Much to the chagrin of my lovely wife, I love the clickety-clack of mechanical keyboards. What is a mechanical keyboard?  For anyone who learned to type from 1980 to around 1996, you should be able to remember the old IBM Model 80 keyboard that sounded a lot like popcorn popping as you typed. The endearing sound made by the Model 80 is a result of buckling springs that actually contract and spring forward each time you press a key. I was lucky enough to find three Model 80s and used one (that required a lot of clean up) for about 6 months. It is a joy to use and takes me back to my genesis with computers. The only problem is that it doesn’t have a Windows key. For most people, that’s no big deal, but I use it all the time. I thought I could live without it, but after about the 3rd month of using the Model 80, I started looking for a more modern solution.

After a great deal of deliberation, I added the iOne XArmor U9 Plus Keyboard to my Christmas wishlist. It features technologies that are a more modern take on the Model M:

• Cherry MX Blue mechanical switches
• a USB or PS/2 interface
•  a built-in, 2-port USB hub
• a headphone and microphone jack
• (most importantly to me) a Windows key!

While still clicky, it’s not nearly as loud as the Model M (much to Beck’s enjoyment). The keys are also not as hard to press. So far I have thoroughly enjoyed using it and would recommend it to anyone who misses the feel of a real, mechanical keyboard under his or her fingers.

If you want to learn about the many different types of keyboard switches, check out the Mechanical Keyboard Guide, which was instrumental in my purchase decision. I’m thrilled that there are people who obsess over the feel and performance of their keyboards more than I do!