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Click clack: Mechanical keyboards compared
Justin Yu
Associate Editor December 8, 2010
The first IBM Model M keyboard was made in the 1980s and quickly rose to a cult product with typing purists who prefer its buckling spring keys as opposed to the thin laptop keys we use today.
As a result, manufacturers like Das Keyboard, Matias, and Rosewill are rolling out updated versions of the Model M that bring back the same key switches and the click-clack sound--hence the term "mechanical keyboard."
The unique typing experience on a mechanical keyboard is because of the mechanized switches underneath that springboard off your fingers as you type, and the audible confirmation can even help some users improve typing accuracy and speed.
Here we've rounded up several of our favorite mechanical keyboards, and the prices range from $100 for the Rosewill RK-9000 all the way up to $250 for the Topre RealForce 103UB 55-gram keyboard that uses proprietary key switches instead of the standard Cherry MX "Blue," "Brown," and "Black" versions that's become the standard.
Unfortunately you can't try them out before you buy, so be sure to watch the videos and listen to the typing sounds before you make a purchase.
| Product name | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | $137.95 to $285.01 | $69.99 |
| CNET editors' rating | ||
| Average user rating |  | |
| Release date | ||
| The Bottom Line | Fans of Apple's legendary Extended II keyboard will love the Matias Tactile Pro 3.0's sculpted keys and satisfying click. Its sturdy build and laser-etched keys also ensure a long lifespan. If you get past the $150 price, the Matias Tactile Pro 3.0 makes a solid replacement for the stock Apple keyboard. | Mechanical keyboards are gaining popularity in circles that miss the tactility of the original IBM Model M, and Rosewill introduces an inexpensive version in the RK-9000. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of competitors like Das Keyboard, but the Cherry Blue switches, molded keycaps, and simple-yet-durable design make the Rosewill RK-9000 an excellent, affordable product to start your click-clack keyboard addiction. |
| Features | ||
| Packaged Quantity | 1 | 1 |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | Info unavailable | 17.3 in x 5.4 in x 1.5 in |
| Layout | QWERTY | Info unavailable |
| Features | 3-port Hi-Speed USB hub Laser engraved printing keys Anti-ghosting with™, €, £, ¥, © symbols | Cherry MX Blue technology Laser printing keycaps Red metal inner chassis Gold-plated connector Braided cable |
| Localization | US | Info unavailable |
| Microsoft Certification | Info unavailable | Compatible with Windows 7 |
| Keys Qty | Info unavailable | 104 |
| Product Description | Matias Tactile Pro 3 - Keyboard | Rosewill RK-9000 - Keyboard |
| Device Type | Keyboard - Wired | Keyboard - Wired |
| Weight | Info unavailable | 3.5 lbs |
| Color | White | Black |
| Hot Keys Function | Volume Optical media eject | Info unavailable |
| Interface | USB | PS/2 USB |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 1 year warranty | 3 years warranty |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | ||
3 comments
Join the conversation! Add your comment- thanks asian jesus
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- Nice reviews, but you refer to these as 'updated versions' of the IBM Model M. This is not the case, as the Model M used an IBM-designed buckling spring keyswitch, these boards all use Cherry keyswitches. A company called Unicomp (www.pckeyboard.com) still makes Model Ms in Lexington, KY on the original tooling, as well as updated models with USB connections. I don't work for Unicomp, I'm not trying to sell their products, but I think you should review one and see how these keyboards stack up against the original.
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- It's amazing how little thought goes into an article like this, at very least they should read a comment or two and notice that they posted information in error.
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