The keyboards that remind us legacy tech isn’t always a bad thing
Classic design holds a special place in the heart of many keyboard enthusiasts. As much as the technology has evolved over the years, there’s something to be said about vintage and retro mechanical keyboards. Sometimes the oldies really are the goodies.
For those who’ve started to build such a collection — or may be well into their journey — this article will help ensure you nab the best of yesteryear’s tech.
Check out The Ultimate Guide to Mechanical Keyboards for even more expert advice and information.
What defines a retro mechanical keyboard?
To be considered a “mechanical” keyboard, a board must use individual switches for each of its keys rather than a membrane sheet compressed in different areas to register key presses. As for what makes a keyboard “retro” or “vintage,” though the terms are often used interchangeably, they hold different meanings for serious collectors.
Here’s a quick primer on the similarities and differences in this particular application:
- A vintage mechanical keyboard is an authentic piece of computer hardware from a bygone era of manufacturing. It may have some modern repairs or other modifications, but these are only done to restore the keyboard to its original operating state where necessary.
- A retro mechanical keyboard was built to replicate and celebrate certain aspects of vintage boards, particularly their look, feel, and sound. It may combine these classic considerations with modern conveniences such as wireless Bluetooth connectivity and customizable layouts. In other words, a retro mechanical keyboard is a keyboard manufactured in the present, but with design elements to replicate older, vintage keyboards.
Vintage mechanical keyboards are often more expensive than retro boards since they are, by definition, in limited supply.
The appeal of vintage and retro mechanical keyboards
Anyone who has enjoyed the warm glow of a green-screen computer monitor can attest to the joys of old-school computing. Yet it isn’t just nostalgia that leads many to seek out a vintage or retro mechanical keyboard experience. Early computer terminals, and even personal computers, were typically very expensive compared to their modern counterparts. This was often reflected in the solid, heavy construction of their accessories, including keyboards.
As computers became more mass-produced, their accessories tended to become lighter weight. Advances in circuit and materials design allowed keyboards to use one easily manufactured membrane sheet to track key presses rather than individual switches for each key. Many enthusiasts found these newer types of keyboards less satisfying to use than their predecessors. That dissatisfaction contributed to the explosive growth of mechanical keyboards (whose switch designs harken back to old-school computing) in recent years.
With all that in mind, it’s easy to see why many modern mechanical keyboards target a retro aesthetic. It’s also easy to see why many enthusiasts pursue the unique experience of typing on a truly vintage board that’s stood the test of time.
Where to find authentic vintage and retro mechanical keyboards
If you’re looking to build your collection of retro mechanical keyboards, you have many, many options. MechanicalKeyboards.com is one of the most popular sites for buying modern boards of all shapes and sizes, featuring representatives from a range of manufacturers. Best Buy also offers its own online category of retro mechanical keyboards, and you can even ship your favorite out to your local store for pickup.
Meanwhile, if you want to see why enthusiasts have called out HHKB boards as perennial favorites for decades running, you can check out the retro-inspired look of the HHKB Professional Classic.
If you’re after a genuinely vintage mechanical keyboard, you may have to look a little harder. One natural choice is eBay, which hosts listings for all kinds of keyboards from across computer history — just make sure you inspect the listing and images closely before making your purchase. You can also check the “For sale” forum on Deskthority, a major mechanical keyboard community that has been active since 2011.
5 vintage and retro mechanical keyboards every collector should covet
Source: Wikimedia
IBM Model M
No list of classic keyboards is complete without mentioning the IBM Enhanced Keyboard — part of the family of keyboards more commonly known by their internal designation, “Model M.” Perhaps the most influential keyboard of all time, the Model M established keyboard layout standards the industry has continued to follow to this day. Before the Model M was introduced, the arrangement of the arrow keys, number keys, and navigation cluster varied widely across manufacturers. To find the most user-friendly layout, IBM created a large internal task force with the mission of testing its way to perfection. The company’s investment paid off, producing a popular design that would be copied for decades to come.
But the layout isn’t all this legendary keyboard has to offer. The Model M’s feel — produced by switches that use a unique buckling spring and membrane design — is considered by many enthusiasts to be the best of any keyboard ever created. The keyboard’s build quality is also stellar. From its anti-yellowing plastics to sizable heft of five pounds, the Model M is a durable device that looks great no matter how many years it's been sitting on your desk.
While some of the vintage keyboards on this list are fairly difficult to find, you can easily snap up your own IBM Model M on eBay.
Source: Aziocorp.com
Azio Retro Classic
If the Model M looks like the computer keyboard everyone had in the 90s, the Azio Retro Classic is straight out of a Jules Verne novel. This stunning, steampunk-esque keyboard couples the dignity of an old-fashioned typewriter with the performance of a modern mechanical keyboard — earning high marks on both style and substance.
If it’s not clear already, the keyboard is just beautiful. The elegant, two-toned colored scheme is easy on the eyes, as are its rounded, metal-wrapped keycaps, which contrast sharply against the Azio Retro Classic’s monotone, textured backdrop. And the keyboard’s per-key backlighting makes your keycap legends pop, especially during midnight work sessions.
When it comes to typing, the Azio Retro Classic is a joy to use. Not only are its tactile key switches highly responsive, but they also evoke that trademark clicky-clack sound that will have you feeling like a journalist about to break a huge story. Finally, its luxurious, sleek, and comfortable wrist rest ensures long typing sessions are kinder to your body.
Source: Deskthority.net
Fujitsu FKB4700
The Fujitsu FKB4700 is an essential part of any dedicated vintage keyboard enthusiasts' collection.
Like the Model M, the FKB4700’s build quality is remarkable. With its resilient plastic case, thick metal backplate, and heavy-duty construction, this vintage keyboard checks all the boxes for durability. This means that if you decide to pick one up at a local used shop or on eBay, it's probably still going strong.
The typing experience is unique, largely due to its Peerless switches. While these uniquely designed switches have a nice, quiet sound profile, the feel they provide varies across the keys. Some of your keypresses will feel smooth, while others may be rougher under your fingertips, especially the stabilized keys. At 2.8mm, the switches also have a relatively long pretravel, which may catch enthusiasts used to more compact actuation points off guard.
Overall, the Fujitsu FKB4700 is a high-quality board with some intriguing switch technology: In other words, the perfect collector's item.
Did You Know? HHKB keyboards are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Click here to learn more.
Source: Qwerkywriter
Qwerkywriter
For enthusiasts who are truly dedicated to that retro typewriter look and feel, the Qwerkywriter is worth checking out. While the Azio Retro Classic incorporates some aspects of classic typewriter design, this keyboard does much more than tip its hat to old-school technology. From roller knobs that control volume and scrolling to the cast metal return bar that functions as an enter button, nearly everything about the keyboard’s aesthetics is a clever reminder of a bygone era. This feeling is even reinforced by the keyboard’s material composition: Few things send you back in time like heavy, all-metal construction.
As for the performance, the keyboard uses Cherry MX Blues switches — which err on the louder side of things — to deliver a healthy degree of tactile and audible feedback. Also, the integration of unique features like the return bar means the typing experience itself is inherently (and enjoyably) nostalgic.
Source: ComputerHistory.org
Liberty / Morrow BT1200A-1
While you’ll find a good set of options on eBay for the Model M and the Fujitsu FKB4700, the same cannot be said for the Liberty / Morrow BT1200A-1. Sold as part of the Liberty Freedom 100 personal computer, these relatively rare vintage keyboards are a real find these days.
And honestly, they should be. Large, beautiful, and sleek, the Liberty / Morrow BT1200A-1 is easily one of the prettiest vintage keyboards ever made. Everything about this keyboard screams style: the black case, slate grey keycaps, and thick legends. Even its layout, designed before the homogenization of the post-Model M era, is remarkable.
But the Liberty / Morrow BT1200A-1 isn’t only nice to look at. It’s also just plain well-made. Weighing in at almost 3.7 lbs, this durable keyboard is rated for an amazing 100 million keystrokes, which, as a point of reference, is about four times as long as Model Ms typically last.
With so much going for this classic keyboard, consider snapping it up as fast as possible if you do manage to dig one up.
Did You Know? The HHKB was invented by Japanese computing pioneer Dr. Eiiti Wada. Click here to learn more about the history of this legendary keyboard.
The new classics
While vintage and retro mechanical keyboards aren’t for everyone, these five are great choices for any enthusiast with a penchant for the classics.
Speaking of classics, not all legendary keyboards are a product — or look like they were a product — of the past. Some keyboard manufacturers who pioneered the technology back in the early days of the computer are still developing models that will be the envy of enthusiasts long into the future. We’ve been developing models that enthusiasts envy today, while staying true to our 25-year historic design and layout. In short, our Happy Hacking Keyboard line combines the very best of the past and present. Click here to check out our entire collection today.
Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings.
