geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Kukuschi on Sun, 26 February 2012, 14:21:06
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Hello,
Are there any deepgoing differences between qwerty (UK layout afaik. Maybe US) and qwertz (german) layout on the IBM model F AT? Is it possible to change a qwerty into a german qwertz by just adding the right keycaps? (And if yes, does model m keycaps fit?).
Greetings, KK
P.S.: Sorry for my poor english.
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I cannot answer your question definitively, but I will tell you that changing keycaps is not enough.
If you disassemble the layers of the board, you will probably be able to move keys by moving and adding barrels, springs, and keys.
This is a difficult procedure, but it works. Model M keycaps and key stems will fit, but M and F barrels and springs are different.
If you have time and effort to invest, this could be a rewarding project.
Otherwise, forget about it.
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That is the Question. Imho it should work with just changing the keycaps and using german as input language in Windows. It works fine with modern keybords, but i am not sure about the model f. (I was not able to find a picture of an model f with german qwertz layout in the net, so i have no comparison if both using the same keys (or maybe a smaller enter key etc.). Have to take the risk, buy an qwerty and try it maybe.
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Ja
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No deep differences AFAIK, remember this is from before the ANSI/ISO differences crept in! Certainly the controller outputs the same codes for each key position.
The barrels are all there except for where the Alt keys would be on a modern 'board. Extra springs and hammers might be useful to adapt the layout, but that's not necessary if you're happy with it how it is (big enter, small backspace, big left shift).
But, it is a fun 'board to do more with...
Model F - Gimme back my Big Backspace Mod (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:8893)
Daniel Beaver's AT-F (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:8893&p=226708&viewfull=1#post226708)
My AT-F (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?10629-What-did-you-get-in-the-mail-today&p=247540&viewfull=1#post247540) (and Haata's in the next post)
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Thank you for the answers. :)
I want to do some mods with it, but mainly cosmetic as a start.
I am more designer/illustrator/artisan and , sadly, pretty much uneducated in electrotechnic ... but someday i will built my own keyboard from scratch at whatever cost and risk. Well ... cut "cost", i am poor. ;)