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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: hkrak on Wed, 06 May 2015, 06:21:41

Title: hello!
Post by: hkrak on Wed, 06 May 2015, 06:21:41

I am a 30 year old guy who have recently beome interested in (mechanical) keyboards. Have been lurking here for a while now, so thought I might register to further take part in the community. :)

My interest were intially sparked when I read about the fabled Model M. In Norway, however, these things are pretty rare, so no Model M just yet.
Instead I've bought an old NMB rubber dome keyboard (RT6455TNW), and CM Storm quickfire rapid-i.

Yesterday though, I hit the jackpot. I was on my way to the grocery store, and by chance spotted a keyboard in a garbage container in my backyard.
After convincing myself that it is okay to mess around in dumpsters, I managed to retrieve the keyboard and pressed some keys. Immediately I knew this was something special.
I went back inside, popped off a cap and underneath I found these guys:

More

(http://i.imgur.com/UzJwqGwl.jpg)

Label:

More

(http://i.imgur.com/5Fb72t2l.jpg)

The "b"-key was stuck and the keyboard was wet and extremely dirty, so I was not sure it actually worked. I was ecstatic though, so I went on to clean it anyways (sorry for the poor image quality):

More

(http://i.imgur.com/8up1GZsl.jpg)

In the end I managed to fix the stuck key, and testing proved the keyboard worked flawlessly. I couldn't be happier. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/dlIb4WL.jpg)


I'm afraid this won't be my last keyboard though. I'm still itching for a Model M, and I believe a 60% keyboard might be practical...

-hkrak

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: meow a cat on Thu, 07 May 2015, 06:13:09

Welcome to GeekHack!

Nice find there, space invaders I believe! Cleaned up nicely, looks like it was worth the dumpster dive!  :thumb:

I'm sure you could find someone in Europe selling a Model M, that way the shipping wouldn't be so ridiculous. Keep an eye on the classifieds here, and you can also check out Deskthority. Deskthority is mainly European, and they have a heavy focus on vintage boards.

Once you find a Model M, I'm sure you'll love it! I fell in love with my first full-size Model M. Buckling springs are my favourite clicky switch, the feel is great!

The only downside to it was that it was huge, but I got my hands on an SSK and a Model F PC-AT.

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: hkrak on Fri, 08 May 2015, 04:03:54

Thank you!

I guess Europe is my best bet with regards to acquiring a Model M yeah, also since I'd really like one with ISO layout. I'll check out deskthority, thanks for the tip. :)
With regards to the size of it, was there ever made a tenkeyless Model M with ISO layout?

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: meow a cat on Fri, 08 May 2015, 04:36:27

Quote from: hkrak on Fri, 08 May 2015, 04:03:54

Thank you!

I guess Europe is my best bet with regards to acquiring a Model M yeah, also since I'd really like one with ISO layout. I'll check out deskthority, thanks for the tip. :)
With regards to the size of it, was there ever made a tenkeyless Model M with ISO layout?

Yes, they're out there, but that might be a bit of a tough find. SSKs (Space Saving Keyboard, TKL Model M) can be hard to come by, and they're usually pretty pricey. I think the ISO version is less common as well.

 Watch eBay too.

Standard US ANSI SSKs and Model Ms can be converted from ANSI to ISO by moving barrels around though! Could be a good thing to do while you're bolt modding, or disassembling the board for some other reason.

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: hkrak on Sat, 09 May 2015, 06:45:42

Quote from: meow a cat on Fri, 08 May 2015, 04:36:27

Standard US ANSI SSKs and Model Ms can be converted from ANSI to ISO by moving barrels around though! Could be a good thing to do while you're bolt modding, or disassembling the board for some other reason.

Great! I'll definitely check that out.

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 12 May 2015, 05:55:21

Welcome to Geekhack!

Nice find!

Yes, people do look through dumpsters.  There is even a thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56814.0) about it.

If you do want a Model M, keep looking.  They do turn up from time to time, sometimes when you least expect it.

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: LXXXIX on Tue, 12 May 2015, 07:48:40

Welcome to GH!

I have a Model F AT that I received from an instructor and they are pretty fun too. I'm sure if you're patient and keep an eye out on eBay or the classifieds I'm sure you will find what you're looking for.

If you have any questions feel free to message us. We're glad to have you here! :thumb:

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: Snowdog993 on Tue, 12 May 2015, 14:49:33

Welcome!
I sure hope you found a Model M keyboard.  They are all well worthwhile.  We just found a good deal on one recently in "Great Finds".  I hope you got it.

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: hkrak on Tue, 12 May 2015, 16:11:35

Thanks for the welcome everyone!

I'm now frantically monitoring ebay and other sites for a Model M, hopefully I'll find a good one at a decent price soon! :)

Also, I was at a local thrift shop today. No interesting keyboards, but I found an old IBM typewriter (model number 6746).
If I understand correctly, Model M resembles these typewriters? The keys were tactile and really clicky, had a very nice feel to them.

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 13 May 2015, 05:51:31

AFAIK IBM 6746 does have buckling spring switches!

And don't be too frantic - light monitoring is better, as it could be weeks or months before one turns up.

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: hkrak on Wed, 13 May 2015, 18:05:39

Then I already know that I'll enjoy the Model M.
But, yeah, I guess I have to be patient. Easier said than done though.  :)

Title: Re: hello!
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 16 May 2015, 21:32:03

Stick around - you'll learn patience soon enough.  Especially if you participate in some group buys ;)