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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.

Header Vintage Keyboards

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:

  • IBM Model M (Buckling Spring) – A true classic, with an unmistakable loud click.

  • IBM Model F (Capacitive Buckling Spring) – A refined version with a deeper, smoother sound.

  • Apple Extended Keyboard (Alps SKCM) – One of the best-feeling and sounding vintage keyboards ever made.

  • Dell AT101W (Alps Black Switches) – A budget-friendly Alps keyboard with a deep sound.

  • 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?

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 :

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Acer_6310_series

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 :

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Dell_AT101

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 :

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=23139

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 :

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Olivetti_ANK_25-101

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 :

https://deskthority.net/wiki/IBM_Model_F

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 :

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Sejin_Electron_EAT-1010

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 :

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Ortek_MCK-101

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 :

https://deskthority.net/wiki/Apple_Adjustable_Keyboard

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