Category: Geeks r Us
I recently bought a new external keyboard to use with my netbook, since the built-in one no longer works as it should. I found a foldable, washable keyboard on Ebay, and decided to try it, since I wouldn't be able to short it out with my sweaty hands. They said Europe/US, so I thought the layout would be standard. But it seems to have only one control key, on the left. The right alt is one to the right of the space bar and the left is three keys down from it. No keys from the six pack exist in any configuration. The arrows are blended in with all the rest of the keys and every key, including the shifts and capslock, is the same size. Plus, they're really spaced far apart and the whole thing is silicone, making it very difficult to use, as there isn't any tactile feedback. So I bought another one, from Best Buy. It said standard, and aside from having a horrizontal four pack (missing insert, and delete is in another location), the claim is true. But it stopped working yesterday.
So I decided to look for a truly standard keyboard, with stand-alone arrow keys, the six pack (insert-delete, home-end, and page up-page down), two alt keys, immediately to the left and right of the keyboard respectively, two control keys at the ends of the keyboard, and of course, the shift and capslock keys properly sized, with all keys being full-hight and not low against the keyboard. I found a few and was considering them. But then I stumbled across something very interesting. It's called the Model M, and is commonly referred to as a "clicky" keyboard, due to the sound it makes when one types on it. I've never heard of this until now. The only keyboard that I remember clicking is the one on my Apple IIC. Yet I've heard this one on Youtube and it sounds different.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard
IBM manufactured it beginning in 1985, and sold it to various companies, from 1994 or so, until they stopped production in 1998 and 1999. But one company, Called Unicomp, is still making them.
http://www.pckeyboard.com/
They're a bit expensive, at $79 each, but as with the ones made by IBM, they're built to last. So now I'm trying to decide if I should get a new one or an older one that's less expensive. I could always use a ps/2 keyboard for the desktop and this foldable one with the netbook, since most of its' keys work and I'd only need it to do a few things. But I've read something about there being two sizes of ps/2 plugs and don't want to get the wrong one. I also want to make sure that, if I get an older one, it has the configuration that I'm seeking. I don't care whether it has the special windows keys or not, but the six pack is a must. Has anyone used a Model M or another clicky keyboard? If so, which one and what was your experience with it?
Yes! I just found this and it answered my questions!
http://plope.com/Members/chrism/25_years_of_the_model_m
I'm still not exactly sure about the larger versus the smaller ps/2 connectors, but am assuming that those were only in the very early models. Apparently, I can even get one from the 80s and use it on my desktop! Not only is the layout of the Model M standard, it was the basis for all other keyboards!
This makes my life so much easier. *smile* Now off to Ebay!
This is perfect! It's a guide to all the IBM models, complete with short explanations of each, as well as which ones to avoid and what to look for when buying from Ebay.
http://www.clickeykeyboards.com/model-m-buyers-guide/
That's cool to know you found the info you're looking for. *smile* I've never heard of the Clickey Keyboards, but the fact that they make a clicking sound when you type sounds pretty cool. Although I couldn't afford one for now, I'll probably still look them up on those sites you mentioned, just out of interest. *smile*
Ebay has some pretty cheap ones if you don't mind a brand other than IBM and aren't looking for a specific model. *smile* Just type clicky keyboard in the search box and all should be shown.
Are any of them USB? I might look into one. I miss that sound from the days of the Apple 2.
No. The only pure usb ones are the new ones from Unicomp. But the article did mention where you can get the proper ps/2 to usb adapters and some are on Ebay as well. If you go that route, you need to not buy any cheap adapter, as many can't handle the power demands of the Model M keyboards.
I had the Unicom buckling spring IBM-style keyboard when I had a tower, and absolutely loved it, and miss it every day. Once you've had the old buckling spring type, nothing else is quite the same.
Yeah, I've heard those are easier to repair.
clicky keyboards were very comin in the old days of computers. my emulated msx turbo r has one like that.