The massive keyboards with the rich typing feel of the original IBM PCs make some veterans rave about it. Even rocked-down specimens with yellowed cases are traded high on the used market. Since 1996 the license for buckling spring technology has been owned by the US company Unicomp, which Offers replicas with the original key mechanism. The keyboards are available in different versions.

The “Ultra Classic White” tested by us is based on the advanced keyboard of the IBM AT, but is slightly narrower at the top than the model. The additional keys (Windows, context menu and AltGr) and the modern USB connection are different from the original layout, but make sense. There are also optional models with a PS / 2 connector.

The typing feel is very authentic thanks to the original buckling spring mechanism; Compared to an original AT keyboard, the stroke was even a bit crisper. This is probably due to the brand new spring mechanisms. The caps with the lettering on the actual buttons also correspond to the original. The letters and numbers are not engraved in it, only printed on it. The print quality is decent, we can’t say anything about the durability of the lettering.

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