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IBM Model M; The One True keyboard. Though I don't know why you don't already know this.

https://hardware.slashdot.org/...

If you prefer USB, the design was bought by Unicomp and they make new USB keyboards based on the same design: https://www.pckeyboard.com/

Your question has two parts. For the first part, if you want to go the Model M route, *do not* go for ebay or craigslist... I second the motion of LuckyTroll, go for Unicom. Those keyboards are USB, are built with good quality, and kinda-sorta of original tooling (see below). Also, they make model M keyboards with mac, linux and other configurations.

Pre-built configurations (including english-us mac) are available, but if unsure, you can use their keyboard configuration tool. Here:
https://www.pckeyboard.com/pag...

Please remember, unicom uses the machines and tooling from LATTER IBM/Lexmark Model M keyboards. There are some (small) differences between those and the early (and more well regarded) Model M's...

As for me, I have 2 model M (1992) keyboards, and used them extensively from 2001 (when pay grade allowed purchase) until 2008. Even flew one to spain during my masters). But when I moved to mac, I had to switch, due to the lack of Command-Key equivalent in the model M. I moved to a USB keyboard salvaged from a PA-RISC Workstation, Is not mechanical, but is not bad either, and the Key between CTRL and Alt has a cool pictogram, neither the windows logo, nor the flower, but something different. And comming from a PA-RISC workstation (from a Nokia NMS-2000, google that), is has some sort of nerd-street-creed.

But, if I had to buy a keyboard nowadays, I would not buy from unicom out of nostalgia. Rather, I would buy something modern with Cherry MX switches and extra (like more than 104) keys - and customizable macro keys for play/work....

And anyone who disagrees with me is CLEARLY mistaken:
http://www.pckeyboard.com/

I've been the EnduraPro Black Buckling Spring USB keyboard from PCKeyboard.com for years. I like that it has the pointing stick, like laptops. http://www.pckeyboard.com/page... https://www.pckeyboard.com/

I've been the EnduraPro Black Buckling Spring USB keyboard from PCKeyboard.com for years. I like that it has the pointing stick, like laptops. http://www.pckeyboard.com/page... https://www.pckeyboard.com/

Do you just use your overwhelming sense of superiority to shame the text into appearing?

Cue in comment about IBM type M keyboard and prying it from someones' cold, dead hands.

1. Transputer
Check out:
* The REX Neo architecture
* Coherent Logix' HyperX (not to be confused with the PC component brand)

4. Postscript As A GUI
Postscript is a Turing-complete language running in a virtual machine. Code injection vulnerabilities in PDF is a real thing that you want to avoid.
* Isn't MacOS X's drawing model still based on Display Postscript?
* GTK+ uses the Cairo library for its rendering, and it also has PS and PDF backends that might satisfy many needs.

Smart objects on the display server side (which NeWS had) are still missing though. But I think a model with pre-defined well-behaving primitive objects (clickable, popup, draggable, scrollable etc.) sending events would be better.

7. Big, Properly-Sprung Keyboards
Have you missed the comeback of mechanical keyboards in recent years? They have got especially popular for PC gaming. If the mainstream widely available gaming mechs are not be to your liking, the mechanical keyboard community is now big and diverse (both users and companies) and there are lots of lesser known options if you look. Check out the Geekhack forum (for "geeks" and "hack writers").
I suspect that you might be especially interested in the TactilePro with new Alps (clone) switches from Matias, or real Model Ms with buckling springs from Unicomp.

No need to give up, Unicomp bought the rights to the Model M family and produce updated versions of them today.

"Give me an IBM Model M keyboard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard). . . or give me death!"

And the same old factories (and even a few old timer personnel) are still churning out buckling spring mechanical keyboard under the Unicomp brand name.

(This message was typed using one of these).

http://www.pckeyboard.com/mm5/...

This thing is awesome. And no, I don't have an Amazon Affiliate page. Replacing the keyboard is probably an idea by the same asshats who replaced the Firefox classic UI with the Atrocious ^H^H^H^H^H^H Australis UI.

Unicomp has been making them for YEARS! https://www.pckeyboard.com/

Not exactly the Space Saving Keyboard, but Unicomp does offer a compact version of the Model M: UltraClassic Keyboards.

From the page:

It's Ultra because it uses a newly designed clamshell cover set reducing the footprint by 20% and eliminating almost ½ pound of plastic.

What laptop manufacturers really need to do is invest in precision keyboards that work as well as they used to 10 years ago, or better.

That's why when computing at home, my laptop is on a stand on my desk, hooked into a real monitor...and I use the good old IBM Style Buckling Spring keyboard.....

When I used to work in cube-ville with others, and had this keyboard, used to drive them crazy it is so loud, but oh my, it is a pleasure to type upon.

I assume those original IBM "clicky" keyboards sell for hundreds of dollars to people who either have a severe case of nostalgia, or aren't aware that those keyboards are still being produced, by the same company even, and can be had brand new for a lot less than hundreds of dollars: see Unicomp. Also means you don't need some crappy converter to connect those old AT or PS/2 keyboard connectors to USB.

I thought it'd be cool to get a 104-key and have custom caps printed with Super and Hyper (for the Windows and Properties keys), but Unicomp don't offer that sort of thing for meta keys.

Did you look here?

I've kinda gone in the other direction. Right now I'm typing on one of these...

http://www.pckeyboard.com/page...

Unicomp sells several classic-style IBM/Lexmark keyboard with classic TrackPoint nubs. Just have a look.

http://www.pckeyboard.com/

No need, they already make a 122 key model! http://www.pckeyboard.com/page...

Slashdot replies are less likely to be sponsored.

That should be modded Funny, or Sad. But in truth Slashdot opinions are nearly as likely to be "astroturf" as legitimate compared to anywhere else.

Personally I do like mechanical keyboards, and for a non-backlit model the Cherry mechanical keyboard (not a 3rd-party keyboard using Cherry switches) I own and can recommend the G80-3000 (USB 104-keys US keymap), available Digikey and other (industrial) electronic suppliers globally. Likely just not your local / mail-order computer shop.

Otherwise for mechanical keyboards it is more a matter of selecting which key switch characteristics (resistance, push-length, noise, etc) than particular brands.

Of course any good keyboard discussion requires mentioning the IBM Model-M successors from UniComp with distinctive yet potentially annoyingly loud, buckling spring switches.

Your best bet is buy an IBM Model M keyboard from Unicomp. That's where I bought mine. It is a really nice keyboard, solidly built, good travel on the keys. Yes, it's a mechanical buckling spring keyboard, so it does make noise. But my fingers just don't get tired. It's great. I ordered mine as a USB keyboard.

Unicomp also seems to sell a few keyboards in the more common "rubberdome" format, so maybe that's more your style.

I'll admit that sometimes my carpal tunnel flares up and I need to switch back to an ergonomic keyboard. I still have my Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite from a few years back. It's a rubberdome keyboard, just like any keyboard you'll find, but it lets me keep my wrists and forearms in a relaxed position. It's a PS2 connector with a USB adapter.

Not these?

I'm partial to IBM/Unicomp buckling spring keyboards.

I have a Unicomp buckling spring keyboard I bought from their bargain bin a couple of years ago. No Windows key, but I use it every day at work and I love it. The blue and white keys are quite attractive, too. /And I'm not even a Kentucky Wildcats fan.

Not these?

I'm partial to IBM/Unicomp buckling spring keyboards.

You could have used a bluetooth or even a wired USB keyboard with it. Just so that you know. It'd work out of the box, even on iOS (through the camera connection kit). A coworker who uses a browser-based IDE on his Galaxy this-or-that has hooked up this monster to his tablet. Good that he's young and has good eyesight :) He plugs it in through a gender bender (adapter).

Did you buy the full size or what they call the "space saver"?

I am typing this on the space saver, and I can, indeed, flex it (if I try hard enough) by a few millimeters. For me, the reduced weight is a plus, though.

If you consider that a minus, you should go with the "Classic" version. I doubt you'll see any difference, USB and extra keys aside.

Shachar

Biggest problem for me is that I'm in the UK and the layout is different from the standard US-style keyboards (and far superior :) )

So Deck, Code and similar new manufacturers just don't cut it.

Have you not been on the Unicomp website? They will custom-build pretty much any keyboard you want, with or without windows keys, with a large choice of language layouts (UK included).

Uh, Unicomp still makes the same keyboard, and even offers an updated USB model and they cost only $79 despite being made in the USA.

M style, and for the Mac user.

M style, and for the Mac user.

I am using a brand new Model M to type this message. Unicomp bought the rights and machinery to manufacture many IBM and Lexmark keyboards. You can buy them from the manufacturer here: http://www.pckeyboard.com/ . It is embarrassing that /. would advertise some shill refurb site without mentioning this great resource.

http://www.pckeyboard.com/

I prefer a mechanical keyboard myself (although with Cherry Blues). The Apple Extended Keyboard 2 (with Alps switches) was pretty good too.

Actually, you can get one for mere $35! ;) But no, the surface syntax is definitely something I didn't have in mind.

Actually, you can get one for mere $35! ;) But no, the surface syntax is definitely something I didn't have in mind.

If you want the Model M experience with a super key and USB connectivity I'd recommend Unicomp. They're a little pricey but provide a very close approximation to the original Model M feel.

The perfect keyboard. They still make 'em, too, but sadly not in a Bluetooth version.

Typing this on a Unicomp model based on the original design. Awesome keyboard, but it lacks the heavy steel backplate of the original.

Please buy a keyboard from this company so they keep making them. :-) http://www.pckeyboard.com/

Generally, any computer equipment before the mid 90s was made quite well, simply because it was so expensive at the time. It also tended to be heavily over-engineered. Some Compaq ProLiants from that era are 100 pounds because they're just solid metal all the way through.

Unicomp bought the machines to build the old IBM keyboards, they are the only ones I use. Here is the best keyboard available today: http://pckeyboard.com/page/UKBD/UB40P4A

In Windows, win+R for the run box, win+D to go to the desktop, win+E for my computer. There are a few others, but those are the ones I use most frequently.

In Linux, it's much more useful. I have it set up as a 3rd level shift. I hacked together an XKB map that gives me greek letters; punctuation such as em and en dashes, typographical quotes, proper ellipsis, less than/greater than or equal to, etc; and arrows plus times and divide on my numpad. Combined with remapping capslock to the compose key, it makes for a versatile keyboard layout.

If one wanted, one could also map say some of the F keys (F1-F12) to things like volume up/down, play next track, pause, calculator, run, etc with 3rd level shift, but I haven't bothered.

On the topic of keyboards themselves, I'm loving my Unicomp black buckling spring USB keyboard. The trackball is wonky, though, and as far as I can tell the extra two mouse buttons are mystery buttons that do nothing (no middle click!), so I'd recommend skipping that to anyone who wants a decent 5 lb USB klacker. The thing in indestructable, and the tactile feedback from the buckling springs makes it a pleasure to type on, improving both speed and accuracy.

You will buy one, once. It will last you the rest of your life, or, until USB disappears, which ever comes first.

I've had the pleasure of using a duplicate clicky keyboard for many years. Loved it, but frankly I type so much that the sound was just driving me crazy. I've tried many keyboards - from the MS Natural and everything down to the pathetic Dell keyboards (which I can't believe how bad they are). My new favorite keyboard: The Apple Keyboard. At first, it took a little getting used to, but it didn't take long. And of course it's for a Mac, which I use. But it's quiet, easy, and fast to type on. It doesn't feel flimsy, even though it's quite small/thin. I don't think I'll ever go back to the big clicky keyboard again.

I think the newer Unicomps have Windows keys on them. They also have USB connection (no bad thing) and come in space-saving sizes (the "Ultra Classic" looks interesting: http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/UltraClassic )

I might look into them when this keyboard wears out.

It actually is a model M. Made in the same factory on the same equipment in the same way. Unicomp bought the company back in the day. It was never shut down, and now they make versions with the Windows key and USB also. Also Dvorak. And yes, it is perfectly functional at need as a bludgeon. Petition them for a Bluetooth version, would you?

Actually, looking at that site I see that almost all models are out of stock. Maybe I better order another one just in case.

Go to http://pckeyboard.com/page/KBDCFG/KBDCFG

Good news! The Unicomp Keyboard uses the type-m switches. They bought the mfg rights to the type-m keyboard and they're proudly made right here in the United States of America! I am typing on my Unicomp Type-M keyboard right now and I love it.

http://www.pckeyboard.com/

**Highly recommended for the type-m keyboard fan**

Marketing on Slashdot again, huh... *sigh*

The Cherry MX Green does not feel like a buckling spring from the Model F or Model M keyboards, really.
While it is a stiff clicky switch, it is far less tactile, and the tactile point is different.
The Buckling Spring on a IBM Model M or Model F has a slow progression in resistance followed by a sharp drop at the actuation point at around 2/3 - 3/4 way down the stroke.
The Cherry MX Blue and Green have a small bump at the actuation point, which is higher up, at about 1/2-way down the stroke.

As other posters have already written, the MX Green is just like a MX Blue with a stiffer spring. It was made to be used for the Space Bar on a keyboard that is otherwise populated with MX Blue.
Compared to the Blue, with the Green's stiffer spring you tend to press harder on it and that diminishes the feel of the tactile bump somewhat.
The Green has always been used as the space bar switch on Cherry's own keyboards with Blue switches. The only new thing is that it is used on a whole keyboard.
Having a stiffer switch on the space bar is common. Ordinary rubber dome keyboards often come with coiled springs under the space bar to make it stiffer.

If you want a Buckling Spring keyboard, you could buy a new Model M from Unicomp. They are built using the same machines and tooling that the old IBM keyboards were. They even cost less than many gaming keyboards with Cherry MX switches.

BTW. This post was typed on a Dolch keyboard (Cherry G80-1813HFX) with Cherry MX Blue switches, except for the Green switch on the space bar.

Why purchase an imitator when you can buy the original âoeModel Mâ. We have produced the buckling spring âoeClickâ keyboard for IBM and thousands of discriminating users worldwide for 15 yearsâ¦. Join the many that have made the switch to a much more accurate data entry alternative.

http://www.pckeyboard.com/

IBM originally contracted out their keyboards to Lexmark and, when the contract ran out, Lexmark employees bought the rights and formed Unicomp.

No, what you want is an expensive USB keyboard. Like a nice Unicomp version of the Model M, or maybe a nice capacitive switch keyboard. There are so many (pricey!) options.

Also, I hate cables moving around getting tangled, so I got a wireless mouse.

I second that. Unfortunately, the originals are pretty rare by now, but these guys make a creditable replica.

Had one for years -- but only at home; you're right about the noise. (Don't forget, this is the company that brought you the Selectric and the IBM 29.)

Western Electric took their time and engineered a marvel of function. Too bad nobody bothered to save the tooling for those things.

A lot more engineering effort nowadays is rightly focused on the extremely profitable control of product life cycles.

I wonder what sort of volume Unicomp is doing lately?

And let's throw in a good word for the classic IBM Model M, with its buckling spring action. Now being built in the US by http://www.pckeyboard.com/, where you can also pick up spare parts or a keyboard with your own customized layout. I own several vintage Ms, hate to use anything else. (BTW, their pricing is quite reasonable - around $80 and up).

I love the "old" clicky keyboards. They feel much better on the fingers and the tactile freedback is wonderful. You can still buy them from UNICOMP who bought out the IBM keyboard factory upgraded with USB: http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/UKBD

You can also pick them up on 2nd hand on eBay from these resellers: http://www.clickykeyboards.com/

When I buy a laptop they're all equal EXCEPT FOR THE KEYBOARDS. Some are better than others, but none compare to this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard Know people who type whole novels on their iPhone, but is it really the best way to do it?