Any IBM Model M users around? : Othor Games

Any IBM Model M users around? · » Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:11 pm

The proud owner of 2 1991 (and 1 1995 Lexmark-made) IBM Model M keyboards.

It sure is fun to type on a keyboard that came out when the 33 Mhz 80486 processor was new.

I bought them in August 2007 and they're still clicking away like new.(Thank goodness for new motherboards still including a PS/2 port.)

» Wed Jul 04, 2012 6:42 pm

I was going to get one of the http://pckeyboard.com/page/SpacesaverM/UB4ZPHA as my next keyboard, but if I'm not mistaken they raised the price. I'll probably go for one of the Cherry mechanical ones instead.

I've never used one of the originals, but the office my mom works out probably threw out a bunch of them when they moved. What a shame.

» Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:40 pm

I have one out in the garage, but don't use it. I'm not a clicky keyboard type person

For those who want one, you can get a classic Model M from http://www.clickykeyboards.com/ (I hear they do a pretty good job on making sure they work), or a modernized keyboard based on the Model M from http://www.daskeyboard.com/

» Thu Jul 05, 2012 12:34 am

I can't stand clicky keyboards. They do scream old school if you're into that kind of thing though.

» Thu Jul 05, 2012 12:59 am

I like my keyboards being silent, flat and shaped for ergonomic use. Loud, clunky, chunky awkward keyboards that have turned a shade of yellow does scream vintage and nostalgia though. Brings back memories of my old PC gaming days when I was about 6. Didn't play any good games mind you...

» Wed Jul 04, 2012 9:51 pm

Now you guys got me thinking about keyboards. https://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=CA-40GKCL1&c=CJ looks good for anyone interested in clicky clicky mechanical ones. Nice reviews, tenkeyless (which is great for me), and $68 with free U.S. shipping after a $7 off promo you can get on the home page. I may order it.

» Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:27 pm

clicky key boards are called mechanical
they are called such because each key is connected to a button via a spring that displays the number on the screen
as opposed to a new age one which is a pad that there a pad under each number
i prefer mechanical

» Thu Jul 05, 2012 12:17 am

clicky key boards are called mechanical
they are called such because each key is connected to a button that displays the number
as opposed to a new age one which is a pad that there a pad under each number
i prefer mechanical

It's a little more complicated than that.

There's also mechanical keys as silent as rubber dome keys. See Cherry Black and Cherry Brown. It's the Blue ones that are widely regarded as the clicky kind, along with spring keys like those used in the Model M.

» Thu Jul 05, 2012 4:10 am

clicky key boards are called mechanical
they are called such because each key is connected to a button via a spring that displays the number on the screen
as opposed to a new age one which is a pad that there a pad under each number
i prefer mechanical

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Model_M

The Model M keyboard, colloquially called a clicky keyboard

That's why we are all calling it the clicky keyboard: it's the nickname for the keyboard this thread is about.

» Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:39 pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Model_M

That's why we are all calling it the clicky keyboard: it's the nickname for the keyboard this thread is about.

sorry i was assuming you where confused rofl
ive never used am ibm

» Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:11 pm

I have a pair of IBM speakers that still sound fantstic despite being so old the plastic has started to yellow.

Bue otherwise no IBM products. Regular keyboards seem loud enough to me, and I can't imagine getting one specially made to make even more noise. Last I checked my typing speed was 60-70wpm on a good day anyways, so it's not like I need the hardware to help me out.

Besides all that a keyboard is almost like a wristwatch: I can't justify ever spending more than $20 on one. :tongue: