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Show us your Mechanical Keyboards and Mods.

Ducky Mecha SF Radiant Emerald Edition (cherry mx silent red)
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Durgod Taurus K320 TKL and Filco Majestouch numpad (cherry mx brown)
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Other old boards in boxes - Filco Majestouch TKL x3 (cherry mx red, mx blue, and mx brown)
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Not pictured are two more old boards - full size Filco Majestouch (cherry mx brown at the office and mx black in a box somewhere)
 
I do appreciate the thinkpad laptop keyboards. But I have owned two of the Thinkpad freestanding, desktop keyboards -- wired versions first with the old keyboard layout (up to T520 era) and the new one (T530 and later). I was disappointed with construction and with high-impact keystrokes that discouraged long typing sessions. I once again hoped for better with the newer, wireless version, but waited until I had a chance to try it before buying it, and was again disappointed. Their only virtue was access to trackpoint for fans of the pointing stick (I am one), but they feel cheesy, bounce your fingers back toward you as you type, and pretty quickly start to fall apart.

I understand the collectors' interest in the model F, but I am not a big fan of the layout.

But I'm curious about the "tex" keyboards. In the picture, they kind of look like mechanical keyboards. Are they your units in the pictures? Do you like them?
They're just from the website, I have not owned them but they were nice to use when I tried it briefly. They are mechanical, cherry-type switches. They are found here: https://tex.com.tw/collections/all
 
Other old boards in boxes - Filco Majestouch TKL x3 (cherry mx red, mx blue, and mx brown)
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Not pictured are two more old boards - full size Filco Majestouch (cherry mx brown at the office and mx black in a box somewhere)
I have a Filco Majestouch, but it's still keycapped in basic business black. I didn't know this old classic still had some mojo with all the new entrants into the mechanical keyboard world.

The Filco was a rare example of a mechanical keyboard kept alive by adherents of such keyboards during the long dry period when mechanical keyboards nearly disappeared -- in Japanese businesses of all places, based on a perfectionist belief in the superiority of the older design for typists.
 
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I have a Filco Majestouch, but it's still keycapped in basic business black. I didn't know this old classic still had some mojo with all the new entrants into the mechanical keyboard world.

I think the Majestouch is still a nice solid board. The one at work has been in use for several years without any issues. All of mine are in basic black as well except for the numpad pictured above.
 
Get on my level, Noobs! :cool:
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So due to the recent events all my orders have been delayed until next year. Currently waiting for this:


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Modern version of the IBM Model M. Not a replica, but a true licensing of the original technology including original tooling, and then a modern design with new tooling (one piece instead of two piece keycaps, etc.)
 
My work has just opened a new office which is all free seating. We have 34" widescreens on all the desks and fairly decent Logitech wireless keyboards and mice, but I find the pitch of the Logitech keyboard too large, so keep mistyping stuff. I had a look for around for a reasonable tenkeyless that I can keep in my locker and found a Keychron going for £33 (£41.50 delivered from China).

 


Modern version of the IBM Model M. Not a replica, but a true licensing of the original technology including original tooling, and then a modern design with new tooling (one piece instead of two piece keycaps, etc.)
it's not even licensing, actually
Unicomp was founded by a few people from Lexmark who bought off most of the tooling from the original factory after it was closed

had a chance to test one of their M's a few years back and was utterly disapointed, the tooling/moulds were so (ab)used and never rebuilt, it just wasn't nearly the same quality as the original (not to mention the single vs double keycaps on the original)

guess i can call myself lucky to have found a BNIB original M from Lexmark UK in a warehouse some 15 years ago, probably one of the last ever produced (nov. '96 if i recall the date on the sticker correctly) which i'll never give away, no matter the money i could get for it
i also have a heavily worn out which i might refurbish (probably with a bolt mod and a usb board)
 
it's not even licensing, actually
Unicomp was founded by a few people from Lexmark who bought off most of the tooling from the original factory after it was closed

had a chance to test one of their M's a few years back and was utterly disapointed, the tooling/moulds were so (ab)used and never rebuilt, it just wasn't nearly the same quality as the original (not to mention the single vs double keycaps on the original)

That’s what is great. The tooling finally got so worn down they started from scratch and made these:

They are not as good as the original BNIB/NOS, but the vast majority of available Model M’s that are used are pretty beat up too!

The mini M is sort of nice if you have a computer that does not require a numpad.
 
The mini M is sort of nice if you have a computer that does not require a numpad.

there was an original M TKL available but has since turned into something of a unicorn lately (even if one pops up for sale it's destined to have an exorbitant price)
 
My work has just opened a new office which is all free seating. We have 34" widescreens on all the desks and fairly decent Logitech wireless keyboards and mice, but I find the pitch of the Logitech keyboard too large, so keep mistyping stuff. I had a look for around for a reasonable tenkeyless that I can keep in my locker and found a Keychron going for £33 (£41.50 delivered from China).


I'm rather impressed with this keyboard, especially for the price. I thought I might find the gasket mounting a bit mushy, but it's really nice to type on. I'm now considering replacing my Durgod K320 at home with a V5 Max, or blowing the boat out on a Q5 Max.


 
I've been using a Kinesis Ergo 360 for the past few years since nerve damage in my right arm made touch typing with a flat keyboard impossible.


As the switches are soldered in place (i.e. not hot swappable) I had Zeal PC Clickiez installed (3-in-1 switches that can be easily modified to be either clicky, tactile or linear).

 
I have a Piantor Pro, advantage360, and a Dygma Defy...by far the best is the Dygma Def(wired)...great build quality, great layout, plenty of thumb keys, number row, and great software...there is no magic to the keywell in the advantage, it actuallly makes some keys harder to reach...MX keys and spacing are way better than choc in terms of feel and typing speed..the Paintor is definitely usable, but the typing flow is better with a few more keys and at least one more thumb key...

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I have a Piantor Pro, advantage360, and a Dygma Defy...by far the best is the Dygma Def(wired)...great build quality, great layout, plenty of thumb keys, number row, and great software...there is no magic to the keywell in the advantage, it actuallly makes some keys harder to reach...MX keys and spacing are way better than choc in terms of feel and typing speed..the Paintor is definitely usable, but the typing flow is better with a few more keys and at least one more thumb key...

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In addition to the Advantage 360 I also have a Dygma Defy, a ZSA Moonlander and a Dactyl Manuform.

The best option for any individual would obviously depend on their needs and preferences.

In my case, the ulnar nerve in the right arm was severed just above the elbow a few years ago. The nerve sheathe was surgically repaired, and the axon has regenerated, but there's still some muscle paralysis in the right hand which limits dexterity. The main issue being a tendency of the pinky and ring fingers to claw.

For me the Advantage 360 was the only one that was workable. Touch typing is no problem, and I make extensive use of layers. The height of the keyboard necessitated a keyboard tray to lower the keyboard and tilt it backwards at about 20 degrees. I do find it uncomfortable to use flat on a desk.

I'm pleased the Dygma Defy is working well for you.
 
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