4 ms·

IBM keyboards were also astronomically expensive, the Model M was around $250 in 1985 which is something like $600 in 2021 dollars. The modern Unicomp incarnati

by gh02t 5y ago

IBM keyboards were also astronomically expensive, the Model M was around $250 in 1985 which is something like $600 in 2021 dollars. The modern Unicomp incarnations made on the same tooling are not as nice as the OG Model M's, but they're a reasonable approximation and still only $100. I have no doubt the pricing on the HHKB and other Topre boards provides a very comfortable profit margin. Which is fine, if people are happy with paying for them then it doesn't hurt my feelings. There are other equal quality boards for significantly cheaper, though that's IMO of course.

rozab 5y ago
Wow, I had no idea the Model M was so pricey. I always assumed it was a big standard accessory that became a cult classic
- formerly_proven 5y ago
  And the Model M is actually the result of a series of cost-reduction measures from prior IBM keyboards, and received numerous cost-cutting changes during its production cycle. Though I'd guess it was a standard accessory - you gonna order an IBM AT PC without a keyboard? Probably not. And that AT would have been around 5000 $ or so, so 250 $ for the keyboard isn't that outrageous. Computers were expensive.
- csdvrx 5y ago
  For newer versions, the SK-8835 currently goes over $200 used - actually there's one at $199 on ebay with missing keys :) It was my favorite until I got a new thinkpad, with island keys: even if both are membrane, they are just so much better than the mechanical alternatives!
- Aeolun 5y ago
  I had so many of the things just lying around for so long. I got rid of more of those keyboards than I ever used. Today I bought a 30 year old model M for $150 :/ I guess it’s still a good deal, but I feel kind of stupid now.
nix23 5y ago
>IBM keyboards were also astronomically expensive, And that's exactly what i wanted to say, quality is expensive and has not much todo with luxury in the first place, it's a high quality tool...basta.
- gh02t 5y ago
  In my opinion it's not really that high quality compared to the competition anymore (though it's still a good keyboard). They used to be, but the high end keyboard market has gone nuts the past few years and the HHKB is not really that competitive anymore for the money. They still have the reputation appeal and have kept the price high despite tougher competition, which is working for them but that is why people criticize them. Not that I necessarily agree with that take, like I said if people are still paying what they ask for them then that's great for them.

by gh02t 5y ago

rozab 5y ago

Wow, I had no idea the Model M was so pricey. I always assumed it was a big standard accessory that became a cult classic

formerly_proven 5y ago
And the Model M is actually the result of a series of cost-reduction measures from prior IBM keyboards, and received numerous cost-cutting changes during its production cycle. Though I'd guess it was a standard accessory - you gonna order an IBM AT PC without a keyboard? Probably not. And that AT would have been around 5000 $ or so, so 250 $ for the keyboard isn't that outrageous. Computers were expensive.
csdvrx 5y ago
For newer versions, the SK-8835 currently goes over $200 used - actually there's one at $199 on ebay with missing keys :) It was my favorite until I got a new thinkpad, with island keys: even if both are membrane, they are just so much better than the mechanical alternatives!
Aeolun 5y ago
I had so many of the things just lying around for so long. I got rid of more of those keyboards than I ever used. Today I bought a 30 year old model M for $150 :/ I guess it’s still a good deal, but I feel kind of stupid now.

nix23 5y ago

>IBM keyboards were also astronomically expensive, And that's exactly what i wanted to say, quality is expensive and has not much todo with luxury in the first place, it's a high quality tool...basta.

gh02t 5y ago
In my opinion it's not really that high quality compared to the competition anymore (though it's still a good keyboard). They used to be, but the high end keyboard market has gone nuts the past few years and the HHKB is not really that competitive anymore for the money. They still have the reputation appeal and have kept the price high despite tougher competition, which is working for them but that is why people criticize them. Not that I necessarily agree with that take, like I said if people are still paying what they ask for them then that's great for them.