deskthority

I'm new to this hobby and I'm looking to buy my first mechanical keyboard. To preface I've been using computers since the early 90s. My first real computer setup was the very first Sony Vaio in around 1996 I believe. I've been mainly typing on non-mechanical keyboards, though, and really wanted a sleek mechanical one. My goal is to find a vintage one in nice condition for under $100 since I'm starting out.

I have an iMate I can use for ADB and an active PS2 to USB converter for PS2 keyboards. I know I will need to buy specialized adapters for others.

My ideal keyboard as far as design is the NON-ADB NEXT Keyboard. It's sleek, modern looking, and super cool.

I really love the Apple IIgs and Adjustable Keyboards as well but they mostly come in white/gray and many are yellowed. I'd prefer to find something in black if possible. If I can find either of those in black I would be happy too. There may be some other cool and sleek Apple ones.

Some of the 90s Cherry keyboards look sleek but seem to be over my price range and many are really large.

I love the Topre Realfroce series but all the ones in my price range I've seen don't come with a numerical pad for some reason.

SGI "Space Invader" Keyboard (RT6856T) is cool and in my price range but again, many are yellowed and I would prefer a black one.

Anyway if you can recommend any more it would be greatly appreciated.

The Non-ADB Next Keyboard is sort of my holy grail, but I can't afford it now and can't find an adapter for it that's available either... Maybe someone has one of these keyboards they would sell? I see loads of them on eBay so it seems they are not that rare.

At under $100 USD, try looking for a Focus FK-2001 keyboard with Alps SKCM White switches or an Apple Extended Keyboard II with Alps SKCM Salmon switches. Black keyboard usually use pad printed keycaps.

I would sort of second the Focus FK-2001, too, if you don't mind Focus's electrical foibles... but I would like to save you a rabbit hole. I'd go to ClickyKeyboards, and buy one of the NOS or rebuilt Model M's they are selling on there. The truth is, the Model M is the best keyboard ever made.

If you really want black, though, there is Unicomp's New Model M, which is just a slightly less solid-feeling version of an IBM Model M, and they come in black. Because if you don't want to spend silly money, the best keyboard is the Model M.

(This might just be my subjective opinion, of course.)

Green Maned Lion wrote: 01 Sep 2025, 20:21 […] The truth is, the Model M is the best keyboard ever made.[…]

Except, of course, for the built-in "broken rivets" issue

Well sure; that's why I suggested buying a rebuilt or NOS (and checked) one from ClickyKeyboards or a new Model M from Unicomp. But I LOVE my Battleship...