Background Info
My 'Colemak experience' would never have started if I was not fed up of changing batteries for my wireless keyboard. So it was around about this time last year that I started into researching my next keyboard. Inevitably I ended up on the topic of mechanical keyboards which intrigued me. I must have one. However, as I was essentially a hunt-and-pecker I was unsatisfied with what I had just purchased for a considerable sum and seriously considered returning the keyboard. This is when, I thought I would learn how to touch type albeit in the infamous QWERTY layout. Which I wanted to do properly for some time but could not find the motivation or energy to get started.
After successfully learning to touch type at around 50wpm, my original concerns, which can be found here document some of my worries whether or not to go ahead with learning Colemak, for which I happily did. Earlier this year I was offended of looking at the QWERTY keyboard layout on my beloved mechanical keyboard. The reason why I could not just rearrange them is because the keys are different sizes and profiles which meant it would result in an uneven feel which I did not want to do. So therefore I started to investigate (use internet search engine) if it was possible to get keys for this keyboard online.
Luckily through this website and another it seemed that they were organizing a 'group' buy for keys that are compatible for my keyboard - I swiftly jumped on board since there was an option for a Colemak set. However it is interesting to note at the time there was no 'backspace kit' (for the Capslock position) and it took one colemak member to realize and luckily he managed to get one included. Lastly, I wanted a Capslock key in the Backspace position and so I 'petitioned' - gathered up some interest from other uses and managed to get some available if the minimum quantity was ordered. Which it was. So this is what I want to show you, my keyboard.
Keyboard Pictures - FKBN105MC/UK
What you are seeing is a Filco Majestouch 105 Click Action Keyboard (Cherry MX Blue) FKBN105MC/UK mechanical keyboard stripped off its default QWERTY keycaps and replaced with Colemak keycaps from the Geekhack Round Three group buy.
Although the classic design of the layout is not to everyone's taste -- the dark and light grey scheme, the centred and all Capital modifier without symbols keys, most importantly (for touch typists I would guess in my opinion) is the bumps on the T and N keys and the absence of any for the F and J keys. Also notice that I have customized the layout to my region (United Kingdom, pound sign on the 3 key for example) and my keyboard (ISO enter, small left shift).
Whilst the actual design of the keys are not perfect, for example some keys are noticeably off-centred (I, :, D) and the modifier keys have abnormal spaces (SHIF T stands out the most) and the font and sizes are perhaps non-uniform (Windows, Control key are different size font). I do feel that this keyboard actually does a good job of representing a true Colemak layout and whilst I would be much more happier/prefer if everything was uniform, centred = perfect I am still happy since this is the first native Colemak keyboard I currently have.
Keyboard Picture - FKBN87MC/EB2
What you are seeing is a Filco Majestouch 2 87 Click Action Keyboard (Cherry MX Blue) FKBN87MC/EB2 mechanical keyboard stripped of its default QWERTY keycaps and replaced with the above Colemak keycaps from the same place. I recently got a Tenkeyless Leopold Linear Touch Keyboard (Cherry MX Red) FC200RR/AB and was unimpressed. However I was impressed with the tenkeyless form factor and so decided to downsize since I found myself not using the keypad in addition to prefering the ANSI layout (Enter and left shift key differences essentially).
Keyboard Picture - Unicomp Ultra Classic 104
This one here is the Unicomp Ultra Classic 104 with a customized UK layout (note the ANSI key configuration and the additions of £ and EUR symbol on the 4 and 5 key. It is a Unicomp keyboard which has buckling spring mechanism and therefore has interesting history as it can trace its roots to the IBM Model M keyboard!
Build Your Own
The Mechanical Keyboard
After some replies indicating availability and desirability, I thought it would be useful if I posted some basic information for people who would like a similar set-up or would want alternatives. I have hotlinked to forum geekhack.org where I first researched mechanical keyboards and got these keys from. So follow the blue links for more information.
Firstly, for those who don't know. This is is no ordinary/standard keyboard that you get from the supermarket or that came with your computer. This is a mechanical keyboard. What I think will entice colemak users the most about these keyboards, despite the prohibitive cost compared to a standard keyboard I think it would be reasonable to assume colemak users are touch typists and perhaps desire not only for a better layout but also a better typing experience. I quote, from the above mentioned wiki:
The best reason is Mechanical Keyboards just feel better and they will make you more efficient at gaming/typing. After you try one most people find standard rubber dome keyboards mushy and boring!
The Cherry MX Switch
If you didn't know, or didn't read in full the guide. The keyboard I use and therefore the switch-type I have got are based on the 'Cherry MX' variety. Which, seems to be one of the most popular switches. This is useful if you want to have a colemak keyboard like mine. Due to the fact that there are different key switch types, the fact that Cherry MX variety are the most popular makes it useful for you to buy since you will have the chance to participate in these group buys that sell keycaps with a colemak set because when ordered in vast quantities makes the prices cheaper which perhaps won't be available on other switch types -- since there simply is not enough demand to produce the key caps at a reasonable price.
Where to Buy 1 -- WASD Keyboards
An alternative, this time an actual company who can make required custom (such as in colemak) keycaps (and prefitted keyboard) is WASD keyboards
Where to Buy 2 -- The Geekhack Group Buy
The particular keycaps I bought for my Filco where from a group buy (organized by forum members) from Geekhack Round Three Groupbuy. You may also want to look for Deskthority, another forum where it is possible to participate in these group buys. However, they may not be always in Colemak nor have the exact same style as my ones.
Where to Buy 3 -- Unicomp
Another option is to order a custom keyboard from the company called Unicomp.
So that's all I have to say, hope at least you found some of it useful and brought you some idea closer where to get an albeit expensive but quality native keyboard.