Replaced My Favorite Keyboard

[NETWizz]

Well my keyboard finally wore out. Over the years it got louder, the keys got a bit looser, it has been disassembled and cleaned a few times, etc. Well, finally the spacebar became spongy to where you might not notice it by looking, but my thumb could tell it was limp and not returning as fast as I type. It just felt horrible like having something stuck on the bottom of your shoe or a flat tire... It was horrible.

I know you may laugh, but my Keyboard was a good old Dell SlimeLine keyboard. I do not know why I love these, but they are very good for typing as far as membrane keyboards go. The replacement is to the left ... It was new in Box... Part 0DJ331. Unfortunately, I am down to only two (2) remaining stock. :-(

You can see my supplies looking on the top shelf of my office closet next to random new extension cords (right), tangled up old ones to the left, a random fiber cable, and some drive... and a printer tray.

 

[GTP]

My favourite keyboard was an IBM (can't remember the model) but had to give it up when PS/2 died. I bought it new in 1998 and used it up to about 2009/10?
It felt so solid and had a nice "tok" sound on the key presses. I couldn't get over the weight of it either! It was so heavy!

 

[cypress]

I love that keyboard! Same one I use on my test bench.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Yup Dell made a great one with that model. Man...we had stacks 'n stacks of those at some point in time.

Personally my favorite is Microsofts Ergonomic...the big black one. USB, not cordless.

Mine is needing replacement, I have 1x spare still new in the box. They ain't making them anymore.
Dunno what big ergonomic one I'll get after the next one dies....guess Logitech. or hopefully I won't need to look for one then because I'll be retired after my next replacement keyboard dies. Current one is probably 15 years old.

 

[MichaelBits]

Funny how we find a keyboard or mouse we like and try and use them forever.
Good timing for this thread. I was just digging around in our storage the other day, and found these.

Microsoft Media Keyboard, which I have now claimed and am using.

The Dell I replaced, looks like yours! We have a stack of these laying around.

Oh look, an old IBM one too! Clicking keys, and heavy, I like it! Model number if you're curious.

 

[Blues]

The old IBM Model M is a hugely popular keyboard and things like it and N Key Rollover is why I stick with PS/2 whenever possible. I currently use a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Green switches at home want one like it for the office but preferably w/o the clicky aspect but hard to find stiff switches like it are much less common.

 

[GTP]

Oh look, an old IBM one too! Clicking keys, and heavy, I like it! Model number if you're curious.

Looks very much like my old "gun!"
Didn't realise they were made by Lexmark?

 

[Markverhyden]

Back in the '91 IBM spun off a number of businesses that handled manufacturing peripherals like KB's and printers. This included the intellectual property. I remember looking at an IBM labeled KB and a Lexmark labeled KB and they were identical. Seem to remember the KB part was in in Kentucky. But this was in the retail side so to speak.

 

[GTP]

Everything was built "solid" back then! Even the three 20" IBM CRT monitors that almost made my bench sag!
Could have almost powered a small community with the amount of power they used, not to mention that they generated enough heat to warm half my home!
But I was the envy of everyone!

 

[Krynn72]

I've got a relatively modern mechanical keyboard, a Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja

It's a no bs keyboard (no gaudy "gamer" aesthetic, no extra keys etc), has a number pad, and it is indestructible. Had half a can of Sprite spilled right in the center of it. Popped the keys out, cleaned em up and still working fine almost three years later. Don't imagine I'll ever need to replace it.

 

[GTP]

I've got a relatively modern mechanical keyboard, a Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja

It's a no bs keyboard (no gaudy "gamer" aesthetic, no extra keys etc), has a number pad, and it is indestructible. Had half a can of Sprite spilled right in the center of it. Popped the keys out, cleaned em up and still working fine almost three years later. Don't imagine I'll ever need to replace it.

That's a nice looking keyboard, but at AU $220. 00 it's a little bit pricey for me.

 

[Blues]

Nice Krynn72 here is mine Ducky G2 Pro

Barcelona all mechanical keyboards are pricey hell people pay IIRC $50+ for that old IBM Model M as it is kinda the basis that todays mechanical keyboards were derived from.

Funny side note the site I linked for mine the physical location of the vendor is only a few miles from me.

 

[Krynn72]

That's a nice looking keyboard, but at AU $220. 00 it's a little bit pricey for me.

Yeah, its not cheap. I got mine for $99 USD though back years ago, I'm sure you can find it cheaper than on Amazon. But I'm a "pay once and done" kinda person. Don't like cheap stuff and having to replace it all the time.

 

[mikeroq]

On my bench I use 5 of these:

After that I use one of these on 1 work machine and a few more when I overflow from the 5 above.

I really like these lenovo ones. I wish I had more of them.

I have a couple of these. They are not too bad.

My KB currently at home:

 

[timeshifter]

Yeah, I really like those Lenovos with the blue enter keys.

 

[timeshifter]

I still use a Microsoft Office keyboard for my gaming PC. It's the keyboard that had the scroll wheel on the left. Looks like this one:

 

[mikeroq]

Forgot to show my old flame! Got one back in 2006 and went through a few up until about 2012ish.

Had a few MSFT ones over the years.

Some logitech

 

[GTP]

Yeah, its not cheap. I got mine for $99 USD though back years ago, I'm sure you can find it cheaper than on Amazon. But I'm a "pay once and done" kinda person. Don't like cheap stuff and having to replace it all the time.

My birthday is coming soon, so I'm going to shout myself a new keyboard!
Looks like the only place in Aus is http://www.myshopping.com.au/PR--391833_Filco_Majestouch_Ninja_Black_keyboard
So I'll grab one!

 

[GTP]

On my bench I use 5 of these:

Why do you need to use 5?
I have one mouse and keyboard and Synergy. Does all my personal and bench computers, Windows, Linux and Mac.

Microsoft Garage Mouse works as well but not so full featured.

 

[GTP]

If you want your keyboard to make a nice "click" sound have a look at "ClicKey" by Steve Gibson. It's free and has about a hundred different click sounds.
I missed that nice "tok" sound on my old IBM Keyboard and I was able to recreate it with this little gem.