"Your Fab Five" Keyboard Contest (Winner Announced)
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 02:33
by lot_lizard
So I have decided to start a little contest... Name your "fab five" (most desired) keyboards. These could be ones you already own, but that wouldnt likely win unless your HaaTa
We will let this run for a bit, and eventually have a community vote. The winner gets a restored IBM Model F AT. I am looking for ways to thin down the collection, and since I didn't participle in Secret Santa this year, it seems like the next best thing (plus I get to reduce not "trade" ). I'll update this OP later with pics, but the board is in great shape.
Please post your top FIVE keyboards using the "list" feature so it is easier to see (not a requirement). If you are having trouble with that, PM me. Not sure how long this runs, but likely would be shipped with all the MF stuff.
You are responsible for your own pics. So if you want to help others later... I suggest including some images.
______________________________________
Our leaders were nice enough to bump our poll options to 100 at least for the time being, and I was able to pair the listing down to 100 (we had more). If you were more granular in some of your original picks than the option listed (say zslane had a white space cadet and black space cadet as separate choices), you will receive votes for anything I consolidated (in the space cadet example, zslane will get 2 votes for a space cadet pick).
So for the voting, and this is on the honor system (all in fun), but I ask that you pick your TOP 10 boards. I am hoping those that would have submitted their "Fab Five" would pick those, plus 5 additional. This is not a hidden results poll, so feel free to track progress. Don't be a lame duck and ONLY vote for your original submission (otherwise this is pointless)... pick all 10 please if voting unless you REALLY only desire a subset.
Thanks again for the participation. It was a fun list to go through. Again... the 2nd OP has details if you are looking for pictures. I have a PHP script I put together that will process these results for me if you are wondering how we match it back up to the original submissions (it's tested and works).
Since this started a couple of days late, lets say the voting runs until 2017-01-03
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 02:49
by lot_lizard
Details of the Nominations...
"75%+1" Danger Zone (with magnetically detachable number pad)
Spoiler:
Acer KB-102A (Alps SKCM Blue)
Alps Creamsicle 60% Build
Spoiler:
Alps 64 (SKCL Green)
Alps AKB-3420
Spoiler:
Apple Extended Keyboard II
Spoiler:
Apple Extended keyboard m0115
Spoiler:
Apple //c (Alps SKCM Amber)
Spoiler:
Cherry ESA-3000-HASRO
Spoiler:
Cherry G80-0530
Spoiler:
Cherry G80-2000
Spoiler:
Cherry G80-3500
Spoiler:
Cherry G80-5000
Spoiler:
Cherry MX5000
Spoiler:
CHERRY MX 6.0 nb! (MX Brown and white LED's)
Spoiler:
Cooler Master NovaTouch TKL
Spoiler:
COTS ISO TKL Alps-compatible board
Dactyl
Spoiler:
Data General Dasher
Spoiler:
DataHand Spider prototype
Dolch PAC
ErgoDox EZ
Spoiler:
F-Atomic (F with planck layout)
Spoiler:
FC660C with 30-35g domes, silenced and lubed Novatouch sliders, a PBT spacebar, GMK keycaps, a custom controller and metal case
Spoiler:
Focus FK-2001 (Black)
Spoiler:
Focus FK-2002 (Alps SKCM blue)
Spoiler:
Focus FK-555
Fujitsu 1st generation leaf spring
HHKB Pro BT
Spoiler:
HHKB Pro HG
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HHKB Pro Type-S (Hasu'd with Cookie Stickers) and a Matt3o PBT spacebar
Spoiler:
Honeywell BTRM 121C
IBM 3270
Spoiler:
IBM 3278 (APL triple shots)
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IBM 3279-2C
Spoiler:
IBM 4705 F50
Spoiler:
IBM 4704 F62 (Kishsaver)
Spoiler:
IBM 4704 F77
IBM 4704 F107
Spoiler:
IBM 5140 (SCKM Browns)
Spoiler:
IBM 5251
Spoiler:
IBM 5556-005
Spoiler:
IBM 5576-003
Spoiler:
IBM Beamspring Desktop
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IBM DisplayWriter (Great White Whale)
Spoiler:
IBM Model F122
IBM Model F AT
Spoiler:
IBM Model F XT
Spoiler:
IBM Model M SSK 1391472
Spoiler:
IBM Model M SSK Industrial
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IBM Model M SSK with genuine three-button Trackpoint
IBM M15 ISO
IBM P70 (Alps plate springs)
Spoiler:
IBM Unsaver
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JD45 with Bluetooth
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K80CS
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Keyboardio Model 01
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Kingsaver (Alps)
KMAC Mini
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Korean custom with Nixdorf switches, OG Cyrillic dye-subs and a red Clack
Spoiler:
Leading Edge DC-3014
Spoiler:
LFK78
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Maltron 89-series layout
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Maltron one-hand
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MiniVan with Bluetooth
Spoiler:
Model MF
Monterey K-108
Spoiler:
NEC PC-9801-98-S02 (based on in compact symmetrical
Spoiler:
Nixdorf CT11
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Northgate Omnikey
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Nuclear Data with BT
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Optimus Maximus board with an OLED display in each key
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OTD 356cl
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OTD DKsaver Alps
OTD 360 Corsa
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RAFI Compudent
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SGI granite 9500900
Siemens SICOMP
Spoiler:
Sony NWS-3250
Spoiler:
Symbolics 365407 Rev. A
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Symbolics Space Cadet
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"The Fly" keyboard (like from the movie)
TGR Jane-CE
Topre Original Prototype from 1981
Spoiler:
Topre 200-key board. Proper Japanese legends, coloured keys against a beige case, JIS layout
Spoiler:
Topre Realforce 10th AE 55g
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Topre Realforce in tenkeyless JIS layout (91 keys) with PBT HiPro keycaps, silenced sliders and uniform, probably 30g domes
Spoiler:
Topre Realforce 87U 55g uniform
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Topre Realforce 88UB
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Topre Realforce ML11K0
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Topre Realpoint
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Univac Uniscope 100 terminal
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VE.A with acrilic wrist rests
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WhiteFox
XMIT Hall-Effect
Z70 Mechanical Keyboard
Spoiler:
Zenith SWA 4300
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Zenith ZKB-2
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µTron (Topre)
Spoiler:
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 03:00
by zslane
Must these be keyboards that actually exist and be realistically obtainable? Or are we allowed to list endgame boards that either don't exist yet or rare keyboards virtually nobody could obtain today?
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 03:06
by lot_lizard
Only rule... There are no rules. Community vote decides. List of "your 5" most liked wins.
EDIT: two rules... You only get one submission, and you can't be completely identical to someone before you. Feel free to edit it though. You can use combinations of others that posted before you
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 03:09
by mike52787
OTD 356cl
Unsaver
Original 4704 77 or 62
OTD DKsaver Alps
NIB Focus FK-555
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 03:41
by Chyros
NIB Zenith ZKB-2 (have been looking for one of these for a while, me and these boards just click 100%)
USB-modded IBM 3278 (yeah, got a taste for it now xD)
USB-modded IBM 4707 107-key (the heaviest F, I've got to check one of these out)
1st generation Fujitsu leaf spring keyboard (extremely curious about these switches, on paper it's the best switch design I've ever seen)
black Focus FK-2001 (I missed one of these a while ago; I couldn't afford the insane import charges. In retrospect I should've taken on a mortgage. Possibly the best-looking keyboard I've ever seen, still can't forgive myself for not buying it)
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 04:01
by drevyek
This is hard. Going mostly for things I don't have yet though, and concentrating mostly on a collection I could potentially amass and use. As such, I wanted to hit a few categories: at home board, at work board, travel board, etc.
Unsaver
Spoiler:
The layout is fabulous, has great symmetry with the nav-cluster and the left hand F keys. Just so much going for it. Plus, the C-BS switches are kings for me. Perfectly crisp, tactile, and smooth. Loud (in a good way) switchres, so very much a home/don't-care-office board. Not sure who to thank for this photo, but I love it so much. (DT awards?)
IBM P70
Spoiler:
Alps Plate Springs (though I'd want to re-case it in something a bit less... bendy). I love 2-stage switches, and Plate Spring is exactly what I want. @Webwit
IBM 5140
Spoiler:
SKCM Browns for that tactility (need to try them alongside my Oranges an creamsicles). Plus, they have the great IBM Dye-Subs. Rounding it out is the very usable layout that would be great to board up on its own. Would be amazing for a travel board, if properly handled. @Copter
Topre Realforce 10th AE 55g
Spoiler:
I tried one out at a meet up and just fell deeply for it. The action is just magnificent. I loved how crisp the bump it, and how clean the travel feels- especially post-actuation. I wanted to include a silent work board, as most of these would get me murdered The build quality of the RF pushes it above the HHKB for me, which felt a bit light in comparison. A perfect open-office board. @matt3o
60% Alps Creamsicle Build
Spoiler:
This is a board I (mostly) already have. I wanted a board I could bring along with me, so noise is a big concern, as is size. I also wanted something I could endlessly customize, and really love typing on.
Solution: Cream sliders, Orange leaves. Variable weighted springs (40g/45g/50g), with linear modifiers. SGI Granite PBT dyesubs as alphas, because I <3 PBT.
Honourable Mention:
Spoiler:
FSSK Internal, inside a Model M case, with a trackball in the numpad location.
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 05:02
by emdude
In no particular order:
IBM Model F122 6110344
I own this but it is one of my favorite keyboards in part because of its lovely blue sublegends.
Spoiler:
Unicomp Space Saving Keyboard
Because if they do it, I'll eat a shoe.
Spoiler:
IBM Model M50
I was kinda disappointed Unicomp never actually put this out during their Black Friday sale, would have been very tempted to pick one of these up. Also, more fun legends!
Spoiler:
... !!!
Spoiler:
IBM 5576-003
Wouldn't mind trying Brother buckling springs one day.
Spoiler:
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 05:40
by drevyek
emdude wrote: ↑IBM Model M50
I was kinda disappointed Unicomp never actually put this out during their Black Friday sale, would have been very tempted to pick one of these up. Also, more fun legends!
Spoiler:
Love the M50. Unicomp may not have any left in stock. It may also be that they don't know whether they do or not
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 06:02
by Hak Foo
Northgate Omnikey 101. The tank-like build quality and straight ANSI layout makes it the prince of ALPS boards. I'd probably sacrilege it by putting in new Matias switches for consistent feel
GH-122. There aren't a lot of bigger boards without surprise compromises. The big G80s are PCB-mount and bend under my typing, and the Tipros use odd sized modifiers.
Ortek MCK-143. Same deal, but with Alps.
Early Multistation board. I love my 'Pingmaster' (Japanese 4704-compatible with T-alps and gorgeous sphericals) but this could be a more workable layout.
EnduraPro. The trackpoint may not be up to modern Thinkpad standards, but at least it's USB and can be had with that nifty 103 layout/
This is my endgame keyboard. I used to be quite interested in the scheme programmming language, using it for
my recreational programming. Also using fringe/research programming languages often means the first available
editor support is for emacs. So lisp and emacs ... that would be the only true keyboard for that combination
The "newer" 365407s which have space-invader switches look (in my opinion) better than the older micro-switch version. Also Rev. A, because that one apparently has spherical keycaps.
Funny thing: Up until a few years ago, this were still sold by symbolics for very reasonable prices. A fact that I unfortunately learned too late
G80-0530
DSCN0561_small.JPG (698.65 KiB) Viewed 9812 times
this was the first time I really wanted a specific Keyboard (as opposed to just a certain switch)
so many special/unique things I like about this one ...
the overall AT-style layout (vertical F-rows, seperate numberblock, no nav cluster)
the giant space key
the missing bottom row mods
control where it really should be
the way they cut an allready almost ISO-Enter to make it look like a BAE
Theres something really appealing about the general AT-layout for me. Its horizontally way more symetric than a Model-M. And the numpad area is so much cleaner than on the XT.
Ergonomics-wise its extend to the right should be close to a TKL. And its deepth is smaller due to the missing F-Keys on the top. Sometime I put my mouse between me and the keyboard, and having more space at the top of the keyboard really helps here. I also like the way this makes the keyboard look wider than it really is.
I vintage 60%* . I allready have a 60% microswitch keyboard with a similar case-style ... they would look nice next to each other. Also note the strange equal-staggering.
The first custom board I ever saw. I really love this kind of case, and the vertical F-keys of course
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 06:46
by Ir0n
The "white whale" beamspring.
I want a beamspring board and this one has a layout very much like the AT so I'd already be use to it.
I actually like how it looks better than the others..
Spoiler:
Leading Edge DC-3014
Need to try blue alps! I love clicky switches and these are always talked about.. I'd take any board with them, but I may as well go for the the ol leading edge.
Spoiler:
Apple Extended keyboard m0115
This isn't hard to get at all, but I want some orange alps! I've read they are nice when you click mod them.
Spoiler:
IBM Model F 4704 107
Why? because massive keyboards are cool.
Spoiler:
IBM model F 4704 50 key
The amount of macros I'd put on this.. This thing would just be amazing to have on my desk.
I bet it would make a nice game pad as well.. (I couldn't find a good image!)
Spoiler:
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 07:51
by pansku
My list in no particular order except for the number 1 :
1. IBM 5251 Beamspring with finnish layout
I know that such thing exists because I missed it this year
And the rest:
IBM 4704 Kishsaver 62-key
I'm waiting for the Ellipsesaver, but one day I wish to own the real deal
Acer KB-102A Alps SKCM Blue
Blue Alps on an ISO-layout
Space cadet Keyboard
I want something with Honeywell Hall Effects and find no other one with those switches as desirable
And last but not least an Alps 64 fitted with SKCL Green
To top of the dream collection I need a 60% keyboard with linears for gaming, and greens seem a perfect choice. Caps of choice would be black on white ABS doubleshots.
In a list format:
IBM 5251
62-key Kishsaver
Acer KB-102A
Space cadet keyboard
Alps 64 with SKCL Green
Some of the keyboards are achievable, others not. Still I aim to have a beamer and blue Alps in my collection by the end of 2017.
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 12:01
by marijan
Ok, after realising that the rules of contest require others to actually like my selection, and seeing how I have zero experience (owing to the fact that I still own zero mechanical keyboards), I am forced to shamelessly steal from other peoples posts, thus securing at least a diminished chance of getting such a nice keyboard
- IBM model 3278
Spoiler:
It's beamspring. It's old school. It's gorgeous. It just hits all the right switches for me.
- IBM Model M Industrial
Spoiler:
I know that model F's are supposed to be better than M's but I really love the colour scheme on Industrial M. Also, this would actually fit on my desk so that's a bonus.
- IBM 4704 Kishsaver
Spoiler:
All the good stuff of true model F with small footprint more compatible with the current workspace layout. This is what my ideal daily keyboard could look like
- Data General Dasher D2 terminal keyboard
Spoiler:
I know nothing about this keyboard apart that it's gorgeous. And I'll probably never see it outside of a museum. But man, do I love those colours. I actually joined the MD buy for Dasher keycaps without having a keyboard to put them on
- The Knight Keyboard
Spoiler:
This is the father of the Space Cadet keyboard. Another board I would have never known about if not for this giveaway which forced me to explore ahead and get hooked on keyboards months before receiving the first one (XMIT Hall Effect Bamboo, so happy for it)
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 12:15
by Orpheo
1- Dolch PAC 586 ISO French (got it!)
2- Skidata mit trackball ISO French (does it exist?!)
3- Olivetti KBD2812 w/MX black doubleshot ISO French (does it exist?!)
4- Triumph Adler ISO French (does it exist?!)
5- Peacock with cherry dyesub and colored secondary legends ISO French (I only have OG dyesub ISO Belgian)
I love the original Cherry and would like to mix and match with various colored mods, Desko, BSP, GMK, and various sized aluminium and wood cases... Those would be my endgame!
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 12:31
by derzemel
1. Cherry G80-5000
2. Topre Realforce 10th AE 55g
3. TGR Jane-CE
4. IBM 3279 Beamspring
5. Unsaver
I have several others I would love to have, like the Mopar SSK, but the ones above are my main wish-list
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 13:27
by 002
select top(5) * from grail_list
order by wantyness asc
IBM 5576-003
Always had a soft spot for the 003 but they are so prohibitively expensive these days...
Spoiler:
5576-003.jpg (54.77 KiB) Viewed 10242 times
Topre Realpoint
They appeared as prototypes in a PDF catalog in late 2000. Would love to take one apart.
Spoiler:
realpoint.png (662.64 KiB) Viewed 10242 times
Topre Realforce ML11K0
Just a beautiful keyboard. The only problem is that it has lasered caps. I'd love to own one in immaculate condition just to look at it.
Spoiler:
Sony NWS-3250
Always wanted one of these -- AFAIK this is the only keyboard that Topre made as part of a portable / laptop. It's also using Topre's conductive dome switch tech as opposed to capacitive.
Spoiler:
The Original Topre Prototype from 1981
Say no more...I'd never get this through legal channels but hopefully I'm going to Japan next year to pull off the heist.
Spoiler:
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 14:05
by seebart
Nice idea lot_lizard;
Alright here are my top five, I combine keyboard love, switch feel and productivity as a daily driver:
1. Bolt modded IBM 1391472
Spoiler:
owLD3JX.jpg (812.36 KiB) Viewed 10214 times
2. Focus FK-2002 Alps SKCM blue
Spoiler:
800px-Focus_FK-2002_front_view.jpg (62.44 KiB) Viewed 10214 times
3. Topre Realforce 87U 55g uniform
Spoiler:
IMGP4242.JPG (966.67 KiB) Viewed 10214 times
4. IBM 3270
Spoiler:
IMGP1999.JPG (951.94 KiB) Viewed 10214 times
5. IBM XT Model F
Spoiler:
IMGP4243.JPG (974.46 KiB) Viewed 10214 times
I know this is limited to five ... but in terms of pure keyboard love this will never be topped for personal reasons:
marijan wrote: ↑Being the noob that I am (still waiting for my first mechanical keyboard to arrive from MD), I am going for the looks mostly.
Trust me marijan those three last keyboards look nice but are not the "cream of the crop" in terms of switch feel although the 1st generation Fujitsu Leaf Spring switches have potential.
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 14:16
by gcardinal
CHERRY MX 6.0 nb! w/ MX Brown and white LED's
Spoiler:
original.png (3.02 MiB) Viewed 10208 times
Siemens SICOMP keyboard
Spoiler:
20160120_132022.jpg (290.29 KiB) Viewed 10208 times
Topre Realforce 88UB
Spoiler:
topre_88ub.jpg (48.3 KiB) Viewed 10208 times
HHKB Professional BT
Spoiler:
s-l1600.jpg (19.92 KiB) Viewed 10208 times
Cooler Master NovaTouch TKL ISO
Spoiler:
novatouch_keyboard_large_1.jpg (104.51 KiB) Viewed 10208 times
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 14:44
by Khers
IBM 4704 62 key a.k.a Kishsaver
Spoiler:
Photo courtesy of 002.
IBM 3279 Colour Display Terminal Keyboard
Spoiler:
Photo courtesy of orihalcon.
PFU Fujitsu HHKB Pro HG
Spoiler:
OTD 360 Corsa
Spoiler:
Photo courtesy of photekq.
IBM 1391472 Space Saving Keyboard
Spoiler:
Photo courtesy of Madhias.
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 17:47
by lot_lizard
Really nice lists... honestly.
When I was coming up with what I wanted to pair down, I decided to ask myself this question... What are your "n number of faves"?!?... I struggled for a variety of reasons. Then it dawned on me that this paints a pretty good picture of who I was as a keyboard nerd, and what I deemed valuable and "needed". Many people share the same endgame board, but when asked for 5, I expected us to be all over the map. As an example, I would have a Topre in my list (which probably surprises most) because I do have a need to be quieter occasionally when I type (plus it just feels sexy).
Fun exercise regardless, and I know the AT will have a more active/loved home somewhere than a spare in one of my bins. Identical spares are silly. This particular one came from the haul of XT's I picked up on my own earlier for the MF project. It was the one of the lot not harvested for switches and cleaned up nicely. The top plate was sandblasted, zinc primed, and painted back to flat black. It's in nice shape.
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 17:50
by seebart
OK but forgot your own list man! This isn't DTA where the OP can't join in on the action!
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 18:32
by lot_lizard
seebart wrote: ↑OK but forgot your own list man! This isn't DTA where the OP can't join in the action!
haha.... true (my list won't be votable because I want to GUARANTEE this leaves the house). In no particular order really (love them all for various reasons):
IBM 3279-2C
Personally think it is the most beautiful board ever produced, of the greatest switch ever produced, and still sits in a "compact" form factor. I have a white glass top desk, and this is the perfect board for it (best feet on glass as well)
Spoiler:
IMG_0063.JPG (1.27 MiB) Viewed 10112 times
IBM SSK and Full Size Industrial M's (soon to be F's)
Only one of these would have made the list before our MF venture. There are rare occasions (like tax time), I need a 10-key. Before the MF, the Unsaver would have been in one of their spots.
Spoiler:
Kuato's IBM 3278
Rare I would restore anything other than to factory, but he hit a complete home run. Metal front flap instead of plastic, silver powdered shell, red assembly, key remapping, and APL triple shots
Spoiler:
HHKB Pro HG with Wajima lacquer
No, I don't own one before you ask , and I haven't ever seen in person, but can only assume it is stunning. As a daily driver I would prefer stock caps... but I don't need to be "quiet" very often
Spoiler:
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 18:56
by zslane
1. Symbolics Space Cadet in white case
2. Symbolics Space Cadet in black case
3. Data General Dasher D200
4. Honeywell BTRM 121C
5. AEKII
Winner!!!! Contest over. Just send me your address via a PM
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 21:08
by Berp123
I am honored that I won, I knew my response was the best. I would like to thank the academy, and you for the keyboard.
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 21:24
by seebart
39161249.jpg (61.25 KiB) Viewed 10053 times
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 22:49
by Wodan
Okay I took some pics and tried go for keyboards that I own ... one exception
#1 - The reason people talk to me at all: My Beamer
Spoiler:
#2 - My Happy Little Topre (HHKB Pro2, Type-S, Hasu'd, cookies stickers, just the right amount of fancy on the caps)
Spoiler:
#3 - My best buck (Model F XT all refurbished, layout see caps)
Spoiler:
Wish this was an AT
#4 - The poor man's MX5000 (VE.A with acrilic wrist rests, Vintage MX Blacks, SAD caps)
Spoiler:
#5 - The Unobtanium Keyboard (Nixdorf CT11) not mine!
Spoiler:
Pictures and keyboard belong to seebart
No Alps in here ... just ... couldn't really pick one that has it all. So hard to find an Alps keyboard where it all comes together. Layout, build quality, size, keycaps, ghosting/matrix ... Maybe once I finally manage to build a Hasu-60% ...
Posted: 13 Dec 2016, 23:10
by webwit
Could name a few IBM items I don't have, like an Unsaver, an Industrial Model F with buckling springs instead of OAK switches, and some other rare Model F and beam spring specimen. But I'll let those pass for a Knight keyboard and SAIL keyboard.
). I'll update this OP later with pics, but the board is in great shape.
... but in terms of pure keyboard love this will never be topped for personal reasons:
Trust me marijan those three last keyboards look nice but are not the "cream of the crop" in terms of switch feel although the 1st generation Fujitsu Leaf Spring switches have potential.
Photo courtesy of orihalcon.
