Emulating IBM Model F feel in Model M

[czarek]

Since I've used Model F for the first time I'm trying to get my Model M boards as close in feel to the Model F as possible.
So far I've done the following with a very good results:
1. Bolt mod, but without all nuts in place, just a few marked by Ripster in his Bolt Mod Wiki, don't screw them too tight, the looser it is, the better.
2. Replace springs with Unicomp's, they're softer than any Model M, I've also tried with Model F springs and it kind of works but it's just not sparkly enough.
3. Remove the rubber layer from between barrel assembly and membranes, they dampen the sound and make the board slightly less sharp.
With those 3 points done I can say it's something between Model M and Model F. I'm thinking about the following:
Use Model F springs, but as they are a little bit longer, it will require longer bolts and some spacers between barrel plate and membranes. With a correct measures it could actually work, but I'm yet to find time to do that for the full board. And obviously that requires very precise replacing of springs on original hammers, since the Model F hammers don't work with Model M.

Here's a video:
[video=youtube;LZnTkLpt-TQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZnTkLpt-TQ[/video]

[bootstrap]

@czarek - Wow! It's like you read my mind. Recently I have been wondering how to get the best of both worlds - the compactness of the Model M Mini and the legendary feel of a Model F. Thanks for putting together a nice article.

[czarek]

Well, it doesn't feel exactly like Model F, as the springs are stiffer. It is though just as springy and crispy as Model F. It also doesn't ping as much as Model F, which may be a good thing actually.
I've done the last point today morning, since then I wrote about 80 kb of perl using this beastie and I'm really happy about the result.

[czarek]

Mate, it's not McRip effect. They sound different and they feel different. Just try original set on one board with fully tightened bolts, then replace them with Unicomp springs and do the same. Or just replace one spring without opening the board using a chopstick.
Also springs from your Boscom use different hammers than the ones in new Unicomps. Yours are semi transparent yellowish colour, while new Unicomps come with ivory white coloured hammers - at least in my Endurapro and 2 sets of "springs and pivot plates" they've sent me this year.
But the truth is they require almost the same amount of force when measured with rippometer - the difference between 131 and SSK with Unicomp springs is around 2 grams (http://www.mennica.com.pl/produkty-i-uslugi/produkty-mennicze/monety-nbp/monety-obiegowe/produkt/zobacz/2-grosze.html)
Also I measured multiple keys across the 2 boards and they all have some minor differences but Unicomp's springs are always lighter than IBM's.

[czarek]

Nope.  Still call The McRip Effect.

See Ripster's 11/14/2011 TIL in my subforum:

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?22025-TIL-%28Today-I-Learned%29-Ripster-Trivia-Of-The-Day&p=451816&viewfull=1#post451816

Call it as you want. Those that have switched the springs know it makes the difference.
Btw try it without rubber - that makes even more difference even though the required force is exactly the same as with rubber.
Like the woman ;-)

[REVENGE]

Are we talking about brand new IBM springs vs brand new Unicomp springs? Are the IBM and Unicomp springs physically identical?