Best old IBM/Cherry Keyboard for desktop computer?

[Totoro-kun]

Good morning,
I'll start by saying that I am a full time Linux user. I got rid of last windows about a year ago and I am very happy about that. What I enjoy about Linux most is it's very powerful command line interface. And I've got very nice experience so far with ThinkPads because of their keyboards which hands down are the best laptop keyboards I had honor to use. That said, I would like to get a nice keyboard for my desktop PC as well. But it's rare to find a real quality keyboard in Lithuania, as mostly cheap junk is imported in here. So most likely ebay is one of the best places to look for it. However, in order to look for something, it is good to know what are you looking for. Here you come in

I would like if you could share models of the best desktop keyboards you have used over the years. Or recommend a keyboard for me.

My vision of "ideal" keyboard:
* Standard (do not want any kind of weird ergonomic designs), QWERTY, UK variant (absolutely love big enter key), black keyboard.
* Keyboard without windows key would be awesome, keyboard with Linux penguin logo would be nice too (but this probably means new keyboard, so not really necessary).
* Wired (not wireless), PS/2 or USB plug.
* I prefer Sturdy massive keyboards over ultra slim ones, and if decently build, everything in between is OK too.
* Affordable price tag: up to 40$ or 26£ or 100LT I think is a decent price for some plain quality used keyboard.
* Preferred brands would be IBM or Cherry, but I am open for any others, except Microsoft (I would feel bad if i had to see this word everyday on my keyboard)

[RealBlackStuff]

I am currently in the 9th year of using this same keyboard, and I still love it.
It's a corded (PS/2) Internet keyboard, light-grey, Logitech Y-SE8 with UK layout.
It's still as good as new, although shine is showing up on several keys now.
All characters on the keys are still completely there/readable, no fading even.

The nearest I can find now (my above keyboard minus the [never used] internet buttons) is this:
Logitech Deluxe 250
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0720342023

[automobus]

My vision of "ideal" keyboard:
UK variant (absolutely love big enter key)

UK is not the best place to find big a return key.

[ThinkRob]

* Good quality
* Mechanical
* Cheap ( < 40 USD)

Pick two.

[Totoro-kun]

I have not mentioned mechanical anywhere Just looking for decent sturdy keyboard with my favorite blue IBM logo on it and if there were any without windows key Also i am interested which keyboards thinkpaders use.

I know mechanical ones does not come cheap unless found in grandmothers closet.

So far I have found Cherry G83 fairly cheap on ebay.

Also a nice mechanical keyboard guide for people who might be interested in them.

[robert213]

Reproduction of IBM Model M keyboards - UNICOMP Keyboard Products
http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/

More info here...
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/

[ThinkRob]

Keyboards. Oh boy. I care far more than I should about this. Then again, as a software developer, I spend many of my waking hours typing, so maybe it's justified...

At home I use an 1986 Model M for my workstation. It's from one of the earlier runs, and still works great. It's about to be sent off for bolt-modding... I've also got a few other Model Ms at any given time (as I refurbish them), but the 1986 one is the only one that I'll never sell.

I've also got an AEK that I use when I need a spare keyboard. I love it, but I can't really get used to it after having used so many buckling spring boards, so it's my spare for when I need to work on one of the headless boxes that I've got around.

At work I use a Unicomp Endurapro. While we're on the topic: the Model M's that Unicomp makes aren't "reproductions" really. They're made using many of the same molds, on some of the same equipment, and even by some of the same employees as made the Model Ms for IBM and later Lexmark!

My favorite laptop keyboards (in order): T420, 600-series (only some models), T60-series, T40-series.

Oh, and if anyone's looking for a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with the Control key where Caps Lock normally is, I happen to have a modified early Apple keyboard which I've converted to USB. It's got great switches and is a real joy to use... I'm happy to sell it, as I no longer need it.

[j-dawg]

I know you don't like slimline or small keyboards, so this may not be helpful, but I do rather enjoy my Cherry G84...
http://www.access-is.com/cherry-g84-4420-keyboard.php

I've got this model, but it's branded as something else. don't remember what though.

[dr_st]

UK is not the best place to find big a return key.

I find the BIGass enter the most convenient. However, due to two reasons I mostly use keyboard with the ANSI layout.

Reasons:

1) They are more widespread, and all Thinkpads in Israel and US (my two sources for Thinkpads) feature ANSI layout.
2) Most keyboards with BIGass layout shrink the backspace and put the backslash next to it. Not ideal in my book. A small percentage of them put leave the backspace big, and put the backslash to the right of the right shift. This is the ideal solution in my book, because the right shift is very big, and this way you have a big enter, a big backspace, and two big shifts. Unfortunately, only a handful of keyboards provide this layout.

[Totoro-kun]

Good morning,
Thank you for your thoughts ant tips so far. I am interested what is so special about that 1986 Model M keyboard, that ThinkRob use?

Talking about Cherry G84 and similar keyboards, I do not think such layout would work for me, because I would have to get used to the keyboard every time I use a different computer. It might work if I would get like four of these keyboards, but still i would prefer more standard layout.

And that BIGass enter is huge! It would be nice to get a keyboard with one, but for me enter from UK variant keyboard is OK

Earlier I have mentioned keyboards in the closets, and what a surprise! My friend found a very nice IBM keyboard for me in his closet. It has FRU: 33L3217 and Model: KB-9930 it is black, with a Blue IBM logo, it even has some multimedia keys and original sticker still on it. Plus it's my favorite UK variant It is not mechanical as far as I can tell, but nonetheless it's a very nice keyboard to me.

Here is a photo of the keyboard

There is a lot of dust on it, so I think I will have to do a deep cleaning today

[dr_st]

And that BIGass enter is huge! It would be nice to get a keyboard with one, but for me enter from UK variant keyboard is OK

The UK enter is fine by me. What I absolutely cannot live with is their small Left Shift key.

The Rapid Access Keyboard II is nice. I like it better than the Rapid Access III, which has a compact layout with the navigation keys in a vertical row instead of the traditional block of six.