Model M keys and PBT keys?

[nathairtras]

How do the two compare?  What material are the Model M keys?  (And if you know, please share the reference if you have one, I can't find it anywhere!)

I just switched from a Model M to a CM QFR with greens, and the weight feels great, but the keys...  I can't stand them.  From what I have been reading, PBT sounds similar to how the Model M feels, but I don't want to set my expectations too high.

[The_Beast]

Model M keys are PBT

[BlueMica]

Yes, Model M keys are PBT, but the case is ABS which is why the keys don't yellow from age.

[nathairtras]

Yes, Model M keys are PBT, but the case is ABS which is why the keys don't yellow from age.

Thanks to both for the answer and details.  My Model M isn't quite yellow enough for me to tell the difference between the keys and the casing.  Dated 1997, so relatively new for those things!

So now I at least know what kind to buy, now to figure out which ones and how...

[BlueMica]

Yes, Model M keys are PBT, but the case is ABS which is why the keys don't yellow from age.

Thanks to both for the answer and details.  My Model M isn't quite yellow enough for me to tell the difference between the keys and the casing.  Dated 1997, so relatively new for those things!

So now I at least know what kind to buy, now to figure out which ones and how...

Remember though that keyboard is almost old enough to vote.

[nathairtras]

Yes, Model M keys are PBT, but the case is ABS which is why the keys don't yellow from age.

Thanks to both for the answer and details.  My Model M isn't quite yellow enough for me to tell the difference between the keys and the casing.  Dated 1997, so relatively new for those things!

So now I at least know what kind to buy, now to figure out which ones and how...

Remember though that keyboard is almost old enough to vote.

I'm not that old, but, wow... that makes me feel old.  The thing can drive in October.

[linziyi]

There's a PBT groupbuy going on right now if you are interested!

[nathairtras]

I am.  Unfortunately, at $115 for the keyboard, ~$24 for a number pad with browns (wish they were greens!) and a USB KVM to replace the PS/2 one I had been using (so I can use a mouse, TKL keyboard, and number pad all at once) I am now officially out of disposable income.  Trying to sell some old computer equipment on Craigslist to fix that and fuel what feels like a costly, overnight addiction.  )

Also, color and legend choices.  I just don't know what I want!  WYSE to emulate the venerable Model M it replaces, that would be nice, but at the same time this is my first chance to do something different with my keyboard.  I get the funny feeling that the general consensus around here will be "Why not both?" and I think I agree, once I can afford it!

[linziyi]

What I will do is sell (or return the keyboard to the seller saying ''I hated it'' while you don't ;P ) the QFR and wait for the Ducky G9087 Pro to come out. As far as I know, they use thick PBT and has green switches.

[nathairtras]

I never thought I would say this, but I think I may prefer TKL.  This is my first... five hours on one, but so far I like having my trackball closer.  In fact, I tried out a Goldtouch numpad on the outside of my trackball, and that really was the perfect setup.  No fully-ergo keyboard, but much better than having my mouse on the far outside.

I think I'm done with full-size for now.  Not that I'll ever let go of the Model Ms I have.  Still have to modify one of them and clean up the other.

[linziyi]

Sorry I meant 9008G2 Pro... And I double posted in your other post because I am stupid.

[nathairtras]

Sorry I meant 9008G2 Pro... And I double posted in your other post because I am stupid.

No worries, I won't feel bad about not responding there now...though I considered it.  (Don't challenge me to a stupid fight.  I'll...win?)   I still can't get over how quickly the TKL won me over, even without the nice feeling of PBT keys to help.  My home Model M is sitting on the floor, abandoned...  Too bad the 9008 is the only one I'm seeing on MechanicalKeyboards.  Though at this point, I think I may just want to go for a Leopold tenkeypad, and if it isn't too challenging, eventually modding it with greens over blues.  More cables, which I dislike, but also more flexibility.

[Peter]

The cases of late Model M's are probably made from PVC,
at least that's what it says on the back ...
On some of these, the space-bar is clearly made from ABS,
that's why they can achieve that ugly yellowish colour .

[fohat.digs]

The cases of late Model M's are probably made from PVC,
at least that's what it says on the back ...
On some of these, the space-bar is clearly made from ABS,
that's why they can achieve that ugly yellowish colour .

I have owned a couple of dozen ancient IBMs, and never had a yellow spacebar or case.

Unlike Apple AEKs of similar age, which almost always have yellow spacebars and cases.

[Peter]

The cases of late Model M's are probably made from PVC,
at least that's what it says on the back ...
On some of these, the space-bar is clearly made from ABS,
that's why they can achieve that ugly yellowish colour .

I have owned a couple of dozen ancient IBMs, and never had a yellow spacebar or case.

Unlike Apple AEKs of similar age, which almost always have yellow spacebars and cases.

That's probably because you live in the US .
The late Greenock, Scotland manufactured boards often have yellow space-bars ..
( I'm talking about IBM-made Model M's produced between 1996 and 1999 at IBM's plant in Greenock, Scotland )

[esoomenona]

Are the black keys for Model Ms PBT or POM? I'm thinking they might be the latter...

[1391406]

The cases of late Model M's are probably made from PVC,
at least that's what it says on the back ...
On some of these, the space-bar is clearly made from ABS,
that's why they can achieve that ugly yellowish colour .

I have owned a couple of dozen ancient IBMs, and never had a yellow spacebar or case.

One of the few Model M's I've seen with a discolored spacebar:


(1991 UK Model M)

[0100010]

Aren't the model M spacebars ABS, instead of PBT due to the size?

[SmallFry]

Aren't the model M spacebars ABS, instead of PBT due to the size?

Only the UK factory ones from what I've seen.