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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: xueyao on Sun, 20 August 2017, 22:15:17

Title: IBM Beamspring keycaps
Post by: xueyao on Sun, 20 August 2017, 22:15:17
Hi guys! Recently acquired a 3101 and restored and converted it fully to USB. I ended up researching and found that there's practically no one selling beamspring keycaps since they are so rare. My question is, can I potentially use selectric keycaps for my ibm? And if so, do they fit perfectly and has the same height for each key row? I was looking at the selectric with electric blue keys and boy do they look amazing.http://munk.org/typecast/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/SAM_4317.jpg (http://munk.org/typecast/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/SAM_4317.jpg)
Title: Re: IBM Beamspring keycaps
Post by: 0100010 on Sun, 20 August 2017, 23:06:30
Mount looks similar, not sure if they would fit.  Might be worth a try.

(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88124.0;attach=162492;image)
Title: Re: IBM Beamspring keycaps
Post by: xueyao on Sun, 20 August 2017, 23:08:51
Quote from: 0100010 on Sun, 20 August 2017, 23:06:30
Mount looks similar, not sure if they would fit.  Might be worth a try.

Show Image
(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88124.0;attach=162492;image)

I was talking about the selectric, but someone online said they might not fit fully? And for the qwerty portion of the board, there are 4 different key profiles for the 4 rows of keys which I need someone to verify if the selectric has the same design.
Title: Re: IBM Beamspring keycaps
Post by: 0100010 on Sun, 20 August 2017, 23:18:47
This thread says they will work.

https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/ibm-siaplywriter-keyboard-beam-spring-t12642.html
Title: Re: IBM Beamspring keycaps
Post by: xueyao on Sun, 20 August 2017, 23:31:15
Quote from: 0100010 on Sun, 20 August 2017, 23:18:47
This thread says they will work.

https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/ibm-siaplywriter-keyboard-beam-spring-t12642.html
Oh wow thanks! Can't wait for the blue caps on my beamspring
Title: Re: IBM Beamspring keycaps
Post by: xueyao on Mon, 21 August 2017, 01:56:02
Found someone from here:
https://deskthority.net/vendors-f52/who-was-in-love-with-blue-key-caps-t9766-30.html

And end result looks absolutely stunning:
http://i.imgur.com/dV387bb.jpg
Title: Re: IBM Beamspring keycaps
Post by: chyros on Mon, 21 August 2017, 04:12:03
Yes, as I recall Selectric and beamspring caps are fully compatible. Probably the most relevant modern use of a Selectric xD . Although they're very interesting machines.
Title: Re: IBM Beamspring keycaps
Post by: xueyao on Mon, 21 August 2017, 04:31:09
Quote from: chyros on Mon, 21 August 2017, 04:12:03
Yes, as I recall Selectric and beamspring caps are fully compatible. Probably the most relevant modern use of a Selectric xD . Although they're very interesting machines.

Some of the selectric caps look absolutely amazing, and apparently there's even a purple set available.
Title: Re: IBM Beamspring keycaps
Post by: Joebeazelman on Wed, 15 January 2020, 14:48:13
When I look at those thick caps, I can't help but wonder if it's possible to bore out the bottom and attach an alps style tenon. The mount can be either cast or 3D printed. This guy did exactly that:

http://hexwire.com/mx-stem-mod-of-vintage-datanetics-keycaps/

The only issue I see is getting dead on accurate alignment, but should be easily doable with fixture to hold the tenon in place while the adhesive dries.