I still use AEKIIs regularly, but picked up a Unicomp Model M cheap($5) not too long ago. I have to say that I'd forgotten how much I love buckling springs. I have developed a great love for Unicomp as a company as well. They are local to me, and when I bought my $5 keyboard I needed some parts for it. I called the factory, placed an order, and then went the next day and they installed the parts while I watched.
I'm planning to buy a Spacesaver M(USB and Mac Keycaps) sometime soon. For the time being, the regular model M works great with a PS2-USB adapter, although it's missing a few important Mac keys.
For prospective buyers of AEKIIs, be aware that I've found at least two different types of switches-"Cream" damped Alps switches, and Mitsumi switches. The Alps switches, IMO, are better-they are like a buckling spring in that they have a soft landing rather than the firm bottoming out in the Mitsumi switches. Cream Alps AEKIIs have a small "S" in a square in the lower right corner of the label on the bottom.
Also be aware that Alps switches(and clones like the Mitsumi) have-I think-a rated duty cycle of somewhere between 8,000 and 12,000 actuations depending on the exact model. I think buckling springs are rated for around 100,000 actuations. The AEKIIs are getting up in years, and I feel like it's a constant game of whack-a-mole to keep them fully functional. The switches aren't hard to rebuild, but I tend to wait until a board gets two or three bad keys before I tear into it. Thus, I rotate through about two or three boards.
I'm planning to buy a Spacesaver M(USB and Mac Keycaps) sometime soon. For the time being, the regular model M works great with a PS2-USB adapter, although it's missing a few important Mac keys.
For prospective buyers of AEKIIs, be aware that I've found at least two different types of switches-"Cream" damped Alps switches, and Mitsumi switches. The Alps switches, IMO, are better-they are like a buckling spring in that they have a soft landing rather than the firm bottoming out in the Mitsumi switches. Cream Alps AEKIIs have a small "S" in a square in the lower right corner of the label on the bottom.
Also be aware that Alps switches(and clones like the Mitsumi) have-I think-a rated duty cycle of somewhere between 8,000 and 12,000 actuations depending on the exact model. I think buckling springs are rated for around 100,000 actuations. The AEKIIs are getting up in years, and I feel like it's a constant game of whack-a-mole to keep them fully functional. The switches aren't hard to rebuild, but I tend to wait until a board gets two or three bad keys before I tear into it. Thus, I rotate through about two or three boards.