I work as a software engineer for Motorola, and since my earliest memories have always found the IBM model M (also called buckling spring technology) keyboards to be of the highest quality. It’s a true testament to their quality and great feeling that they are still coveted by computer users of all levels today.

The good news is that you can still buy new ones today. IBM sold the rights to a company called Unicomp (http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/) which now sells these keyboards, including usb versions, at very reasonable prices. They will also do some basic customization for very reasonable prices. When I asked them about a very unique request ( solid black keyboard with no labeling on any of the keys at all) they were very accommodating, understanding, and most importantly, personal. It’s so refreshing to speak to a person instead of a machine. Not just a person, but a specific person from beginning to end. Highly recommended. Since it was such a simple customization (technically they had to simply not do a step) they even did it for no extra cost. I really like it, and it’s always a double take from my co-workers. http://picasaweb.google.com/Kithera1980/UntitledAlbum/photo#5162038526587724050

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckling_spring