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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Debeucci on Sun, 22 December 2013, 02:33:10

Title: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: Debeucci on Sun, 22 December 2013, 02:33:10
For those with M13s, are there any differences with the keyboard (other than the obvious trackpoint and the fact that it comes in black)?

I've heard some mixed things about the quality of the M13s, that since they are one of the last iterations of the Model Ms, that they aren't built as well or sound a little different.  Is that true?

If I close my eyes and type on them side by side, will I receive the same tactile feeling and response from the board?

Thanks
Title: Re: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: terran5992 on Sun, 22 December 2013, 03:20:53
Yep basically the same feeling
Title: Re: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: TacticalCoder on Sun, 22 December 2013, 03:34:03
(other than the obvious trackpoint and the fact that it comes in black)

I think they do also exist in beige and even in industrial. My black M13 does have two-pieces keycaps. I'd say that it's basically the same feeling but that two used Ms never do feel exactly alike.
Title: Re: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sun, 22 December 2013, 10:11:23
(other than the obvious trackpoint and the fact that it comes in black)

I think they do also exist in beige and even in industrial. My black M13 does have two-pieces keycaps. I'd say that it's basically the same feeling but that two used Ms never do feel exactly alike.

I would highly doubt those are the stock keycaps as the GHB  keys were always one piece for obvious reasons.  Pics?
Title: Re: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: ricercar on Sun, 22 December 2013, 11:35:14
My black and white M13s each have 1-piece keysets. That being said, if the 2-piece G, H, and B keys have the cutout for the trackpoint, I'd expect they were stock. I'm skeptical that there were ever any aftermarket GHB keys with trackpoint cutouts. Had I such a board I'd cherish it and use the 2-piece key design as a selling point if the board was put on the market.

--
To address the OP, my M13s are indistinguishable from my normal type-Ms in typing feel and internal structure (excepting the trackpoint and dual-PS2 connectors).
Title: Re: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 22 December 2013, 11:43:59
Aren't all black Model M keys 1-piece pad printed?
Title: Re: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sun, 22 December 2013, 11:45:04
Internal structure is not the same.  The barrel plate has extra support ridges that a standard M does not (and of course the mounts for the pointer).

I had considered putting a set of my M13 blacks on another keyboard and using a two piece set on the M13 (all my standard M's but the oldest are two-piece), you could cut out notches in the keystem piece and the cap and still have the cap stay on, just it wouldn't look that great.
Title: Re: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: Debeucci on Sun, 22 December 2013, 12:12:52
I'm sorry but could you explain what the 1 key keyset and a 2 piece set is?

Are you saying that the M13 doesn't have a keycap which sits on top of the button and that it's all one piece?

Thanks
Title: Re: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: Wildcard on Sun, 22 December 2013, 12:49:02
(other than the obvious trackpoint and the fact that it comes in black)

I think they do also exist in beige and even in industrial. My black M13 does have two-pieces keycaps. I'd say that it's basically the same feeling but that two used Ms never do feel exactly alike.

I have a beige M13 and it feels the same as my M's.
Title: Re: IBM Model M13 vs regular Model M
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 22 December 2013, 12:54:14
I'm sorry but could you explain what the 1 key keyset and a 2 piece set is?

This should clarify.