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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Alvin777 on Sun, 12 November 2023, 17:38:06

Title: IBM KB-9910 Keycaps PBT? Can it be Modded w/ Modern Switches?
Post by: Alvin777 on Sun, 12 November 2023, 17:38:06

Hello extreme keyboards friends. Are the keycaps on the IBM KB-9910 made of PBT and could this keyboard be somehow modded to mechanical switches using modern switches getting rid of it's dome and membrane system?

Thank you. God bless you.

Title: Re: IBM KB-9910 Keycaps PBT? Can it be Modded w/ Modern Switches?
Post by: Rhienfo on Sun, 12 November 2023, 18:56:05

I guess you could cut out the stems in the rubber dome keycaps and replace them with 3d printed mx stems, I don't know how feasible it would be, if it's more trouble than it's worth and if it would even work with those caps but if you are never gonna use that membrane board and you were gonna throw it out, it can't really hurt to try.

I found some reddit threads that could help you get a start with this.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/7ebgzm/i_made_a_cherry_mx_stem_3d_model_for_anyone_who/

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/4a0szr/help_3d_printed_cherry_mx_stems/

Good luck with doing this.

Title: Re: IBM KB-9910 Keycaps PBT? Can it be Modded w/ Modern Switches?
Post by: aliacacia on Tue, 09 June 2026, 03:19:43

Interesting question! I’ve always been fascinated by classic IBM keyboards, and the KB-9910 is a unique piece of hardware. If the keycaps are indeed PBT, that would be a nice bonus for durability. As for converting it to modern mechanical switches, I imagine it would require significant modification to the plate, PCB, and case design. Basket Random (https://basketrandomgame.io)