IBM Model M vs recent mechanical keyboards

I'm buying a laptop as a desktop replacement. So I'm also looking at an external monitor, keyboard and mouse. Now I do not want to make a really big deal out of those three things. I don't want to pay more than 150 euro for the monitor, mouse and keyboard together.

Sometimes, newer isn't better. I did some research about keyboards and it seems like mechanical keyboard are still considered the best. I'm not sure, but I think I've typed before on a IBM Model M. Never knew it was any different from the keyboard I'm using now.

My question: is there a big advantage of using let's say a SteelSeries 7G as opposed to a IBM Model M or another cheap mechanical keyboard? There is no way I'm going to pay 100 dollar for a keyboard, but I'm still curious. Don't care about features, just about how it FEELS when you actually use it. Not only in terms of typing, but also in terms of gaming.

Also, is the IMB Model M the cheapest I could get, or is it more of a collectors item and are there better, cheaper and more recent options available.

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Let me rephrase what I really want to know:

Is there a big difference between mechanical keyboard (in terms of FEEL), or is a mechanical keyboard ALWAYS better than a membrane keyboard. Not talking about features, ONLY about the feel!

 

Mechanical keyboards last a ton loads longer than typical rubber dome keyboards. And usually have steel backplates for additional support.
The IBM Model M should last just as long as mechanical keyboards.

As far as feeling goes, mechanical keyboards tend to offer far more feedback and can increase productivity for fast typists who rely on touch to sense if the key has been pressed or not.
Auditory feedback is also obviously a major point but I feel auditory feedback is slower to process than feel.

 

The only valid answer to your question would be to spend some time with every type of switch out there. You're asking something very personal.

Personally, i prefer Cherry MX blacks, red and brown switches. Blues i don't dislike, but i'm not a fan either. Scissor switches are fine with me as well, but i don't really the feel of standard membrane switches. I can type fine on them, but it doesn't mean i have to like the feel.

Some people don't care, some people prefer low profile switches like those of the sindewinders (waits for Vogel to show up ).

In the end, a keyboard is a keyboard and as long as it allows you to do what you need it to, the rest is a bonus. I'm willing to pony up cash for a mech, not everyone is and you will not know what you prefer unless you try it.

Some people find linear switches unsettling for example.

 

Thanks for your answers!

Are there cheap mechanical keyboards anyway? I was hoping to keep it below $50.

 

Not sure you can do below 50$, there are mech in the 70$ range that are pretty good though, i use a CMStorm quickfire rapid for lans and it falls in that price range. In your price range, i'd take a look at the microsoft sidewinder X4, it isn't a mech, but it is a good kb. If you have an electronics store near you that has demo models, you could at least get a rough idea of the feel of the keyboards.

You can take a look at the review directory sticky for Mastershroom's impressions as well as mine on some mech keyboards. You can also take a look at Vicious' youtube channel where he reviewed some mechs as well: http://www.youtube.com/user/ViciousXUSMC/videos?view=1. Also take a look at this thread: http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide, it contains some pretty good info. You might see a lot of membrane keyboard bashing, don't drink the kool-aid, there are good and bad membrane keyboards just like for mech. Technically a mech should last longer in terms of keystrokes, but the mechanism is more complex so other types of failure may occur and like i said before, what someone likes another will dislike in terms of feel.

 

Define better. CLACK-SPROING RSI-inducing action better? Really? I never, ever, ever, want to see a Model M / 3090 / AS/400 terminal keyboard again.

You're no faster with a mech than a membrane - it's really all about the nerd-brag factor at this time IMO and the perceived benefits of the key feel. If it's a cheap, reliable keyboard you can type fast on, try a scissor. If gaming, go for a Sidewinder X4.

 

I do about 80-100 WPM~ sometimes more on a good day. Mechanical is better.
Far more feedback that my hands can recognize if I mistyped compared to a membrane.

Is it for everyone, heck no. I personally don't know why FPS gamers get them. (PS2 membrane would work just fine).

 

Compared against a scissor?

 

Yeah I guess as mentioned above it all depends on personal preference. I will mention however that most people see Topre switches as an outstanding satisfying typing experience but in all truth you shouldn't get them unless you actually do a lot of typing, so generally not really worth it if you game (not that you can use those key sets for gaming). There also ridiculously expensive (like my hhkb pro 2) so its really a question of do I want to spend this premium.

I should also note that even among manufacturers, the most common key switches like cherry blue, red, brown and black the same key switches might not feel the exact same way when used in another keyboard, for instance a steel series mx blue might not feel the same way as a quick fire or the pop mechanical keyboard razor blackwidow.

All in all, if you feel like being adventurous like I was back then you should try a Filco keyboard, there generally amazing both for gaming and typing alike and the price points are pretty generous as well.

P.S. you might also be the type of person who gets used to something and doesn't right away notice the difference when typing if you don't notice one when using the IBM M model, or most likely you haven't used the IBM M model because there noted as one of the greatest mechanical keyboards ever made. If thats the case generally any mechanical should fit you need.

 

I think, gauging by the reactions on the forums, most people who buy Topres and rave about them rave about it on the same basis as Filco's etc - i.e. on the basis of how much it cost and purchase justification, just to a more pronounced level.

Having said that, they're the only 'mechanicals' I can stand to use for any length of time - because they're essentially totally predictable full-travel membranes - so on my main PC's I tend to switch it up between Topres and Sidewinders at irregular intervals to give my hands variety. Filco's spend their time on the least trafficked machines.

I used 5250 and M-style keyboards for nigh on a decade, because a) you didn't get a choice when working on a 3090, S/36/38 or an AS/400 b) Work and home used to be wholly IBM PS/2 (well, that and the Macs - which back in those mists of time were actually better) for a while. I probably typed much less than I do now - and even then I remember the onset of joint pain. Never again.