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The Greatest Keyboard Ever Made
HughPickens.com writes Adi Robertson argues that IBM's Model M keyboard, soon to turn 30 is still the only keyboard worth using for many people. Introduced in 1985 as part of the IBM 3161 terminal, the Model M was initially called the "IBM Enhanced Keyboard." A PC-compatible version appeared the following spring, and it officially became standard with the IBM Personal System / 2 in 1987. The layout of the Model M has been around so long that today it's simply taken for granted, but the keyboard's descendants have jettisoned one of the Model M's most iconic features — "buckling springs," designed to provide auditory and tactile feedback to the keyboard operator. "Model M owners sometimes ruefully post stories of spouses and coworkers who can't stand the incessant chatter. But fans say the springs' resistance and their audible "click" make it clear when a keypress is registered, reducing errors," writes Robertson. "Maybe more importantly, typing on the Model M is a special, tangible experience. Much like on a typewriter, the sharp click gives every letter a physical presence."
According to Robertson, the Model M is an artifact from a time when high-end computing was still the province of industry, not pleasure. But while today's manufacturers have long since abandoned the concept of durability and longevity, refurbished Model Ms are still available from aficionados like Brandon Ermita, a Princeton University IT manager who recovers them from supply depots and recycling centers and sells them through his site, ClickyKeyboards. "For the very few that still appreciate the tactile feel of a typewriter-based computer keyboard and can still appreciate the simplicity of black letters on white keys, one can still seek out and own an original IBM model M keyboard — a little piece of early computing history," says Ermita. As one Reddit user recently commented, "Those bastards are the ORIGINAL gaming keyboards. No matter how much you abuse it, you'll die before it does.""
According to Robertson, the Model M is an artifact from a time when high-end computing was still the province of industry, not pleasure. But while today's manufacturers have long since abandoned the concept of durability and longevity, refurbished Model Ms are still available from aficionados like Brandon Ermita, a Princeton University IT manager who recovers them from supply depots and recycling centers and sells them through his site, ClickyKeyboards. "For the very few that still appreciate the tactile feel of a typewriter-based computer keyboard and can still appreciate the simplicity of black letters on white keys, one can still seek out and own an original IBM model M keyboard — a little piece of early computing history," says Ermita. As one Reddit user recently commented, "Those bastards are the ORIGINAL gaming keyboards. No matter how much you abuse it, you'll die before it does.""
Still makes a buckling spring keyboard. Might be worth checking out if you want to purchase one.
http://www.pckeyboard.com/
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.
Model Ms are great. I have about a dozen of them. But the earlier Model F (based on capacitive switches underneath buckling spring) is even better. The Model F keyboard included with the original IBM PC excels in being heavy and clicky, but it has an awkward layout. The PC-AT introduced a much better layout, and the keyboard is electrically compatible with the later PS/2 plug (you just need a $2 adaptor). I am typing on a PC-AT keyboard now.
-- Ed Avis ed@membled.com
Vintage IBM ps/2 keyboards pull up to 100x more current compared to modern keyboards. There is a special USB converter available that can handle the current:
http://www.clickykeyboards.com...
There is a special USB converter available that can handle the current:
http://www.clickykeyboards.com...
Yep, I know. But the results on both WIndows and Macs are, at best: mixed. Unicomp's USB versions are identical from a mechanical perspective, and are already set up with the USB port from the factory. They even have Mac-specific versions (if you're so inclined) with the appropriate key layout and labels.
Jason Van Patten
I have a Model M in the closet. It's old, yellowed and the plug wont work without at least 2 adapters in-line.
But, you can still get nice switched keyboards if you like them as much as I do. Look for "Cherry" switches or in my case I got reproductions because they were cheaper. There are various colors but basically it comes down to if you like the "clicking" sounds, the Cherry Reds are the loudest and the Cherry Blues are the quietest. I have the Blues and it still drives my wife nutz. You can get an all plastic keyboard for around $50... If you want it to be build like a tank link the IBMs were, expect to spend $80 or more. If you want actual Cherry switches they can go as high as $300.
I've got a keyboard with reproduction Cherry Blue switches and a steel back plate. I got it off Newegg for about $85 and it's fantastic. I was ordering a new keyboard about every 6 months until I got a mechanical one. Works great for games to.
The sound of typing on them aggravates me, worse than nails on chalkboard.
You should never, ever say that. It only encourages them.
Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
Recycle them? Noooo! Please tell us you at least gave them to a thrift store or sold them on Ebay. FWIW, the recommended PS/2 to USB adaptor is called the 'blue cube' and works well with the Model M. There's also Soarer's Converter which you can build yourself with a Teensy programmable microcontroller, and handles a wide range of old keyboards including the M.
-- Ed Avis ed@membled.com
A keyboard should be tough enough to beat a man to death with. And then use to write his obituary.
Have gnu, will travel.
I've got one, and it's *the same* -- and I care, 'cause on a Model M, I can break 100 WPM -- from Unicomp, and, yes, with USB connectors. Some even have trackpoints (which is what I went with). AWESOMENESS DEFINED.
But I may be somewhat biased.
P.S. My co-workers hate 'em, 'cause it's so damn loud. So do consider them before purchasing for the workplace.
The best was when there were entire computer labs of Model Ms...such gorgeous cacophany
Or offices with dozens of typewriters which the sound was based on. People use to work in those offices all the time. Get over it.
"manufacturers have long since abandoned the concept of durability and longevity"
Someone should tell my 15 year old Microsoft Natural keyboard. Even the $5 basic Dell keyboards are pretty durable. The only keyboards I can remember throwing out were because they were filthy, not because they were broken.
Seriously. The best keyboard ever made? Not hardly. I can think of three massive issues:
1) Key activation force. You have to push quite hard to activate those key switches. That is unergonomic and contributes to developing RSI in many individuals. A good keyboard should have a light key activation.
2) Keyboard shape. The straight keyboard is not a good shape. Our hands don't naturally sit straight, neither should our keyboards. Again, this is an ergonomic issue, being your wrists like that can lead to RSI. A good ergonomic keyboard can be adjusted to match the position of the user.
3) The noise. Those springs are loud. Makes it very annoying to use in an office environment, and unsuitable for quite environments like a studio. A good keyboard has dampened keys that don't make noise.
Well, turns out you can get good keyboards like that. Matias, Kinesis, Maltron, all make really good keyboards. They solve the problems that the Model M, and others, have.
Even if you don't believe you'll ever suffer from RSI (and that's a bet I wouldn't make) you will probably find your typing speed increased by lighter keyswitches.
This Model M worship needs to stop. It is old technology, we have better tech and a better understanding of how to make good human interfaces devices these days.
With the control key next to the "A" key, "Where God and IBM intended".
I live ze unknown. I love ze unknown. I am ze unknown.
We also used to have dumbass smokers polluting the air in our offices back then. Air quality has improved, and noise level has decreased. That's progress; Get over it.
Hi, I work with Nerv, and I'd to hear more about your angel-killing keyboard. How do you manage to pierce their AT fields by typing?
I write sci-fi for metalheads
The 10 Worst PC Keyboards of All Time
I type 10 - 15 wpm more on a quality membrane keyboard. Before even comparing numbers I could tell I was going to type faster. As for the noise, it doesn't help me avoid mistakes since I actually look at what I'm type while I'm typing it.
My 2 cents
it also used to be acceptable to smoke, drink and womanize at work. when my secretary complains about me doing those things should I tell her to "get over it"?
Noise is not arbitrary, you can objectively measure the sound level keyboards create. Now if you work alone, then sure, get what you like. However when you work with others you need to be considerate of them. Likewise there are noise critical environments where objective standards of silence need to be maintained.
Key activation force is also not this subjective matter. This is something that research has gone in to and low activation force is important to minimizing RSI. Ergonomics aren't something to just scoff at. Perhaps you are lucky and you have a body built such that you never have issues. However perhaps you aren't as lucky as you think and later in life you will have problems if you don't have a good ergonomic work setup. Thus it is a much better idea to work ergonomically and avoid problems.
I never understood the appeal of these keyboards. The clunkity-clunk was extremely hard on my wrists, and I developed carpal tunnel syndrome using them. Once I switched to a softer modern keyboard, my wrist problems disappeared. I found the Model M experience to be literally painful. No thanks.