I have six Model M keyboards, and seven various Unicomp keyboards (all buckling spring, all USB), and four Razer keyboards. I have a lot of computers that I'm actively using.
The Unicomp keyboards I have are between 3 months old to 20 years old. I've had two of them wear out on me (not included in the seven). I've had two Model M wear out on me (not included in the six). And by "wear out" I mean they're heavily worn out and no longer function and are not salvagable.
I've never used a Model F. Maybe that's a good thing. :-D
I do not have any of the 122-key keyboards originally designed for mainframe terminals, but I have used them in the past on mainframes.
I do miss the WHACKETY-WHACK of the Teletype Model 33. ;-) I don't think solenoid based keyboards will make a comeback, though.
I've never used a Model F. Maybe that's a good thing. :-D
Neither have I, but I have read and YouTube'd a lot before spending so much money. Unicomp seems to be the only chance to have a buckling spring keyboard without the "20 years of heavy usage" tag, and they don't make Model Fs - and the "new" Model Fs are far from actual Model Fs, except the switches, probably. Buckling springs seemed to be exactly what I was hunting for. I will see if I'll ever switch back again. (I never had Alps - but I'm much too late for that anyway.)
I deliberately chose the PC122 model though. I quite love the look and it is awesome to have 16 additional "macro keys" (F13-24 plus four on the left side) on Windows. I'm still undecided what to do with them all. You only have so many media keys to use. ;-)
I don't think solenoid based keyboards will make a comeback, though.
You might want to read the thread on the new Model Fs – those are so very close to the original that they are probably even more "Model F" then the old ones ever were ;)
Seriously, though: The guy who makes them is commited to make them as true to their ancestors as humanly possible; it's amazing.
Not sure what you mean with the Model M layout, but the size is an understandable point – I like my small keyboards, but I can fully understand the desire for an F122.
The price is… well, it's a lot – but you get something for it that might last decades ;)
The Model M layout is what you still use today, with the size and placement of Ctrl, Alt, Return et cetera. I should better name it the "AT layout", probably.
I have six Model M keyboards, and seven various Unicomp keyboards (all buckling spring, all USB), and four Razer keyboards. I have a lot of computers that I'm actively using.
The Unicomp keyboards I have are between 3 months old to 20 years old. I've had two of them wear out on me (not included in the seven). I've had two Model M wear out on me (not included in the six). And by "wear out" I mean they're heavily worn out and no longer function and are not salvagable.
I've never used a Model F. Maybe that's a good thing. :-D
I do not have any of the 122-key keyboards originally designed for mainframe terminals, but I have used them in the past on mainframes.
I do miss the WHACKETY-WHACK of the Teletype Model 33. ;-) I don't think solenoid based keyboards will make a comeback, though.
Neither have I, but I have read and YouTube'd a lot before spending so much money. Unicomp seems to be the only chance to have a buckling spring keyboard without the "20 years of heavy usage" tag, and they don't make Model Fs - and the "new" Model Fs are far from actual Model Fs, except the switches, probably. Buckling springs seemed to be exactly what I was hunting for. I will see if I'll ever switch back again. (I never had Alps - but I'm much too late for that anyway.)
I deliberately chose the PC122 model though. I quite love the look and it is awesome to have 16 additional "macro keys" (F13-24 plus four on the left side) on Windows. I'm still undecided what to do with them all. You only have so many media keys to use. ;-)
Good!
You might want to read the thread on the new Model Fs – those are so very close to the original that they are probably even more "Model F" then the old ones ever were ;)
Seriously, though: The guy who makes them is commited to make them as true to their ancestors as humanly possible; it's amazing.
I have read about them.
But I respect the creator for his commitment anyway. :-)
Not sure what you mean with the Model M layout, but the size is an understandable point – I like my small keyboards, but I can fully understand the desire for an F122.
The price is… well, it's a lot – but you get something for it that might last decades ;)
The Model M layout is what you still use today, with the size and placement of Ctrl, Alt, Return et cetera. I should better name it the "AT layout", probably.
See this comparison.