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Add to SafariWhen comparing Model M vs Type Heaven, the Slant community recommends Model M for most people. In the question“What are the best keyboards for programming?” Model M is ranked 14th while Type Heaven is ranked 51st. The most important reason people chose Model M is:
Buckling-spring switches are hardly used anymore, but they give some of the best tactile response when activated.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Tactile and "clicky" buckling-spring key switches
Buckling-spring switches are hardly used anymore, but they give some of the best tactile response when activated.
Pro Very sturdy
Although heavier than a modern keyboard, this keyboard is built like a tank. There is no flex, and the components were built to last.
Pro Solid construction
Quality construction, good materials.
Pro Clear separation of key groups
Pro Attitude
Clearly signals that I'm serious about what I do and how I do it.
Pro Removable / replaceable keycaps.
With a hook beneath the caps that you have to get to, you can detach those keycaps and replace them with others.
Pro Quieter than Cherry MX Brown switches
Type Heaven's Topre switches have a much quieter, softer sound than the Cherry MX Browns.
Pro Functional to use keyboard
No LEDs, no USB hubs and no detachable cables: to Topre, that's just hype. They clearly feel that, with the right product in your hand, there is no need for all those "sideshow features", as they refers to them.
Pro Aesthetically pleasing
Each of the 104 keys is dark grey with a white, laser engraved inscription. The frame of the keyboard is black, but is slightly textured to give it a matte finish without the "gritty" feel. The keyboard has some hard lines and sharply turned corners, but also has some round surfaces. This combinations makes it quite elegant.
Pro Reasonably cheap
Topre has an extensive line of keyboards, all featuring the company's custom switches. However, the Type Heaven is the first Topre keyboard to be offered at a price this low.
Cons
Con Noisy to type on
Floss mod is available for the Type M to make the keyboard a little more quiet. However, since it's still a mechanical keyboard, it will be noisy. This keyboard will not be appreciated in the office.
Con Very hard to acquire
Out of stock for decades.
Con Ugly as hell
Con Some driver issues with USB-only computers
Using a PS/2 to USB adapter can kill rollover.
Con Very large
Measuring nearly 20'' x 8.5'' x 2" ( 50 x 21.5 x 5 cm), this is a very big keyboard. It will be hard to fit into a minimalistic styled desk setup, and might even be too big for some smaller desks.
Con Lacks some modifier keys
The Model M lacks both of the meta/super/cmd/Windows (depending on the OS in question) keys and a menu key.
Con Some build quality issues
Some parts of the keyboard frame look flimsy.
