geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: msiegel on Tue, 29 September 2009, 00:30:39
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Would one-piece Model M keys (stems etc) fit a Model F?
I'm thinking about using Model M keys to fill in missing spots on a Model F :)
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I thought they were slightly different. I haven't got a model M at hand, so I can't compare.
At any rate, you could try it if you are very careful.
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They are interchangable, although I think the Model M's ones are a bit bigger.
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The stem is the same, at any rate.
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The stem is the same, but IIRC the keys have a slightly different height, or something to that effect. Or I may be thinking of M2 versus M keys. It's early, and I'm not a morning person!
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I haven't got a model M at hand, so I can't compare.
I'm shocked :shocked: I thought all geekhacks owned at least one Model M
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I'm shocked :shocked: I thought all geekhacks owned at least one Model M
He didn't say he didn't have one, he just didn't have one handy. He might be at work, or something.
EDIT: looking at his signature, he has a Model F and another terminal keyboard.
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He didn't say he didn't have one, he just didn't have one handy. He might be at work, or something.
EDIT: looking at his signature, he has a Model F and another terminal keyboard.
Well as long as he's got at least one real keyboard... :)
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I'm shocked :shocked: I thought all geekhacks owned at least one Model M
Heh, I must be an exception then.
Seeing how I got the model F XT before any other keyboard, a model M with possible broken rivets and a heavier touch doesn't really appeal to me (Now if it had thumb keys, a lighter touch and a symmetrical layout, I'd buy one in a heartbeat).
Anyway, should the keys be compatible I'd might buy a UK model M to swap some dirty key caps on my 'F with a clean specimen.
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Heh, I must be an exception then.
Seeing how I got the model F XT before any other keyboard, a model M with possible broken rivets and a heavier touch doesn't really appeal to me (Now if it had thumb keys, a lighter touch and a symmetrical layout, I'd buy one in a heartbeat).
Anyway, should the keys be compatible I'd might buy a UK model M to swap some dirty key caps on my 'F with a clean specimen.
I with ya
I'm going to lunch now (it's noon on the left coast) but when I get back I'll check the keycaps on the Model M, 83-key Model F, and 84-key PC AT to see if they're compatible - I just happen to have one of each here at the office :)
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cool... if they're compatible, then there's hope for creating a "Happy F-ing Keyboard". small like a Happy Hacking, but made of Model F switches and a few Model M keys :)
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cool... if they're they're compatible, then there's hope for creating a "Happy F-ing Keyboard". small like a Happy Hacking, but made of Model F switches and a few Model M keys :)
Wow...I don't even know what to say about that one...
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Wow...I don't even know what to say about that one...
on the model f pcb, capacitive pads are in nearly all the right places :D :D
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I with ya
I'm going to lunch now (it's noon on the left coast) but when I get back I'll check the keycaps on the Model M, 83-key Model F, and 84-key PC AT to see if they're compatible - I just happen to have one of each here at the office :)
This little experiment was more interesting than expected.
First, the one piece Model F keys (tops and stems) are swappable with two piece Model M keys. JBert or ch_123 or someone noted that the two piece Model M keys are slightly thicker than the Model F keys, but there didn't seem to be any problem with clearance.
The printing on the Model F keys (both the 83-key and 84-key) is definitely darker (bolder & thicker) than the printing on the 1989 while label Model M I used for comparison.
The most interesting thing I discovered was the noticeable change in the the clickiness of the key pressess. Swapping the 83-key Model F keys with Model M keys slightly dulls the sharpness of the clicks, but also appears to also slightly reduce the force required to buckle the spring.
I have not officially measured the force with the ripometer but side-by-side, the key presses on the swapped keys feel lighter than the native keys.
Hopefully someone else can replicate my experience because an 84-key PC AT keyboard with lighter key presses would be even more outstanding than it already is.
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This little experiment was more interesting than expected.
Hopefully someone else can replicate my experience because an 84-key PC AT keyboard with lighter key presses would be even more outstanding than it already is.
excellent! well done max :D
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Deleting duplicate post.
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They are interchangable, although I think the Model M's ones are a bit bigger.
i just noticed this myself, comparing keys from two different sets -- it feels like two-piece keys are a good portion of a mm taller than one-piece keys. a small but discernible difference.
can anyone verify this with measurements?
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wow, thanks ripster... i hadn't even noticed the cutout!
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The most interesting thing I discovered was the noticeable change in the the clickiness of the key pressess. Swapping the 83-key Model F keys with Model M keys slightly dulls the sharpness of the clicks, but also appears to also slightly reduce the force required to buckle the spring.
I have not officially measured the force with the ripometer but side-by-side, the key presses on the swapped keys feel lighter than the native keys.
Hopefully someone else can replicate my experience because an 84-key PC AT keyboard with lighter key presses would be even more outstanding than it already is.
I noticed this too, but it didn't feel 'right'... I went back to the usual keys.