Information about cherry model numbers

[IBI]

Linky

It doesn't include information about which type of mechanical switch the mechanical ones have (cherry say they offer 3 different versions) but an interesting read anyway.

p.s. Sorry if this has been posted before, the search didn't give me any sensible results.

[Ulysses31]

Interesting.  I take it from the description that the FTSC-type switch is similar to the old buckling-spring switches used in early keyboards?  I read somewhere that the IBM Model-M used a mechanism to strike a membrane and provide a tactile sensation, and that to call them truly mechanical keyboards was a common misconception.  It might have been Wikipedia :|.

EDIT: OK I could be wrong, but I swear I saw that description of Model-Ms somewhere on the net; I wish i'd bookmarked it now >_<.  Oh, here it is:
http://groups.google.ad/group/alt.comp.hardware/msg/d68871aab863481a

[Whiskey in the Jar-o]

Interesting.  I take it from the description that the FTSC-type switch is similar to the old buckling-spring switches used in early keyboards?  I read somewhere that the IBM Model-M used a mechanism to strike a membrane and provide a tactile sensation, and that to call them truly mechanical keyboards was a common misconception.  It might have been Wikipedia :|.

EDIT: OK I could be wrong, but I swear I saw that description of Model-Ms somewhere on the net; I wish i'd bookmarked it now >_<.  Oh, here it is:
http://groups.google.ad/group/alt.comp.hardware/msg/d68871aab863481a

They are completely different. On the Cherry the spring is simply compressed vertically.  The buckling spring, OTOH, compresses vertically and then at a "catastrophic point" collapses sideways, which gives it that strong tactile feel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:IBMbuckling.jpg

[Ulysses31]

Oh well.  Misinformation from Google >_<.

[IBI]

Interesting.  I take it from the description that the FTSC-type switch is similar to the old buckling-spring switches used in early keyboards?

I think it's more like the keyboard pictured in my avatar. Here's a Picture from google image search.

Basically the keycaps are just the tops and the stems, that normal keycaps have to reach the domes, stay in the board. Apart from that I don't think it's any different from a normal rubber dome keyboard though. Although this is just a guess so if someone knows better go ahead and correct me.

Whether the model M is mechanical depends on how you're classifying.  As it shares many characteristics ('clickiness', feel, longevity, spring use) with the alpls/cherries/strongman switches you could call it mechanical, it's easiest just to call it buckling spring and leave it at that though.

[bhtooefr]

Ah, but buckling spring doesn't tell the whole story - the Model F and the AT keyboards use capacitive switches underneath the buckling spring assemblies, instead of a membrane.

And, there are rubber dome Model Ms, too...

[IBI]

Ah, but buckling spring doesn't tell the whole story - the Model F and the AT keyboards use capacitive switches underneath the buckling spring assemblies, instead of a membrane.

How much difference does the difference make to the feel of the keys?

When I said 'call the model M buckling spring' I did only mean the buckling spring model M and derivatives. Refering to the rubber dome model Ms as buckling spring would just be silly

[bhtooefr]

I've actually heard that it makes the keyboard feel *MUCH* more solid. (I've also heard that it makes it MUCH louder. )

[pex]

Another geekhack thread that you may benefit from:
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=199