As a longtime programmer, computer historian and self-proclaimed keyboard fanatic, I‘ve tested countless keyboard models over the past 30+ years as computing technology continuously evolves. While flashy new options come and go, a handful of vintage keyboards remain impossible to top – even now with all our advanced engineering prowess.
What makes these specific antique keyboards so special? Read on and I‘ll explain from a seasoned expert‘s perspective what still sets them apart while examining each in detail. I bet you‘ll be impressed by their ingenuity!
Overview of the 5 Best Vintage Keyboards
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let‘s briefly introduce our cast of keyboard icons:
| Keyboard Model | Year Released | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| IBM Model M | 1985 | Buckling spring switches, tactile feel, enduring popularity with a cult following |
| Logitech G19 | 2009 | First backlit LCD panel built into a keyboard, beloved by gamers |
| Apple Adjustable | 1993 | Innovative split adjustable ergonomic design |
| Logitech diNovo Edge | 2003 | Futuristic high-concept styling and premium materials |
| Fujitsu FKB4700 | 1987 | No-nonsense quality construction similar to the Model M |
What made these particular keyboards so groundbreaking? Let‘s explore each in more depth…
IBM Model M – The Granddaddy of Modern Mechanical Keyboards
By today‘s standards, the technology inside the IBM Model M introduced in 1985 is prehistoric. But that hasn‘t stopped it from being embraced by yet another generation of enthusiasts. Why? It types like a dream.
With its patented "buckling spring" key switch design, each key press produces a uniquely tactile, audible feedback that feels responsive in a way few keyboards have matched in the decades since. It‘s hard to describe, but easy to become addicted to!
- The springs produce a "snap" both your fingers and ears detect, alerting your brain when the key activates.
- This reduces errors and aids speed, especially for touch typists who don‘t glance at the keys.
- The springs also cushion the impact of each key bottoming out, reducing strain.
Combine this with the precise IBM engineering, rugged ABS plastic construction that lasts decades, and the satisfying heft of over 3 pounds of steel backplate and you have a keyboard that laughs at modern rivals claiming to be "high performance".
The Model M‘s combination of innovation and heavyweight build quality means many working originals soldier on 30+ years later. And that‘s not counting the cottage industry refurbishing used units!
The Model M‘s reign precipitation began in 1985 and hasn‘t let up since. As a programmer who‘s typed over 20 million keystrokes, I rank it at least equal to top modern mechanical keyboards that copy its design ideas.
Logitech G19 – Ushering In Integrated LCD Displays
When released in 2009, hardcore PC gamers like myself flocked to the Logitech G19 for the never-before-seen feature of its integrated LCD display. This took a novel direction by orienting a tiny screen right on the keyboard instead of solely relying on the traditional computer monitor.
At a glance, you could access:
- In-game telemetry like stats, maps, inventory
- System resource monitoring like RAM/CPU usage
- Custom applets and plugins created for popular titles
This kept your on-screen view uncluttered while conveniently placing reference data a glance away.
But innovation didn‘t stop there… the G19 allowed extensive customization and tweaking to enhance the gaming experience.
- Per-key adjustable backlighting for visibility
- 12 dedicated macro keys for shortcuts
- Onboard memory for saving profiles between PCs
- Supported game developers with an SDK
While hardcore gamers adored it, the universal utility made it popular outside gaming as well. Programmers and designers would use the LCD to monitor system resources and save precious screen space for their workflow.
At a premium price, the G19 delivered premium capabilities far beyond typical keyboards, evolving their role and capabilities. Over a decade later, its DNA lives on in modern gaming peripherals.
Apple Adjustable Keyboard – Pioneering Ergonomics
Apple built a reputation for premium design with a focus on human factors and ergonomics. In 1993, their Adjustable Keyboard embodied these ideals which were rather unconventional for computer keyboards at the time.
The key insight was that a one-size-fits-all keyboard fails to suit diverse users. By sculpting and splitting the layout, then enabling the angle and relative positioning to change, Apple allowed custom tailoring to the user‘s needs.
Consider the improvements:
- Separate main deck from numeric keypad for flexible arrangement
- Palm rest integrated into lower casing for wrist support
- Adjustable hinge in center varies angle between halves
- Profile matches natural hand positioning
The adjustability made it easier to avoid ulnar deviation where hands angle uncomfortably. This reduced strain for long typing sessions.
While unusual in 1993, Apple recognized repetitive stress injuries developing in the office workforce from poor ergonomics. By tackling risk factors like posture and support, the Adjustable Keyboard exemplified their desire to innovatively address customer pain points.
We see the influence in their current ergonomic offerings emphasizing health. But this early entry laid the foundation for keyboards as critical tools helping users work safely and comfortably.
Logitech diNovo Edge – Sleek Styling Ages Gracefully
Logitech made a splash when debuting the diNovo Edge keyboard in 2003. Breaking radically from rectangular slab designs, the Edge looked like nothing before it with slick aerodynamic styling resembling a stealth aircraft wing. Fashioned from laser-cut Plexiglas over brushed aluminum, it drew gasps over its striking aesthetics.
But this concept car of keyboards impressed with more than its exterior:
- Edge-to-edge key local allowed compact footprint
- Touch sensitive media controls and navigation cluster
- Backlight keys for visibility in dark environments
- Elaborate charging station for power and syncing
With looks straight out of a sci-fi film, the diNovo Edge brought avant-garde industrial design to computing peripherals setting the high water mark for ultra-slim form factors and premium aesthetics.
Over 15 years later, the Edge still appears futuristic and cutting-edge thanks to its artistic molded construction of quality modern materials. While the computing world quickly moved on, its iconic looks remain timeless.
The diNovo Edge made keyboards as much about evoking emotion as pragmatism. Its sheer artistry and uniqueness still attract curiosity and admiration today like fine modern sculpture.
Fujitsu FKB4700 – No Frills, Just Quality Construction
After exploring various exotic and esoteric designs, you may be wondering if companies still produce utterly pragmatic and well-constructed keyboards anymore. Surprisingly yes… but you need to look to the past for an outstanding example.
The Fujitsu FKB4700 dates back to 1987 but exemplifies profitable simplicity done to a high standard – a workhorse keyboard focused on reliability over flair.
- Key switches use individual rubber domes for precise feel
- Steel plate mounts keys for stability
- All-plastic construction cut costs over metal plates
- Keycaps mated securely avoiding looseness
The quality resembles revered vintage boards like the IBM Model M but modernized with mass production simplified. The focus remained excellent tactile feedback and robustness for prolonged commercial use.
This no-nonsense approach delivered a budget-friendly keyboard sans exterior distractions. Yet underneath, thoughtful engineering choices like proper weighting and travel in the rubber dome switches enable comfortable all-day typing.
With specimens from 1987 onward still serving dutifully today, the FKB4700 represents a pinnacle of delivering maximum value honoring ergonomics and human productivity over flashy features – truly timeless design.
Despite divergent looks and varying years of introduction, common philosophies underpin all five keyboards:
Focus on Usability: From key feel to layouts optimizing typing, they dialed in the user experience for speed and comfort critical to productivity.
Durable Materials and Construction: Quality components and assembly resulted in keyboards surviving 30+ years of hard use to pass down through generations.
Willingness to Innovate: They weren‘t afraid to introduce unconventional features and form factors taking keyboard design in new directions.
You may be wondering who still uses these antiquated designs in the age of ultra-slim Apple Magic keyboards and customizable RGB gaming peripherals? The answers may surprise you…
Writers and Coders Adore the Tactile Feedback
For those typing 40+ hours weekly, the crisp satisfying travel and response notifies the brain to prevent errors even without glancing down constantly. Rapid touch typing stays accurate enabling focus on creative flow. Modern mechanical keyboards attempt to replicate these qualities but rarely equal the best vintage boards.
Hardware Enthusiasts and Collectors Prize Rarity
Whether appreciating landmark innovations in user-centric design or simply limited production runs, computer enthusiasts get satisfaction owning and using pieces of history. The IBM Model M in particular inspires reverence as the genesis of modern tactile keyboards.
Refurbishers and Modders Prolong Functionality
From username Chyrosran22 restoring yellowed plastic on YouTube to small vendors like ClickyKeyboards servicing Model Ms, devotees allow continued use either original or customized with modern USB connections.
Gamers Use Specialty Keyboards for Retro Computing Nostalgia
For replaying classic computer games, only era-appropriate input hardware can properly recapture the vintage experience. Those curved keycaps and clicking springs transport you back in time!
I hope you‘ve enjoyed this insider‘s retrospective on some genuinely brilliant keyboard designs that withstood fickle technology fads and changing cultural trends. While countless keyboards released since undoubtedly enabled efficient typing and game controls, these particular elite models got so much right they remain relevant decades later.
That‘s no small accomplishment in the rapidly moving computer hardware industry!
In my opinion, no keyboard before or since has matched the sweet symphony of the Model M‘s buckling springs or quite replicated the stylish opulence of the original diNovo Edge. Often newer revisions fail to capture the passion behind the pioneering original vision.
If you ever get the chance to try one of these legendary keyboards, I highly recommend taking a few moments to appreciate the history you are interacting with. Rubber domes and membranes may work perfectly fine, but they can‘t compete with top-notch vintage hardware for delivering satisfaction.
Here‘s hoping today‘s mechanical keyboard renaissance inspires future generations of greatness paying homage to these trailblazers!
Let me know your thoughts and own recollections of these classic keyboards in the comments section. I‘m always thrilled to chat about computing history‘s oft-overlooked gems keeping us productive one keystroke at a time!
