Old style "clicky" keyboard - IBM model M etc.

Mr. Peri Peri · 23 Sep 2012 at 22:53

Anyone have one of these?

I love the feel of the retro mechanical buckling spring keyboards like the IBM model M.

Does anyone have one working on a USB system or know of where you can get them these days? I found an American supplier but the shipping is crazy due to the weight.

Or even suggest any models other than the IBM Model M?

stulid · 23 Sep 2012 at 22:57

Any supplier mentioned will be a competitor to OcUK and thus is not allowed.

Mr. Peri Peri · 23 Sep 2012 at 22:59

Do OCUK provide these keyboards? I naturally assumed not.

stulid · 23 Sep 2012 at 23:00

Mr. Peri Peri said:
Do OCUK provide these keyboards? I naturally assumed not.

No not the IBM one, but they do sell mechanical keyboards and thus anyone else selling keyboards will be a competitor to OcUK's "core business".

i.e - computer systems, parts and accessories etc.

[TW]Sponge · 23 Sep 2012 at 23:01

Full range of mechanical keyboards.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=702&catid=23&subid=2107

Snapshot · 23 Sep 2012 at 23:08

I was using a Northgate Omnikey Ultra with a PS/2-to-USB converter until a couple of months ago. Problem was that the converter didn't pass some keystrokes (alt-prtscn for one) so it had to go. I'm now using a Cherry G80-3000 which doesn't quite have the same feel. I've still got an unused IBM clicky keyboard somewhere plus a Wang 724 which was one of the best in its day but they'll both have the same problem as the Northgate if I use them with my USB KVM.

Mr. Peri Peri · 23 Sep 2012 at 23:09

Ok well thanks for the info, and the link.

So how do these compare with the retro mechanical keyboards? e.g. Buckling spring

I have not used a "modern" mechanical keyboard. I have been using rubber dome boards for a long time now so I suppose that most mechanical keyboards would feel better to type on but it's that feel of the retro boards I am after.

stulid · 23 Sep 2012 at 23:11

You might find this mechanical keyboard guide a good read - http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

Mr. Peri Peri · 23 Sep 2012 at 23:12

Snapshot said:
I was using a Northgate Omnikey Ultra with a PS/2-to-USB converter until a couple of months ago. Problem was that the converter didn't pass some keystrokes (alt-prtscn for one) so it had to go. I'm now using a Cherry G80-3000 which doesn't quite have the same feel. I've still got an unused IBM clicky keyboard somewhere plus a Wang 724 which was one of the best in its day but they'll both have the same problem as the Northgate if I use them with my USB KVM.

Is the IBM boxed? They are becoming quite rare and seem to be selling for a good price on a certain auction site

I am wondering how easy/hard it would be to convert an original to USB. I guess it would need new electronics and is perhaps beyond my ability.

Mr. Peri Peri · 23 Sep 2012 at 23:57

stulid said:
You might find this mechanical keyboard guide a good read - http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

Good link that - thanks mate!

Snapshot · 24 Sep 2012 at 18:11

Mr. Peri Peri said:
Is the IBM boxed? They are becoming quite rare and seem to be selling for a good price on a certain auction site

I am wondering how easy/hard it would be to convert an original to USB. I guess it would need new electronics and is perhaps beyond my ability.

I can't remember if it was ever boxed. A contact on another site found a pallet of them some years ago and sold them to the members of a private area there. Although it's not been used it's got a bit battered during a couple of house moves.....

Snapshot · 24 Sep 2012 at 18:12

stulid said:
You might find this mechanical keyboard guide a good read - http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide

Thanks for that link - very interesting indeed.

mick4545 · 24 Sep 2012 at 18:42

UNICOM produce a model M with a windows key and USB. They are the same style but have a dark blue base with light blue\grey keys. I used to have one. They use the same 'buckling spring' keys as the original. $79 plus postage.