[bowei006]

If you don't use Macro's and keypad, the Tenkeyless uber small editions look great for you.

 

[KimLaroux]

Quote:

If you don't use Macro's and keypad, the Tenkeyless uber small editions look great for you.

 

 
(I actually do, can't live without it)

 

[Yazen]

IBM Model M?  Anyone?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380654875496?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
 
Got a solid one for $30, looks almost new (except for the yellowing).  Would like to change the keycaps, have been waiting for a reply back from Unicomp for ages....
 
Does not exactly feel "LEGENDARY" when pressing on the keys, though if the keycaps were softer, would certainly get more hours.
 
Anyone know of model m compatible keycaps with a soft-touch finish to them?

 

[modulor]

Quote:

IBM Model M?  Anyone?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380654875496?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
 
Got a solid one for $30, looks almost new (except for the yellowing).  Would like to change the keycaps, have been waiting for a reply back from Unicomp for ages....
 
Does not exactly feel "LEGENDARY" when pressing on the keys, though if the keycaps were softer, would certainly get more hours.
 
Anyone know of model m compatible keycaps with a soft-touch finish to them?

Good price!  I know the 80's and early 90's models go for a bit more and are preferred, but I still think the later models are just as solid IMO, my current Model-M is a 95'.  Plus, those are typically XT (for terminal computers) and require a converter to work with PS/2.  If you want to try to remove the yellowing, I'd recommend checking this out: http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/  The case is probably the only part that is yellowing, because it is made of softer ABS plastic.  You may need to disassemble, clean the PCB and replace the pivot plate/spring assembly of each switch if those are too gunky.  I've gotten some dirrrty boards in the past! 

 
 
Parts are available on the Unicomp site: http://pckeyboard.com/ and they offer many different colors of keycaps, so you can customize it how you like.  Their keycaps, as well as the originals, are made of PBT plastic with dye sublimated characters, which is certainly already the highest quality and highest durability you can get.  Not sure if they make them out of any other material or offer them with a soft touch coating, but you may be able to find a clear coat spray paint that has a soft touch finish (just speculating, but it could be out there somewhere).  I'd advise against clear coating though, since it will just wear off with use.  
 
PBT is going to be the softest feeling plastic - while ABS is a softer material, it doesn't necessarily feel softer and loses it's texture much quicker, making the keys feel slick or sticky.  PBT keys can still get worn and shiny if the board got tons of use (like thousands of hours), so switching them out, and possibly replacing the pivot plate and springs may breathe new life into your board. 

 

[Yazen]

Quote:

Good price!  I know the 80's and early 90's models go for a bit more and are preferred, but I still think the later models are just as solid IMO, my current Model-M is a 95'.  Plus, those are typically XT (for terminal computers) and require a converter to work with PS/2.  If you want to try to remove the yellowing, I'd recommend checking this out: http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/  The case is probably the only part that is yellowing, because it is made of softer ABS plastic.  You may need to disassemble, clean the PCB and replace the pivot plate/spring assembly of each switch if those are too gunky.  I've gotten some dirrrty boards in the past! 

 
 
Parts are available on the Unicomp site: http://pckeyboard.com/ and they offer many different colors of keycaps, so you can customize it how you like.  Their keycaps, as well as the originals, are made of PBT plastic with dye sublimated characters, which is certainly already the highest quality and highest durability you can get.  Not sure if they make them out of any other material or offer them with a soft touch coating, but you may be able to find a clear coat spray paint that has a soft touch finish (just speculating, but it could be out there somewhere).  I'd advise against clear coating though, since it will just wear off with use.  
 
PBT is going to be the softest feeling plastic - while ABS is a softer material, it doesn't necessarily feel softer and loses it's texture much quicker, making the keys feel slick or sticky.  PBT keys can still get worn and shiny if the board got tons of use (like thousands of hours), so switching them out, and possibly replacing the pivot plate and springs may breathe new life into your board. 

I've tried retrobright before, too messy and time consuming for me 

I've also inquired on their address listed on their webpage, still no response..  The keyboard itself probably needs taken apart and cleaned, could not find a 5.5 in my home that was narrow enough to fit.
 
From what I can tell, the inside of the keyboard appears to be fairly clean.  Keys do not feel sticky / gunky either.

Does anyone know of a bit set that has a handle with a long, yet narrow shaft?  I have my IBM Model M and Virtual Boys to take apart, Home Depot and Microcenter were of no help.

 

[phillyd]

KBTalking Pro with Cherry MX Reds



Razer BlackWidow Tournament with Cherry MX Blues


Cooler Master Storm Trigger with Cherry MX Browns


Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid with Cherry MX Blues

 

[modulor]

Quote:

I've tried retrobright before, too messy and time consuming for me 

I've also inquired on their address listed on their webpage, still no response..  The keyboard itself probably needs taken apart and cleaned, could not find a 5.5 in my home that was narrow enough to fit.
 
From what I can tell, the inside of the keyboard appears to be fairly clean.  Keys do not feel sticky / gunky either.

Does anyone know of a bit set that has a handle with a long, yet narrow shaft?  I have my IBM Model M and Virtual Boys to take apart, Home Depot and Microcenter were of no help.

I agree that RetroBrite is hit or miss, but some have had success with it.  That's good that it seems to be clean, I've just had some messy boards before that I've had to restore.  Microcenter typically has stuff like that (at least the one near me) but you may have to resort to looking on Amazon, that is generally my go-to now.  If I come across something that'll work good I'll let you know.

 

[modulor]

Quote:

Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid with Cherry MX Blues

 

Jealous of the guys who got the logo-free top! 

 

[phillyd]

Yeah I expected it to come with that ugly logo!

 

[calipilot227]

I got mine without the logo, not even on the CTRL keys. I always thought they came standard that way 

 

[bowei006]

Doesn't OCN have its own ability to add the website logo onto some companies Mechanical keyboards?

 

[phillyd]

Yeah they custom order duckies pretty often

 

[Sniping]

Grrr....didn't get in on any of the themed Topre CC's. I was really hoping for a Topre Skullsicle but I guess it's time for the classified.

 

[modulor]

Quote:

Grrr....didn't get in on any of the themed Topre CC's. I was really hoping for a Topre Skullsicle but I guess it's time for the classified.

I've been in on the CC caps before, but unless you get them at 'market price' it's not worth it IMO.  I've had a few in the past (now sold off, I was one of the nice ones who sold them for what I paid originally from CC himself) and they're very nice works of art, but some of the prices they fetch are madness!  Much like the $500 auction for the authentic red Cherry Esc. key...and then someone had GMK remake a huge batch of them (and they use the same molds and machines that Cherry used, as they purchased them)...they are indistinguishable from the originals, and now sell for $5 each 

 

[ethan7000]

Using the Black Window Ultimate, has MX Blues...waiting on Corsair to release their K70 in gunmetal with MX Browns