Modern Model M keyboard equivalent. \ VOGONS

Modern Model M keyboard equivalent.

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First post, by badmojo

Posted on 2013-04-30, 04:51

badmojo Offline

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I found a Model M a while back, restored it, and it's ruined me for rubber dome keyboards forever more.

I did a bit of research and bought a mechanical DASKeyboard for a decent sum, but it's just not right. The first 2 (!) I was sent were busted, which wasn't a good start. The keys on 3rd one, which I've been using for about 3 months, are starting to fade which is just pathetic. They're supposed to be 'lazer etched', but that's gotta be a load of tosh. None of the 15 buck rubber dome rubbish I've used previously - for years at a time - have never lost the letters off the keys.

Does anyone else use a modern mechanical keyboard that they like? There are buckle spring ones that attempt to re-create the Model M, called Unicomp I think. Maybe they're the way to go.

Reply 1 of 5, by bucket

Posted on 2013-04-30, 05:32

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I had the original blank Das Keyboard and enjoyed it immensely. I hear good things about Unicomp and also the Razer brand.

Reply 2 of 5, by VileR

Posted on 2013-04-30, 05:43

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Unicomp inherited IBM's buckling spring patent via Lexmark, so for the closest modern experience to the Model M you should probably try them - though I did read some reports saying that their build quality isn't quite as perfect, so YMMV.
Filco Majestouch keyboards are very well-regarded, but pricey - they use Cherry MX switches, as do DAS Keyboards, though the specific MX variant is important. "Blue" seems to be somewhat close to the Model M feel; "brown" is similar but quieter (less clicky), and both are tactile.

I recently got a CM Storm Trigger with Cherry MX Browns. The overly modern design and "gamer" stuff can be a bit of a turn-off, but it wasn't expensive and feels great to type on - pretty sturdy too, and the programmability is a nice bonus. I'd definitely recommend it, but if you have the cash to spare just go for a Filco.

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Reply 3 of 5, by sgt76

Posted on 2013-04-30, 12:32

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VileRancour wrote:
I recently got a CM Storm Trigger with Cherry MX Browns. The overly modern design and "gamer" stuff can be a bit of a turn-off, but it wasn't expensive and feels great to type on - pretty sturdy too, and the programmability is a nice bonus. I'd definitely recommend it, but if you have the cash to spare just go for a Filco.

I got the storm quickfire pro with black switches after considering a host of keyboards from Corsair, Razer, Steel Series, etc. Once you get past the "gamer" look, IMHO for the price it's got great build quality (very hefty) and features.

Reply 4 of 5, by nforce4max

Posted on 2013-04-30, 12:54

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It is nice to dream but I always end up settling for the cheap stuff like a Dell AT101w ect. There are some nice keyboards but that "gamer" look can be annoying and there is always extra "features" that go unused.

On a far away planet reading your posts in the year 10,191.

Reply 5 of 5, by badmojo

Posted on 2013-05-29, 04:39

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Thanks for the input (pardon the pun). After some reading and much procrastination I've gone with the Quick Fire Pro with Cherry MX Brown switches. The DAS keyboard - which has been relegated to music server duties - has blue switches I think; clicky but too light to compare to the Model M. The black switches were a bit too heavy under my fingers but the brown - although not clicky - feel nice. Responsive but have some resistance to them.

If the WASD letters don't fade after a few months then it'll be a winner.

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