IBM KB-3923 semi-clicky, are they good?

[EverythingIBM]

These were out selling on ebay for quite awhile:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/IBM-VINTAGE-PS2-PS-2-BLACK-104-SEMI-CLICKY-KEYBOARD-NEW_W0QQitemZ350100070748QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCA_Mice_Trackballs?hash=item518397215c


I want to know what exactly they mean by "semi-clicky", and if these are worth getting. They're brand new, so, that's good.

I had my eye on them for awhile, and, want some advice if purchasing one. However, there's not much info of these on the internet.

[didjamatic]

It's not clicky, it's a quality rubber dome though.

[EverythingIBM]

It's not clicky, it's a quality rubber dome though.

I just retired my Model M after using it for a week in favour of my trusty old KB-8923. I got 114 WPM on the Model M, and 94 WPM on the rubber dome; so not too much of a difference in typing performance.

I just wanted to know if those ones had something else. I may try buying it anyways because it looks pretty intriguing! It would match my other equipment being black (except my Creative SBS20s, but then I could use my T3030 instead).

[JBert]

I'd also guess this is a black version of the white KB-8923 or vice versa.

They might be called "semi-clicky" because the key stems make a distinct sound when typing rapidly on it. Yet any keyboard of course has such sound, so the seller is probably trying to cash in on IBM's name and the "VINTAGE" marking.

[Specter_57]

..

If this keyboard is available in both black and white versions...it would be interesting to get one of each...do some cap-swaps...and end up with a pair of interesting but "inverted" keyboards.

...........
Spec57

[ch_123]

i'd also guess this is a black version of the white kb-8923 or vice versa.

They might be called "semi-clicky" because the key stems make a distinct sound when typing rapidly on it. Yet any keyboard of course has such sound, so the seller is probably trying to cash in on ibm's name and the "vintage" marking.

HACKER STYLE!

Anyone notice that if you have an all-upper case post, the forum will automatically lower case it?

[keyb_gr]

Anyone notice that if you have an all-upper case post, the forum will automatically lower case it?

Yeah, someone stumbled over that a while back.

[JBert]

HACKER STYLE!

Ehr... Yes?

[ch_123]

You must have missed that guy who use to sell Model Ms, advertising them as "Hacker style" keyboards.

[pfink]

I want to know what exactly they mean by "semi-clicky", and if these are worth getting. They're brand new, so, that's good.

I had my eye on them for awhile, and, want some advice if purchasing one. However, there's not much info of these on the internet.

I've got two of those, they're definitely rubber dome. "Semi-clicky" is probably the usually dopey eBay seller hype, as mine sound pretty much like any other rubber dome.

The keys on these are similar to the ones on the HHKB Lite 2, same rectangular stem shape although the keytops are angled somewhat differently. They're pretty decent rubber dome boards, IMO, although not worth $20+shipping.

[EverythingIBM]

I've got two of those, they're definitely rubber dome. "Semi-clicky" is probably the usually dopey eBay seller hype, as mine sound pretty much like any other rubber dome.

The keys on these are similar to the ones on the HHKB Lite 2, same rectangular stem shape although the keytops are angled somewhat differently. They're pretty decent rubber dome boards, IMO, although not worth $20+shipping.

Ah, so they're just like the ones I'm using but black.

I think the price is worth it; these old IBM rubber domes are my favourite keyboards (for other reasons than being a mere rubber dome). I'm just wondering if the black version has the amazing labels like the "ivory" ones. Only one way to find out! Buy it and use it for 10 years. Plus they're brand new; you can't exactly buy those things new anymore.

I never used a HHKB: I don't think those even existed back then!

The key stems for these IBM rubber domes SHOULD be square with two little arms on each side.

EDIT: and yeah, I wouldn't exactly call these VINTAGE, they're not that old (if they're vintage, then I am too; which I'm not).

..

If this keyboard is available in both black and white versions...it would be interesting to get one of each...do some cap-swaps...and end up with a pair of interesting but "inverted" keyboards.

Yes it is.

[pfink]

I never used a HHKB: I don't think those even existed back then!

According to this Wikipedia article the original HHKB debuted in 1996:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Hacking_Keyboard


I didn't realize they'd been around that long either.

[ch_123]

I think the price is worth it; these old IBM rubber domes are my favourite keyboards

But LOLOMG, they weren't made by IBM in America!

[nowsharing]

You must have missed that guy who use to sell Model Ms, advertising them as "Hacker style" keyboards.

A Scarry Garcia reference!

[EverythingIBM]

Show Image

Looks pretty much like any Logitech rubber dome.  Nice logo though.

These are OEM'd from Chicony.  The KB-8923.

Ah, so there IS a difference between the rubber domes on those. I still kind of want to buy one and test it out (later though I guess; I'll have some fun with it -- and yeah, I like the logo on that one; I'll pull an "Appleite" and buy it for aesthetics).

EDIT: Well, maybe I misread that. I'll just buy the darn thing and post a review.

I like the KB-8923 chicony OEM'd. The only quirk with it, is that the indicator lights are always dimly lit (they only glow more vehemently when activated). But other than that, these keyboards are really great! Seriously. I'm using it right now. Although, I may eventually go back on my model m. But I'm used to the keys on this, it's like part of my hand.

Show Image

The KB-8923 keyboards aren't THAT bad. Although, I'm wondering what the difference of KB-6363 is.

According to this Wikipedia article the original HHKB debuted in 1996:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Hacking_Keyboard


I didn't realize they'd been around that long either.

Well, IBM would have had some keyboards out by then , especially the chicony ones.

[EverythingIBM]

But LOLOMG, they weren't made by IBM in America!

Well, the labels haven't worn off!

[JBert]

These are OEM'd from Chicony.  The KB-8923.

I stand corrected.

Still rather solid keyboard though. Even if it ain't fit for typing, it can still double as a club when you want to keep your heavyweight NIB model F in pristine condition.

[EverythingIBM]

I stand corrected.

Still rather solid keyboard though. Even if it ain't fit for typing, it can still double as a club when you want to keep your heavyweight NIB model F in pristine condition.

It's VERY solid. There's aboslutely nothing wrong with them. Ripster is just scared of IBM rubber domes.

As for keeping Model Fs in good condition -- they'll outlive you. I'm going to enjoy my IBM stuff and use it like it was meant to be used. I currently am enjoying my 8923, which, doesn't want to give out (the labels on these are better than the Model Fs, which, after awhile the dye fades).

[EverythingIBM]

I'm not scared of Rubber Domes.

It's Chiconys I'm scared of.

>

[Pylon]

I'm at the library and I'm typing on a Compaq version of the KB-3923. White, decent key feel (though the other KB-3923 next to me is really mushy). There was also apparently a WYSE version.

Chicony probably sold out the design to a number of companies.