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