Which keyboard like original IBM PC k/b or Selectric typewriter?

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x509

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OK, guys, I'm showing my age a bit by asking about a new keyboard with the same "touch" as the original IBM 5100 PC or :)p) the IBM Selectric typewriter, but that is what I used back in high school. I don't mind the clicky sound and I really miss the "positive" feedback from those keyboards. About 15 (?) years ago, I used a Northgate keyboard that I really liked, but it had the old layout with F-keys on the left, not on top.

I'm interested in a keyboard with a "modern" layout including the Windows key between the left side CNTL and ALT key, plus the basic F keys on the top of the number row. USB is fine, don't need wireless. If you can suggest a mouse that matches the keyboard style, that's great. I'm not a gamer, and I don't need backlighting. A black bezel would be best.

I've gone through a bunch of threads here, and honestly, it's "too much information" since I don't have any way to compare a DAS keyboard to a WASD or a Filco, etc. How do any of these compare with a 104/105 key Unicomp?

Thanks guys.
 
The 104 key unicomp is almost identical to the original IBM model M. Same tooling. The 105 is a different layout (shorter leftshift, extra key next to there, and a vertical enter key. Useful for non-US layouts). You can get second hand Model M's as well from a variety of sources, including ebay and clickykeyboards

The northgate keyboard you liked, I take it you mean something like the omnikey 102 ?
R0FF8.jpg


If so, they use Alps keyswitches. Keyboards that use alps switches include the Filco Zero and the Das III. Of course, you could always buy a second hand Northgate.

There are other boards that use Cherry switches. The closest to a buckling spring board would probably be the MX Blue, but it's a much lighter switch (50 vs 70 grams) and doesn't have as much feedback or noise either. Here is a link to some key switches.
Honestly, it's a way different feeling from a model M's buckling springs.
 
Bbq said:
The 104 key unicomp is almost identical to the original IBM model M. Same tooling. The 105 is a different layout (shorter leftshift, extra key next to there, and a vertical enter key. Useful for non-US layouts). You can get second hand Model M's as well from a variety of sources, including ebay and clickykeyboards
Click to expand...

I have no problem buying some items used, but I would be nervous buying a keyboard through ebay, since I have had occasional bad luck with some PC-type items.

The northgate keyboard you liked, I take it you mean something like the omnikey 102 ?
R0FF8.jpg


If so, they use Alps keyswitches. Keyboards that use alps switches include the Filco Zero and the Das III. Of course, you could always buy a second hand Northgate.
Click to expand...

LOL! I still have my Northgate 102, the exact model in this picture, and I just can't bear to part with it. But it has the original PC AT "large" connector and the older style layout with F1-F10 on the left.

I have a Lenovo laptop with F1-F12 keys on the top row, and I know from experience that switching back and forth would drive me crazy. (Back when I worked at Sun Microsystems, the Sun keyboards have the CNTL keys in the "wrong" place. Work to home, I would make lots of lots of typos.)

There are other boards that use Cherry switches. The closest to a buckling spring board would probably be the MX Blue, but it's a much lighter switch (50 vs 70 grams) and doesn't have as much feedback or noise either. Here is a link to some key switches.
Honestly, it's a way different feeling from a model M's buckling springs.
Click to expand...

Important feedback,since I really like the model M's keys.
 
x509 said:
OKAY. This is what I will buy. Thanks a lot, guys. I appreciate this help.

x509
Click to expand...

Guys, I forgot to ask, in my previous replies. Can anyone suggest a mouse that matches the style of the Unicomp keyboard? USB of course.
 
x509 said:
LOL! I still have my Northgate 102, the exact model in this picture, and I just can't bear to part with it. But it has the original PC AT "large" connector and the older style layout with F1-F10 on the left.
.
Click to expand...

They do make AT to PS/2 adaptors, so you could be using that keyboard right now :D

They also make PS/2 to USB, so you could be using that keyboard on a new computer, even.
 
Bbq said:
They do make AT to PS/2 adaptors, so you could be using that keyboard right now :D

They also make PS/2 to USB, so you could be using that keyboard on a new computer, even.
Click to expand...

I know, but the real issue is the layout of the F-keys. :(
 
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