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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Dyaems on Wed, 13 May 2015, 10:53:36

Title: Making IBM Model M "Feel" Lighter when Typing
Post by: Dyaems on Wed, 13 May 2015, 10:53:36
Is this possible? I would assume a mod will be done, but what? If there is, can someone link me please?

Typing with the Model M only lasts me for about two hours and I need to rest, my fingers starts to get tired for about an hour. I bought a Model M before for office use and lots of typing are being done here!  ;D


Thanks for any info!


P.S. I tried searching the forums first but it seems the search engine does not accept the keywords "model m" or "ibm model m" because of the letter "m"  :(

Searching through mister G did not help either!
Title: Re: Making IBM Model M "Feel" Lighter when Typing
Post by: snoopy on Wed, 13 May 2015, 11:10:23
Not sure if it feels much lighter. But search for floss mod. Basically this mod is for reducing the noise (the high pitched ping). But in my opinion it also influences the feel a bit.

/edit

or switch to Model F, it also feels lighter (and better)
Title: Re: Making IBM Model M "Feel" Lighter when Typing
Post by: 0100010 on Wed, 13 May 2015, 18:25:25
Yup, Model F is about the only option.  Unless someone can source different springs for an M.
Title: Re: Making IBM Model M "Feel" Lighter when Typing
Post by: pr0ximity on Wed, 13 May 2015, 19:10:46
+1 for a Model F
Title: Re: Making IBM Model M "Feel" Lighter when Typing
Post by: Dyaems on Fri, 15 May 2015, 09:39:31
Thanks guys!  :thumb:

No need for a Model F since I'm using an HHKB so I'll just bring that one (again) to the office. Shipping another IBM keyboard to our country is helluva expensive!
Title: Re: Making IBM Model M "Feel" Lighter when Typing
Post by: Touch_It on Fri, 15 May 2015, 11:23:24
Maybe there is a different way to approach this.  You could do strength training or something with your fingers.  I have large bear paws for hands and don't find M's to be heavy.  But maybe with training you could adapt your fingers.  Just a quick thought.
Title: Re: Making IBM Model M "Feel" Lighter when Typing
Post by: KeypressGraphics on Fri, 15 May 2015, 13:09:40
Maybe there is a different way to approach this.  You could do strength training or something with your fingers.  I have large bear paws for hands and don't find M's to be heavy.  But maybe with training you could adapt your fingers.  Just a quick thought.
Squeezing tennis balls on a daily basis is a cheap way to increase finger strength. Not recommended for everyone suffering from RSI or Arthritis though.
Title: Re: Making IBM Model M "Feel" Lighter when Typing
Post by: Zukoi on Sat, 16 May 2015, 00:05:34
Maybe there is a different way to approach this.  You could do strength training or something with your fingers.  I have large bear paws for hands and don't find M's to be heavy.  But maybe with training you could adapt your fingers.  Just a quick thought.
Squeezing tennis balls on a daily basis is a cheap way to increase finger strength. Not recommended for everyone suffering from RSI or Arthritis though.
Fuuny, the model m is the only keyboard that people train for.
Title: Re: Making IBM Model M "Feel" Lighter when Typing
Post by: Magna224 on Sat, 16 May 2015, 04:26:44
The M13s at my work are like-new and they feel a lot lighter and smoother than the 5+ buckling spring keyboards I've owned that were used (But all in good condition).