IBM Beamspring keycaps

[xueyao]

Hi guys! Recently acquired a 3101 and restored and converted it fully to USB. I ended up researching and found that there's practically no one selling beamspring keycaps since they are so rare. My question is, can I potentially use selectric keycaps for my ibm? And if so, do they fit perfectly and has the same height for each key row? I was looking at the selectric with electric blue keys and boy do they look amazing.http://munk.org/typecast/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/SAM_4317.jpg

[0100010]

Mount looks similar, not sure if they would fit.  Might be worth a try.

[xueyao]

Mount looks similar, not sure if they would fit.  Might be worth a try.

Show Image

I was talking about the selectric, but someone online said they might not fit fully? And for the qwerty portion of the board, there are 4 different key profiles for the 4 rows of keys which I need someone to verify if the selectric has the same design.

[0100010]

This thread says they will work.

https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/ibm-siaplywriter-keyboard-beam-spring-t12642.html

[xueyao]

This thread says they will work.

https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/ibm-siaplywriter-keyboard-beam-spring-t12642.html

Oh wow thanks! Can't wait for the blue caps on my beamspring

[xueyao]

Found someone from here:
https://deskthority.net/vendors-f52/who-was-in-love-with-blue-key-caps-t9766-30.html

And end result looks absolutely stunning:
http://i.imgur.com/dV387bb.jpg

[chyros]

Yes, as I recall Selectric and beamspring caps are fully compatible. Probably the most relevant modern use of a Selectric xD . Although they're very interesting machines.

[xueyao]

Yes, as I recall Selectric and beamspring caps are fully compatible. Probably the most relevant modern use of a Selectric xD . Although they're very interesting machines.

Some of the selectric caps look absolutely amazing, and apparently there's even a purple set available.

[Joebeazelman]

When I look at those thick caps, I can't help but wonder if it's possible to bore out the bottom and attach an alps style tenon. The mount can be either cast or 3D printed. This guy did exactly that:

http://hexwire.com/mx-stem-mod-of-vintage-datanetics-keycaps/

The only issue I see is getting dead on accurate alignment, but should be easily doable with fixture to hold the tenon in place while the adhesive dries.