geekhack Community > Keyboards

Please give me a push in the right direction..

<< < (2/2)

CaesarAZealad:
If you're not married to buckling springs and just want backlighting I have to second the Chinese TKL boards. They're dime a dozen on amazon, cost less than 40 bucks (On the high end, most are 25 bucks), and will get the job done.

WimWalther:

--- Quote from: CaesarAZealad on Sun, 26 March 2023, 11:36:29 ---If you're not married to buckling springs and just want backlighting I have to second the Chinese TKL boards. They're dime a dozen on amazon, cost less than 40 bucks (On the high end, most are 25 bucks), and will get the job done.

--- End quote ---

I see, cool. Could you - or someone else - suggest a couple of brands / models / examples? I'm not much of an Amazon shopper, more of an eBay guy.

Thanks!

ander:

--- Quote from: Rob27shred on Fri, 24 March 2023, 07:43:47 ---Your best bet would be one of the new model F keyboards here, https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/...
--- End quote ---

Sure, and they're great—if you want to spend, like, 400 bucks.  :-X


--- Quote from: Rob27shred on Fri, 24 March 2023, 07:43:47 ---Other than that you'd be full well in custom (as you custom make everything for it) territory, as nothing with buckling springs (capacitive or membrane actuated) is out there with what you want...
--- End quote ---

Guys! Really. The OP misses his IBM M2—which, as you've pointed out, was actually a rather poorly made, cheaper successor of the legendary IBM Model M:



WimWalther, if you thought your M2 was good, the only reasonable thing to do is to get a "real" IBM Model M from the classic period of the 1980s to early '90s, and have an even better buckling-spring experience!

Unlike the notoriously short-lived M2, Model M's from the 1980s to early '90s were so well made, most of them still work just fine—even after spending 20 years in an office.

Not all Model M's are PC-compatible, though. Many "terminal"-style M's were made specifically for mainframe computers, and don't work with desktop or laptop PCs without a lot of fussing.

To be sure you get a PC-compatible one, look for part number 1391401, the "standard" M that IBM made far more of than any other. Most eBay ads mention the part number in the title; it should also be visible on the large label on the keyboard's back, which most ads show:



Be sure it includes a cable, too. You'll want an original M with a detachable cable, not one of the later incarnations whose cables were thinner and non-detachable.

"New-old" (unused) Model M's from the 1980-'90s still turn up on eBay, for hundreds of bucks. But many used M's are always available; you shouldn't need to pay more than $100 for one. And cleaning them isn't hard—you may even find it fun! Check some of these helpful YouTube videos to get an ideas what's involved.

If possible, buy an M from someone who mentions that they've tested it. Odds are it'll be just fine, but testing never hurts. You'll also need:

• A key puller tool, which you can get on eBay for around $2. I prefer this wire type, but there are several other types too. Don't use a screwdriver or anything else to pry off the keys; you'll damage 'em. And after washing the keys, be sure to let them dry thoroughly, overnight, before putting them back on. (If you shake one and water comes out, it's not dry!)

• Cleaning stuff (alcohol, Q-Tips, and whatever you use to clean the keys—see videos for the various ways you can do it *)

• To connect the Model M to your computer, one of these little "active" PS/2-to-USB adapters:



...which you can get on Amazon or eBay for under $10. (Like the one shown here, most of them are made to adapt both a PS/2 keyboard and mouse; the mouse connector is optional.) Be sure it's an electronic "active" adapter, with a cable between the plugs—not one of these "passive" adapters, which just change the plug's shape:



And if you want to get your M really clean:

• A 5.5 mm flat-wall hex wrench:



...so you can remove the top of the case and clean the places it covers. They're only around $10 at electronic stores and online.

I hope you take the plunge, as there's nothing like typing on a nice 1980s-'90s Model M! I think you'll find it twice as fun and satisfying as your M2, but with that familiar, crisp buckling-spring response and sound. If you do, be sure to let us know how it goes, and if you have any questions. Cheers!

 – – –

* My favourite key-cleaning method:

* Put keys in a large margarine container.
* Add warm water and a bit of liquid laundry soap.
* Let keys soak for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
* Rinse.You can also put them in a mesh bag and put them through the dishwasher!

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page