geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ckar on Wed, 25 June 2014, 18:17:31
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I want to spend a minimal amount of money to try a IBM Model M keyboard.
It is an old keyboard so I cannot go out to a local computer store to try it.
Getting one shipped here can be expensive (I live in Canada).
They don't show up often in the local classified or they are too far away from my location.
What can I do?
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http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59913.0
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Are you close to Vermont?
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You could also try the modern equivalent from Unicomp (http://www.unicomp.com/).
Almost the same feel, more modern layout.
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What of Canada are you in? There are plenty of Canadian members of Geekhack that might have one you could try out.
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I've got one, I'm in Ottawa ON.
What keyboards are you used to? I actually don't find the buckling springs to be any louder than my other boards really... MX Blues are louder, and my KPT102 is much louder.
As others have mentioned, the Unicomp keyboards are basically new Model Ms (they took over production). Shipping to Canada from them is no better though... a good $50-70.
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I actually find that BS switches actually feel a touch lighter than Cherry switches of "equivalent" activation force. Don't know why but they just don't seem that heavy to me. I started with Browns for a few years but am typing on blacks with clear springs right now. I love the feel and sound of the M switches.
For what it's worth I have tried both traditional M (couple different part numbers) and a Unicomp. The Unicomp to me felt the loosest, had the stiffest activation force, and had the highest pitch.
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I've got one, I'm in Ottawa ON.
What keyboards are you used to? I actually don't find the buckling springs to be any louder than my other boards really... MX Blues are louder, and my KPT102 is much louder.
As others have mentioned, the Unicomp keyboards are basically new Model Ms (they took over production). Shipping to Canada from them is no better though... a good $50-70.
From similar items that I have shipped to Canada, that should not cost more than $40 with USPS. Unicomp does use UPS, so maybe that affects the price.
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I actually find that BS switches actually feel a touch lighter than Cherry switches of "equivalent" activation force. Don't know why but they just don't seem that heavy to me.
I feel the same, and it is even more pronounced with the Model F.
I think that the mass of the ancient IBM iron (especially when sitting on one of my EPDM mats) creates a rock-solid body that absorbs all of the striking force, in a way that a lighter keyboard cannot.
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I've got one, I'm in Ottawa ON.
What keyboards are you used to? I actually don't find the buckling springs to be any louder than my other boards really... MX Blues are louder, and my KPT102 is much louder.
As others have mentioned, the Unicomp keyboards are basically new Model Ms (they took over production). Shipping to Canada from them is no better though... a good $50-70.
From similar items that I have shipped to Canada, that should not cost more than $40 with USPS. Unicomp does use UPS, so maybe that affects the price.
They use UPS for domestic shipping. They claim to use FedEx for international (to Canada). The quote I got on a single keyboard was $50 and change to Ottawa. Likely import fees would be on top of this if they are using FedEx.
If they used USPS it would probably be less and include import fees in the initial cost. I had inquired about this some time ago.
PS Enjoying the Model M, prdlm2009!
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You could buy a Model M and pay the shipping if you have to. I don't think an IBM Model M will be a purchase that you will regret. They are very well-built keyboards with a nice feel.
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I actually find that BS switches actually feel a touch lighter than Cherry switches of "equivalent" activation force. Don't know why but they just don't seem that heavy to me. I started with Browns for a few years but am typing on blacks with clear springs right now. I love the feel and sound of the M switches.
For what it's worth I have tried both traditional M (couple different part numbers) and a Unicomp. The Unicomp to me felt the loosest, had the stiffest activation force, and had the highest pitch.
I think it's because of the base linearity of MX. Once you're past the tactile point on buckling springs, there is not alot of additional resistance; whereas the springs on MX are then at their strongest.
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Do Model M keyboards have a PCB underneath the keys/springs?
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Do Model M keyboards have a PCB underneath the keys/springs?
No, they have a membrane. Model F's have a PCB.