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Comment by squarefoot | Hacker News Reader

"on an ancient beige mechanical keyboard"

That is an IBM Model M, probably the best computer keyboard ever made; I wouldn't be surprised if besides the software it also played a role in helping to write the screenplay. That keyboard is simply an amazing piece of hardware; I have two, one is dated early 90s and carries a Lotus 1-2-3 v2.2 sticker on it, just to say...

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The model M is my favorite keyboard and I own a stash of them large enough to last me for my whole life. That is to say, I own one model M keyboard.

Model Fs deserve a shout too

I think there’s too much hype around the model M. I own one and find it too bulky and loud. It’s a gimmick. Also it has a PS/2 connector, so it’s a pain.

The hype is well deserved, it's a rock solid piece of hardware that lasts decades, something that is so rare today. I got my first one in the mid nineties and never had to do any maintenance aside normal cleaning, while the spare one I have lays unused since day one. Yes, it's loud, I agree that could be annoying in quiet office environments.

About the PS/2 connector, that is not a problem since USB adapters are very cheap, but there are also many projects around to replace the internal controller board with one that speaks directly USB, also some have been extended to implement some more buttons and program them to do stuff. A search for "model m controller" will return some interesting results.

Also, Unicomp inherited the Model M from IBM and still make modern variants directly with USB support: https://www.pckeyboard.com/

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