a firm but not jarring feeling at the bottom, which is softer than the BS, but firmer than the mooshy bottom of most rubber domes I've typed on. Also, the matias has a fair amount more side to side play than the "steam piston" action of the M.

I'm liking the KBP a lot so far. Has a high quality finish and feel, nice weight, and no branding except on the bottom, which is a plus for me. Very nice braided cable too. Thanks all, for the suggestions. I think I may have to go down the rabbit hole to find a couple vintage alps now too 

Can you compare the feel with topre?

Topre feel exactly like what they are; very high quality rubber domes. They don't really feel much like mechanical switches at all.

The Ultimate Rubber Dome keyboard.

Just don't read the acronym out

[jamster]

Thanks for the thoughts so far. Merlin64, you mentioned clears being heavier feeling than BS? I've had a tough time finding reliable info on the actuation force of BS vs clears. My impression is that past the register point, BS gets lighter. Do the clears just keep getting heavier past the register point (bump)?

I'll have to read up more on the Zealios a bit. Are they a similar weight to the basic clears? It sounds like I'll have to accept the keys feeling different from BS, but my primary concern is having two KBs of such different switch weights that I just end up mashing the light ones to the bottom all the time.

Clears are like Ms in that they have a well defined tactile point. Clears are completely unlike Ms in that as the key depresses, it gets harder and harder to press down. As an M key depresses, the force required to keep pressing quickly collapses, so it feels much snappier.

I love Ms. I abosolutely hated Clears. Zealios would be okay.

Personally, the closest I have come to BS is 55g Topre. It's not loud, but it's snappy and there is the same very defined tactile point and quick collapse as the key bottoms out.

[crickclackman]

I don't find Topre to be anything like Buckling Springs.

[losing_ctrl]

Interesting!  I never would have imagined the Matias Quiet Click as a switch I'd like, but I'll look out for it now that you've taken a liking to it.

I totally agree - now I am very interested in trying out these switches. I wonder how they compare to the Alps in my Avant Prime keyboard, which are very nice but quite clicky/loud.

[iLLucionist]

Thanks for the thoughts so far. Merlin64, you mentioned clears being heavier feeling than BS? I've had a tough time finding reliable info on the actuation force of BS vs clears. My impression is that past the register point, BS gets lighter. Do the clears just keep getting heavier past the register point (bump)?

I'll have to read up more on the Zealios a bit. Are they a similar weight to the basic clears? It sounds like I'll have to accept the keys feeling different from BS, but my primary concern is having two KBs of such different switch weights that I just end up mashing the light ones to the bottom all the time.

Clears are like Ms in that they have a well defined tactile point. Clears are completely unlike Ms in that as the key depresses, it gets harder and harder to press down. As an M key depresses, the force required to keep pressing quickly collapses, so it feels much snappier.

I love Ms. I abosolutely hated Clears. Zealios would be okay.

Personally, the closest I have come to BS is 55g Topre. It's not loud, but it's snappy and there is the same very defined tactile point and quick collapse as the key bottoms out.

So you would say that the snappiness is what defines BS?

[Snowdog993]

So you would say that the snappiness is what defines BS?

If you don't have one, get one.  There is no comparison.  You can compare a ton of keyboards to a Model M.  You won't duplicate it.

[iLLucionist]

So you would say that the snappiness is what defines BS?

If you don't have one, get one.  There is no comparison.  You can compare a ton of keyboards to a Model M.  You won't duplicate it.

Will do. So to get BS I need to get a Model M?