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From: doctlo-icfp on 19 Apr 2008 01:02
I'm looking for a new keyboard, I'm hoping that someone can help me
out.

First I want one with the feel of a Model M.
Second I want it to have a modern layout to it. In particular I want
it to have a Windows key ( or some key free of standard functionality
that can be mapped to a Windows key ).
Third I want it to be spillproof. ( I'm not sure Model M feel and
spill proof can work together. )
Forth I want it to be moderately repairable, meaning I can get at the
works and wipe them with a damp cloth. if a spill is really bad I want
to be able to dry it off. Any suggestions?

Thanks
Thad.
From: sandy58 on 20 Apr 2008 04:45
On Apr 19, 6:02 am, doctlo-i...(a)yahoo.com wrote:
> I'm looking for a new keyboard, I'm hoping that someone can help me
> out.
>
> First I want one with the feel of a Model M.
> Second I want it to have a modern layout to it. In particular I want
> it to have a Windows key ( or some key free of standard functionality
> that can be mapped to a Windows key ).
> Third I want it to be spillproof. ( I'm not sure Model M feel and
> spill proof can work together. )
> Forth I want it to be moderately repairable, meaning I can get at the
> works and wipe them with a damp cloth. if a spill is really bad I want
> to be able to dry it off. Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks
> Thad.

Print this out & present it to your local PC World. Jeez!! :-( What
planet are you from?????
From: do_not_spam_me on 21 Apr 2008 10:38


doctlo-i...(a)yahoo.com wrote:

> First I want one with the feel of a Model M.

Nothing comes close, but Alps, Focus, and Fujitsu models made with
metal switches come closer than anything else.

> Third I want it to be spillproof. ( I'm not sure Model M feel and
> spill proof can work together. )

Model M keyboards aren't floodproof, but I believe they're almost
spillproof, at least if the liquid doesn't enter above the top row of
keys. Spillproof keyboards are generally made with a rubbery sheet
containing crushable dome switches, but they feel soft, almost the
opposite of the Model M. Metal switches are among the least resistant
to spills.

> Forth I want it to be moderately repairable, meaning I can get at the
> works and wipe them with a damp cloth. if a spill is really bad I want
> to be able to dry it off.

Model Ms are hard to fix since they use a 2-layer membrane circuit
board set between a piece of hard plastic and a plate of steel.
Fortunately they tend to last a long time without maintenance because
the plastic keeps out dust and liquids. Membrane keyboards are the
easiest to clean -- usually just spraying distilled water or
electronic parts cleaner (90% pure alcohol) is enough, but the
membrane can easily be removed so the can be sprayed on the bottom and
the circuit board matrix also sprayed (don't rub -- the nickel traces
are not very rugged). Metal switches can be unsoldered and replaced,
but replacements can be hard to find. Some switches can be
disassembled for cleaning.

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