I want a clicky old style keyboard for cheap :)

[fuzzybabybunny]

I'm sick and tired of keyboards nowadays that are quiet at the expense of tactile feel. Can anyone recommend a keyboard that is just crisp?

 

[phisrow]

Your best bet, if you want really clicky and really cheap, is to hope you stumble across an IBM Model M keyboard at a garage sale, thrift store, corporation throwing out its IT junk closet, etc.

http://www.clickykeyboard.com/ has a good selection of originals and new production; but they aren't exactly cheap. Ebay sometimes has them as well. If you are lucky, though, you can end up picking one or more up for what some sucker thinks a 15-20 year old keyboard is worth.

Edit: there are some Dell(I have one of these, given to me with a bunch of other junk computers and parts) and Lexmark keyboards which use the same buckling spring design. They feel the same; but don't have the street cred that comes with an IBM unit. You might be able to find better deals on these if all you want is good keyfeel.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Thanks! It seems like there are more than one model of the Model M keyboard?

Mini M Keyboard Vintage 1392934
Model M 1391401
42H1292 Model M
Model M Keyboard Part No: 82G2383

Is there any difference?

 

[phisrow]

There are a bunch of Model M types. Some of them are pretty minor differences(different model year, change in logo, etc.) and some are pretty major(presence or absence of numeric keypad, update from AT to PS/2 interface, presence or absence of trackball/trackpoint, etc.)

I don't really know the specifics, so I'm not the one to best advise you. The Clicky keyboard site has a buyers guide and a chronological listing that are both quite good. My advice would be to parse the clicky keyboards site for as much information as they can give you. Those guys may or may not have the best prices; but they are honest, care about the subject, and know their stuff. Learn from them, even if you don't buy from them.

 

[Zepper]

There is one on fleaBay (I've PMed you the link as ATF don't allow no fleaBay links in the forums), too bad it doesn't have the OTK (one true keyboard - horizontal enter key with a big \ key just above) layout. But if you like the big-L(oser) key, here she is. If you decide you don't want it, LMK and I'll make the brand on it public. The mech. kbds from this maker get snapped up almost as fast as the Model Ms. PC Keyboard bought up the IBM/Lexmark design and still makes them new, but they aren't cheap

.bh.

PS: I guess fuzzy doesn't want it so here's the OEM: Focus ! If you want the link, PM me.

 

[NatePo717]

Heh, I have two old dell clicky keyboards. I use one at work to annoy the hell out of my coworkers :evil:

They look like those IBM keyboards.

 

[spikespiegal]

http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/customizer.html

 

[Zepper]

Someone didn't read the rest of the thread...

.bh.

 

[Chriz]

The Das keyboard uses the same type of switches that are in the cherry keyboards, should be similar function. It is even more expensive though.

Das Keyboard

 

[Zepper]

The Das Keyboard II has the Cherry keyswitches - the Das Keboard is a Key Tronic - not a mechanical key switch, but still has a nice feel. In either case, why pay more for less??? Don't be a sucker! At least now they may be worth half of the asking price while wih the DK it was about 25% - they're coming up in the world...

..bh.

 

[bassoprofundo]

I see several on ebay for <$30 after shipping. Just do a search on "model m keyboard". I love these babies, and I don't give a rip if it annoys the guy next to me. I'm not typing on a "mushy" keyboard. I've got 4 or 5 white model Ms stashed in the attic for future use and 3 in use on various computers I own. My pride and joy, though, are the two, ultra-rare black Model Ms I use on my main home machine and work machine. I found them new-in-box cleaning out an old 3-high cabinet at the office. They not only feel sweet but look the part. Good luck in your hunt. You won't ever go back to using a membrane-switch keyboard.

 

[benplaut]

You couldn't buy mine from me for a million buckaroos! (actually i'd settle for 50).
Look around government funded (hospital, school, etc) IT dept... they have old tech, and never throw any of it away.

I got my hands on 15 Model M for free that way, but i'm giving them away as gifts

 

[essasin]

Originally posted by: benplaut
You couldn't buy mine from me for a million buckaroos! (actually i'd settle for 50).
Look around government funded (hospital, school, etc) IT dept... they have old tech, and never throw any of it away.

I got my hands on 15 Model M for free that way, but i'm giving them away as gifts

Can I be on that list?