4 ms·

My favourite keyboard ever is the IBM Model M. Best switches ever.

wodenokoto 8y ago
These are still being produced. Reviewers seems to agree that production process hasn't changed, but quality control has fallen drastically since the unicomp stopped supplying IBM and started selling on their own. But nobody seems to complain about the switches. https://www.pckeyboard.com https://www.pckeyboard.com
- lakkal 8y ago
  Same here, I'm typing this on a Model M, and have 4 in storage. That said, Everex keyboards from the early- to mid-90s had a really good feel to them, too. I'm using a Dell mouse (can't tell what model) right now that has a relatively solid, weighty feel to it that I like. Just 2 buttons and a middle button/wheel.
technofiend 8y ago
So best keyboard I've ever used is on the IBM Selectric typewriter. In terms of visceral feedback the IBM Model M is closest to the Selectric which it apes; classic Selectrics had very positive aural and mechanical feedback but not quite as much key force or travel as the Type M if I recall correctly. But honestly "best" keyboard is a minefield fraught with fond memories of computing. Getting to spend hours standing in a Radio Shack clacking away on a Model II or Model III writing basic? Great keyboard. Getting to play Star Trek on an ASR-33 dialed into a CDC mainframe? GREAT keyboard. Getting to the computer lab first before anyone else and getting the TEK-4104? Oh man I can still feel those squishy keys and remember the screen flare from pressing clear. Great flipping keyboard. Getting to the VT-52 with its buzzy relay buzz with every pressed key or the glorious quacking clack of the VT-100? GREAT KEYBOARDS. And of course getting my very own ADM 3 A terminal when I was learning UNIX? Ermagerd. I'll be alone in my bunk... with my keyboard. Still love the Model M of course but with the rise of the cube farm they're no longer viable. I miss everyone having an office and quiet space to work far more than I miss any particular keyboard and as you can tell I really like my keyboards.
raarts 8y ago
Seconded. The only keyboard that could withstand my typing. And because of this thread, I learned they are currently being sold though Unicomp! Now considering buying one.

These are still being produced. Reviewers seems to agree that production process hasn't changed, but quality control has fallen drastically since the unicomp stopped supplying IBM and started selling on their own. But nobody seems to complain about the switches. https://www.pckeyboard.com https://www.pckeyboard.com

lakkal 8y ago
Same here, I'm typing this on a Model M, and have 4 in storage. That said, Everex keyboards from the early- to mid-90s had a really good feel to them, too. I'm using a Dell mouse (can't tell what model) right now that has a relatively solid, weighty feel to it that I like. Just 2 buttons and a middle button/wheel.

technofiend 8y ago

So best keyboard I've ever used is on the IBM Selectric typewriter. In terms of visceral feedback the IBM Model M is closest to the Selectric which it apes; classic Selectrics had very positive aural and mechanical feedback but not quite as much key force or travel as the Type M if I recall correctly. But honestly "best" keyboard is a minefield fraught with fond memories of computing. Getting to spend hours standing in a Radio Shack clacking away on a Model II or Model III writing basic? Great keyboard. Getting to play Star Trek on an ASR-33 dialed into a CDC mainframe? GREAT keyboard. Getting to the computer lab first before anyone else and getting the TEK-4104? Oh man I can still feel those squishy keys and remember the screen flare from pressing clear. Great flipping keyboard. Getting to the VT-52 with its buzzy relay buzz with every pressed key or the glorious quacking clack of the VT-100? GREAT KEYBOARDS. And of course getting my very own ADM 3 A terminal when I was learning UNIX? Ermagerd. I'll be alone in my bunk... with my keyboard. Still love the Model M of course but with the rise of the cube farm they're no longer viable. I miss everyone having an office and quiet space to work far more than I miss any particular keyboard and as you can tell I really like my keyboards.

raarts 8y ago

Seconded. The only keyboard that could withstand my typing. And because of this thread, I learned they are currently being sold though Unicomp! Now considering buying one.