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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Rootus on Tue, 04 September 2012, 13:36:55

Title: Need something like a Model-M, but not
Post by: Rootus on Tue, 04 September 2012, 13:36:55

My current situation:

I have a Unicomp buckling spring keyboard at home.  I love the feel, I type well on it, everything about it is great except the noise.  Not a big deal at home, though.

At work I have a Filco tenkeyless.  Not too loud, but I type like crap on it.  Lots of errors from missing the key slightly and catching a bit of the next key.

What I want is a keyboard at work that is as close to possible to the Unicomp I have at home, but not nearly as noisy.  I don't mind the feel of the keys on the Filco, it's really just something about the spacing/shape/etc of the keys that makes it very error prone for me.  I've thought about getting a Unicomp for work that uses the squishy switches, but I'm wondering if there isn't something a little better, maintaining the same design and still having decent mechanical switches.

Recommendations?  Anybody else experience this situation?  Everybody seems to love the Filco, but I really don't care for it at all.  Makes me a bit stabby after a long day fighting it.

Title: Re: Need something like a Model-M, but not
Post by: swagpiratex on Tue, 04 September 2012, 13:40:56

I think the closest thing would be o-ringed blues. Try and see if you can find someone with a setup close to what you're looking for and check it out.

Sent from my HTC Sensation

Title: Re: Need something like a Model-M, but not
Post by: jkercado on Tue, 04 September 2012, 13:42:09

All I can think of is the floss mod. Basically you can buy some of that Oral-B weird dental floss that has a sponge-like part. Cut a tiny piece and stuff it into each spring. It does mute the sound a lot, but at least in my opinion it also changes the tactile response somewhat.

Give it a spin on a few keys, see if it works!

Title: Re: Need something like a Model-M, but not
Post by: absyrd on Tue, 04 September 2012, 13:48:34

What type of MX switches on the Filco? Blues? How long have you used it for?

If you want stiff, tactile, and to not accidentally press other keys I'd look at trying out some ALPS.

Title: Re: Need something like a Model-M, but not
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 04 September 2012, 13:53:16

I totally recommend the floss mod. Too bad the wikis are all gone, it is easy enough to do when the keyboard is apart and the springs are loose, it is probably a lot harder to do with springs in place, but not impossible. Be careful not to fray the ends, after a couple of tries it will be fluffed out to the point where you will never get it in.

The change to the feel is minimal, but the noise reduction is great, because what it takes out are the ringing overtones that carry so far. I have used them for quite a while and have come to hear the "stock" Model M/F sound as harsh.

Also, get some rubber "drawer liner" material and cut a pad to go under the board. That deadens the sound somewhat, plus it keeps the board from moving around.