The IBM Model M is not a relic of the past. We are using around 15 of them at Wendell's shop alone. They are still used today (especially by programmers) and I would wager their popularity is increasing. If you use one, let us know in the comments. 
Buckling Springs
A lot happens when you press a key onthe IBM Model M. As you press down a spring compresses until it buckles, triggering a hammer which hits a membrane. The Model M is clickier than just about all of the modern mechanical keyboards. Check out the video for a sample of the clicky majesty.
Build Quality
This keyboard might last through a nuclear war. The steel back plate makes it heavy (around five lbs), and it is insanely sturdy for it. Also, each key has a separate hole containing a spring and the membrane. These holes are virtually sealed. Today, most keyboards allow the dust to go where it pleases. The dust gets into the Model M, but it won't effect much.
Where to Buy
If you want something shiny and new, complete with a Windows key, check out Unicomp. They own the patent on buckling spring style keys and they still manufacture Model M clones. They can also create custom keyboards for you, but you will have to cough up quite a bit of loot for one.
If you want a Model M you should search Ebay. They come in various states and if you find a good one you should expect to pay over $40. If you like clicky keys, you should be jumping at one of these for $40.
How Will I Live Without the Windows Key?
You won't have to... But that caps lock key must die! I hate the caps lock key anyway. It's the most useless key on the keyboard and it gets in the way more often than not. What I have done is map my Windows key to caps locks. This can easily be done applying a quick registry fix. I have the reg file at the office and will upload it tomorrow morning.
This is the keyboard that I use for just about everything. I occasionally switch to a mechanical gaming keyboard as they do seem to be a little better for gaming.
If you want something durable and you like mechanical keyboards, I'd recommend you grab one of these. If not, get one for the novelty factor.
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posted 11 months 3 weeks agoWait... I think I had one of these keyboards back in '95. Darn peer pressure, I think I threw mine away because I "had to get with the times" or that's what my friends use to bicker to me about LOL
Time to go through Ebay for one of these... I suddenly want one LOL
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posted 11 months 3 weeks agoIts cool but i think the clickiness would get annoying especially for others in the room after awhile.
This must have been filmed either really early in the morning or late at night because logans hair is whacked!
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posted 11 months 3 weeks agoWhere's my ÆØÅ :D
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posted 11 months 3 weeks agoLogan...you skipped the 84 key IBM buckling spring keyboard. It went Model XT to Model AT to Model M.
I'm glad to see there is some buckling spring keyboard love on this forum. I just picked up an IBM Model F A/T (84 key) over the weekend. It's been heavily modded and has had 2 extra keys added to it as well as had the controller replaced and upgraded to usb. Check out the picture below.
I find the feel of the 83 and 84 key IBM's (Model XT and F A/T) to be superior to the Model Ms. Fun fact, the XT and F A/T's are capacitive where the hammer makes direct contact with the PCB unlike the Model M which makes contact with a membrane overlay...which causes the Model M to feel somewhat mushy in comparison to the XT and F A/T.
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posted 11 months 3 weeks agoThis is an epic KB,
if your into Programming and coding in general you will want this its very responsive and stable,
if you dont mind the sound that is :) i myself enjoy it as it brings back memories from the 90s <3
right now im rocking on a lenovo stock keybaord does the trick but meh want one if theses i am going to order tonight and never turn back haha,
it seems everyone use to have such a keyboard but there like omg wtf ima get this gaming keyboard with prog keys etc
no this is better in the long run trust me its the most stable keyboard you can find and its not even that expensive 25-40 on any website/ebay andn kijiji etc what ever you prefer but its cheap
+1 get one or die.
- Cryptic Shadow
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posted 11 months 3 weeks agothe clicking would anoy me lol that why i got apple keyboard :)
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posted 9 months 5 days agoAll i have to say is thanks for writing this review, and making me think about the sanity of buying a new mechinical keyboard. Saves me $100 since I have a great working Model M circa 1984 in the closet which works amazing despite the fact it's 8 years older then me.