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Add to SafariWhen comparing Model M vs QPAD MK-80, 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 QPAD MK-80 is ranked 41st. 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 Palm support
The MK-80 comes with a detachable palm-rest.
Pro Easily plug in peripherals
Two USB slots and a microphone and headphone input/output are available.
Pro Sturdy
Due to its great build quality, the MK-80 is quite sturdy.
Pro Surface protection
The surface is protected by a very nice high-quality rubbery coating.
Pro Affordable
This keyboard is considerably less expensive than a Ducky.
Pro N-key rollover
This keyboard has anti-ghosting n-key rollover, so that no keystrokes are lost when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously.
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.
