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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: bettablue on Sat, 29 March 2014, 12:28:35

Title: Typing Experiences
Post by: bettablue on Sat, 29 March 2014, 12:28:35
All I can say is WOW!!!  I had my Model M keyboard lose its controller board, so I shipped it to Unicomp have it refurbished, and repaired.  While my trusty Model M was away, I had only one other keyboard that I could use with my desktop computer, another IBM, but this time it was the KB-8923.  I stand behind the 8923 as a backup, and for those who want a silent board for one reason or other.  At least I did!  I can no longer get behind any rubber dome board after using the 8923 for only about 10 days.  After days of typing on the board, and forcing each key to bottom out to register a keystroke, my fingers hurt, and my hands felt like sponges they were so tired.  Since my model M with serial number ending in 801 was going to be another week at Unicomp, I went to E-Bay and found another Model M for a decent price, and had it shipped overnight.  I am SO glad I did.  For some reason, the folks at Unicomp had to take longer than expected because the upgrade parts they needed were on back order.  The replacement Model M arrived the next day, as promised, and I had it connected to my computer within 5 minutes of the boards arrival. 

Why am I writing this to all of you out there my friends?  So in case you've read my earlier posts regarding the kb-8923 and disregard them.  My experience of using that keyboard after using a Model M for so long was a real eye opener.  Now, I have a spare Model M, so if, there is another problem later on down the road, well, I'm covered. 

How do I like my original Model M after the repair?  I love it!!!  Although they did do away with the bolt job, they kept all of the original internal and external parts they could, like the heavier steel back plate.  They even repaired the broken connector, where the keyboard's cable interfaces with the keyboard.  And, they also replaced the old cable with a new one at no additional charge!  I have to admit, that at first, I was a bit hesitant about sending my trusty friend away to them for repair, but in the end, I'm glad I did.  In my opinion, my Model M is in better condition than when it was new! 
Title: Re: Typing Experiences
Post by: kaiteoki on Sat, 29 March 2014, 22:29:42
No wonder you got no replies.
I tried to read your life story, but it got so boring 3 lines down.
I just couldn't force myself to read it all, sorry.
Title: Re: Typing Experiences
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sat, 29 March 2014, 22:33:37
No wonder you got no replies.
I tried to read your life story, but it got so boring 3 lines down.
I just couldn't force myself to read it all, sorry.

(http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/500x/44521242.jpg)
Title: Re: Typing Experiences
Post by: bettablue on Sat, 29 March 2014, 22:37:52
LOL!!!  Sorry.  I did get carried away, didn't I.  I'll try to watch for that in the future. 

But on the other hand, I wasn't looking for replies.  I wrote it as an FYI kind of thing.  Take it or leave it. 

Still, hope you all have a great weekend. 
Title: Re: Typing Experiences
Post by: Techno Trousers on Sun, 30 March 2014, 00:05:45
It's a nice story. I've used all manner of keyboard technologies, but I keep coming back to buckling spring too. The capacitive Model F variety, especially, are just sublime.
Title: Re: Typing Experiences
Post by: bettablue on Sun, 30 March 2014, 00:13:56
I have to agree.  I use model F keyboards with my vintage IBM 5150 and 5160 computers.  Take a look at my web page at www.allthignsdos.com.  While there look for a computer called Alice.  That is the centerpiece of my vintage computer collection.  Another computer I have, named "Charlie" is the 5160 machine.  I don't believe we have much in Charlie on the web page just yet, but we will eventually.  I have another computer named Melora, which is another 5150 computer that is coming in next week.  It will be a refurbishment rather than a complete rebuild and massive upgrade, but it too will have a model F keyboard.  I love each and every one of these keyboards.  And you're right!  They are sublime.  There is nothing like typing on either the Model M, or Model F, although, I do prefer the Model M, even with my new home built computers. 
Title: Re: Typing Experiences
Post by: Beca on Sun, 30 March 2014, 00:49:29
No wonder you got no replies.
I tried to read your life story, but it got so boring 3 lines down.
I just couldn't force myself to read it all, sorry.
rude. as. fuq. :mad:

@op: have you tried cherry switches or topre switches?
Title: Re: Typing Experiences
Post by: Beca on Sun, 30 March 2014, 00:50:06
No wonder you got no replies.
I tried to read your life story, but it got so boring 3 lines down.
I just couldn't force myself to read it all, sorry.
rude. as. fuq. :mad:

@op: have you tried cherry switches or topre switches?
oh and is your location a reference to fallout or do you actually live near there, lol
Title: Re: Typing Experiences
Post by: bettablue on Sun, 30 March 2014, 00:54:12
That doesn't bother me.  If I let every single negative comment get to me, I'd have gone crazy or something by now.  It's just not worth it.  :-)