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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: Michael on Sun, 24 November 2013, 15:27:46

Title: Buckling Spring Caps Comparison
Post by: Michael on Sun, 24 November 2013, 15:27:46
So what exactly makes these incompatible with one another? (as I have been told).


Is the barrel larger for the M series versus the M15?


(http://i.imgur.com/RcTIrWr.jpg)
Title: Re: Buckling Spring Caps Comparison
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 24 November 2013, 18:42:06
I have never had an M15 but I have had a couple of M2s.

First, with standard Model M/Fs, all stems are the same and all caps have the same profile (and they will fit M2s/M15s).

The M2s (and, presumably M15s) have differing profiles, and different stabilizers, so there is no direct interchangeability, although you can make a standard stem work in a pinch.
Title: Re: Buckling Spring Caps Comparison
Post by: 127001 on Sun, 24 November 2013, 19:36:20
I haven't really been brave enough (had the time) to take keys out of my M15 yet unfortunately.
Title: Re: Buckling Spring Caps Comparison
Post by: AKIMbO on Sun, 24 November 2013, 21:02:26
They look interchangeable to me. 
Title: Re: Buckling Spring Caps Comparison
Post by: terran5992 on Sun, 24 November 2013, 21:30:49
They arent? Have you tried yet?
Title: Re: Buckling Spring Caps Comparison
Post by: Michael on Sun, 24 November 2013, 21:44:51
They arent? Have you tried yet?


I don't have a regular M or F right now to test it.
Title: Re: Buckling Spring Caps Comparison
Post by: clickclack on Mon, 25 November 2013, 17:31:34
Hi all,

Just caught this topic.
There are a few reasons why standard M's and M15 keys are not that compatible but here are the two most important ones:

1) As is evident in the OPs photos you can see that the M's stem is longer than the M15's. That right there is the main reason.
2) Offset, the M keys have a different offset (front to back) than the M15 keys.

So what exactly can you do with them in stock form you ask?
Well you can put either one on either keyboard, but... only one will likely work

M15 keys don't work on M's without modification
M keys work on M15 boards but they are hella loose and fugly but will register keypresses, with some occasional binding. They are too tall and they twist more than Chubby Checker. They will also sit too far forward and likely wont comfortably fit the "top" cap. But the inner stem cap will fit, but again they will be leaning/shifting far forward. M keys are also bigger not only in height but in girth in general. It's footprint is larger.


For the TL;DR crowd

M15 on M, LuLz, turtle head stance, no dice.
M on M15, if you're into psychedelic drugs go for it!
Title: Re: Buckling Spring Caps Comparison
Post by: Michael on Mon, 25 November 2013, 17:33:10
Hi all,

Just caught this topic.
There are a few reasons why standard M's and M15 keys are not that compatible but here are the two most important ones:

1) As is evident in the OPs photos you can see that the M's stem is longer than the M15's. That right there is the main reason.
2) Offset, the M keys have a different offset (front to back) than the M15 keys.

So what exactly can you do with them in stock form you ask?
Well you can put either one on either keyboard, but... only one will likely work

M15 keys don't work on M's without modification
M keys work on M15 boards but they are hella loose and fugly but will register keypresses, with some occasional binding. They are too tall and they twist more than Chubby Checker. They will also sit too far forward and likely wont comfortably fit the "top" cap. But the inner stem cap will fit, but again they will be leaning/shifting far forward. M keys are also bigger not only in height but in girth in general. It's footprint is larger.


For the TL;DR crowd

M15 on M, LuLz, turtle head stance, no dice.
M on M15, if you're into psychedelic drugs go for it!


Excellent, thank you for that.
Title: Re: Buckling Spring Caps Comparison
Post by: 127001 on Mon, 25 November 2013, 17:35:38
Good to know, thanks.