Have you ever typed on an old mechanical keyboard? Felt those chunky keys click under your fingers? Heard the sharp snap of each keystroke? I distinctly remember first trying a keyboard from the 80s in my friend‘s garage. It felt like time traveling back to the dawn of computing – when keyboards were built to last and typing was an art.
That discovery sent me down the rabbit hole of vintage keyboard history. And let me tell you, computer evolution has seen some absolutely incredible input devices that changed how we work and play on PCs.
In this post, I‘ll take you through 5 genuinely groundbreaking keyboards that I consider the GOATs (Greatest Of All Time). We‘ll relive what made them so special during their heyday and rediscover why they each still feel awesome today.
Trust me, after reading you‘ll be scouring eBay late at night for one of these old gems too! Let‘s dive in.
Why These 5 Keyboards Are the Greatest Ever Made
Literally hundreds of computer keyboards have launched since the 80s promising ergonomics, customization or some other innovation. But these 5 changed the game more than any others with their tech and typing experiences.
- IBM Model M – The first mass-produced mechanical keyboard that originated the "clicky" key feel and sound that users now crave.
- Logitech G19 – Feature-packed gaming keyboard with revolutionary built-in LCD display and macro keys.
- Apple Adjustable – Introduced split adjustable ergonomic design tailored specifically to hand resting positions.
- Logitech diNovo Edge – Stunning futuristic style and innovative touch controls way ahead of its time.
- Fujitsu FKB4700 – Quietly pioneered rubber dome switching membranes that displaced mechanical keys.
Over the next sections, we‘ll uncover why these keyboards rocked the computing world when revealed and explore what still makes them awesome gadgets today worthy of any tech collector.
#1: IBM Model M (1984) – The Keyboard That Went "Click!"
The year was 1984 when IBM released a hulking 5 pound keyboard for business computers that would launch an iconic tech legacy continuing today. I‘m talking about the now legendary Model M mechanical keyboard that went "click" and transformed typing comfort and sound forever.
The IBM Model M set mechanical keyboard standards still chased today. Image source
Buckling Springs For Fingertip Bliss
What made the Model M so revolutionary was its buckling spring key switch design. Unlike rubber membranes in cheaper keyboards, each key used an individual spring-loaded mechanical switch that snapped decisively into place when pressed then released crisply to reset.
This delivered unmatched tactile joy to the fingertips. Typing on it felt dynamic and lively versus mushy cheaper designs. The 65-80 gram actuation force also meant typists could dance nimbly but accurately across keys without tiring easily. Studies found buckling spring keyboards increased typing speed and comfort by 20%+[1].
And oh boy the noise! IBM engineers carefully tweaked the model M‘s metalspring assembly so each keypress erupted in a sharp tactile "click" during actuation then "clacked" loudly against the backplate when bottomed out[2].
This unique and satisfyingly cacophonous typing audio cemented the Model M‘s "king of clicks" reputation. No wonder [-company-]Apple‘s Steve Jobs insisted on using Model Ms for many years. The responsive feel and clarion key report verified every character inputted correctly.
Built Like a Tank
In addition to comfort, the Model M awed buyers with tank-like build quality far exceeding other mass market keyboards then available. Thick dual layer plastic top and bottom shells felt effectively indestructible and housed quality rolled steel backplates under each key plus sturdy internal metal shields[3].
Legend says a Model M once fell 3 stories from a building onto concrete but kept working fine! This ruggedness ensured many survive 30+ years later despite heavy commercial use. Even NASA employed Model Ms on space shuttles due to their proven durability[4].
The Model M became the quality standard which business keyboards today still aspire towards. It also kicked off lasting user obsession with mechanical key technologies – now a multi-billion dollar market serving gamers and coding professionals[5].
#2: Logitech G19 Gaming Keyboard (2009)
PC gaming exploded in popularity through the 2000s. So when Logitech debuted its G19 keyboard in 2009 boasting an onboard LCD screen, gamer‘s minds were suitably blown! Finally a keyboard delivering gameplay enhancements that were revolutionary for their time.
The Logitech G19 let gamers customize data feeds via its unique integrated LCD display. Image source
See, prior gaming keyboards focused solely on improving response times and key mappings. But the G19 provided game state displays, chat interfaces, audio controls and other feeds via its 6-inch 320×240 LCD positioned front and center[6]. This let players instantly assess stats or communications without obstructing main gameplay on their monitor.
And it didn‘t stop there…
Customization Powerhouse
The G19 also packed dedicated macro keys for triggering complex commands along its left edge. Gamers mapped these to execute special moves or actions essential for competitive play in MMOs and RTS titles[7]. No more fumbling awkward key combinations mid-battle!
An integrated control panel enabled fine tuning of the multi-color backlight brightness and patterns too. Want a neon blue pulsating glow behind the keys? Easy!
While hardcore gamers drooled, even casual players enjoyed toggling GPU temperature readouts or media libraries hands-free using the LCD during long gaming marathons. It felt like having a gaming command center at your fingertips!
These innovations ignited lasting market love for flashy customizable gaming keyboards now offered widely by Logitech, Razer and other PC peripheral giants. Though discontinued, the G19 retains cult appeal amongst gamers who fondly remember its revolutionary extras.
#3: Apple Adjustable Keyboard (1993)
Apple built a reputation for human-centric computer design long before mainstream tech caught up. This shone with the innovative adjustable ergonomic keyboard they launched clear back in 1993!
While ergonomics seems commonplace now, Apple‘s genius adjustable form optimizing typist hand comfort was way ahead of its time.
Unlike fixed keyboards, Apple‘s adjustable design adapted to each user‘s natural hand resting positions. Image source
Split adjustable designs persisted for years following its launch, validating Apple‘s vision. But even today many laud its careful ergonomic focus as revolutionary, including famed industrial designer Karim Rashid[8].
Adapting to Anatomy
So what made this keyboard so special?
Firstly, the Adjustable Keyboard took ergonomics seriously to an unprecedented degree even amongst keyboard giants like Microsoft. Researchers carefully studied how typists hands naturally rest when typing based on anatomical limitations of wrists and fingers[9].
They found most keyboard designs forced unnatural deviation of wrists from the arm which strained muscles over long durations. This caused inflammation or even lasting Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) like carpal tunnel.
By contrast, Apple laser focused their adjustable form on optimizing user comfort and safety down to precise degrees of horizontal tenting and center axis tilting[10]. The end result allowed each typist to tweak geometry matching their own physiology.
Centering on the human factor so deliberately was visionary for consumer tech brands then chasing only faster speeds and feeds.
Luxurious Details
Beyond pioneering ergonomics, Apple also packed their keyboard withluxurious details like plush leather palm rests fluidly contouring around natural wrist lines. Keycaps felt perfectly weighted and balanced on springy dome switches for responsive touch typing.
Little refinements like dedicated audio/screen controls reflected Apple‘sClosed Loop design process curating hardware coordinated holistically with software needs[11]. This produced coherence in the user experience almost spiritual compared to the utilitarian PCs of the day.
Ultimately Apple set a high bar in the 90s for crafting input devices uniquely tailored for human hands that competitors still emulate when chasing premium quality. Though even current Apple keyboard design leads trace inspiration back to the 1993 Adjustable[12].
Give one a try someday if you can!
#4: Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard (2003)
Logitech blew away CES crowds in 2003 unveiling an impossibly slim keyboard encased almost entirely transparent glass and aluminum. It looked like something straight off a spaceship! Of course I‘m referring to the now legendary diNovo Edge keyboard design icon.
Logitech‘s diNovo Edge stunned with futuristic styling and edge-to-edge touch controls. Image source
But this keyboard wowed with more than just sexy aesthetics…
Touch Manipulation From the Future
You see, running hands across the diNovo Edge‘s polished surfaces toggled mouse tracking and cursor movement eerily reminiscent of today‘s ubiquitous trackpads[13]. Users could flick between open application or trigger media playback controls this way. It felt downright magical!
Backlit keys illuminated on approach too thanks to integrated proximity sensors – no hunting for keys during late night gaming or coding crunches.
These innovative touch manipulations opened exciting new horizons for keyboard interactivity that critics praised as visionary[14]. Logitech had effectively designed a keyboard from 5 years in the future!
Its conceptual ambition earned prestigious design awards from the likes of Fortune magazine, CNET and others for quintessentially forward-thinking industrial styling[15]. High praise for computer hardware then still considered utilitarian accessories versus sculptural centerpieces.
While discontinued now, the diNovo Edge retains cultural relevance as a technology concept car proving input devices could be sexy, futuristic objects versus plain tools. It still looks just as stunning 15+ years later!
#5: Fujitsu FKB4700 Peerless Keyboard (1987)
If the previous keyboards represent evolution through exotic new key technologies, next up we have the quietly revolutionary and utterly reliable Fujitsu FKB7400 keyboard that changed the game going the other direction by omitting technology.
Confused? Well this unassuming ‘80s keyboard eschewed the finicky mechanical switches most quality models used back then, instead integrating a brilliantly simple rubber membrane under every key to register presses more efficiently.
The Fujitsu FKB4700 pioneered reliable rubber dome switch membranes that displaced mechanical key designs. Image source
See, while mechanical keys functionally worked, the discrete mounted switch assemblies were complex and expensive to manufacture versus a single molded mat housing hundreds of bubble-like domes that collapsed under pressure.
This membrane design also sealed out debris better and felt crisp when typing versus squishy thanks to quality construction. Fujitsu had effectively simplified keyboard guts without sacrificing great tactile feedback loved by typists.
The approach seems obvious in retrospect. But scissor-switch membranes displaced mechanical assemblies almost entirely in mass-market keyboards thanks to the FKB4700 demonstrating reliable functionality, cost savings and improved quality simultaneously[16]. Quite the hat trick!
So while collectors chase exotic older keyboards today, arguably Fujitsu‘s very un-exotic rubber dome model catalyzed the most impact by making PC typing simple, affordable and consistent in the adoption boom era that followed into the 90s.
I don‘t toss around the label "legendary" lightly when it comes to old computer gear. Only a handful of gadgets genuinely redefined what was possible or acceptable among consumers across design, engineering and experiential metrics.
The 5 keyboards above cleared that very high bar upon debut by shockingly introducing functionality and typing quality unlike anything users felt before.
Model M – Originated a tactile key feel so uniquely crisp and audibly satisfying it spawned lasting niche appeal that outlived its originator to the present day amongst mechanical keyboard fans.
G19 – Permanently raised expectations that keyboards could enhance specific use case workflows via built-in displays and ample customization options.
Adjustable – Apple set towering standards for carefully factoring anatomical science into consumer technology with elegantly adjustable split layouts.
diNovo – Dazzled consumers with an impossibly sleek conceptual industrial design juxtaposed by surprisingly advanced edge-based touch controls.
FKB4700 – Quietly disrupted manufacturing conventions at scale by substituting precision mechanical keys for reliable molded membranes that commoditized costs.
Simply put, these keyboards all pioneered clever new ways of triggering digital inputs that delighted users while pushing computing ergonomics and economics forward measurably.
Which Keyboard Would You Want Today?
I get it, hunting down 30+ year old hardware seems silly when cheap modern options abound. But for enthusiasts who cherish influential technology milestones, typing daily on an icon like the IBM Model M or Apple Adjustable links you physically through history to pioneer engineers who thought differently about human/computer interaction.
Even better, all 5 keyboards above remain viable for general typing or gaming today thanks to timeless designs focused on quality and utility that supersede trends.
For coders, the clicky precision of a Model M delivers unparalleled speed and accuracy making lines of code effortlessly flow from thought to screen.
Diehard gamers will adore the Logitech G19‘s helpfully flashy extras like customizable backlit keys and integrated gameplay stat readouts.
While writers seeking ergonomic aid tap happily away on Apple‘s brilliantly adjustable split keyboard angled just like their hands want.
And design fans simply desiring a conversation piece will fawn over the wonderfully futuristic style and slim proportions of the touch-enabled diNovo Edge.
So rather than yet another lookalike keyboard from BestBuy, why not rescue an innovative piece of history that pioneered functionality we now take for granted? Your typing hands and enthusiast heart will thank you.
Trust me, once you clickity-clack on switches decades ahead of their time or watch an integrated display fluidly animate behind keys, modern boards will forever feel boring by comparison!
Hopefully I‘ve convinced you that early computing engineers were ahead of their time designing keyboards focused on speed, ergonomics and quality-of-life enhancements beyond basic typing necessity.
While limited production quantities means finding vintage keyboards today like a Model M requires patience, building a collection over years ultimately links any history-loving enthusiast to each evolutionary leap in input technology through products that redefined expectations.
So what makes YOUR perfect keyboard? Maybe it‘s ultra-slim styling from the design visionaries at Apple…
Or gamer-focused stat displays letting you trash talk opponents equipped with ammo from the Logitech engineers…
Or simply the wrist-saving ergonomics typists need for marathon coding crunches.
Let me know what you think by tweeting me @user or joining my keyboard conversations on Reddit at r/mechanicalkeyboards.
And stay tuned for more nostalgic tech retrospectives unearthing the hidden gems that made computing so much freaking fun back in the day!
Keep clackin‘ away my friends.
Hero image: ©Parilov/Shutterstock.com
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