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Logitch is the undisputed king of mice... despite being dirt cheap, they feel good, have a nice click, and work forever.

But what about keyboards? Last time I went to Fry's looking for a keyboard, they did not have ONE SINGLE FULL SIZE KEYBOARD AT ANY PRICE that wasn't either stupidly large with ergonimic styling, or littered with special "Internet" keys. I bought the Memorex one because it was the sanest looking thing I could find. Took the thing home, plugged it in, and 30 minutes later I accidentally hit one of the special keys and it shut down my whole damned machine. So I used a pair of pliers to lift up the rubber button and then cut it off with a razor... but it looked stupid and every time I used the thing, my ass would twitch over the fact that this POS was the best keyboard I could find.

That is, until somebody mentioned the old IBM keyboards and how great they were. I'm not affiliated with these guys... just a happy customer. Please check out www.pckeyboard.com. They (Unicomp) bought the original design from IBM and are still producing it. As far as I know it is the only full-size keyboard you can buy with a standard layout, no bullshit, and actual buckling-spring keys. Costs fifty bucks, weighs about three pounds so it doesn't slide all over your desk, indestructible, and has keys that are very satisfying to type on.

I got one for each of my PCs and one for my Mac (used a PS2-USB converter dongle). It is absolutely AMAZING how much faster you can type when you use the exact same keyboard everywhere, and it's not a sucky keyboard. My raw typing speed is about the same as before but I make way less typos so overall speed is maybe 10-20% higher.

Trackman Marble... Oh, yes. I've had three of them. The first one didn't have a wheel and cost $100. When that one broke I got another, with a wheel, for a more sane price. Then when the third broke I got a Logitech Cordless Elite keyboard/mouse combo with a MouseMan Optical. Honestly the only reason I used that for so long is that I didn't want the money to be a waste. When the novelty wore off, I went back to my all-time favorite keyboard and a trackball where I belong. When I went questing for a new trackball I discovered I didn't like the current incarnations of Logitech's. This is how I met my soulmate, a Belkin Trackmaster. It's very precise, got dual scroll, three buttons... It's got a unique layout that took getting used to, but it's great if you have large hands, and I won't be using anything else any time soon. They're very inexpensive so I've got one for work, one at home, and a third in case one breaks. Very nice for Photoshop, which is where I spend much of my work day, and it perfectly compliments my other fetish - the fabled Model M keyboard! The only other pointing device that I might like to have would be this, a Model M derivative with a laptop-style trackpoint so I'd never have to take my hands away from this sexy, sexy piece of buckling-spring wonderment.

I'm sorry, but THIS has buckling spring available. Is it not cool? (I use the windows keys, but they've got a version w/o windows keys)

Ooh, look at that "Linux 101" keyboard with the Ctrl, Caps-Lock and Esc keys in the right places. They have two layouts, 1 and 2. Layout 2 looks better to me.

Ooh, look at that "Linux 101" keyboard with the Ctrl, Caps-Lock and Esc keys in the right places. They have two layouts, 1 and 2. Layout 2 looks better to me.

PCKeyboard.com stocks non-USA keyboards in five flavours: French, German, Latin American, Spanish, and UK. They're $79 a pop, but they're built like tanks and will last longer than your computer.

I'm not quite there on the 'largest collection of beer on the planet', but then again, I'm a military brat, and spent some time in Europe. The couple of times I've been to The Brickskeller, they've been surprisingly out of a number of things. They stock the stuff people drink on a regular basis, and they keep a token bottle up there so they can claim they have a lot of variety.

I was more impressed with Marikkas, in Lexington, Kentucky, which seemed to have a larger selection when I was there. [And good German food, too]. Of course, geek wise, there's not much reason to go to Kentucky, unless you're looking for alcohol, as there's not much else there but horses and basketball. Except for Lexmark, I guess... and the place they used to make the old heavy duty IBM keyboards.

The Happy Hacking Keyboard is good if your desk is starved for space, but I prefer one with arrow keys and a number pad. So I use the Linux 101 from PCKeyboard.com. This keyboard basically just rearranges the CTRL, ALT, and Caps Lock keys- layout 1 basically rotates them clockwise, while layout 2 switches the CTRL and Caps Lock keys.

Lexmark was spun off from IBM. They're the group that made the peripherals (keyboards, mice, printers, etc.) Today, I think they only make printers.

Several people from the keyboard group left Lexmark and bought the patent for buckling-spring keys and started their own company. PCKeyboard.com is that company. They can sell you a classic type-M keyboard. They can also sell you a new keyboard (with Windows keys if you like) using buckling-spring technology.

Unfortunately, they don't make any with a USB interface. I'd really love to get one of these for my Mac.

Check out this site: http://pckeyboard.com. They were featured in an MSNBC.com article. These folks were spun off from Lexmark a while back and still make the old keyboards (and can repair them too). You can also get one with a pencil eraser mouse built in!

Sorry, wrong link...
It's http://www.pckeyboard.com (no s)

was the Northgate Computer Systems Omnikey.

For those of us who learned to program before the
advent of the IBM PC, they have the "correct" layout
(the layout for which and with which vi was developed)
with the control key just to the left of the 'a', As God Intended)*
Buckling spring, Alps switches, removable keycaps, steel base,
fully programmable key assignments, DIP switches for common
configuration options. Indispensible and indestructible.

I have two, and they continue to work perfectly after
lo these many years, and there's a brisk market for them
on ebay (lots of old hackers treasure them).

But they're no longer made.

Fortunately, CTI makes a close copy. The Avant Stellar
is by all accounts superb, and bears the Tibor Polgar seal of approval.
Buy a couple while they're still made, and you're set for life.

The Customizer seems to be similar, but I have no experience with this keyboard.

* and if you're one of those people like me who has spent the
last twenty years cursing IBM for screwing up the layout of
ASCII keyboards for all time by fiddling with the the
One True Layout (with the control key to the left of the 'a'),
then you may be happy to know about the superb small program
ctrl2cap from Systems Internals, which makes the
usless never-to-be-sufficiently-damned caps lock key
into a control key. Tiny, slick, sophisticated, open source, free.
Check it out.

Quality, Durable and Flexible These words best describe Unicomp's Customizer keyboard. Based on an award winning design, the Customizer combines the same quality and crisp tactile feedback as its IBM and Lexmark predecessors. The Pearl White Customizer (shown here) is available in either enhanced quiet touch (EQT) or buckling spring (BS) technology The enhanced quiet touch style is great for noise sensitive environments, and the buckling spring model offers a touch that is unparalleled. Once you've experienced the touch of this keyboard, you'll be sold.

I'm utterly amazed that in the 14 replies thus far, nobody's given you the right answer.

If you want a true, original IBM PC keyboard then go here. They make the originals, complete with massive weight and key klacking, plus modified versions that have the Windows key, integrated mouse, college mascot/color inspired ones, quiet versions, etc... yes, they're pricy by modern day keyboard standards, but if you want a keyboard that will live somewhat longer than all of your descendants there's no other option.

I actually have two original IBM PS/2 keyboards, bought from used computer stores nearby... but the noise annoyed the hell out of my wife and I recently switched to a Memorex multimedia keyboard. It's really not all that bad, and every once in a great while I even remember to use some of the extra keys on it.

Here.

My university has a few Model M's around. My teacher won't trade, sell or give any of them to me though :(

PCkeyboard sells old-styled IBM keyboards in different mods. I personnally like the black one without any marking and a red trackpoint in the middle

Have a look at http://www.pckeyboard.com/.

Asked them one time how much it costs to get one shipped to .au but euh... I wasn't happy with the price. I've asked them again, maybe the price has dropped a little bit.

I've got one of the keyboards mentioned in the article--specifically, the 101-key Customizer, from www.pckeyboard.com. It weighs about five pounds, and feels like it could be used to bash in an intruder's head if necessary. Plus, it doesn't have Windows keys, which is a boon when I'm gaming--no more accidentally dumping me out to the desktop during heated Battlefield 1942 matches!

It's buckling-spring and loud as hell, though it doesn't sound quite the same as a Model M. Still key response is crisp and exactly matches what I want out of a keyboard. It is easily the best computer-related purchase I have ever made. After all, what part of your computer do you physically interact with every time you sit down?

The key sensors seem to go bad after 20 years it seems.

I am using an IBM keyboard (dunno M model or not, it's heavy, noisy, made in UK and build in 1987). I use it for about 10 years now and it was in regular use before. I recently bought keyboards from pckeyboard.com as they have those IBM keyboards and the ones I got from them feel exactly like my old one. Which makes me a believe, that the new ones will last at least 10 years, probably more.

Of course it might be that they start to degrade after 20 years...still it's by far the only part of the computers I use which is not replaced for such a long time.

In fact, the IBM keyboards witht eh tactile 'click' are indeed still produced (IBM sold off their keyboard division years ago, and they are sold under a different name). You can buy one at PcKeyboard.Com. They even offer an updated model with the additional Windows 95 keys (winkey and context menu), and a pointing stick (like the ones found on IBM thinkpads).

A detailed article on the old IBM keyboards can be found here

PCKeyboard, who own the rights to the venerable IBM high-tactile keyboards (aka "the wing of death").

They also have myriad options and some extremely programmable/configurable keyboards.

(BTW, I'm typing this on an IBM Model M with a born-on date of July 10, 1986.)

Check out Unicomp - they bought the rights from Lexmark to make the ol' Model M and still make them to this day. They're a bit expensive but they're the only place for brand new Model Ms.

Hello,

IBM makes several keyboards with built-in TrackPoints, such as this one and this one. They replace the older TrackPoint II keyboard.

Other manufacturers include PCKeyboards.Com, who have this model and this one.

I have one of their smaller keyboards. It is based on a laptop keyboard and, frankly, is not as as crisp as the keyboard in my ancient IBM ThinkPad 770. For occasional use it is fine, but I would not want to use it as my primary keyboard.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

Hello,

IBM makes several keyboards with built-in TrackPoints, such as this one and this one. They replace the older TrackPoint II keyboard.

Other manufacturers include PCKeyboards.Com, who have this model and this one.

I have one of their smaller keyboards. It is based on a laptop keyboard and, frankly, is not as as crisp as the keyboard in my ancient IBM ThinkPad 770. For occasional use it is fine, but I would not want to use it as my primary keyboard.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

Hello,

IBM makes several keyboards with built-in TrackPoints, such as this one and this one. They replace the older TrackPoint II keyboard.

Other manufacturers include PCKeyboards.Com, who have this model and this one.

I have one of their smaller keyboards. It is based on a laptop keyboard and, frankly, is not as as crisp as the keyboard in my ancient IBM ThinkPad 770. For occasional use it is fine, but I would not want to use it as my primary keyboard.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

Check out these sites:

Model M Keyboard Vendor
Model M Fansite

One of my friends pointed Unicomp to me a while back. They make the old IBM keyboards [I assume it's similar to how Lexmark is the old IBM printer division].

Yes, it's $50 for one of 'em, but well, those people who like the feel of the keyboards think it's worth it. [and it's heavy enough to beat your annoying co workers with, or even stop a rampaging day-trader].

Oh -- and it's dirt easy to move the letters on the keys, as they letters are on a little cap which it not actually part of the key.

It's useful for playing pranks on people who hunt and peck, or for confusing people and hiding random messages. [and after someone's going away party, I'm short a few 'e's and 's'es, as I had to strip down one keyboard just for the letters].

And speaking of rearranging keyboards -- why is that computer keyboards have the 1-3 row on the number pad at the bottom, while telephones have it at the top?

That's why I love the ThinkPads--good keyboard layouts.

As far as having less useful keys around goes, I suppose one could always use a remapper. I always swap the CAPS LOCK with the Left CTRL key, for example.

Speaking of which, pckeyboard.com offers a bunch of Linux friendly keyboards with this configuration AND the bulletproof IBM Model M construction. Great keyboards, if a little pricy, though.

They're called buckling spring keyboards. They kick all kinds of ass. They'll last forever, you can clean them in the dishwasher, and they're heavy enough to club an intruder with.

PCKeyboard sells new ones, but you can regularly find used ones at computer shows and flea markets.

PCKeyboard also sells the same keyboard with a trackpoint. It's handy, but the keyboard invariably lasts far, far longer than the trackpoint.

The Customizer

It's made by the same guys who made those lovely clicking IBM keybords, and one of their models is (apparently) designed to give you a similar tactile feel but with less noise. (IIRC from my e-mails to/from one of their sales guys a few years back, they accomplished it by putting a noise-dampening shim into the spring).

Well, to be honest, such keyboards are still sold as new (I doubt they are still manifactured, but there are plenty in stock). You can also order replacement parts there (after all, it's the ex-keyboard division of IBM and Lexmark).

Here's a company that makes the type of keyboards you lust for.

There is a company who still manufactures the IBM BS keyboard and also refurbishes used ones. It's at pckeyboard.com> . They've even got versions with the evil windows key.

Well, go to PCKeyboard and buy yourself one. PCKeyboard is the ex keyboard division of IBM and Lexmark, and still has tons of old keyboards (and new ones as well).

As the article states, new buckling spring keyboards are available. This is the company that bought the design of the original IBM PC keyboard. The equivalent model is the "Customizer" for $49. Not a bad deal for those of us who hate crappy $9 membrane keyboards. Just don't type while your spouse is trying to sleep...

FWIF, another company with great, although expensive ($150), programable BS keyboards.

Most old timers remember the super loud "clicky" IBM keyboards that were super durable. Their only two disadvantages were the loud noise and their price, but if you want good tactile feedback, you pay the price of added noise. Furthermore, if you want a strong keyboard that will last, it will have to be built out of high quality components and materials. Doing a little research finds that the original technology used in the old IBM keyboards is still around. The technology is called "Buckling Spring Capacitive Keyswitches", and a company called Unicomp long ago bought the technology from IBM. In fact, they still sell those lovable clicky and nearly indestructable keyboards.

There are a few things you need to realize about this technology. It is truely superior to the foam and rubber dome keyswitches used in most mainstream keyboards. The BS capacitive keyswitches last for millions and millions more keystrokes than the other technologies, so buying one of these keyboards is an investment. Not only that, but BS keyswitch technology is more water resistant than the cheaper keyswitch technologies. You can spill your drink into an old IBM keyboard... and as long as you unplug it and let it dry out, it will still work. Other things play into this older IBM keyboard tech. For example, keys sticking or not registering is highly unlikely with the IBM technology, but it happens all the time with the foam keyswitches used in the popular Microsoft keyboards. Finally, touch typing is so much easier with buckling spring capacitive keyswitches as you can feel the click AND hear it.

I highly suggest any self respecting computer user to get one of these keyboards for their house. Just remember the only two drawbacks: noise and price. In every other way these keyboards excel! I suggest the old skool IBM keyboard that Unicomp sells through their Yahoo store.

PcKeyboards has "the real thing" as well.

ARRGH I need a keyboard that will last more than 3 months!!!!

Go to PC Keyboard then and buy a keyboard built just like the old PS/2 keyboards were.

Yeah, they're more expensive. Good luck killing one short of an act of God.

IIRC, they have both the original clicky and a newer non-clicky keyboard available, both with the heavy weight, replacable keycaps, et. al. of old IBM keyboards.

Where are the omnikeys available?

The IBM tech for the buckling spring 'boards got sold to Lexmark, and then to a company called Unicomp, who now make and sell buckling spring keyboards.

They're $49 US. I ordered two (one for Work, which I took with me upon the downsizing), and I love them. They feel exactly like the old IBM ones, but they don't have the removable keycaps that the original model M's do.

They're cheap, too. Look around flea markets for old models. My first was $5 US, the other three $2.50 each. Or if you must have new ones, check Unicomp, and look at the Customizer.

It may be true about mice and joysticks, but the keyboards they resell are really of the ``el cheapo'' kind. Nothing really comparable to a good old IBM PS/2 (see here and here) or a Keytronic (see here).

It may be true about mice and joysticks, but the keyboards they resell are really of the ``el cheapo'' kind. Nothing really comparable to a good old IBM PS/2 (see here and here) or a Keytronic (see here).

It may be true about mice and joysticks, but the keyboards they resell are really of the ``el cheapo'' kind. Nothing really comparable to a good old IBM PS/2 (see here and here) or a Keytronic (see here).

They do! These guys have them for $99(USD?). They appear to have both buckling spring (clicky keyboards that have good tactile feedback), and "Enhanced Quiet Touch" i.e. the soft spongy ones that aren't as nice for typing (yeah yeah, I'm biased. :)

I've dealt with them in the past (I got 4 keyboards in total from them) and they've been great.

Here is where you can buy real keyboards

www.pckeyboard.com

They bought the original IBM PC keyboard design/patents, and manufacture leaf-spring keyboards.

We're talking "wing o' death" keyboards. And, as a bonus, they've redesigned the wing o' death and come up with some *great* new designs that are smaller and perhaps even better.

Check 'em out!


--

See this page for a buckling spring keyboard, like the original IBM PC keyboards. They used to sell the IBM 42H1292 keyboard, but it appears that they finally exhausted the stock on that model.

....PCKeyboard (the ex keyboard division of IBM and Lexmark) makes an interesting product. Of course, you can attach an external pointing device too.

....PCKeyboard (the ex keyboard division of IBM and Lexmark) makes an interesting product. Of course, you can attach an external pointing device too.

This keyboard doesn't. Most people want a windows keyboard, so that's the first thing they show. You check out the links on the side, however, you see that only a couple of their keyboards are of the windows variety; most are of the 101/103 key variety