When comparing Model M vs Logitech ERGO K860, 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 Logitech ERGO K860 is ranked 46th. 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 Full-size keyboard
Heavily keyboard-addicted touch typists will like that it has a full-size layout but is still very compact.
Pro Front-located feet
You can lift the keyboard at the front to match your natural arm position instead of the common feet at back of the keyboard.
Pro Cross-platform key labels
Instead of printing a Windows logo on the key caps, they labeled the keys with PC and mac commands. This works also well for Linux users.
Pro Multiple device connections
You can connect the keyboard to up to three devices. For example, your Android Phone, iPhone and your computer and easily switch between the profiles.
Pro Media Keys
Pro: it has media keys
Con: you have to decide between media and F-keys or press the fn-key.
Pro Dedicated calculator key
Pro Dedicated lock key
In the top right corner, it has a lock key, so you don't have to press win+L to lock your screen at the office.
Pro Feels very solid
There is no slipping on the desk and is has a pleasant durable overall feeling when typing or carrying around.
Pro Looks damn beautiful
It has a very futuristic and minimalistic style with the dark-gray body and its rounded corners.
Pro Very quiet, top option for office environment
Pro Common layout
With this keyboard, it's easy to switch between ergonomic and non-ergonomic keyboards.
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 backlight
To save battery life, there is no backlighting.
Con Bluetooth only, no cable
You can not wake your computer up with the keyboard anymore and have to push the power button, because there is no Bluetooth connection while the computer is suspended.