Dang that thing is a beaut! Love the rainbow logo on it too. Apple really fell off man they used to make such cool stuff.Valyok wrote: 10 Dec 2025, 04:23 This one’s my daily driver. It’s an Apple Extended Keyboard (AEK).
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Best vintage keyboard without spending life's savings?
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jadontalis
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: POS Razer Ornata v3
- Main mouse: Razer Basilisk Hyperspeed
- Favorite switch: IBM Beam Switches
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keycap
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Dell AT101, Model M, DFK777NA
- Main mouse: Logitech M500
- Favorite switch: Alps SKCM/SKCL
- DT Pro Member: -
With Alps you're looking at an almost definite restore job, or you're going to be let down. Clones age even more poorly, same can be said for vintage MX clones. You can get lucky and find a real gem of a board that was kept in good condition every now and again though.
Can't go wrong with a Model M.. that is, IF you get lucky and don't have to bolt mod it to get it working. In my experience, this problem isn't as common as it's made out to be, but it's always possible. Model F's are sweet if you can get used to the layout, but the foam will eventually need gutted and replaced (not the most fun thing in the world.)
Vintage Cherry keyboards can be cool but I rarely find those where I'm at. I also know some people hate their build quality, but I've yet to experience one with that problem, personally.
Space Invaders, pretty much the same as Alps, you'll want to find them in good condition. They're at least common here in the US.
Futabas are interesting and I think they get too much hate. Similar to buckling springs in feel, unique sound, just sometimes they're a bit wonky.
Avoid most old foam and foil boards. I've run into some that were pretty nice, but those are few and far between.
Some old dome boards can be great if the thought of it doesn't drive you up a wall..
Just some general, hopefully-not-biased advice for anyone starting at ground zero that I've learned over the years.
Can't go wrong with a Model M.. that is, IF you get lucky and don't have to bolt mod it to get it working. In my experience, this problem isn't as common as it's made out to be, but it's always possible. Model F's are sweet if you can get used to the layout, but the foam will eventually need gutted and replaced (not the most fun thing in the world.)
Vintage Cherry keyboards can be cool but I rarely find those where I'm at. I also know some people hate their build quality, but I've yet to experience one with that problem, personally.
Space Invaders, pretty much the same as Alps, you'll want to find them in good condition. They're at least common here in the US.
Futabas are interesting and I think they get too much hate. Similar to buckling springs in feel, unique sound, just sometimes they're a bit wonky.
Avoid most old foam and foil boards. I've run into some that were pretty nice, but those are few and far between.
Some old dome boards can be great if the thought of it doesn't drive you up a wall..
Just some general, hopefully-not-biased advice for anyone starting at ground zero that I've learned over the years.