Keyboard quest

I need help finding the right keyboard.

I know, it’s silly. But the keyboards that come with today’s computers are either A) cheap-o junky things with mushy keys, or B) overly complex things with too many keys. Or both.

I am a huge fan of old IBM keyboards. They’re called Model Ms, or “buckling spring” keyboards. When you type on them, they’re loud. They’re also incredibly satisfying to use.

Only problem: They’re too loud. When I’m interviewing someone, I don’t always want to remind them at 50 words a minute that I’m taking notes. Also, Sam (my 2.5 year old) sleeps right across from my office, so I can’t type at night on one of the five or six IBMs I own.

I’m looking for a keyboard that’s as “clicky” as one of those IBMs, or maybe a little less so — just not mushy; I want a click. But it has to be quieter, have 101 or 104 keys, and be less than about $60.

Any suggestions? I loved my old Gateway 2000 keyboard that my Dad still uses, and maybe I could steal it back. But I’d rather find a new one (or preferably two — one for the office).

Drop me a note or put in a comment to this entry if you have a suggestion.