IS THE DASKEYBOARD THE ULTIMATE QRQ CW KEYBOARD ? The winner of THE ULTIMATE TYPING CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 (163 wpm) says YES !

[Chuck aa0hw]

" The Das Keyboard compares to the legendary IBM Model M. Its best-in-class, mechanical, gold-plated key switches provide a tactile and audio click that makes typing a joy. "

[Chuck aa0hw]

Another option for an IBM M, keyboard clone with the mechanical switches, an almost identical shape and function was brought to my attention by a fellow ham radio op. It is @70 dollars US. HERE

[Chuck Broadwell, W5UXH]

I received the Unicomp SpaceSaver 104/105 this evening. I connected it to one of my AVR keyboards to check it out. The current draw measures about 6 ma, so nice and low for use with dedicated keyboards.

I have only spent a couple of minutes banging on it and so far am very pleased. Although it has been over 20 years since I last used the original AT keys, I would say this one indeed is a good emulation and feels good to me. I will be labeling my special function keys and then connecting it to the keyer on the rig. From this first brief test, I am confident I will find that I prefer it over the "modern" sets of keys I normally use.

[Chuck aa0hw]

Good news there Chuck !
Thanks for this preliminary report on the Unicomp "IBM_AT_clone" CW keyboard.
Sounds like this will make a fine alternative to the discontinued IBM M AT keyboard.
We look forward to your follow up report after you have used it for a while.
Thanks again Chuck !

[Chuck Broadwell, W5UXH]

I used the board for a good qso last night with John, ex-K0JVX, soon to be K0JVX again.

Some typist like this board specifically because of the loud click. It is loud! For those who do not listen to their sidetone that probably is fine. I am in the camp where I like to copy my sidetone in real time (even though that leaves me in the QRS region, limited to around 60 wpm). Without headphones the noise would be a problem for me. I need to use headphones anyway to copy higher speeds, so the noise is not a big deal for me, but if anyone wants quiet, than they do not want this board.

[Bill Kramer]

I decided to purchase one of these keyboards
to replace the Microsoft comfort curve 2000
that i was unhappy with. I bought the
Customizer 104 which is the same as the
Spacesaver model but has a larger border.
I really like this board. The feel is much
improved over the MS board. You actually
have to press the keys down to generate a
letter as compared to the other board that
spit out letters with just the slightest
brush of a finger. Yes, the board is a bit
noisy but it is no big deal. I also decided
to convert to the Dvorak layout and just
remap it using Windows OS. A bit of a slow
go after only 3 weeks but making progress.