Original IBM AT Keyboard wanted!

[RichL]

Does anyone know anywhere in the UK that sells the original IBM AT type mechanical keyboards? The ones that weigh about 10kilos and when you type fast sound like someone using a machine gun?
I've tried Ebay etc, but it looks like these venerable antiques have long since been thrown away (and probably still in perfect working order after 15 years use too!)

Failing that, can anyone recommend a decent alternative, preferably with nice widely set keys and a definate mechanical click. I've got a 105 key Cherry at the moment, but 3 years typing, surfing and gaming have taken its toll.

[xortam]

I have an Omni Key/101 by Northgate Computer Systems. It was the closest thing I found to the clackety IBM keyboards I loved. Its been going strong for at least a decade of constant use.

[cbman]

I have quite a few of the old IBM keyboard sitting at home that my little brother picked up at an auction...

Too bad you live in the UK otherwise I might have been able to see if I can dig one up.

[Liquid Snake]

My friend used to have an ancient IBM machine with a keyboard just like you describe. Unfortunately the machine was dead and he tossed it away

[Indiana]

Hey, I'm searching for one, too! I do have a quite expensive Cherry keyboard, but the old heavy IBM ones (although 10kg is a bit exaggerated, they're only weighing 8kg... ) are still the best. Unfortunately there seems to be no way to get those keyboards nowadays.

So anyone who knows a replacement, any company still making such solid "metal" keyboards?
I'd like to spend something on this, but all the better keyboards I can see nowadays are expensive because of unneeded gimmicks (IR, so-called economic desing, special FN keys, Headcasting - or was it another product where I saw THIS unneeded gimmick?!? ) - but they can't even try to compete with the typing feel or the quality of the IBM ones.

[Indiana]

Originally posted by Liquid Snake
My friend used to have an ancient IBM machine with a keyboard just like you describe. Unfortunately the machine was dead and he tossed it away

Oh dear, sacrilege!! I think I'd even buy a cheap used IBM 2/3/486 if this was the only possibility to get one of those.

[Taz]

I've got one of an IBM XT-286, it must be a good 12-15 years old and still going strong

I think your best bet is going to be a computer fair, boot fair or someone who sells second hand/obselete computer equipment. I know of a couple of shops in London like that, which part of the UK are you from?

[RichL]

Originally posted by Taz
I know of a couple of shops in London like that, which part of the UK are you from?

I'm from South Essex, but my work occasionally takes me into Central London.
But London is quite a big place. Whereabouts were the shops, Tottenham Court Road?

[KvHagedorn]

http://store.yahoo.com/pckeyboards/

I got one here, new in the box. Don't know if they would do an international order, but I don't see why not. There's a phone# there if youd like to try.

When you get to the page, click "IBM keyboards"
The first listing there is for the 101 key buckling spring keyboard, which is probably what you're looking for.