When comparing Model M vs SuperCoder 2000, 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 SuperCoder 2000 is ranked 19th. 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.
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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 Great for when Assembly offers too much abstraction
Pro Simplicity
The SuperCoder 2000 offers a simple, clean layout without fancy extra features like a numpad or media keys, enjoyed by some people.
Pro Great key spacing for error free code
The spacing between the 0 and 1 keys is larger than traditional keyboards. You'll rarely fatfinger a 0 when you mean to enter a 1.
Pro Minimalistic design
Unlike some other keyboards, the SuperCorder has a clean, simple white look, which can be less distracting and favored over more flashy, gaming-oriented keyboards.
Pro Air cooled
This keyboard is air-cooled, which means there is no noise generated by cooling fans. This makes it great for quiet work environments where fan noise could be a nuisance.
Pro Saves desk space
This keyboard has less keys than a standard 104-key keyboard, and thus is smaller and takes up less space on your desk. This makes it great for compact work environments.
Pro With fewer keys, you are less likely to hit the wrong one
Pro Especially good for professional coding
Pro Programming dream
I managed to recreate GTA V while writing my own engine just using binary in just the space of a week with this keyboard. Would recommend.
Pro Vetted by Jeff Dean
Pro Does not allow for errors
The lack of a delete button forces you to progressively learn how to always produce error-free code. This is an enormous advantage when it comes to the learning process.
Bonus: you can fix logical and mathematical errors with subsequent commands.
Pro Great tool for truly low level programming
Considering the performance overheads of managed code, go beyond assembly, back to basics.
Pro Great for gaming
The 3 key design is perfect for rhythm games such as OSU.
Pro Completely universal cross-platform. Programs in any language.
Pro Can be used for gaming too
Can play Starcraft 2 with this, although only supports playing Protoss.
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 No backlit keys
Unfortunately in dark rooms this keyboard becomes increasingly challenging to use. Although, assuming you know how to locate the home key you should be fine. More of a nitpick.
Con No Caps Lock key
Con No wireless version available
Would be the perfect keyboard if only it was wireless.
Con Requires powered-on machine for use
Inconvenient for use when you must write code without electrical power or batteries available. Would recommend a pin and magnetic storage medium in that case.
Con Uncomfortable for two-handed use
While working with two hands, this keyboard is too small and key spacing is too narrow.
Con User Security
No password option.
Con No Backspace/Undo
You can't backspace binary code.
Con Can only type binary code
This keyboard is useless for typing anything other than ones and zeros, which makes me wonder why it's even on Slant.
Con No android support
Con No support for Mac OS X
This keyboard offers no software support for Mac OS X. It only works with Windows or Linux operating systems.