Need typewriter-like computer keyboard

cotdt · 30th March 2006, 02:18 AM

I'm looking for a computer keyboard (PS/2) like the old kind with the rigid, crunchy keys. Specifically I want it to feel like a mechanical typewriter. The newer keyboards seem to use a different button mechanism and doesn't "crunch" and the keys don't feel solid. What would be a keyboard that is still available, that is PS/2 interface, that has crunchy buttons? No ergonomic keyboards please, looking for a standard keyboard layout.

Thanks everyone!

bluesmoke · 30th March 2006, 02:26 AM

Hmmmm....

I've got a keyboard I bought in Japan. Mechanical switch type. QWERTY, but some of the symbols are in different places (quotes are shift+2). Cost me $50 (US equiv), asking the same +shipping. PS2 cable included (detachable; can be plugged in left or right side). Deep violet-blue base with black keys. Laptop type squished key placement.

If you need a picture, I can pull it out of my closet and take one. Barely used it. Love the feel, but drove the wife and I nuts when we'd be emailing in the middle of the night. Clackety-clackety-clack...

lndm · 30th March 2006, 02:43 AM

Same, I stopped using mine because my wife complained. I know where you're coming from. I used to use a large and heavy keyboard I picked up at a fair for $1. It had a steel base, top and internal chassis.

794613 · 31st March 2006, 06:29 PM

You are looking for an IBM Model: M keyboard. Infact, I'm using one right now. It's known as the "Clicky" keyboard. It's pretty much bulletproof, and they can still be found. If you can find someone tossing out an old 386-486 (etc.) you will probably find one of these keyboards. You can also look at Craigslist.com (in your particular area), or ebay. Good luck.

- Jim

cotdt · 31st March 2006, 10:26 PM

Thanks for the IBM Model M suggestion. I will buy one and try it. Thanks a lot! I'll also consider taking bluesmoke's offer if it doesn't work out.

bluesmoke · 3rd April 2006, 09:51 AM

No Prob. No Rush. Happy Hunting!

It waits silently in my closet for a master...

matjans · 3rd April 2006, 10:26 AM

old Dell keyboards had that 'clickety' feel and sound too...

Mikett · 5th April 2006, 04:57 PM

The only problem with the model M is that some motherboards can't supply the required the current for them. Starting with the P4 generation notably Asus. Apparently there is some kind of mod that you can do to the keyboard. Some folks toss them out because they think it has gone bad. Then there is the noise.

I think the conguration is called the collapsing spring type.

Right now I'm using a similar type of mechanism that is not as hard and crunchy nor as noisy as the IBM 's. It's a Fujitsu FK84700 Series and is a great alternative circa 1994. My M type is being stored away. Love the tactile feedback.

davidlzimmer · 4th May 2006, 02:51 AM

I love my old clicky! It clicks both when you press and then release. Makes it sound like you are typing fast! :-)

30th March 2006, 02:18 AM	#1
cotdt diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2005	Need typewriter-like computer keyboard I'm looking for a computer keyboard (PS/2) like the old kind with the rigid, crunchy keys. Specifically I want it to feel like a mechanical typewriter. The newer keyboards seem to use a different button mechanism and doesn't "crunch" and the keys don't feel solid. What would be a keyboard that is still available, that is PS/2 interface, that has crunchy buttons? No ergonomic keyboards please, looking for a standard keyboard layout. Thanks everyone!

3rd April 2006, 10:26 AM	#7
matjans diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Utrecht, NL	old Dell keyboards had that 'clickety' feel and sound too... __________________ Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere!

4th May 2006, 02:51 AM	#9
davidlzimmer diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fairmount, GA	I love my old clicky! It clicks both when you press and then release. Makes it sound like you are typing fast! :-) __________________ Poor stereo mix? Switch to mono! Perfect.

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30th March 2006, 02:26 AM	#2
bluesmoke diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Great White North	Hmmmm.... I've got a keyboard I bought in Japan. Mechanical switch type. QWERTY, but some of the symbols are in different places (quotes are shift+2). Cost me $50 (US equiv), asking the same +shipping. PS2 cable included (detachable; can be plugged in left or right side). Deep violet-blue base with black keys. Laptop type squished key placement. If you need a picture, I can pull it out of my closet and take one. Barely used it. Love the feel, but drove the wife and I nuts when we'd be emailing in the middle of the night. Clackety-clackety-clack...

30th March 2006, 02:43 AM	#3
lndm diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: nsw	Same, I stopped using mine because my wife complained. I know where you're coming from. I used to use a large and heavy keyboard I picked up at a fair for $1. It had a steel base, top and internal chassis.

31st March 2006, 06:29 PM	#4
794613 diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Braidwood, Illinois	You are looking for an IBM Model: M keyboard. Infact, I'm using one right now. It's known as the "Clicky" keyboard. It's pretty much bulletproof, and they can still be found. If you can find someone tossing out an old 386-486 (etc.) you will probably find one of these keyboards. You can also look at Craigslist.com (in your particular area), or ebay. Good luck. - Jim

31st March 2006, 10:26 PM	#5
cotdt diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2005	Thanks for the IBM Model M suggestion. I will buy one and try it. Thanks a lot! I'll also consider taking bluesmoke's offer if it doesn't work out.

3rd April 2006, 09:51 AM	#6
bluesmoke diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Great White North	No Prob. No Rush. Happy Hunting! It waits silently in my closet for a master...

5th April 2006, 04:57 PM	#8
Mikett diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto	The only problem with the model M is that some motherboards can't supply the required the current for them. Starting with the P4 generation notably Asus. Apparently there is some kind of mod that you can do to the keyboard. Some folks toss them out because they think it has gone bad. Then there is the noise. I think the conguration is called the collapsing spring type. Right now I'm using a similar type of mechanism that is not as hard and crunchy nor as noisy as the IBM 's. It's a Fujitsu FK84700 Series and is a great alternative circa 1994. My M type is being stored away. Love the tactile feedback.

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