[wyclif]

The older ThinkPad keyboard design is the example I thought of immediately. The classic ThinkPads had keyboards designed for people who touch type— they were supremely functional. Not a "buckling spring" IBM Model M keyboard— they use foam rubber under the keys like all other modern keyboards, I suspect—but still more responsive and better for people like me who don't need to look at the keyboard when programming or writing. Now they've replaced their time-tested, solid keyboards for Mac-style "chiclet" keys. Agreed; it's just not the same.

[seanmcdirmid]

I would kill fr a laptop with a model M keyboard built into it. There must be some way to simulate spring action in a thin keyboard setup.

Most of us don't need to look at the keyboard when writing, chiclet keyboards are completely ok for that. You don't really need the peaked edges to find the keys.

[wyclif]

Sure, you don't have to have the peaked edge keys. But that's like saying you don't need a tactile keyboard at all. Those high, peaked keys with responsive feedback are perfect for me (I type 70-80 wpm).