My 1932 model (Martin) tenor sax has distinctively different key mechanisms than my 1955 model (King) alto, and in many ways I find the older model much more "satisfying" to play. The newer one is less versatile. Newer instruments have additional "improvements."
When someone shows me a recorder with a true four-octave playable range, I'll reconsider the "elaborate metal recorders" slur. (Offense taken, but not seriously.)