Vintage Keyboards Sound Tests
Vintage mechanical keyboards have a charm that modern boards can’t replicate. From the deep thock of Alps switches to the legendary buckling springs of IBM keyboards, vintage keyboards offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences.
I’ve tested and documented a wide range of vintage keyboards to preserve their sound and feel—so you can compare them before hunting for your own.

Why My Vintage Keyboard Sound Tests Are Reliable
I test every vintage keyboard under controlled conditions, using the same recording setup for accurate comparisons. Many vintage keyboard sound tests online are recorded in different environments, making it hard to tell the real differences. I keep everything consistent so that what you hear is the true sound of each vintage keyboard.
Vintage Keyboards Sound Tests & Comparisons
Here, you can listen to some of the most iconic vintage mechanical keyboards:
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IBM Model M (Buckling Spring) – A true classic, with an unmistakable loud click.
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IBM Model F (Capacitive Buckling Spring) – A refined version with a deeper, smoother sound.
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Apple Extended Keyboard (Alps SKCM) – One of the best-feeling and sounding vintage keyboards ever made.
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Dell AT101W (Alps Black Switches) – A budget-friendly Alps keyboard with a deep sound.
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Zenith Z-150 (Alps SKCL Green) – A rare and highly sought-after keyboard for its crisp tactile feel.
Each test includes:
✔ Typing sound test
✔ Close-up shots and keyboard presentation
✔ Keyboard PCB, switches, and detailed information
Are Vintage Keyboards Right for You?
Vintage keyboards are perfect if you:
- Appreciate classic mechanical switch designs with a unique feel
- Love deep, rich sound profiles that modern keyboards don’t replicate
- Want to collect and restore pieces of keyboard history
- Prefer build quality that lasts decades compared to modern plastic keyboards
FAQ: Vintage Keyboards
Are vintage keyboards louder than modern keyboards?
Most vintage mechanical keyboards, especially those with buckling spring or Alps switches, are louder than today’s standard MX-style switches. If you need a quiet keyboard, vintage models may not be the best choice.
Are vintage keyboards better than modern keyboards?
It depends! Vintage keyboards often have unique sounds, and superior build quality, but they may lack modern features like USB connectivity or programmability.
Which vintage keyboard is best for typing?
Many consider the IBM Model F and Apple Extended Keyboard II among the best for typing, thanks to their smooth yet tactile keypresses and deep sound.
Can I use a vintage keyboard with a modern computer?
Yes, but many vintage keyboards use older connectors like PS/2, ADB, or DIN-5, so you may need an adapter. Some enthusiasts even convert vintage keyboards to USB-C.
Loudest Keyboard Switch Ever Made?
Keyboards Index
Acer 6312-K " Data General "
FCC ID: GQ86311-K
Keyswitches: Acer White switches
Switches type: Clicky
Year of production: 1992
Made in: Malaysia
Interface: PS/2
Layout: Latin american
Number on PCB: 6311-K
Other name: ---
Weight: 1396g
Dimensions: 48.9*21.0*4.5*1.9cm
Keycaps: ---
Keycaps thickness: 1.2mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 70%
Keyswitch Tactility: 50%
Keyswitch Weight: 55%
Keyboard Build Quality: 60%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 70%
Other link :
Dell AT101W Black
FCC ID: GYUM90SK
Keyswitches: Alps SKCM Black
Switches type: Tactile
Year of production: 1990
Made in: Malaysia
Interface: PS/2
Layout: Full size
Number on PCB: KKPBAA5279
Other name: Alps Bigfoot keyboard
Weight: 1478g
Dimensions: 47.2*21.2*2.0*4.5cm
Keycaps: ABS
Keycaps thickness: 1mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 75%
Keyswitch Tactility: 50%
Keyswitch Weight: 65%
Keyboard Build Quality: 70%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 80%
Other link :
Key Tronic A65-02028
FCC ID: ---
Keyswitches: Key Tronic Foam and Foil
Switches type: Linear
Year of production: 1980
Made in: USA
Interface: ---
Layout: ---
Number on PCB: A65-02028
Other name: ---
Weight: 5810g
Dimensions: 55.5*22.5*5.0*8.8cm
Keycaps: Double Shot
Keycaps thickness: 2.2mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 40%
Keyswitch Tactility: 0%
Keyswitch Weight: 85%
Keyboard Build Quality: 95%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 50%
Other link :
Maxi Switch Maxi Pro II
FCC ID: D7J2189022-XX
Keyswitches: Maxi Switch Dome with Slider
Switches type: Tactile
Year of production: 1993
Made in: Mexico
Interface: AT 5-pin DIN
Layout: ---
Number on PCB: KYBD no 2189014
Other name: Maxi Touch Keyboard
Weight: 1819g
Dimensions: 51.2*20.3*4.5*2.1cm
Keycaps: ABS - Double Shot
Keycaps thickness: 0.9mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 75%
Keyswitch Tactility: 80%
Keyswitch Weight: 75%
Keyboard Build Quality: 80%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 80%
Other link :
Olivetti ANK 25-101
FCC ID: ---
Keyswitches: Rubber Dome over membrane
Switches type: Tactile
Year of production: Late 1980s
Made in: Italy
Interface: SDL (IBM compatible)
Layout: ---
Number on PCB: ---
Other name: ---
Weight: 2124g
Dimensions: 47.8*21.3*3.4*2.3cm
Keycaps: PBT - Dye Sub
Keycaps thickness: 1.5mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 70%
Keyswitch Tactility: 70%
Keyswitch Weight: 60%
Keyboard Build Quality: 85%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 80%
Other link :
IBM Model F PC AT
FCC ID: ---
Keyswitches: IBM Capacitive Buckling Spring
Switches type: Clicky
Year of production: 1985
Made in: USA
Interface: 5-pin DIN - AT
Layout: ---
Number on PCB: 6090817
Other name: ---
Weight: 2440g
Dimensions: 46.5*21.0*2.5*4.0cm
Keycaps: PBT
Keycaps thickness: 0.8mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 80%
Keyswitch Tactility: 60%
Keyswitch Weight: 75%
Keyboard Build Quality: 90%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 85%
Other link :
Sejin EAT-1010M2
FCC ID: GJJ4AKEAT-1010M2
Keyswitches: Futaba MA Series Clicky
Switches type: Clicky
Year of production: Late 80s/early 90s
Made in: Korea
Interface: 5-pin DIN AT
Layout: ---
Number on PCB: Sejin C8907A
Other name: Corel EAT-1010
Weight: 1516g
Dimensions: 47.5*19.7*5.0*2.0cm
Keycaps: ABS
Keycaps thickness: 0.7mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 85%
Keyswitch Tactility: 75%
Keyswitch Weight: 55%
Keyboard Build Quality: 70%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 75%
Other link :
Dataware MUC-101
FCC ID: GMB3ZTMCK-101
Keyswitches: Alps SKCM Blue
Switches type: Clicky
Year of production: 1987
Made in: Taiwan
Interface: 5-pin DIN AT/XT
Layout: ---
Number on PCB: ---
Other name: Dataware Enhanced keyboard / Oemmax MCK-101-A
Weight: 1500g
Dimensions: 47.0*22.0*2.0*5.0cm
Keycaps: ABS
Keycaps thickness: 1mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 85%
Keyswitch Tactility: 70%
Keyswitch Weight: 65%
Keyboard Build Quality: 70%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 85%
Other link :
Ortek MCK-201 (FX)
FCC ID: GMB3ZTMCK-101
Keyswitches: Alps Four-Tab clone Green
Switches type: Linear
Year of production: 1992
Made in: Thailand
Interface: 5-pin DIN AT/XT
Layout: ---
Number on PCB: MCK 101 SX-B
Other name: MCK-201 SX/FX/FT
Weight: 970g
Dimensions: ---
Keycaps: ABS Double Shot
Keycaps thickness: 0.8mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 65%
Keyswitch Tactility: 0%
Keyswitch Weight: 85%
Keyboard Build Quality: 40%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 50%
Other link :
Apple Adjustable Keyboard M1242
FCC ID: BCGM1242
Keyswitches: Alps SKFS Low-Profile
Switches type: Tactile
Year of production: 1992
Made in: Taiwan
Interface: ADB
Layout: Flat Ergonomic (AINSI Modified)
Number on PCB: 820-0284
Other name: Apple M1242
Weight: 1054g
Dimensions: 38.5*15.7*3.7*2.3cm
Keycaps: PBT - Dye-Sub
Keycaps thickness: 1.5mm
My personal review:
Keyswitch Smoothness: 55%
Keyswitch Tactility: 80%
Keyswitch Weight: 70%
Keyboard Build Quality: 70%
Keyboard Typing Experience: 55%
Other link :
Amtelco KB163 Unified Keyboard
FCC ID: ---
Keyswitches: Cherry MX Black
Switches type: Linear
Year of production: 2003
Made in: USA
Interface: USB - PS/2
Layout: ---
Number on PCB: PCB-A9300G
Other name: ---
Weight: 1920g