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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Tangtawan on Thu, 05 May 2016, 15:40:14

Title: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: Tangtawan on Thu, 05 May 2016, 15:40:14

Hi,

I currently own a 1995 IBM Model M with non-detachable keycaps. I got this keyboard from an auction of used government items for less than $5, the problem is that all government owned parts will have serial number written on by marker pen, as they are sold off to auction; someone has scratched that serial number off with some sort of hard object (to declare that its no longer owned by government) and has completely ruined the texture of keyboard itself.

The keyboard is in usable condition, all keys are functioning properly and looks like its barely been used as there are almost no dust under the keycaps. But i kinda need some help here.

I'm currently looking for replacement shell cover (both blue badge and grey badge are fine), tried browsing ebay and couldnt find one.

Also I don't really like Thai printed keycaps, and is currently looking for blank keycaps set; found one from Unicomp, but not sure that it will work with my 1995 Model M > http://www.pckeyboard.com/page/product/KSET

I do live in Thailand though (shipping might be an issue).

Any advice would be very helpful for a newbie here.

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: E TwentyNine on Thu, 05 May 2016, 16:24:21

You might be able to find someone (relatively) local who may want your caps, as they're pretty rare.  Could trade them for standards.

The unicomp caps will fit your board fine.  I believe unicomp still has a stash of old IBM branded cases, so you could get both in one shot from them.

But with the damage on yours, I'd either paint the whole thing or just do something the whole width of the pencil shelf like what you did with that warning image.

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 05 May 2016, 18:49:09

clickykeyboards.com used to sell key cap sets harvested from Model Ms for about the same price as Unicomp.

But buying a cheap Model M for the case and caps is probably the best bet. No reason not to use it as-is for a while. If you wait patiently you can almost always find a bargain eventually.

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: Tangtawan on Fri, 06 May 2016, 05:25:11

Thanks for the comment guys.

I have already placed an order for keycaps from Unicomp, it cost only $20 for 101 and 104 keyset; wonder why its so cheap, it cost even less than thin ABS keyset for Cherry MX mount; is it still Thick PBT like the one coming from original Model M ?

And with the case, at the moment I tried contacting Unicomp for the replacement, they said they only offer brand new Unicomp case. While clickykeyboards.com also do not have such part in their product list, but I have already send an e-mail and is currently waiting for their reply. From where I live (Thailand) there is only one source where you can obtain Model M keyboard, which is government auction- and all of them will have their serial number scratched off.

Also with the keycaps clickykeyboards now only sell single key, not whole keyset; so ordering 101 of them would cost $101 without shipping. So basically Unicomp is the only choice here lol.

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 07:06:03

Quote from: Tangtawan on Fri, 06 May 2016, 05:25:11

I have already placed an order for keycaps from Unicomp, it cost only $20 for 101 and 104 keyset; wonder why its so cheap, it cost even less than thin ABS keyset for Cherry MX mount; is it still Thick PBT like the one coming from original Model M ?

Also with the keycaps clickykeyboards now only sell single key, not whole keyset;

The $20 set from Unicomp is unprinted, isn't it? I thought that the printed set was about $30. Also, I don't think that a spacebar is included, but I may be wrong.

Too bad about no full sets from clickykeyboards any more.

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: Tangtawan on Fri, 06 May 2016, 09:25:45

Quote from: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 07:06:03

Quote from: Tangtawan on Fri, 06 May 2016, 05:25:11

I have already placed an order for keycaps from Unicomp, it cost only $20 for 101 and 104 keyset; wonder why its so cheap, it cost even less than thin ABS keyset for Cherry MX mount; is it still Thick PBT like the one coming from original Model M ?

Also with the keycaps clickykeyboards now only sell single key, not whole keyset;

The $20 set from Unicomp is unprinted, isn't it? I thought that the printed set was about $30. Also, I don't think that a spacebar is included, but I may be wrong.

Too bad about no full sets from clickykeyboards any more.

yes, $20 is for blank keyset and no spacebar. But still it's very cheap compare to blank keycaps for cherry mx.
But im not sure if this Unicomp set is still thick PBT like the original one.

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 10:29:11

Quote from: Tangtawan on Fri, 06 May 2016, 09:25:45

But im not sure if this Unicomp set is still thick PBT like the original one.

Pretty much the same, just rougher around the edges. Printing is a problem sometimes, so the blank set should avoid that.
There is a chance that you will be getting 1-piece keys, which some people prefer.

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: Tangtawan on Fri, 06 May 2016, 14:46:14

Quote from: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 10:29:11

There is a chance that you will be getting 1-piece keys, which some people prefer.

By 1-Piece key, do you mean non-detachable caps that I currently have? So what did Unicomp usually offer, 1-piece or 2 pieces? I thought they only have one standard, since its not written in the description.

Thanks again

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 16:48:02

Quote from: Tangtawan on Fri, 06 May 2016, 14:46:14

Quote from: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 10:29:11

There is a chance that you will be getting 1-piece keys, which some people prefer.

By 1-Piece key, do you mean non-detachable caps that I currently have? So what did Unicomp usually offer, 1-piece or 2 pieces? I thought they only have one standard, since its not written in the description.

Thanks again

I believe I heard that they have both. I think that all the colored ones are caps + stems, but that they might make 1-piece pearl 1x individuals.

Personally, all the ones I have gotten from them are 2-piece.

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: Tangtawan on Sat, 07 May 2016, 04:50:08

Quote from: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 16:48:02

Quote from: Tangtawan on Fri, 06 May 2016, 14:46:14

Quote from: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 10:29:11

There is a chance that you will be getting 1-piece keys, which some people prefer.

By 1-Piece key, do you mean non-detachable caps that I currently have? So what did Unicomp usually offer, 1-piece or 2 pieces? I thought they only have one standard, since its not written in the description.

Thanks again

I believe I heard that they have both. I think that all the colored ones are caps + stems, but that they might make 1-piece pearl 1x individuals.

Personally, all the ones I have gotten from them are 2-piece.

Do you have any bad experience regarding Unicomp keycaps ?
I did found a review from a person in my country who ordered Unicomp board for personal use, and I saw this picture (http://f.ptcdn.info/662/041/000/o5cyl8ewf8XjGpS3WvM-o.jpg). Not sure if seperated keyset will have this problem lol

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 08 May 2016, 04:42:00

Quote from: Tangtawan on Sat, 07 May 2016, 04:50:08

Quote from: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 16:48:02

Quote from: Tangtawan on Fri, 06 May 2016, 14:46:14

Quote from: fohat.digs on Fri, 06 May 2016, 10:29:11

There is a chance that you will be getting 1-piece keys, which some people prefer.

By 1-Piece key, do you mean non-detachable caps that I currently have? So what did Unicomp usually offer, 1-piece or 2 pieces? I thought they only have one standard, since its not written in the description.

Thanks again

I believe I heard that they have both. I think that all the colored ones are caps + stems, but that they might make 1-piece pearl 1x individuals.

Personally, all the ones I have gotten from them are 2-piece.

Do you have any bad experience regarding Unicomp keycaps ?
I did found a review from a person in my country who ordered Unicomp board for personal use, and I saw this picture

Show Image

(http://f.ptcdn.info/662/041/000/o5cyl8ewf8XjGpS3WvM-o.jpg)

. Not sure if seperated keyset will have this problem lol

:eek:

I know Unicomp are sometimes ... imaginative ... with legends, but I haven't seen key alignment quite like this before.

Title: Re: Need advice for ordering IBM Model M parts.
Post by: klennkellon on Sun, 08 May 2016, 18:31:03

Weird to see such crooked keycaps.

My Model M has the straightest keycaps of any keyboard I've used.