I recently found myself in a rather unfortunate predicament: half a pint of Cherry Pepsi Max met my beloved keyboard, marking the beginning of the end for my trusty companion. As I sit here, I realize I am down to my last Microsoft MultiMedia Keyboard 1.0A, a device that has been my steadfast ally for as long as I can remember.
Keyboard Loyalty
Despite the chorus of voices around me advocating for the latest mechanical keyboards—complete with customizable switches and vibrant LED lighting—I remain resolute in my preference for this unassuming model. The Microsoft MultiMedia Keyboard 1.0A, first introduced in 1997, offers a whisper-quiet typing experience that I have come to cherish. Its array of media buttons may seem excessive, yet I have never pressed a single one in the two decades of my usage. I find comfort in its traditional design, eschewing the ergonomic variations that others seem to favor.
My choice in keyboards has often elicited disbelief from friends and colleagues, many of whom belong to the mechanical keyboard cult. Nevertheless, I stand firm in my conviction. Having purchased six of these keyboards when I learned they would cease production, I now face the reality that my current unit is the last one standing. Once it succumbs to wear and tear, I fear I may have to consider retirement from my typing endeavors.
There’s a certain romanticism in the way writers often describe their tools. Some claim to draft their works with heirloom fountain pens or vintage typewriters, while I find my muse in the familiar embrace of my 1.0A. It is on these keys that I have crafted my most significant works, from articles to gaming experiences that have shaped my leisure time. This keyboard has been my gateway to countless adventures in gaming, from Dragon Age: Origins to Titanfall 2.
A Keyboard’s Journey
Over the years, I have cycled through various computers, mice, and monitors, yet my keyboard has remained a constant. I once relied on a USB adapter to connect the PS/2 cable, but fortune smiled upon me when my current PC boasted a classic purple port. It’s a peculiar situation, and I often wonder if I am the only one who clings to such outdated technology.
Much like a favorite pair of shoes or a cherished pillow, my 1.0A fits perfectly under my fingers. The keys are spaced just right, and the wrist rest provides a comfort that modern alternatives fail to replicate. However, time is not on my side. Windows has grown increasingly uncooperative with my aging keyboard, and I find myself grappling with frustrating delays that disrupt my flow. Each new keyboard I acquire requires a battle against these settings, and I often find myself lost in a sea of online forums seeking solutions.
The Search for New Beginnings
As I contemplate the future of my typing experience, the prospect of purchasing a new keyboard looms large. Once a mere investment, the prices have skyrocketed, with used models fetching upwards of on eBay. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly technology can become “vintage,” despite its relatively recent origins. Today, I stumbled upon a new version for £32 (), a price that feels outrageous yet necessary.
Reluctantly, I made the purchase, alongside another that claimed to be unused. My PayPal account was flagged for suspicious activity, as if my enthusiasm for this keyboard could be mistaken for a nefarious plot. I can’t help but fantasize about hidden Microsoft warehouses, stocked with forgotten pallets of these keyboards, waiting to be rediscovered.
In the end, I find solace in the tactile joy of a brand-new 1.0A. The keys are satisfyingly thuddy, free from the debris that has accumulated over years of use. Now, if only I could resolve the delay issues, I would be content—at least until the day comes when I can no longer find replacements for my beloved keyboard.
