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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: wompwomp on Fri, 05 August 2011, 02:50:14

Title: A few qustions about buckling springs keybaords.
Post by: wompwomp on Fri, 05 August 2011, 02:50:14

So I recently picked up a IBM model M in really mint condition for about $20 and absolutely feel in love with it. The tactileness feels so much smoother than my cherry blue switches and it's amazing.

Anyways, I was wondering if there are any buckling spring boards with a lighter actuation force, I'm kind of a light typist.

Also, this thing is huge! lol. I know they make a space saver version but it's extremely pricey. Any other suggestions? I think I saw an IBM model M2? on ebay, which is still a full size keyboard but with a slimmer profile frame which I guess will have to do for now since I can't afford a tenkeyless model M.

Oh and my model M is missing the "]}" keycap but still has the stem. Does anyone have or know where I can get a replacement?

Btw, I hate you geekhack, you're destroying my wallet.

Edit: uber typing errors in the title lol. How embarrassing.

Title: A few qustions about buckling springs keybaords.
Post by: Findecanor on Fri, 05 August 2011, 09:37:36

The buckling spring boards with lighter actuation force are:

• IBM Model F variants. Not so much lighter compared to Cherry MX Blue.
  
• Boards made with ALPS buckling spring switches. Supposedly as light as Cherry MX Blue but the better buckling spring feel. Very rare.
  

The IBM model M2 has the same springs as the model M, but it has a much flimsier flatter construction. The keyboard is not curved and the key caps are shorter. It is louder and the feel is not as "solid" as the model M.
Be careful that many M2s have broken electronics, even unused pristine specimens that have never been outside the original box. The problem is that the capacitors dry out when they are not in use. Be also aware that there are also rubber dome variants of both the model M and the M2.

There are two kinds of "space savers": The vintage "Space Saving" version of the model M that had away with the numeric keypad, and the Unicomp (http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/keyboards.html) SpaceSaver. Unicomp sells a version with a trackpoint called the EnduraPro.
The vintage one is the one that costs the most money ... especially the unusual "Industrial" version with darker grey case.

Title: A few qustions about buckling springs keybaords.
Post by: guilleguillaume on Fri, 05 August 2011, 09:45:20

I would not try to ask what Ripster says to Webwit. Just to be safe :banplease:

Title: A few qustions about buckling springs keybaords.
Post by: wompwomp on Fri, 05 August 2011, 19:13:59

Ah I see.

Hmm well does anyone know where I can get a replacement keycap for cheap? The "]}" key. Clickykeyboards.com has it for $1 but shipping is $10 :[

Title: A few qustions about buckling springs keybaords.
Post by: ironman31 on Fri, 05 August 2011, 20:18:41

I second getting a model f. A much better and lighter feel than the model m