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Why I use a 20-year-old IBM Model M keyboard

arstechnica.com

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Re: Why I use a 20-year-old IBM Model M keyboard

#81

Post by mullethunter »

zavulon wrote: post #34
rootbear wrote: post #7

I have Das Keyboard mechanical keyboards on all of my home systems. I have spinal nerve damage that reduces sensation in some of my fingers. The positive tactile feel of the switches and the clicky sounds are very helpful in compensating for the reduced feeling in my fingers.

Das Keyboard is indeed great. I have the quiet version one, which is not really quiet, but makes far less noise than their main model.

I own a 1994 Model M and recently bought the Das Keyboard for Mac, and the Das Keyboard is horrible. The keys wiggle a bit and feel mushy compared to the crisp clack of the Model M. Also the extra usb ports mean needing to use two ports on my MBP which is stupid. I'm still pissed at myself for not returning it when I had the chance.

Re: Why I use a 20-year-old IBM Model M keyboard

#83

Post by gingerlime »

avolcano wrote: post #4

Mechanical keyboards are awesome. Model Ms are cool, but if you want something a bit more modern (with media keys, a slightly smaller footprint, and slightly quieter keys), look into any keyboard that advertises having Cherry MX switches. You can get a great keyboard for only ~$80 (look at the CM Storm QuickFire line - ignore the goofy "pro gamer" marketing, they're wonderful for hacking too!). If you're interested,…

I own two model M's (one at home, one in the office). They have a slightly different feel due to different manufacturing years (or wear?). Both are great, but I do need a ps2-usb adapter, and somehow the adapter ignores one of the keys... I manage without it, even though it's strange.

I wonder about getting any of the newer keyboards in Europe. Most of those manufacturers or online shops selling those 'speciality' keyboards seem to be US based. And it's quite hard to find the same models in Europe.

Any tips where to go without getting ripped-off by delivery charges and/or customs?

Re: Why I use a 20-year-old IBM Model M keyboard

#84

Post by bratsche »

davidgerard wrote: post #79
ronnier wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's unfair to the office mates of those who use these hipster keyboards. They are extremely loud. It's amplified by those who have odd typing patterns too.

TYPE HARD OR GO HOME. My wife forbade me from using my Model M (now deceased ... it turns out cat pee can in fact kill one) after 9pm :-(

I'm sorry for your loss.

Re: Why I use a 20-year-old IBM Model M keyboard

#85

Post by rebelnz »

highace wrote: post #22

Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless with brown switches for me. It's reasonably priced, looks lovely, and is brilliant to type on. That the keys come off for washing and brushing out the keyboard base is also a nice bonus. http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Tenkeyless-FKBN87M-...

I use this exact keyboard too - I find the keys super responsive and its reasonably quiet..

Re: Why I use a 20-year-old IBM Model M keyboard

#87

Post by spdy »

highace wrote: post #22

Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless with brown switches for me. It's reasonably priced, looks lovely, and is brilliant to type on. That the keys come off for washing and brushing out the keyboard base is also a nice bonus. http://www.amazon.com/Filco-Majestouch-2-Tenkeyless-FKBN87M-...

Can only add, this was my first mechanical keyboard and i can only recommend it, a very fine and solid keyboard.

Re: Why I use a 20-year-old IBM Model M keyboard

#89

Post by bane »

dredwerker wrote: post #78
bane wrote: post #36

When I was just young lad I worked part-time at one of those mom and pop computer fixit shops. Every once in a while the owner would buy a palette of Model M keyboards. I'd get stuck with the job of refurbishing them for sale or inclusion with new systems. I'd spend a couple weeks taking off all the keys, scrubbing the keyboards down with a dishwashing tools and soap and then toss 6 or 7 into the kitchen dishwasher f…

You toss your keyboard in the dishwasher and it still works ??? Not just the keys? I would never have dreamed of doing that. :)

Yeah, but I wouldn't do it with anything too expensive/has batteries etc., and you gotta give it a couple days to dry out so nothing shorts inside of it. The rinse cycle is usually fine. You may or may not want to use soap, I usually wash it with dish soap and a brush first then rinse it in the washer.

Re: Why I use a 20-year-old IBM Model M keyboard

#90

Post by techwizrd »

mullethunter wrote: post #81
zavulon wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Das Keyboard is indeed great. I have the quiet version one, which is not really quiet, but makes far less noise than their main model.

I own a 1994 Model M and recently bought the Das Keyboard for Mac, and the Das Keyboard is horrible. The keys wiggle a bit and feel mushy compared to the crisp clack of the Model M. Also the extra usb ports mean needing to use two ports on my MBP which is stupid. I'm still pissed at myself for not returning it when I had the chance.

The second USB port is just for the USB Hub (which is why the connector says "HUB" on it). It is not required for using the Das Keyboard. My Das Keyboard doesn't have any key wiggle or mushiness issues. What type of Cherry MX switches did you buy? You may want to get MX switches with more resistance if you are looking for a feel similar to the Model M.
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