Should an inexperienced user buy IBM M2 (1395706) or not

[demuohin]

Sorry for the oblique translation

After watching and several articles about IBM Model M, I wanted to buy this keyboard (as one of the best scrolls in mechanics).

Recently on OLX there has been an obligation to sell IBM M2 with a description:

"Mechanical keyboard ibm model m2. The new, in perfect condition, was not in use, plugged in only for testing."

Price: $20.5 or 19 euro.

Very interesting, isn't it?

But what about the problems? I know it's a lightweight version of the model m, not like the keys and the budget plastic. But I also learned from the forums that it has problems with the capacitor, which is very difficult to find (in case of failure).

The real question is, what other problems are there with it and should I buy this keyboard?
(First mechanical keyboard)

[demuohin]

Screenshots:
1.https://ibb.co/4PNLMtq
2.https://ibb.co/rt1DKtt

[Tactile]

Ask for a photo of the sticker on the back. Not all M2 keyboards are buckling spring. Some are rubber dome.

[frydaja]

You're right, even new-old-stock M2s are going to have dead capacitors on the controller board, so you'll need someone to replace them (or if you know how to solder and what caps to get).

[demuohin]

https://dropmefiles.com/EV919
Screen

[Tactile]

It might work or not. I've had one which didn't work and have one now which worked fine right away. This was a big surprise 'cause this one I'm sure hadn't been used in a long time.

I've tried to fix an M2. Fixing the electronics is the easy part. The problem I had was that this keyboard, unlike the Model M, wasn't designed to be serviceable. Instead of screw assembly the board pieces snap together with plastic clips. Even the controller board is held in place by plastic clips. These keyboards are so old that the plastic has deteriorated, or otherwise changed in some way. The result is that the plastic is very brittle and a clip which should bend enough to release instead just snaps off. I had clips fail taking my board apart and again during reassembly. It ended up in the trashcan in the end.

But, as I said, I have one here from 1993 which works fine.

[demuohin]

It might work or not. I've had one which didn't work and have one now which worked fine right away. This was a big surprise 'cause this one I'm sure hadn't been used in a long time.

I've tried to fix an M2. Fixing the electronics is the easy part. The problem I had was that this keyboard, unlike the Model M, wasn't designed to be serviceable. Instead of screw assembly the board pieces snap together with plastic clips. Even the controller board is held in place by plastic clips. These keyboards are so old that the plastic has deteriorated, or otherwise changed in some way. The result is that the plastic is very brittle and a clip which should bend enough to release instead just snaps off. I had clips fail taking my board apart and again during reassembly. It ended up in the trashcan in the end.

But, as I said, I have one here from 1993 which works fine.

Objectively, thank you for your help.

[mode]

I wouldn't, just get a regular M.

[Findecanor]

If the seller says that he has plugged it in recently, and that it worked, then it should work when you get it. 19 Euro is an OK price.

But a regular Model M is more satisfying to use. It feels and sounds better, and is easier to mod and service.