For my IBM PS/2 build I am making I needed a proper keyboard. Model M keyboards these days are sold for a crazy prices. But recently got a good deal for rubber dome one with German layout. I don’t care if it is buckling spring or rubber dome as I am not a keyboard geek, just want to have a proper looking PS/2 setup.
According to http://www.popflock.com/learn?s=IBM_Model_M_keyboard, “On March 27, 1991, IBM divested a number of its hardware manufacturing operations, including keyboard production, forming Lexmark International. Lexmark continued manufacturing model M keyboards in the United States, United Kingdom, and Mexico, with IBM being Lexmark’s major customer. Many of these keyboards are identified be IBM assembly part numbers 52G9658, 52G9700, 71G4644, 82G2383, and 42H1292, which were bundled with IBM PS/ValuePoint and IBM PC Series. Because of pricing pressures, these keyboards were manufactured with a new, lower-cost design, including lighter plastic, an integrated cable, and a single color for key legends.”
So, it is not the real keyboard IBM PS/2 came with, but it is close enough I can get with a reasonable price.
Regarding typing feel. Well, it is quiet, moderately. Layout and key spacing is comfortable. I have cheap Chinese rubber dome keyboard near by, so comparing those, IBM keyboard needs more power to press keys. So I would say it is average keyboard, not best, bat also not terrible. I could get use to it. I very early days with my PS/2 386 I had IBM model M with buckling springs. I cannot say anything about typing feel, but sound was way higher.
But as I said, I am not a keyboard geek.
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