| Remember the Good old days of typing on the | | | | are made by manufactures such as Topre. |
| Model M? | | | | However, most IBM Model M and other |
| Remember back in the good old days when | | | | mechanical keyboard users still cannot stand the |
| typing was a pleasure? The nostalgic Smith | | | | light touch of the Topre keyboards, and not |
| Coronas, Royals, Remingtons, and other manual | | | | many users are willing to pay the price for a |
| typewriters allowed the typist to feel what he or | | | | Topre, often costing around $200. These |
| she was actually typing. They did not need to see | | | | advanced rubber dome keyboards are not the |
| what was being typed on paper to rely on which | | | | only keyboards to be developed. Scissor-Switch |
| keys actually registered. Instead, the tactile | | | | keyboards, common on laptops and slim-style PC |
| feedback of the typewriters allowed the writer to | | | | keyboards, use the same membrane design, but |
| feel and hear each key that registered. However, | | | | the keys are supported by a scissor-like |
| typewriters were not the "end all and be all" | | | | mechanism. However, Scissor-Style keyboards |
| technological advancement because formatting | | | | also lose consistency. |
| was not that easy. It was very tedious for a | | | | Even though this article is mostly about the IBM |
| writer to go back and edit his work. A writer | | | | Model M, there are other great mechanical |
| often had to use white out to make changes, and | | | | keyboards that use the standard key switch |
| basic formatting was a nuisance for most writers, | | | | technology. ALPS were the first key switches |
| especially new writers, who kept struggling with | | | | that evolved around the 80's on the Apple |
| formatting margins. As typewriters advanced, | | | | Extended Series keyboard. This key switch |
| typewriters allowed for a typist to make fewer | | | | offered tactile feel and click, but it was somewhat |
| errors, and typists were able to make easier | | | | quieter than the IBM Model M. However, the lack |
| changes. However, even though the typewriter | | | | in audio feedback kept happy Model M users |
| made a lot of advancements, such as the IBM | | | | away from the Apple Extended keyboard. Later |
| Selectric Series which featured typing balls, | | | | on, ALPS key switches died out, but Dell, SGI, |
| typewriters just could not offer the ease that | | | | and other companies implemented "fake" ALPS |
| Word Processors delivered. As time has passed, | | | | key switches, which were very similar to the real |
| personal computers have become so prominent | | | | ALPS key switches. |
| that typewriters have basically become | | | | The Dell AT101W is a famous mechanical |
| impractical. | | | | keyboard that uses the Black ALPS key switch. |
| Back in the 80's, in order to make the typing | | | | The black ALPS offers tactile but non-clicky |
| experience as similar to the Selectric, IBM created | | | | feedback. The AT101W is a smart choice for |
| the IBM Model M keyboard, which used buckling | | | | users new to mechanical key switches because it |
| spring technology to mimic the tactile feedback of | | | | can be found for a relatively cheap price on eBay, |
| the IBM Selectric typewriters. IBM Model M | | | | and it can be purchased in either black or white. |
| keyboards were initially shipped with IBM | | | | Additionally, users can find the white ALPS (key |
| computers, but many avid computer users | | | | switch) SGI keyboard on Ebay. The white alps is |
| bought the IBM Model M keyboards because of | | | | a little more tactile, but it is also clicky. In fact, a |
| the IBM Model M's tactile feedback. The dream to | | | | lot of IBM Model M users like the white ALPS |
| have tactile feedback while using a Word | | | | because it requires a substantial amount of force, |
| Processor actually became true. | | | | and the click is very loud. |
| The aforementioned buckling springs gave life to | | | | With that said, German based Cherry key |
| the IBM Model M keyboards. The buckling spring | | | | switches are the other key switches that some |
| key switches allowed for the user to push the | | | | users prefer over ALPS and buckling springs. |
| keys down on coiled springs, which created | | | | Cherry has many keys switches that are denoted |
| enough resistance to allow the user to push the | | | | by different colors. The most common are Black, |
| keys without accidentally hitting or bumping | | | | Brown, White, and Blue Cherry Key Switches. |
| another key. In other words, a user was less | | | | Unlike, ALPS Key Switches, Cherry not only |
| likely to make typing mistakes. To top off the | | | | manufactures the switches but also manufactures |
| typing experience, the IBM Model M keyboards | | | | various keyboards with either Cherry Switches or |
| required the user to use about 30-40 grams of | | | | Rubber Domes. Cherry Keyboards are not that |
| force for each key press, and once the key went | | | | easy to find, and the price is typically expensive. |
| about 3mm down, the buckling springs reached a | | | | However, many touch typists love the feel of |
| buckling point. This buckling point created an | | | | Cherry keyboards. |
| audible click, which allowed the user to precisely | | | | Now for the switches, Browns and Blues are the |
| interpret which key was actually registered by the | | | | most popular. Browns are like Black ALPS Key |
| computer without having to rely on visual | | | | Switches because the keys are tactile but |
| feedback from the display. Buckling Springs also | | | | non-clicky. However, Cherry Browns are much |
| produce a second click once the key is released; | | | | lighter than Black Alps. This light tactile design |
| this sets sets off the famous "clack" sound of the | | | | interests a lot of newer generation typists. Cherry |
| IBM Model M. This second click is unique because | | | | Blues and Whites are the two popular Cherry |
| other "clicky" key switch designs only click when | | | | switches, which are clicky and tactile. The Black |
| the key is depressed. | | | | Cherrys are unique because they are neither |
| Over the last 30-40 years, enthusiasts have | | | | tactile nor clicky, but they have a linear design. |
| collected or have tried to buy a used or | | | | However, many users do not like the Cherry |
| refurbished Model M because the keyboard has | | | | Blacks because a great amount of force is |
| such great tactile feedback. This tactile feedback | | | | required to hold each key down. Even though the |
| is nearly impossible to recreate with other | | | | popular gaming keyboards made by Deck and |
| keyboards. Additionally, IBM Model M fans like the | | | | Steel Series use Black Cherry Key switches, |
| Model M for its rugged and large footprint. | | | | many gamers complain because of the sound of |
| Nowadays, keyboards have become smaller and | | | | the mechanical key switches, and the required |
| less durable. The Durability of the Model M not | | | | force of the black cherry key switches can make |
| only fortified its casing, but the buckling springs | | | | the user's hands tired. |
| offer great longevity and consistency for each | | | | Now if a user decides that he or she wants the |
| key switch. | | | | buckling spring technology of the old IBM Model M |
| Collectors of the IBM Model have not only tried to | | | | keyboards but wants a brand new keyboard or |
| keep the Model M in existence, but Model M | | | | does not want the old beige design of the IBM |
| buyers have made specific actions towards their | | | | Model M, he or she is in luck because Unicomp |
| likings. For example, some Model M buyers will only | | | | (PCKEYBOARD.COM) builds keyboards with |
| buy specific model numbers. The 1391401 is the | | | | buckling springs. Unicomp bought the IBM Model M |
| most common design because most users favor | | | | design from IBM and now makes different |
| its feel and 101 key layout. There are many other | | | | buckling spring keyboards. The famous key |
| IBM Model M variants, but most users typically | | | | boards are the Unicomp Space Saver and the |
| buy the 1391401, 42H1292, 1391472, or the M13. | | | | Unicomp Customizer. The Customizer has a similar |
| Many new users who like the Model M but want a | | | | footprint to the old Model M keyboards. The |
| smaller footprint opt for the 1391472 IBM Model | | | | Space Saver has the same layout of the |
| M space saver and other space saver variants. | | | | Customizer, but the Space Saver has a smaller |
| Additionally, users who like everything about the | | | | footprint, while keeping the 101 keyboard design. |
| original IBM Model M but want the Model M in a | | | | Even though Unicomp has basically recreated the |
| different and more modern color opt for the | | | | IBM Model M, many die hard Model M enthusiasts |
| black M13. But some of the more personalized | | | | still prefer the heavier Model M because it feels |
| users try to create a virtually new Model M. Some | | | | more durable, and the keys require more force. |
| users have even repainted their IBM Model Ms to | | | | If you want the IBM Model M, then you can easily |
| change the ugly beige color or to personalize their | | | | find one from the forum auctions on geekhack, |
| own IBM Model M. | | | | or off of ebay. But if you want to try an ALPS |
| Despite the legendary tactility and durability of the | | | | key switch, then searching for one of the |
| IBM Model M, the Model M has had its share of | | | | aforementioned ALPS keyboards is your best bet. |
| drawbacks. The key actions of the IBM Model M's | | | | You can also look up different ALPS keyboards |
| buckling springs were extremely loud, and in quiet | | | | on geekhack. Now if you want to try a Cherry |
| environments (libraries, etc), the noise from the | | | | keyboard, you have more options because |
| buckling springs were unacceptable. Many | | | | Cherry makes their own keyboards and (the |
| computer users started to use the computer for | | | | Japanese) Diatec makes their own famous FILCO |
| simpler tasks that required less typing, so tactility | | | | keyboards. Gamers that want a good typing |
| has become less important. Instead, users have | | | | experience but want a light touch for gaming may |
| opted for sleeker keyboard designs, macro keys, | | | | want to try a FILCO keyboard, offering the |
| and a quieter typing experience. However, this | | | | Cherry Brown key switches, from Additionally, |
| modern approach has lessened tactility and | | | | the famous DAS Keyboard II, offering a sleek |
| durability in most modern keyboards. | | | | design with black cherry key swithces, has the |
| Nowadays, typing can be quite grueling for the | | | | Cherry Blue Key Switch. |
| everyday typist. Most keyboards, which are | | | | Now if you read this article, and you do not do |
| shipped with desktop computers, are made with | | | | much typing, then you should reconsider the idea |
| rubber dome/membrane technology. This rubber | | | | of purchasing a mechanical keyboard. As I type |
| dome technology allows for quiet key operation. | | | | this article, I am using the IBM Model M, and in my |
| This quiet level of operation appeals to most | | | | personal opinion, the IBM Model M is the best |
| average computer users. Despite the quiet | | | | keyboard for typing. Nothing beats its tactile and |
| operation from a membrane keyboard, rubber | | | | clicky action. The first click is nice, but the second |
| dome keyboards offer little to no tactility. This | | | | click of the buckling spring truly sets the IBM |
| leads to a lot of typing errors, and a typist cannot | | | | Model M apart from the competition. With that |
| type with consistency because the keys on a | | | | said, the Model M may not be the best for you. |
| rubber dome keyboard wear out over time. With | | | | However, it is definitely worth a try because it is |
| that said, most system administrators and writers | | | | not only a great keyboard, but if you do not like |
| would sacrifice sound for tactile feedback. Rubber | | | | it, then you can at least say that you tried one of |
| dome keyboards cannot really be improved | | | | the most legendary keyboards around. However, |
| because the keys lose consistency as the Rubber | | | | if you are skeptical about buying the IBM Model M, |
| Domes wear out; thus, the user loses a sense of | | | | then I recommend that you look around the |
| consistency as the keyboard begins to wear. | | | | geekhack forums. The guys there are true |
| Despite the lack of tactile feel, rubber dome | | | | Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who can tell you |
| keyboards offer the quietest key operation, and | | | | everything that you want to know about the |
| they are a lot cheaper to manufacture than | | | | Model M, Unicomp, Cherry, ALPS, Topre, and |
| mechanical keyboards. | | | | everything else about keyboards. In the end, they |
| There are some membrane keyboards which | | | | will definitely lead you in the right direction, but be |
| have implemented key switch designs that have | | | | prepared to try different keyboards until you find |
| helped rubber dome longevity. Such keyboards | | | | the one which suits you best. |