In Keyboard Heaven
In the market for a new keyboard, but can’t justify the cost of the Optimus Maximus? At almost $2000, the Optimus Maximus is a bit spendy (but awfully pretty nevertheless).
However, the soon-to-be-released Das Keyboard could be worth a look. As it uses mechanical switches, it should be just as good to work on as the IBM M keyboard, and last just as long. You can even get it with no keymarkings, thus forcing you to learn how to touch-type without looking at the keyboard.
I first encountered the IBM model M (part number 51G8572) as a new sysadmin, working on the RS/6000’s and have always been on the look out for a similar keyboard with a more modern style and the Das keyboard looks like it might fit the bill, plus it’s priced right too.