deskthority

Started out with a Filco Majestouch Ninja TKL. Then added new keycaps. Now I have a room filled with keyboards on benches, shelves, and stacked in their original boxes. File drawers filled with keycap sets. Old keyboards from eBay awaiting restoration/modification.

After trying many boards, I have arrived at relatively few favorites: IBM XT, IBM Model M SSK, HHKB Pro 2.

The HHKB Pro 2 might seem pricey. However, I ended up spending much more on a Poker II by the time I had added a new set of keycaps and a metal case, only to find that I really don't like Cherry switches. The HHKB layout might also seem alien, but I adjusted immediately and like it so well that I have remapped my IBM boards to the HHKB layout.

The IBMs are amazing. My XT is 30 years old and works beautifully. The IBM boards are also quite adaptable, and custom caps are available from Unicomp. Prices are all over the map, but I just picked up another XT from eBay for $19. However, to use it with my Mac, (or any contemporary computer), I will need to buy an adapter box from Hagstrom for $55 or do some soldering to install a Teensy ($16).

Enjoy the trip!

rjrich wrote:[snip]I will need to buy an adapter box from Hagstrom for $55 or do some soldering to install a Teensy ($16).

If you have some soldering gear, pick the Teensy. Soarer's converter is just so flexible that it pays back the learning effort in a short time.

JBert wrote:

rjrich wrote:[snip]I will need to buy an adapter box from Hagstrom for $55 or do some soldering to install a Teensy ($16).

If you have some soldering gear, pick the Teensy. Soarer's converter is just so flexible that it pays back the learning effort in a short time.

Thanks for the extra push. I've been gathering the bits and pieces needed to do soldering, and I placed the order for the Teensy today! After reading so much on DT and GH about the wonders of the Teensy and Soarer's Converter, it is going to feel good to move to the next level of keyboard modifying. Now I need to reorganize my office to convert part of it into a workshop....

i gave it a brief look, seems like it is intended for custom keymappings? really cool, but i don't think i can get past the learning curve. would much rather get a keyboard with my preferred layout instead

and thanks a lot to muirium for taking the time to entertain my queries

I'm thinking about buying a razer blackwidow, probably similar to the first one you had. Would you suggest a different one now that you've experienced that one? It's ranked as still very popular here http://www.squidoo.com/top-gaming-keyboard